There's no doubt that our town's main draw is those big ol' mountains among which we're so lucky to be nestled. Absolutely nothing compares to a romp through the woods when the weather's ripe, especially when it ends with a waterfall. With a full-on curtain of snow falling on the first day of spring, though, it's safe to say we still haven't quite hit the true beginning of tourist season.
Everyone in town seems to be desperately awaiting the end of another sleepy Asheville winter, but there's something cozy that I'll (maybe) (sorta) miss about the special small-town sweetness of Asheville in the "off season."
It's as good a time as any to get out and flex your status as a local - below, a handful of things happening around town this weekend that we think sound better than hanging out at home. Which can be pretty good.
MARCH
March for Our Lives Asheville student organizers.
Asheville's March for Our Lives on Saturday joins a national, student-led movement organizing around ending gun violence in schools. The rain or shine March 24th rally starts at 11:00am at Pack Square around the Vance Monument, and you can read more about the event here. If you can't make the march, you can donate to the student-led organizing initiatives on their GoFundMe here.
LOOK
When's the last time you visited The Black Mountain College Museum? If it's been a while, consider checking out their current exhibition, Gerald van de Wiele: VARIATIONS, an historic retrospective showcasing seven decades of the artist's work. While you're there, learn about their upcoming annual {Re}HAPPENING, which will take place on the historic Lake Eden campus next weekend.
LEARN
We love Villagers, a West Asheville shop that sells supplies and holds workshops for self-empowered living. This Sunday, they're hosting a Basic Vegetable Fermentation Workshop with Lars Peterson, which will guide attendees "through the basic understanding of handcrafting your own fermented, lactic-bacteria, probiotic-rich foods." Gut health is hot! Learn how to get your own.
SHOP
Madison Has Heart is a volunteer-run group dedicated to promoting and organizing initiatives designed to improve the lives of all citizens of Madison County (home to our workshop!), and this Saturday they're hosting their annual benefit Flea Market at Marshall High Studios. The market will feature antiques, collectibles, and other local wares and all proceeds will benefit Madison Has Heart's heating-assistance program, with funds distributed directly to local families through Neighbors in Need.
LISTEN
We're lucky to have an organization like Revolve that hosts out-there performances and art events multiple times per week. This weekend they'll host An eve of looping strings featuring area musicians Emmalee Hunnicutt & Will Franke; be sure to attend if you're in the mood for something a bit different, a bit trancey, and a bit meditative.