Calendar of Events

Join us Saturday, May 22 as WNCHA leads a hike in the historic Hickory Nut Gap. In this exclusive hike, on a trail section not yet open to the public, we will explore the history of this area as a boundary and barrier, as well as a route connecting various people and places. Native Americans, settlers, livestock drovers, Civil War soldiers, and plenty of tourists have all shaped the history of this gorge through the Blue Ridge. At the highest point, we will enjoy lunch amid the panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Pastures. This hike is made possible by Conserving Carolina, who have graciously granted us special, one-time permission to use their not-yet-open Ferguson Peak and Strawberry Gap Trail to climb from the gorge floor to the top of the nearby peaks.

Where: Hickory Nut Gap – Ferguson Peak Trail to Blue Ridge Pastures (Parking details will be emailed to registrants)

Distance: 6 miles total (2.9 miles one-way)

Difficulty: Strenuous – 1,600ft elevation gain

What to Bring: Sturdy hiking shoes/boots, Water (32oz min), snacks/bagged lunch, any needed medicines, backpack, hiking poles (optional), mask (mandatory)

Details: We will meet at the designated parking area prior to 10:00am and prepare to hike at that time. The most strenuous section of hiking will be at the start

Pets: We love pets, but cannot allow them on this hike.

Covid Precautions:

Safety is the highest priority of this event. No hike is guaranteed to be safe, and no outing during Covid is either. To minimize risks, we will require participants to abide by these guidelines. Failure to adhere may result in cancellation or a participant being asked to leave.

• Participants must sign a waiver in advance virtually via Google Forms: https://forms.gle/RiyDnP7EispVx1F96
• We are limited to 25 participants total.
• Nobody with visible symptoms will be allowed. Those who feel unwell or feel they may have been exposed are asked not to attend. Refunds are available.
• Hikers are required to bring masks and wear them any time participants are unable to maintain six feet of separation from others, including non-participants.
• Social distancing is required while we hike.

Rain Date:

Unless the weather is heavily rainy or presents another severe challenge, the hike will proceed. If we have to reschedule, participants will be notified by phone/email by 8pm the evening prior, and a new date will be announced in short order.

Hike Leader

This hike is led by Trevor Freeman, public programs director for the Western North Carolina Historical Association. He has an MA in American History from East Carolina University and is also a certified interpretive guide. He has served as an intern at Chimney Rock State Park and a trail coordinator in the Hickory Nut Gorge, and considers this stretch of peaks, valleys, forests, and rivers one of his favorite places.

Because of the continued need for physical distance posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Asheville-Buncombe Memorial Day Ceremony will again be held as a virtual ceremony.

The keynote speaker will be USMC Veteran John Mason, who was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star Medal for Valor during his time in Vietnam 1968 to 1969 as an Infantry First Lieutenant with the United States Marine Corps. A longtime Asheville lawyer, Mason helped form Veterans Treatment Court in Buncombe County as well as North Carolina Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation, a 501 (C)(3), dedicated to the healing of Veterans who have served their country.

The ceremony, planned in concert by the City of Asheville Mayor’s Committee for Veterans Affairs and  Buncombe County Veterans Council, will be streamed live from Asheville City Hall. Tune into the City of Asheville’s YouTube channel on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, at 11 a.m.,  to view the ceremony live in real time. Following the ceremony, it will be archived for later viewing on the City’s YouTube channel.

