Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Nominations accepted for the Blue Ridge Business Growth + Rising Star Awards
Apr 12 all-day
online

The Blue Ridge Business Growth Awards (companies in business over 3 years) and Rising Star Awards (companies in business less than 3 years) will be presented to Chamber member businesses that experienced growth in 2020 through quality management, inventiveness, old fashioned hard work and courage. Companies can be recognized for employment growth, revenue growth, or a combination.
Download a nomination form today. Deadline is August 19th
Using LinkedIn to Generate New Business (Part 2 of 2)
Apr 12 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
online w/ BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

(You do not need to have attended Part 1 to attend Part 2)

Linkedin is growing exponentially. It’s also the most business-relevant social media platform. In this session we will continue to review:

  • What is Linkedin
  • How to best setup and leverage your personal Linkedin Profile towards your personal goals
  • How to best setup and leverage a Linkedin Company Page
  • Types of content you can post
  • Live Q&A

And we will continue deeper in Part 2 as we talk about:

  • Best practices for posting, content, and engagement
  • How to grow your business using Linkedin if you are a B2B business yourself (meaning, you service other businesses primarily)
  • What is tagging?
  • Live Q&A

Speaker(s): Aaron Wesley Means

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Webinar info will be emailed after registration

Using LinkedIn to Generate New Business (Part 2 of 2)
Apr 12 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
online

No cost due to sponsor support

(You do not need to have attended Part 1 to attend Part 2)

Linkedin is growing exponentially. It’s also the most business-relevant social media platform. In this session we will continue to review:

  • What is Linkedin
  • How to best setup and leverage your personal Linkedin Profile towards your personal goals
  • How to best setup and leverage a Linkedin Company Page
  • Types of content you can post
  • Live Q&A

And we will continue deeper in Part 2 as we talk about:

  • Best practices for posting, content, and engagement
  • How to grow your business using Linkedin if you are a B2B business yourself (meaning, you service other businesses primarily)
  • What is tagging?
  • Live Q&A

Speaker(s): Aaron Wesley Means

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Webinar info will be emailed after registration

Wednesday, April 13, 2022
10th Annual Business Plan Contest
Apr 13 all-day
online

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 10th Annual Business Plan Contest. A well-written business plan lays the foundation for a financially successful business. A well-prepared and executed business plan will grow sales, employment, and improve the bottom line. The business – start-up or existing – with the winning business plan will receive business services including advertising, tax, legal, and marketing for free, a value of over $8,100.
The 10th Annual Business Plan Contest is open to start-ups as well as existing businesses. You DO NOT have to be a Chamber member to participate.
A panel of judges will select the winner and present the award Monday, May 2nd at Southern Appalachian Brewery during the Small Business Week Award Reception.
Electronic submissions are due to the Chamber by Friday, April 15, 2022.
Nominations accepted for the Blue Ridge Business Growth + Rising Star Awards
Apr 13 all-day
online

The Blue Ridge Business Growth Awards (companies in business over 3 years) and Rising Star Awards (companies in business less than 3 years) will be presented to Chamber member businesses that experienced growth in 2020 through quality management, inventiveness, old fashioned hard work and courage. Companies can be recognized for employment growth, revenue growth, or a combination.
Download a nomination form today. Deadline is August 19th
Business Morning Update
Apr 13 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Elk's Lodge

This monthly event, co-sponsored with Blue Ridge Community College’s Small Business Center, the City of Hendersonville Main Street program, and the Hendersonville Merchants & Business Association features several speakers on timely community events and issues affecting our business community.

