Starting April 8th, you can ride ArtAVL’s new free ArtsAVL Connect Trolley – connecting the Downtown and River Arts Districts with two overlapping routes. The initiative is a partnership between ArtsAVL and Gray Line Asheville. Beginning April 8th, two chartered Gray Line trolleys will circulate on 20-30 minute intervals from 12-8 pm on every Second Saturday. Riders are welcome to hop on and off anywhere along the trolley routes. The Downtown Trolley connects the main areas of the Central Business District to the River Arts District. The River Arts Trolley loops throughout the River Arts District. Residents and visitors can view stops and current location of trolleys through the interactive trolley map on ArtsAVL’s website and the new ArtsAVL app.

Learn the history of Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley on this walking tour! Museum staff will lead attendees through historic State Street, Cherry Street and Black Mountain Avenue, relaying the history of several buildings and discussing topics including the building of the Swannanoa Tunnel and the disastrous downtown fire of 1912.

Location: Attendees will meet at the Swannanoa Valley Museum (223 West State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711)

Timing: Tours take place once a month on Saturdays, with a break in October, beginning at 1:00pm. Tours last approximately 1.5 hours.

Cost: FREE to museum members with promo code, $10 for general admission (some fees apply). Museum members can email [email protected] to receive their promo code.

Wanna hear the best local music ​and​ drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

• Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
• 90-Minutes – tours run daily
• 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
• $39 per person (ages 13+ only)

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

• Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
• 90-Minutes – tours run daily
• 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
• $39 per person (ages 13+ only)

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

• Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
• 90-Minutes – tours run daily
• 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
• $39 per person (ages 13+ only)

Thanks to our Homelessness Manager Lacy Hoyle for this look at National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Community Market Tour with Bounty + Soul.

Each year, one week before Thanksgiving, the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness partner together to sponsor National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Occurring this year during the week of Nov. 11-18 more than 700 colleges, high schools, and community groups across the country will come together to provide education, draw attention to the issues of hunger and homelessness, and recruit volunteers and supporters for local agencies supporting those experiencing food insecurity and homelessness. Our community will also be holding a variety of events to highlight partnerships between agencies working to address these issues, as well as provide education and opportunities to support these organizations and the individuals they serve.

Why is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week important? The National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH), analyzed data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to determine that homelessness has been on the rise since 2017, increasing overall by 6% since then. In 2022, counts of individuals experiencing homelessness reached record highs, with HUD counting around 582,000 Americans experiencing homelessness last year. HUD’s definition of homelessness includes both sheltered and unsheltered individuals. Sheltered homelessness includes people who are living in domestic violence shelters, transitional shelters, safe havens that serve homeless individuals with severe mental illness, or hotels/motels. Unsheltered individuals may be living outdoors, in cars, abandoned buildings, or in other places not meant for human habitation. Concerningly, rates of unsheltered homelessness across the nation are also trending upward, with most racial, ethnic, and gender subgroups disproportionately impacted. Moreover, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that an estimated 17 million families, or 1 in 8 U.S. Households, experienced food insecurity at some point in 2022 and here too, data demonstrates that rates of food insecurity are significantly higher for racial, ethnic, and gender subgroups. The American College of Physicians reported in 2022 that food insecurity has become a threat to public health in America.

In our community, the Point-In-Time (PIT) count is conducted annually to get a snapshot count of individuals experiencing sheltered and unsheltered homelessness. Conducted on a single night in January each year, the PIT count is conducted by communities nationwide, and is intended to be an unduplicated count of people experiencing homelessness within the community. Our most recent PIT count was conducted on Jan. 31, 2023, and showed that there are around 402 sheltered and 171 unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness here.While this is slightly lower than last year’s count, this total of 573 unhoused individuals is still significantly higher than pre-pandemic counts. Additionally, in our area, more than 8 in 10 children experience poverty, and 1 in 4 children in Western North Carolina do not have access to three square meals daily.

National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week represents a time when we can come together as a community to share knowledge and identify resources to end hunger and homelessness. It invites us to consider joining efforts to help people in immediate need, and to take part in identifying and supporting long-term solutions. Haywood Street Congregation, a local urban ministry, will be highlighting collaboration between service agencies, faith communities, the County, and the City throughout the week of Nov. 11-18 with a variety of events ranging from the Homelessness Learning Series provided by the City of Asheville, volunteer trainings for Code Purple and ABCCM’s Transformation Village, and tours of the Haywood Street Congregation Campus and Homeward Bound’s Permanent Supportive Housing Project, Compass Point Village.