Expected to last about 50 minutes, the ceremony will serve in place of both the City and the State Veterans Cemetery in-person events. There will be no attendees other than the individuals with active roles in the program. The program will consist of the following:

• Introductory remarks: US Air Force Veteran Alllan Perkal, Vietnam, Master of Ceremony, Chair Buncombe County Veterans Council; Board of Directors, Vietnam Veterans of America, North Carolina State Council.
• National Anthem: Ric Ledford, USMC
• Pledge of Allegiance: Steve Henderson, USMC, Vietnam
• Greeting from City of Asheville and Buncombe County: Esther E. Mannheimer, Mayor, City of Asheville; Brownie Newman, Chair, Buncombe County Board of Commissioners
• Presenter: Dr. Angela Williams, Acting Director, Charles George VA Medical Center
• Keynote Speaker: Asheville Attorney John Mason, who served his Country in Vietnam 1968 to 1969 as an Infantry First Lieutenant with the United States Marine Corps.
• Readings from Brothers and Sisters Like These: A Veterans writing group that promotes healing the wounds of war.
• Closing remarks: Allan Perkal, Master of Ceremony

The City of Asheville and Buncombe County encourage all residents to tune in to this virtual Memorial Day Ceremony in remembrance of the fallen, those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Smokemont Loop 6 miles | Moderate Forest Walk

2021 CLASSIC HIKES OF THE SMOKIES

Discover America’s most-visited national park with a guided day hike! The Classic Hikes of the Smokies feature interpretation of the history, flora, and fauna of park trails. Hikes vary in distance, difficulty, and location within the park to provide a comprehensive overview of the Smokies, exposing hikers to high Appalachian vistas, streams teeming with aquatic life, the best collection of log structures on the Eastern Seaboard, and much more.

After completing registration…
You will receive an email the Friday before the hike with directions, and more information. All hikes begin at 9 a.m

This is an easy 1.5 mile gravel trail hike to the first water fall. For those with the adventurous side and can handle the challenge, we will trek to the upper falls from there, this portion IS NOT EASY. For those who cant make the second part you can stay at lower falls and admire nature. We will grab you on the way back down. The hike to the upper falls is about a mile and requires some climbing, but the pay off is amazing. It literally is my favorite of all the falls. The photo above is the Upper falls.

Plan to meet @ 10am at the Asheville Mall Parking lot (Sears). Once we have the group we can follow each other to the trail head (@ 20 minutes away). Be sure and bring water and something to snack on.

Let’s enjoy a quiet, mindful stroll through the woods together. A silent hike takes us to scenic treasures on the arboretum property where we will do a restorative qigong practice. Qigong is a series of simple movements that supports the body’s natural healing processes, promotes healthy circulation, invites inner calm, and releases tension from the body. Hikes will be mindfully-paced and qigong practices easy and accessible.

*Registrants will be sent a “reminder” email the day prior to class with the meeting location and additional details. Please add [email protected] to your contacts to ensure our emails do not end up in your spam folder. We encourage all participants to make conscious, courteous decisions based on your own and others’ wishes and needs for safety. Mask wearing is supported but not required of participants for experiences in the field.

**Arboretum Members receive a 10% discount on all classes. To become an Arboretum Member and receive discounts on all classes, go to our Membership page.

Jenne Sluder is a qualified mental health professional and is certified through the International Association of Yoga Therapists as a trauma-sensitive therapeutic yoga instructor. She holds a Master’s in Transpersonal Psychology: Ecopsychology from Naropa University and specializes in mind-body approaches to improving mental and physical health. An Asheville native, Sluder works with individuals and with groups using somatic (body-based), contemplative (mindfulness-based), ecological (nature-based), and compassion-based practices.

Join Buncombe County Public Libraries in a Community Celebration of Juneteenth!

On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Texas, bringing news that the Civil War had ended and to enforce Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, issued two and a half years earlier. The news galvanized African-Americans across Texas. Some celebrated, others left to find family members from whom they had been separated, and still others continued fighting to free themselves from white landowners who did not want to accept the proclamation. In Asheville, African-Americans claimed their freedom in late April 1865, when Union cavalry arrived in the region. Today, June 19th is recognized across the nation as a holiday to celebrate and uplift African-Americans everywhere.

