The WNC Farmers Market is the premier destination for buying and selling the region’s best agriculture products directly from farmers & food producers to household & wholesale customers in an environment that celebrates the region’s diverse culture, food & heritage.

House of Operation:

WNC Farmers Market: 24/7, 361 days a year market access for farmers
Office: Monday- Friday, 8am-5pm
Market Shops: 7 days a week, 8 am-5 pm
Wholesale and Truck Sheds: 7 days a week

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

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• Vendor Area Open. Offering for sale bonsai, bonsai pots, tools and accessories.
• Bonsai Pottery Invitational Exhibition.  Featuring works by well-known Bonsai Potters with a selection of works for sale.
• Bonsai Exhibit.  Blue Ridge Bonsai Society. Showing a selection of potted trees trained by club members.
• Educational Videos. Featuring Arthur Joura, bonsai curator of The North Carolina Arboretum, and Bjorn Bjorholm, professional bonsai artist and educator.

Special Events at the Arboretum

Saturday, June 10, 11:00 am:  “Transforming Plant Material into Fine Art.” Bonsai Styling Demonstration by bonsai artist Bjorn Bjorholm.

Saturday, June 10, 3:00 – 5:00 pm:  Live and Silent Auction. Selected bonsai from the Arboretum’s collection will be auctioned.  Proceeds support the Bonsai Program at The North Carolina Arboretum. 

We’re putting our build crew back together and we’d love to have you join us. Every 2 weeks, we’ll meet at 9 am for hands-on set construction! Whether your talents are building, painting, or you just want to learn, come out and join us every other Saturday for some creative fun. Tools and work gloves are helpful but not required

SAHC’s annual Roan Highlands showcase will feature five outings, ranging from easy to difficult: 1 – Roll n’ Stroll at Rhododendron Gardens 2 – Challenge Hike on the Hackline Trail 3 – Waterfall Hike on Little Cove Creek Preserve, with Pathways to Parks 4 – Hampton Creek Cove Loop Hike 5 – Birding at Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area Be sure to join us at the Nilsen Homestead at SAHC’s Little Cove Creek Preserve for afternoon refreshments and a conservation celebration. FREE for all participants, but registration on hikes may be limited. Be sure to register early!

Presented by Rachel Meriwether and Friends of the Oklawaha Greenway

Meet at the pavilion next to the basketball courts. Rachel will lead a pleasant walk on the Oklawaha Greenway suitable for all ages, identifying plants along the way. Water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. For more information visit OkGr-Events- (friendsofoklawaha.org)

Presented by Bee City USA- Hendersonville and Bullington Gardens

For educators: teachers, camp counselors, home-school parents, childcare professionals, summer program leaders, and more, the Pollinator Exploration Kit provides excellent tools. Bee City USA – Hendersonville is eager to help you share the wonder of pollinators with children you teach. The kit includes sets of 12 sturdy child-size insect nets, special bug capture bubbles, bug boxes with magnifying lids, and magnifying glasses. Two pop-up insect habitats and two sets of laminated fold-out field guides (NC Trees & Wildflowers, NC Butterflies & Moths, Bees & Other Pollinators) are also included. The kit can be loaned for up to a week (as available) and may be picked up and returned weekdays 9am-4pm.

Pick-up location:

Bullington Gardens, 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville.

Cost: no charge

Reservation needed: contact [email protected] to check availability and reserve the dates to borrow the Pollinator Exploration Kit.

Cost: no charge; no registration required

Explore the emerging pollinator meadow reconstruction, looking for native plants and identifying invasives with input from Snow Creek Landscaping. Appropriate for all ages. Visit https://www.facebook.com/echohillfarmnc for more information

Grandfather Mountain is a great source of inspiration for the wildlife artist. The long-range views, unique flora and abundance of animal life on the mountain helps lay out a canvas or paper like no other place. In this Adult Field Course, we’ll be working in close proximity to Grandfather’s wildlife in the Animal Habitats, using them as live models as we learn to accurately draw their anatomy, posture and gestures.

This course will be done in and around Grandfather Mountain’s Conservation Campus and focus primarily on drawing only – please, no painting or messy media as we need to respect their facilities. Your instructor, Ryan Kirby, will be working right along with you, doing demonstrations and offering advice as the course progresses. At the end the group will gather for a critique of our work (this is optional and only for those that would like critique) and a brief Q&A.