Young Professionals Pop-Up Social
Apr 13 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Dry Falls Brewing Company

The YPHC’s Pop-Ups offers a chance for young professionals to meet through a laid-back networking opportunity. Join us each month on the 2nd Wednesday from 5:00 – 6:00 pm in Henderson County.
*Participation is limited to those under 40*
Thursday, April 14, 2022
10th Annual Business Plan Contest
Apr 14 all-day
online

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 10th Annual Business Plan Contest. A well-written business plan lays the foundation for a financially successful business. A well-prepared and executed business plan will grow sales, employment, and improve the bottom line. The business – start-up or existing – with the winning business plan will receive business services including advertising, tax, legal, and marketing for free, a value of over $8,100.
The 10th Annual Business Plan Contest is open to start-ups as well as existing businesses. You DO NOT have to be a Chamber member to participate.
A panel of judges will select the winner and present the award Monday, May 2nd at Southern Appalachian Brewery during the Small Business Week Award Reception.
Electronic submissions are due to the Chamber by Friday, April 15, 2022.
Nominations accepted for the Blue Ridge Business Growth + Rising Star Awards
Apr 14 all-day
online

The Blue Ridge Business Growth Awards (companies in business over 3 years) and Rising Star Awards (companies in business less than 3 years) will be presented to Chamber member businesses that experienced growth in 2020 through quality management, inventiveness, old fashioned hard work and courage. Companies can be recognized for employment growth, revenue growth, or a combination.
Download a nomination form today. Deadline is August 19th
The Basics of Selling on eBay
Apr 14 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
online w/ BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

No cost due to sponsor support

A great seminar for the “beginner”, small business owner, or the entrepreneur wanting to make eBay a primary business tool. During this fast-paced session, learn best practices to use when setting up an account, listing items for sale, taking payments, and shipping. Topics will include eBay appraisals and research, registering on eBay and starting a seller’s account, choosing formats & categories, writing descriptions that sell, submitting photos, feedback, starting up and using a PayPal account, shipping tips and pricing philosophies that will make you an eBay Top Rated Seller!


Speaker(s): Nick Hawks

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Webinar info will be emailed after registration

The Basics of Selling on eBay
Apr 14 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
online

No cost due to sponsor support

A great seminar for the “beginner”, small business owner, or the entrepreneur wanting to make eBay a primary business tool. During this fast-paced session, learn best practices to use when setting up an account, listing items for sale, taking payments, and shipping. Topics will include eBay appraisals and research, registering on eBay and starting a seller’s account, choosing formats & categories, writing descriptions that sell, submitting photos, feedback, starting up and using a PayPal account, shipping tips and pricing philosophies that will make you an eBay Top Rated Seller!


Speaker(s): Nick Hawks

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Webinar info forthcoming

Friday, April 15, 2022
10th Annual Business Plan Contest
Apr 15 all-day
online

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 10th Annual Business Plan Contest. A well-written business plan lays the foundation for a financially successful business. A well-prepared and executed business plan will grow sales, employment, and improve the bottom line. The business – start-up or existing – with the winning business plan will receive business services including advertising, tax, legal, and marketing for free, a value of over $8,100.
The 10th Annual Business Plan Contest is open to start-ups as well as existing businesses. You DO NOT have to be a Chamber member to participate.
A panel of judges will select the winner and present the award Monday, May 2nd at Southern Appalachian Brewery during the Small Business Week Award Reception.
Electronic submissions are due to the Chamber by Friday, April 15, 2022.
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Nominations accepted for the Blue Ridge Business Growth + Rising Star Awards
Apr 19 all-day
online

The Blue Ridge Business Growth Awards (companies in business over 3 years) and Rising Star Awards (companies in business less than 3 years) will be presented to Chamber member businesses that experienced growth in 2020 through quality management, inventiveness, old fashioned hard work and courage. Companies can be recognized for employment growth, revenue growth, or a combination.
Download a nomination form today. Deadline is August 19th
Blogging For WordPress + Beyond
Apr 19 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
online

No cost due to sponsor support

WordPress now powers 42% of the internet! If you’ve always wanted to build a blog yourself or if you just need to brush up on your WordPress skills, this class is for you. We’ll talk a little about the history of WordPress and how this platform has evolved over the years into the powerful website/blog builder that it is. Join Boomer Sassmann, owner of Big Boom Design, as he walks you through the setup process, adding content and images, building menus, theme/plugin selection and all around WordPress best practices. This class specifically focuses on how to structure a WordPress site to be presented as a blogging platform.