This year, the Buncombe County Commissioners voted to make Juneteenth an official holiday, joining communities across the country to recognize the importance of celebrating this important day.
Celebrate Juneteenth with Buncombe County Public Libraries on Tuesday, June 15 from 5-7 pm at Pack Memorial Library. There will be opportunities for community members of all ages, including:

-Community art and archiving activities

-Opportunities to view historical documents related to enslavement and emancipation held in the Buncombe County Special Collections

-The opportunity to contribute to a community time capsule

-Storytelling, music, and light refreshments

We look forward to celebrating this important holiday with our community!

Juneteenth is the celebration of the timeframe when slavery was abolished. During the weekend of Juneteenth, GRIND Coffeehouse will hold GRINDfest – a celebration of black business and entrepreneurship. GRINDfest will highlight the progress made by people of color while also connecting people across cultures. This weekend of fun will include a play entitled “Savagery”, a poetry slam, local storytellers, game tournaments, a lip sync battle, vendors selling unique items, Black food from around the world and an outdoor dance party with local DJs. This event promises to be one of the most fun and enlightening of the year.

⚡WHAT IS GRINDFEST?

Juneteenth is the time where we celebrate the timeframe where slavery was abolished. It took time for word to spread so it is recognized as Juneteenth.

During the weekend of Juneteenth, we will have GRINDfest – a celebration of black business and entrepreneurship. After slavery was abolished the people held as slaves began to use their skills and talents to do business in an economy that previously thought of them as property. Nonetheless, they made progress and became business owners.

GRINDfest will bring people together to celebrate Black Business and Black Entrepreneurs. It will highlight the progress made by people of color while also connecting people across cultures. Economies do not exist in a bubble. They include everyone.

⚡WHY THIS WEEKEND?

Our commissioners just declared Juneteenth a Holiday in Buncombe county. This was the time that slavery was abolished. We know that the effects of slavery and white supremacy still torment our communities, but we have determined to celebrate the life and progress of Black people in Asheville.

We will be hosting GRINDfest on June 18th-20th, our celebration of Black Business and Entrepreneurship. Conveniently located in the River Arts District, we will have a weekend full of fun and learning: “Savagery” (the play), a poetry slam, local storytellers, game tournaments, a lip sync battle, vendors selling unique items, Black food from around the world and an outside dance party with local DJ’s. This event promises to be one of the most fun and enlightening of the year.

⚡WHAT WILL HAPPEN?

🔥EVENT HIGHLIGHTS🔥

📍XTREME HIP HOP AEROBICS: Supercharge your morning with movement set to great music.

📍PINK DOG BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS: Neighboring businesses opening up for breakfast so patrons can come purchase meals

📍ROOTS REVEAL: We have done this activity already with Bowie State University and will do it during the festival. People will order their DNA test that shows countries of origin and features that run in their bloodline. But they will wait until the event to open the results. In this 90 minute workshop, people will open their results and reveal their ancestry. Then they will be engaged in activities led by Dr. Masica Jordan, Clinical Psychologist and College Professor, that highlight the similarities and overlaps shared among people in the room that may not know each other, but share similar histories, countries of origin, and features. By sharing their ancestral DNA, we see that we are more alike than different.
** participants must order their own DNA test results ahead of time

📍SAVAGERY: Another event during the festival will be the play, “Savagery”. This play was scripted by local author, Nichole Lee and was written as a collection of stories and music from people of color. It is therapeutic in that it tells the story, but it is also entertaining and engaging.

📍GAMES TOURNAMENT: We will have card game tournaments in addition to family fun activities. This in addition to local food vendors with West African cuisine, Jamaican Island cuisine, and a Seafood Boil/Fish Fry, we will host community awards given to people who have made significant progress and contributions such as “single fathers/mothers, blended families, people who had to switch careers, and those succeeding after recovery/re-entry.

📍LIP-SYNC BATTLE: Another event that will happen is the lip-sync battle where contestants perform in the goofiest, funniest way they can to win the prize.