Other notable events include Lunch at the Crossroads at First Baptist Church of Asheville on Thursday, Nov. 16, and an awareness gathering facilitated by the Buncombe County Homeless Coalition at New Belgium Brewing on Sunday, Nov. 19. To see the full calendar of events, visit Haywood Street Congregation’s Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week event schedule.

Meet in the Sanctuary.

Each year, one week before Thanksgiving, the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness partner together to sponsor National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Occurring this year during the week of Nov. 11-18 more than 700 colleges, high schools, and community groups across the country will come together to provide education, draw attention to the issues of hunger and homelessness, and recruit volunteers and supporters for local agencies supporting those experiencing food insecurity and homelessness. Our community will also be holding a variety of events to highlight partnerships between agencies working to address these issues, as well as provide education and opportunities to support these organizations and the individuals they serve.

Why is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week important? The National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH), analyzed data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to determine that homelessness has been on the rise since 2017, increasing overall by 6% since then. In 2022, counts of individuals experiencing homelessness reached record highs, with HUD counting around 582,000 Americans experiencing homelessness last year. HUD’s definition of homelessness includes both sheltered and unsheltered individuals. Sheltered homelessness includes people who are living in domestic violence shelters, transitional shelters, safe havens that serve homeless individuals with severe mental illness, or hotels/motels. Unsheltered individuals may be living outdoors, in cars, abandoned buildings, or in other places not meant for human habitation. Concerningly, rates of unsheltered homelessness across the nation are also trending upward, with most racial, ethnic, and gender subgroups disproportionately impacted. Moreover, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that an estimated 17 million families, or 1 in 8 U.S. Households, experienced food insecurity at some point in 2022 and here too, data demonstrates that rates of food insecurity are significantly higher for racial, ethnic, and gender subgroups. The American College of Physicians reported in 2022 that food insecurity has become a threat to public health in America.

In our community, the Point-In-Time (PIT) count is conducted annually to get a snapshot count of individuals experiencing sheltered and unsheltered homelessness. Conducted on a single night in January each year, the PIT count is conducted by communities nationwide, and is intended to be an unduplicated count of people experiencing homelessness within the community. Our most recent PIT count was conducted on Jan. 31, 2023, and showed that there are around 402 sheltered and 171 unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness here.While this is slightly lower than last year’s count, this total of 573 unhoused individuals is still significantly higher than pre-pandemic counts. Additionally, in our area, more than 8 in 10 children experience poverty, and 1 in 4 children in Western North Carolina do not have access to three square meals daily.

National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week represents a time when we can come together as a community to share knowledge and identify resources to end hunger and homelessness. It invites us to consider joining efforts to help people in immediate need, and to take part in identifying and supporting long-term solutions. Haywood Street Congregation, a local urban ministry, will be highlighting collaboration between service agencies, faith communities, the County, and the City throughout the week of Nov. 11-18 with a variety of events ranging from the Homelessness Learning Series provided by the City of Asheville, volunteer trainings for Code Purple and ABCCM’s Transformation Village, and tours of the Haywood Street Congregation Campus and Homeward Bound’s Permanent Supportive Housing Project, Compass Point Village.

Other notable events include Lunch at the Crossroads at First Baptist Church of Asheville on Thursday, Nov. 16, and an awareness gathering facilitated by the Buncombe County Homeless Coalition at New Belgium Brewing on Sunday, Nov. 19. To see the full calendar of events, visit Haywood Street Congregation’s Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week event schedule.

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

• Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
• 90-Minutes – tours run daily
• 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
• $39 per person (ages 13+ only)

Have you been wanting try a local hike, but don’t know where to begin? Join Buncombe County Parks & Recreation for scenic morning hikes close to home this fall. This Hike Series is a free four-pack of popular treks lead by Parks and Recreation Staff on weekday mornings. Explorers of all skill levels are invited to experience the fun of one hike, all four or somewhere in between. Space is limited to 15 hikers and advanced registration is necessary.

We will begin our hike at Lookout Mountain Trailhead where we will do a quick icebreaker and get prepped for the hike (we will have water and a few snacks available) PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLE TO FILL UP.

From a rewarding overlook of the Seven Sisters Ridge and Swannanoa Valley to a beautiful variety of ferns, fungi, and thick canopy coverage, this loop offers a cool and peaceful adventure through the beautiful forest. All participants will get parking instructions emailed to them a week prior to the hike.