Speaker(s): Boomer Sassmann

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Webinar info will be emailed after registration

Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Nominations accepted for the Blue Ridge Business Growth + Rising Star Awards
Apr 20 all-day
online

The Blue Ridge Business Growth Awards (companies in business over 3 years) and Rising Star Awards (companies in business less than 3 years) will be presented to Chamber member businesses that experienced growth in 2020 through quality management, inventiveness, old fashioned hard work and courage. Companies can be recognized for employment growth, revenue growth, or a combination.
Download a nomination form today. Deadline is August 19th
White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6
Apr 20 all-day
Western North Carolina Mountains

Hiking Challenge 6 is here! In Conserving Carolina’s and WPA’s White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6, you get to explore the places you’re helping to protect—and they’re amazing! We invite you to take eight hikes on lands that Conserving Carolina has helped to protect, enhance, or open to the public.

This challenge includes two all-new Conserving Carolina trails with gorgeous views! Plus, you can see the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, lakes and waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest, expanded trails in Bracken Mountain Preserve, and a beautiful creek in the Green River Game Lands. There’s also the all-time favorite Bearwallow Mountain with its 360-degree views over the mountains and countryside we’re working to protect.

These hikes will take you to some of our region’s “greatest hits,” as well as hidden gems where you may have the woods to yourself. If you’re into mountain biking, you have the option of biking some of these trails. And if you love to swim, fish, or just be near the water, five of these hikes take you to rivers, lakes, or waterfalls.

And the Hikes Are…

Drumroll please…. Here are the 8 hikes for this new Hiking Challenge! You can find more information and links to the full hike descriptions below. Which one will you do first?

  1. Bearwallow Mountain
  2. Wildcat Rock Trail – Extended
  3. Bracken Preserve
  4. DuPont State Recreational Forest: Fawn Lake and Lake Julia
  5. DuPont State Recreational Forest: Holly Road to Hooker Falls
  6. Green River Game Lands: Green River Cove Trail
  7. Whitewater Falls
  8. Youngs Mountain Trail
  9. LOG YOUR HIKES
    • Log each hike as you complete it. You can check your progress in this roster.
    • You can do the hikes at your own pace. You can take weeks, months, or over a year—whatever works for you.
    • You must complete all your hikes before the start of the next Hiking Challenge. We launch a new challenge about every two years.
    • Only hikes that you’ve done after Oct. 1, 2021 count toward Hiking Challenge 6.
    • You can complete the hikes on your own or as a group.
    • Please share about your hikes with the hashtag #whitesquirrelhikingchallenge (optional)
    • Feel free to share about your hikes and connect with other hikers in our Facebook group, the Conserving Carolina Community.

    The Hiking Challenge is free and open to all, but you must be a Conserving Carolina member to become a Hiking Challenge 6 Champion. If you are a member and you complete all 8 hikes, you will earn your White Squirrel Patch and exclusive perks from local businesses that support conservation, including Appalachian Coffee CompanyLazy Otter OutfittersMurphy’s Naturals, and YAM Yoga and Massage. Most importantly, you get to experience eight great places and deepen your personal connection to land conservation.

Basics of Bookkeeping
Apr 20 @ 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Blue Ridge Community College--Flat Rock Building, Room 203

Flat Rock Building, Room 203
In-person Only
No cost due to sponsor support

Gain a workable knowledge of how to properly record financial transactions for your business. Discover the three most important financial reports and how to use them to make the best-informed business decisions. If you’re a new business owner or need a refresher on the basics of accounting, this seminar is designed for you.


Speaker(s): Michelle Tracz

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Webinar info will be emailed after registration

Mission Accelerator class
Apr 20 @ 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Blue Ridge Community College

Take your Business to the Next Level with the Mission Accelerator Program
Companies in 2022 will face a business landscape disrupted by a pandemic: staffing issues, supply chain issues, new business models, shift in consumer purchasing patterns, revenue disruptions, and new applications of tech just to name a few.
The 2022 Mission Accelerator class can help organizations you know develop new tools and strategies to proactively successfully navigate the ever changing business environment that 2022 will be.
Registration is open through January 24th. The program begins January 26th and will meet every-other Wednesday from 8:30 am – 1 pm through June 1st. The cost for the program is $295.
Not sure if your business could benefit from this program? Take the self-assessment below to rate your success.