📍DEPOT STREET DANCE PARTY: We close the night out with a huge dance party. It is a festival that has great purpose and practical fun. The whole idea is to celebrate differences and learn from them while uniting people. We have already gathered all the businesses on our block in the River Arts District in addition to 20 other black businesses that are part of our Black Wall Street Program to make this festival a success. Tension can exist between people who look differently, but we designed this festival to bring folks together to celebrate and learn in a fun-filled weekend.

✅Download our Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3hB1U9Z

✅Be one of the sponsors: https://bit.ly/3w1SmbR

✅Be a volunteer: https://bit.ly/33HmVHy

⚡Free-Entry event made possible by our amazing sponsors. Bring the whole family and friends and enjoy the Blackest Weekend in Asheville

Summer has finally arrived, we all have been waiting to spend more time outside. The weather feels great to make this happen. Hops is hosting a super chill Bonfire at her Place July[masked]. You all are invited. Please bring snacks and drinks of choice to enjoy the night while making new friends. Please bring your own chairs. We look forward to seeing you all.

If you can’t make it please let us know there a waiting list!

On July 4, the night sky will ignite with a barrage of color, light, and sound over Lake Julian Park (406 Overlook Road Extension in Arden) as the annual fireworks display takes place to celebrate Independence Day. Buncombe County friends, neighbors, and guests are invited to enjoy the glittery spectacle just after dark from the banks of the lake on blankets and lawn chairs. The fireworks display begins approximately at 9:15 p.m., but visitors should arrive by 7:45 p.m. to allow enough time for parking and entering the park. The park opens at 8 a.m.

Revelers are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy all the park has to offer: disc golf, cornhole, sand volleyball, playgrounds, fitness courses, horseshoes, and more. Uncovered picnic tables and grills are available on a first come basis. Pop-up canopies are allowed, but must be secured with a minimum of 45 lbs. of weights. Food trucks will also be on-site throughout the day. Local bluegrass band Supper Break will play live music during the afternoon and into the evening.

Everyone can fish in any public body of water in the state without a license on July 4. We’re also waiving the daily fishing fee as part of Free Fishing Day in North Carolina. Lake Julian is stocked with an abundance of bass, catfish, bream, and crappie by the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission.

An accessible boat launch is available for private craft including fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, SUPs, and sailboats for a fee of $8. Paddle boats and water trikes can be rented for $12 per hour. All boats must be off the water by 8 p.m.

Parking on July 4 is restricted to William W. Estes Elementary (275 Overlook Road in Asheville), across Long Shoals Road from the main entrance to Lake Julian Park. Shuttles will operate from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. from the Estes parking lot. The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office will aid with road crossings after 6 p.m. Handicap access parking in the park will be allowed with a valid handicap placard. Limited parking is available at the Lake Julian Trails Greenway in the gravel lot adjacent to Wild Wing Café (65 Long Shoals Road in Arden).

If You Go

• Park at William W. Estes Elementary. Only vehicles with valid handicap placards are allowed inside the park. Limited parking is also available in the gravel lot next to Wild Wing Café.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a sweater or jacket. Evenings can get cool at the lake.
• Alcohol and tobacco products are prohibited on the grounds of Lake Julian Park.
• Covered picnic shelters and free standing picnic tables will be available on a first come basis; no reservations will be accepted for July 4.
• Absolutely no personal fireworks are allowed in the park.

We are celebrating the 4th of July in style this year with an amazing lineup of local musicians! Grab your crew of patriotic, music loving, beer drinking friends and join the fun! This is an all ages GENERAL ADMISSION event and Root Down will be serving up their amazing twist on Southern Soul food all evening long.

The City of Asheville will launch fireworks in celebration of the Fourth of July. However, this year there will not be an accompanying festival. Residents are invited to picnic or pickup takeout from a downtown restaurant to enjoy in Pack Square Park while waiting for the fireworks show.