Difficulty level: Beginner to intermediate. The Lookout Trail portion consists of steep inclines with mild rock scrambling, but the remainder of the walk consists of a gentle climb.

Elevation gain: 439 feet

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

• Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
• 90-Minutes – tours run daily
• 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
• $39 per person (ages 13+ only)

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

• Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
• 90-Minutes – tours run daily
• 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
• $39 per person (ages 13+ only)

Asheville’s only and original DRAG QUEEN BAR CRAWL!
Experience Asheville’s one-of-a-kind Drag Queen Bar Crawl, a unique fundraiser supporting local non-profit organizations. “Beer Flight” offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the vibrant craft brewery scene of Beer City while enjoying the delightful company of our hilarious drag queen flight attendant. Perfect for special occasions, including birthdays, weddings, and even divorce parties, this event promises a memorable and enjoyable experience for all fans of drag and beer alike. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to support local non-profits and have a blast doing it!

The two-hour tour promises a side-splittingly funny experience, featuring:

• The beer! The drag queen! FUN!
• 2-3 Flights of craft beer/seltzer/wine/sours ($45 value)
• Souvenir sticker ($5 value)
• Mid-flight snack (priceless!)
• VIP seats at an after-party event*
• No cover and no waiting at venues
• Photo ops with your drag queen guide
• See FAQs at the bottom of this page
• *After-party not available on all tours; ask!

Prepare for takeoff as Bearded Lady Productions presents a first-class “beer flight” bar crawl tour featuring the company of a hilarious drag queen wannabe flight attendant. You won’t want to miss this two-hour tour, where you’ll get to enjoy fine brews, seltzers, wines, and sours from multiple iconic downtown breweries, all while being entertained by a fabulous drag queen leading the way. Tickets for the first-class “beer flight” tour include the tour itself, all beverages along the route, fun surprises, and other perks. Seating is limited, so book your tickets now at https://www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com. You won’t want to miss this chance to experience the best of Asheville’s craft brewing scene while being entertained by a top-notch fabulous queen.

The tour has multiple dates and most tours end with VIP seats at a 2-hour special event, drag karaoke or drag music bingo. And don’t worry if a real airplane is not available for the tour, as the one-mile trip will be on foot. But that won’t stop you from experiencing the high-flying adventure that “Beer Flight” has planned for you. The after-party event is not available on all tours, so be sure to ask about it when booking your ticket. This is the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening, so grab your friends and get ready for an unforgettable experience. The sky’s the limit with this unique first-class experience!

Upon arrival at one of Asheville’s premier craft breweries, guests will be greeted by a world-class drag queen who will serve as their stewardess for the night. As guests wait for the “flight” to board, they will have the opportunity to mingle with their fellow passengers. The tour will then take off, with the drag queen leading the way through the vibrant streets of Asheville. Although a real airplane may not be available, all seats are first-class and drinks are included. Guests will be treated like royalty, with no cover and no waiting at the breweries along the route, and a guided tasting of each flight.

Wanna hear the best local music ​and​ drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.