Blue Ridge Community College and the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce have partnered once again to offer the Mission Acceleration Business Accelerator, a five-month, ten-course program.

 

January 26, 2022
Business Best Practices and KPI (Key Performance Indicators) Checklist by Department Identifying Opportunities for Acceleration

February 9, 2022
Management and Leadership

February 23, 2022
Human Resources, Legal and Insurance

March 9, 2022
Capital and Purchasing

March 23, 2022
Competition and Competitive Advantage

April 6, 2022
Branding, Marketing and Sales

April 20, 2022
Customer Service and Information Technology

May 4, 2022
Business Logistics: Best ways to meet customer needs

May 18, 2022
Accounting and Finance

June 1, 2022
Business Acceleration Plan Presentation and Graduation

Sessions run Wednesdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. except 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on January 26.
Cost for the course is $295.

Forest Bathing
Apr 20 @ 5:41 pm – 6:41 pm
Transfiguration Preserve

Join us for a session of forest bathing. This walk will provide time to enjoy a 2 1/2 hour experience in the blooming spring forest as we discover what the dynamic season invites us to explore.

Mattie is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide. She is also a Zen practitioner, an Episcopal oblate, and a retired education professor, and she is certified in wilderness first aid. This event is one of our monthly forest bathing walks. Forest bathing is a practice from Japan that has been gaining attention in the West. Forest bathing is not about getting exercise. It’s not about hiking to get somewhere. It’s about being present in the forest, taking it in. It’s about creating relationships between humans and the more-than-human world.

To keep everyone safe, these walks are limited to 12 participants. Registration is required.

A donation of $30 is suggested for forest bathing walks, for those who are able. Donations are not required and the amount of your gift is entirely up to you. Donations of $35 or more will include Conserving Carolina membership benefits.

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT FOREST BATHING

RSVP below.

RSVPs will close at 3PM on 4/21/22

Thursday, April 21, 2022
Nominations accepted for the Blue Ridge Business Growth + Rising Star Awards
Apr 21 all-day
online

The Blue Ridge Business Growth Awards (companies in business over 3 years) and Rising Star Awards (companies in business less than 3 years) will be presented to Chamber member businesses that experienced growth in 2020 through quality management, inventiveness, old fashioned hard work and courage. Companies can be recognized for employment growth, revenue growth, or a combination.
Download a nomination form today. Deadline is August 19th
White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6
Apr 21 all-day
Western North Carolina Mountains

Hiking Challenge 6 is here! In Conserving Carolina’s and WPA’s White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6, you get to explore the places you’re helping to protect—and they’re amazing! We invite you to take eight hikes on lands that Conserving Carolina has helped to protect, enhance, or open to the public.

This challenge includes two all-new Conserving Carolina trails with gorgeous views! Plus, you can see the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, lakes and waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest, expanded trails in Bracken Mountain Preserve, and a beautiful creek in the Green River Game Lands. There’s also the all-time favorite Bearwallow Mountain with its 360-degree views over the mountains and countryside we’re working to protect.

These hikes will take you to some of our region’s “greatest hits,” as well as hidden gems where you may have the woods to yourself. If you’re into mountain biking, you have the option of biking some of these trails. And if you love to swim, fish, or just be near the water, five of these hikes take you to rivers, lakes, or waterfalls.

And the Hikes Are…

Drumroll please…. Here are the 8 hikes for this new Hiking Challenge! You can find more information and links to the full hike descriptions below. Which one will you do first?

  1. Bearwallow Mountain
  2. Wildcat Rock Trail – Extended
  3. Bracken Preserve
  4. DuPont State Recreational Forest: Fawn Lake and Lake Julia
  5. DuPont State Recreational Forest: Holly Road to Hooker Falls
  6. Green River Game Lands: Green River Cove Trail
  7. Whitewater Falls
  8. Youngs Mountain Trail
  9. LOG YOUR HIKES
    • Log each hike as you complete it. You can check your progress in this roster.
    • You can do the hikes at your own pace. You can take weeks, months, or over a year—whatever works for you.
    • You must complete all your hikes before the start of the next Hiking Challenge. We launch a new challenge about every two years.
    • Only hikes that you’ve done after Oct. 1, 2021 count toward Hiking Challenge 6.
    • You can complete the hikes on your own or as a group.
    • Please share about your hikes with the hashtag #whitesquirrelhikingchallenge (optional)
    • Feel free to share about your hikes and connect with other hikers in our Facebook group, the Conserving Carolina Community.