Local DJ Nex Millan will spin tunes from 6:30-9:30pm. The fireworks will launch from the Buncombe County Parking Deck at about 9:30pm. The best place to view the show is from Pack Square Park or North Spruce Street. Expect road closures and traffic congestion.

Fairy Trail 2021

Join us on the magical Fairy Trail where your imagination is the only limit.

Developed by Fairies and dedicated volunteers, Bullington Gardens’ Fairy Trail is a whimsical treat for the young and the young at heart. Featuring playful vignettes and villages, the fairy trail will charm you with its thoughtful design, eye catching displays and secret woodland trail.

Rules of the trail:

Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.

Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.

Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.

Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.

The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.

P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.

Bullington Gardens and the Fairy Trail are closed on Sundays.

Fairy Trail 2021

Join us on the magical Fairy Trail where your imagination is the only limit.

Developed by Fairies and dedicated volunteers, Bullington Gardens’ Fairy Trail is a whimsical treat for the young and the young at heart. Featuring playful vignettes and villages, the fairy trail will charm you with its thoughtful design, eye catching displays and secret woodland trail.

Rules of the trail:

Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.

Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.

Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.

Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.

The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.

P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.

Bullington Gardens and the Fairy Trail are closed on Sundays.

The Pisgah Conservancy (TPC) is pleased to announce a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the conclusion of the Joel Branch – Horse Cove Connector Trail Project.  The ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday July 9 at the start of U.S. Forest Service Road 5002.

Directions to the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

From the intersection of NC 280 and US 276/64 (which is just northwest of Brevard) go west into Pisgah National Forest approximately 1.25 miles.  Turn left toward the Davidson River Campground.  Immediately cross the bridge over the Davidson River.  Turn left on Sycamore Circle (do not turn right into the campground).  Continue on Schenck Drive, and follow the signs to the ribbon cutting.

Joel Branch – Horse Cove Connector Trail Project

Location.  The new trail is in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest at the end of Joel Branch Road (NFSR5002) just off the Art Loeb Trail near Stony Knob.  It links Joel Branch Road and Horse Cove Road (NFSR475C).

Rationale for Project.  Constructing this trail provides connectivity between the entrance area of the Pisgah Ranger District (Davidson River Campground, Pisgah Ranger Station, Estatoe Trail, etc.), the N.C. Wildlife Education Center, and the City of Brevard’s Bracken Mountain Trail System and Urban Greenway Trail System.  Combining these trails provides a 25-mile loop trail opportunity for hikers and bikers, with equestrian access on a significant portion of the route.

“This trail project offers a unique opportunity,” said Pisgah District Ranger, Dave Casey.  “By adding 1.2 miles of new trail we have been able to open up 25 miles of access for hikers and bikers, and a significant section of trail for equestrians.  We also believe this project will reduce unauthorized bike and horse traffic on the Art Loeb Trail, which is reserved for hiking only.”

Character of Trail. “Anywhere in Pisgah has its steep, rocky sections, and so does this trail,” says trail builder Ed Sutton of Trail Dynamics.  “But this is more of a wide, rolling trail than a steep, technical one like you find in some parts of Pisgah.  This trail provides a nice long route.  It gives you a backcountry feel even though you are near to town, and it can be ridden by gravel bikes as well as mountain bikes.  Our team loved biking to work each day on this beautiful new trail.”

Importance to Local Residents and Tourism.  “This trail is an example of the kinds of projects we embrace at Transylvania County Tourism,” said Aaron Baker, Chair of the organization’s Transylvania Always Committee.  “It’s a well-designed trail that promotes the sustainable use of our natural resources by tourists and locals alike.”

“This trail is the missing link,” said Mac Morrow, Mayor Pro Tem and City Council Member of Brevard.  “Filling in this gap between trails is entirely consistent with Brevard’s long term strategy to build the tourism infrastructure of the area.  We want to connect our citizens and tourists with the incredible natural resources that surround us and enhance Brevard’s position as a leading destination for outdoor recreation.”