Standup Comedy at plēb urban winery in the River Art District
Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt at the hilarious Standup Comedy event happening at plēb urban winery in the vibrant River Art District of Asheville, NC. Join us on Fri Nov 17, 2023 at 7p-9p for an evening filled with non-stop laughter, good vibes and great wine!
Located at 289 Lyman Street, Asheville, NC 28801, at plēb urban winery you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the comedic talents of some of the funniest regional standup comedians.
Whether you’re a comedy enthusiast or simply looking for a night of entertainment, this event promises to deliver big laughs and a memorable time. Don’t miss out on the chance to witness the best comedy Asheville has to offer.
Hosted by Hilliary Begley!!!!
Hilliary will make you cry with laughter with her larger than life personality!! Voted Asheville’s Favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” In Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime. https ://youtu.be/legRwEg4j-o
Featuring Peter Smith-McDowell!!
Petey was voted one of Asheville’s favorite comics in the Mountain Xpress! He has been traveling around the country telling jokes since 2009. He is one of the producers of the longest running comedy room in Asheville, The Disclaimer Lounge. Besides his standup comedy, Petey is Asheville native and known for his hysterical Asheville memes on Instagram : instagram.com/peteysmithmcdowell
Featuring Jason Webb!
Jason is Co-Creator and Co-Host of Follow That! at The Comedy Store on Sunset.Festivals: Bridgetown Comedy Festival, San Francisco Sketchfest, Laughing Skull Comedy Festival (Best of the Fest) !0,000 Laughs Comedy Festival (Best of the Fest), Orlando Indie Comedy Festival, Bird City Comedy Festival, Blue Whale Comedy Festival, Big Pine Comedy Festival, Orlando Indie Comedy Festival.
Featuring Jess Cooley!
Jess is a writer and stand up comic from Upstate South Carolina, where he learned how to walk, and talk, and eat food like a real boy. Currently based in Asheville, NC, his comedy involves personal subjects like Autism, religion, and the loss of his favorite sex toy during a home invasion. His unique and colorful perspective brings his stories to life, and his demons to the spotlight.
Featuring Cary Goff!
Cary is considered the Godfather of Comedy in Asheville. Cary started the Disclaimer Comedy Mic in 2009 and it is still going strong today at The Asheville Music Hall. Cary has had humor columns in multiple magazines. He’s the dad you always wanted, except FUNNY!!
Food truck will be available for the whole show!
Grab your friends, bring your sense of humor, and join us at plēb urban winery for an evening of laughter and good times. Get ready to roll on the floor laughing at this unmissable Standup Comedy event!

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

• Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
• 90-Minutes – tours run daily
• 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
• $39 per person (ages 13+ only)

Take time away in nature to breathe deep, relax, and immerse yourself in the beauty of our lovely Blue Ridge Mountains!

Enjoy a 2-mile round trip hike along an easy/moderate trail to a mountaintop with stunning views. Once there, we’ll share an hour of yoga for all levels at the summit as we take in the unbeatable, panoramic views and soak up the wide open space.

We’ll bring the mats. You bring your spirit of adventure!

Kids’ Comedy Tour: Wildly funny, this educational and entertaining tour features the perfect blend of Asheville’s history and kid-centric comedy. Geared specifically toward the 5–12 year old crowd, you’ll explore the town with our famously outlandish tour guides leading the way.

• Perfect for birthday parties
• Makes for memorable school field trips
• Tickets are $27 per person
• Beverages available for purchase at the LaZoom Room
• Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue

The church and churchyard (cemetery) tours are sponsored by the St. John Episcopal Church
Docents. They will begin inside the Carriage Door entrance of the church. Reverend Josh
Stephens said, “The response has been overwhelming since we resumed tours last year to
learn about this historic church and churchyard. Beginning in 1836 and to this day, a vibrant
congregation has welcomed all to come to this sacred place and share in the story of St. John
in the Wilderness.”
The tours are free but advance reservations must be made online through the church’s
website, www.stjohnflatrock.org/tours.  Space is limited for each tour.
The guided tours will be held the third Saturdays in November and December.
They begin promptly at 11 a.m. and last about an hour. Participants are encouraged to wear
comfortable shoes. There will be no rain dates.
The historically significant churchyard contains graves of un-named 19th century people who
were enslaved as well as distinguished political figures, and local citizens.
The church is located at 1895 Greenville Highway. For more information call the church
office at 828-693-9783 or visit www.stjohnflatrock.org.

In 1827, Charles Baring, a member of the Baring banking family of England, built a home in
Flat Rock. He and his wife, Susan, wanted a summer place to escape the oppressive heat,
humidity, and malaria of the South Carolina Lowcountry where they lived.
The Barings built a chapel on the property of their newly constructed home. Soon after it was
built the small wooden structure burned down in a woods fire. In 1833 work began on a
second church built of handmade brick.
In August of 1836 the Barings deeded their chapel to the Diocese of North Carolina and 20
members of the Flat Rock “summer colony” formed themselves into an Episcopal parish. In
the 1890s when the Missionary District of Asheville (later Diocese of Western North
Carolina) was formed, St. John in the Wilderness transferred its affiliation. It is the oldest
parish in the diocese.
With almost all the church members traveling back to the Lowcountry after the summer
season, the church mainly operated during summer months for its first 120 years. So rapid
was the growth of the Flat Rock community during the 1830s and 1840s that the parish
membership outgrew the capacity of the small chapel. In the early 1850s the decision was
made to rebuild the church, essentially doubling its size. With only a few minor modifications
the structure was completed in 1852. It is the one that stands today.

Wanna hear the best local music ​and​ drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.