    The Hiking Challenge is free and open to all, but you must be a Conserving Carolina member to become a Hiking Challenge 6 Champion. If you are a member and you complete all 8 hikes, you will earn your White Squirrel Patch and exclusive perks from local businesses that support conservation, including Appalachian Coffee CompanyLazy Otter OutfittersMurphy’s Naturals, and YAM Yoga and Massage. Most importantly, you get to experience eight great places and deepen your personal connection to land conservation.

2022 Intercity Strategic Leadership Visit: Chattanooga TN
Apr 21 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Chattanooga TN
Chattanooga, TN
2022 Intercity Strategic Leadership Visit

Join business and community leaders on our Intercity Visit to gather best practices and generate ideas to make Asheville an even better place to live, work and play. This is an incredible opportunity to make key connections with the area’s most influential civic and business leaders.

We’ll learn how Chattanooga earned its nickname “Gig City” and how investment in tech infrastructure has sparked innovation. We’ll hear about the riverfront revitalization and initiatives to address downtown cleanliness and safety in “River City.” And we’ll explore how Chattanooga is addressing issues like childcare and workforce development. We’ll also get a taste of the area’s art and culture.

Cost is $600 per person and includes round-trip ground transportation from Asheville to Chattanooga by Young Transportation charter bus, six (6) meals (including a fabulous welcome dinner at The Feed Co. Table & Tavern), an evening reception at State of Confusion and tour of Chattanooga Whiskey.

Participants must make their own hotel reservations. A discounted rate has been secured at the Westin Chattanooga at $169/night. To secure this rate, hotel reservations must be made by March 22, 2022. Make your hotel reservations here: Asheville Intercity Visit

Event registration and full payment deadline is March 21, 2022 to secure participation. A complete itinerary will be sent to all registrants two weeks before departure.

Questions?  Please contact Desiree Monstrola at [email protected]

Withholding Tax Basics
Apr 21 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
online

No cost due to sponsor support

This webinar will help participants better understand their withholding tax obligations with NCDOR. Participants will receive instructions on how to file and when to file a withholding tax return in addition to learning about the basics of state withholding taxes, how to register for an account in order to remit withholding tax, and when State withholding is required for employees and other types of compensation.


Speaker(s): NCDOR

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Webinar info will be emailed after registration

Friday, April 22, 2022
Freelance Business Week
Apr 22 all-day
Hybrid Event: various locations

For Freelancers by Freelancers

#FBW is designed to embrace the local freelance ethos of each city it is hosted in, this year we will meet the challenge of extending this mission – virtually and in person. The local organizers in WNC, Austin, Calgary, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Miami, Tampa, and Washington DC are collaborating, bringing local freelance business owners, leaders and supporters together for five days to expand your network.

What to Expect 

You can expect a week of expertise & resources, camaraderie & connections to include:

Motivation Monday morning Haywood County Chamber of Commerce Ribbon cutting at the Haywood Community College Creative Arts Building and an evening Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting taking place at MtnBizworks with an official proclamation by the Mayor of Asheville. Followed immediately by a social at Focal Point Coworking. This event will be free and open to all. However, there is limited capacity.

Tech Tuesday will feature content around the more technical aspects of business, devices, and platforms. Sessions at the Haywood Community College Small Business Center, Hatch Innovation Hub, and Westbase Coworking.

Wellness Wednesday will focus on content around work-life balance, mindset, and health. Sessions at Haywood Community College Smal Business Center, Asheville Yoga Center, and the Botanical Gardens.

Thriving Thursday will be a day-long affair featuring talks, workshops, and panels along with networking and resource tabling. Sessions all day at the Mojo Social Hall.

Fun & Failure Friday will explore the importance of play in our work, celebrating wins and embracing fun and failures. Sessions at Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Haywood Community College Smal Business Center and will wrap up with an afterparty at Franny’s Farm. Wanna make Friday an overnight or weekend stay at Franny’s Farm? Grab one of their cabins or campsites while they last.

All sessions are limited capacity, first come first serve. Once you purchase a ticket, you can create an agenda within the emamo event platform of sessions you want to attend but this does not guarantee you a seat at every session. Sessions at Haywood Community College Smal Business Center and Mojo Social Hall have the highest capacity.

(All programming and scheduling are subject to change. We will be following all current local guidelines on Covid safety at the time of the event.)

Overview of your event info.

Freelance Business Week Asheville 2022
Apr 22 all-day
Asheville Area

Freelance Business Week Asheville 2022

April 18th-22nd | Part of a larger national initiative, #FBWAVL will include networking events, workshops, and interactive panel discussions on topics designed to help you grow your one-person business as an independent professional.

Want to be kept in the loop about Freelance Business Week Asheville 2022? Freelance Business Week Asheville 2022 Intake (mailchi.mp)

White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6
Apr 22 all-day
Western North Carolina Mountains

Hiking Challenge 6 is here! In Conserving Carolina’s and WPA’s White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6, you get to explore the places you’re helping to protect—and they’re amazing! We invite you to take eight hikes on lands that Conserving Carolina has helped to protect, enhance, or open to the public.

This challenge includes two all-new Conserving Carolina trails with gorgeous views! Plus, you can see the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, lakes and waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest, expanded trails in Bracken Mountain Preserve, and a beautiful creek in the Green River Game Lands. There’s also the all-time favorite Bearwallow Mountain with its 360-degree views over the mountains and countryside we’re working to protect.

These hikes will take you to some of our region’s “greatest hits,” as well as hidden gems where you may have the woods to yourself. If you’re into mountain biking, you have the option of biking some of these trails. And if you love to swim, fish, or just be near the water, five of these hikes take you to rivers, lakes, or waterfalls.

And the Hikes Are…

Drumroll please…. Here are the 8 hikes for this new Hiking Challenge! You can find more information and links to the full hike descriptions below. Which one will you do first?

  1. Bearwallow Mountain
  2. Wildcat Rock Trail – Extended
  3. Bracken Preserve
  4. DuPont State Recreational Forest: Fawn Lake and Lake Julia
  5. DuPont State Recreational Forest: Holly Road to Hooker Falls
  6. Green River Game Lands: Green River Cove Trail
  7. Whitewater Falls
  8. Youngs Mountain Trail
  9. LOG YOUR HIKES
    • Log each hike as you complete it. You can check your progress in this roster.
    • You can do the hikes at your own pace. You can take weeks, months, or over a year—whatever works for you.
    • You must complete all your hikes before the start of the next Hiking Challenge. We launch a new challenge about every two years.
    • Only hikes that you’ve done after Oct. 1, 2021 count toward Hiking Challenge 6.
    • You can complete the hikes on your own or as a group.
    • Please share about your hikes with the hashtag #whitesquirrelhikingchallenge (optional)
    • Feel free to share about your hikes and connect with other hikers in our Facebook group, the Conserving Carolina Community.

    The Hiking Challenge is free and open to all, but you must be a Conserving Carolina member to become a Hiking Challenge 6 Champion. If you are a member and you complete all 8 hikes, you will earn your White Squirrel Patch and exclusive perks from local businesses that support conservation, including Appalachian Coffee CompanyLazy Otter OutfittersMurphy’s Naturals, and YAM Yoga and Massage. Most importantly, you get to experience eight great places and deepen your personal connection to land conservation.

Ribbon Cutting + Grand Opening: Public Safety Training Facility
Apr 22 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Coldwell Banker King
Friday, April 22nd | 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Join us at the Grand Opening Celebration & Ribbon Cutting of the new Public Safety Training Facility at BRCC.
Adding to the already established Fire Training Center, the Public Safety Training Facility meets the state requirements for basic law enforcement training as well as provides flexible multi-use indoor training space for all public safety training needs
Saturday, April 23, 2022
White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6
Apr 23 all-day
Western North Carolina Mountains

Hiking Challenge 6 is here! In Conserving Carolina’s and WPA’s White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6, you get to explore the places you’re helping to protect—and they’re amazing! We invite you to take eight hikes on lands that Conserving Carolina has helped to protect, enhance, or open to the public.

This challenge includes two all-new Conserving Carolina trails with gorgeous views! Plus, you can see the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, lakes and waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest, expanded trails in Bracken Mountain Preserve, and a beautiful creek in the Green River Game Lands. There’s also the all-time favorite Bearwallow Mountain with its 360-degree views over the mountains and countryside we’re working to protect.

These hikes will take you to some of our region’s “greatest hits,” as well as hidden gems where you may have the woods to yourself. If you’re into mountain biking, you have the option of biking some of these trails. And if you love to swim, fish, or just be near the water, five of these hikes take you to rivers, lakes, or waterfalls.

And the Hikes Are…

Drumroll please…. Here are the 8 hikes for this new Hiking Challenge! You can find more information and links to the full hike descriptions below. Which one will you do first?

  1. Bearwallow Mountain
  2. Wildcat Rock Trail – Extended
  3. Bracken Preserve
  4. DuPont State Recreational Forest: Fawn Lake and Lake Julia
  5. DuPont State Recreational Forest: Holly Road to Hooker Falls
  6. Green River Game Lands: Green River Cove Trail
  7. Whitewater Falls
  8. Youngs Mountain Trail
  9. LOG YOUR HIKES
    • Log each hike as you complete it. You can check your progress in this roster.
    • You can do the hikes at your own pace. You can take weeks, months, or over a year—whatever works for you.
    • You must complete all your hikes before the start of the next Hiking Challenge. We launch a new challenge about every two years.
    • Only hikes that you’ve done after Oct. 1, 2021 count toward Hiking Challenge 6.
    • You can complete the hikes on your own or as a group.
    • Please share about your hikes with the hashtag #whitesquirrelhikingchallenge (optional)
    • Feel free to share about your hikes and connect with other hikers in our Facebook group, the Conserving Carolina Community.

    The Hiking Challenge is free and open to all, but you must be a Conserving Carolina member to become a Hiking Challenge 6 Champion. If you are a member and you complete all 8 hikes, you will earn your White Squirrel Patch and exclusive perks from local businesses that support conservation, including Appalachian Coffee CompanyLazy Otter OutfittersMurphy’s Naturals, and YAM Yoga and Massage. Most importantly, you get to experience eight great places and deepen your personal connection to land conservation.

Hello Spring Pop-Up Event
Apr 23 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Mall

Hello Spring Pop-Up Event

Come shop with us on Saturday, April 23rd from 11am to 6pm at the Asheville Mall as we celebrate small businesses. We would like to also thank our partners, Biz Radio Asheville and Asheville Mall for making this possible.

WELCOME HOME EVENT FOR BLUE RIDGE HONOR FLIGHT VETERANS
Apr 23 @ 7:00 pm
Asheville Regional Airport

The community, family and friends are invited and encouraged to be present upon the return of World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans from their visit to their memorials in Washington, D.C. that day.

“The welcome home for these veterans is one of the most memorable and moving parts of this whole trip,” says Blue Ridge Honor Flight Founder, Jeff Miller. “It means so much to them to have the welcome home they never got when they returned from the war, and it’s an amazing thing for bystanders to witness.”

Those wishing to attend the event are asked to park at Gate 7 of the WNC Agriculture Center on Highway 280 or at the Advent Health parking lot on Highway 280 beginning at 7 pm.

Parking is free and a complimentary shuttle will be transporting attendees to and from the airport for the event.

Please note that there is no parking available in the regular airport parking lot, however you may park in the WNC Agriculture Center parking lot, or in the Advent Health parking lot located across the street from the airport.

 

Established in 2006, Blue Ridge Honor Flight’s mission is to transport America’s veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor the sacrifices of themselves and their comrades.