Ryan Kirby grew up on a farm in the Midwest, surrounded by livestock and wildlife from an early age. From day one he was fascinated with wild animals, and this passion for the outdoors has fueled his entire career. After several years as a graphic artist for a conservation group, Ryan launched out on his own and has been a full-time wildlife artist for over a decade. From his studio near Todd, NC, Ryan produces original oil paintings and drawings of deer, turkey, elk, sporting dogs and much more. Grandfather Mountain is a treasure of the Appalachian Mountains, and not only do he appreciate the opportunity to work with the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, but also to bring his kids and family here to show them the wonders of our natural world.

Program Itinerary
9:30 a.m.: Meet at the Grandfather Mountain Wilson Center for Nature Discovery for an Introduction and Course Overview
10:30 a.m.: Photograph and Sketch Live Animals -Elk, Cougar and Bear
12:00 p.m.: Break for Lunch at Visitors Center
1:00 p.m.: Wildlife Drawing Session – Elk, Cougar and Bear
3:00 p.m.: Reconvene in the Wilson Center for a Critique and Q&A

Registration
This Adult Field Course costs $60 for general admission and $51 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club, plus tax. Attendance is limited to 15 participants. Registration opens below on April 20 at 9 a.m.

Your program cost includes admission into the park, field instruction, and transportation during your program (you may drive your own vehicle to visit sites on the mountain if you would prefer). It does not include meals or lodging. Bringing a bagged lunch is recommended for most field courses, although Mildred’s Grill will be open to attendees. Tips are not accepted for field courses. However, donations to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation are accepted if you would like to recognize a program.

General Clothing List
Much of your time will be spent outdoors and all programs are held rain, snow or shine. You should be prepared for a variety of mountain weather conditions and temperatures. Appropriate clothing, equipment, and footwear are very important.

Equipment

• Daypack with enough room to carry extra clothing, water, lunch, camera, etc.
• Water Bottle
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Hiking boots
• Binoculars

Equipment Specific to this Course

• Sketch Pad – work as large or small as you like, but keep in mind that we will be moving around a bit. I’ll be working on an 11”x14” Strathmore Drawing Pad. I would recommend that you work in a small enough size that you can support in your lap without the aid of an easel, and no loose sheets. Sketch Pads or Sketch Books work best, as they’re sturdy and provide support as you work.
• Graphite or Colored Pencils – please no messy media and no paint
• Erasers
• Spray Fixative – optional. This will help your finished work from smearing in transit home

The Brevard Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is sponsoring its 53rd Annual Book Sale at Brevard College. Proceeds will support scholarships for local girls and young women. There will be 30,000 well organized books in all genres, puzzles, audiobooks, DVD’s, CD’s and vinyl. There will be ample parking, free admission and dealers are welcome. Prices range from 25 cents and up. Assistance is provided loading books into cars. Payments provided include cash, checks with an ID, or cards.

We’ve got magic to do just for you! We are beyond thrilled to invite you to our 77th Season at Asheville Community Theatre! Join us for a year of mystery and magic that is overflowing with spellbinding stories and captivating characters. Pippin Performances: September 15-October 8, 2023 Elf: The Musical Performances: December 1-23, 2023 Flyin’ West Performances: February 9-25, 2024 Matilda: The Musical Performances: April 12-May 5, 2024 Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps Performances: June 21-July 7, 2024 Find your corner of the sky! Whether you’re seeking the flexibility of choosing individual shows or the perks of a subscription, here’s everything you need to know in order to unlock the theatrical experience that’s right for you. June 1, 2023: Re-subscriptions Current Season Subscription holders get exclusive access to early bird prices and first choice of seating. June 14-27, 2023: Early Bird Subscriptions Reduced pricing for Season Subscriptions opens to the public and is available for two weeks. June 28, 2023: Season Subscriptions Regularly-priced Season Subscriptions go on sale for the remainder of the season. July 5-18, 2023: Single Tickets: Opening Weekend Discount  New this year! Tickets for opening weekends are offered at a discount: musicals are 2 for $60 and plays are 2 for $50 – with no maximum ticket limit. The opening weekend discount is only available during this time period and does not include Elf: The Musical. July 19, 2023: Single Tickets All tickets for all shows are now on sale!

Will once again be providing access to some of the finest artists in the region with it’s market series now in its second decade. The event takes place on three Saturdays each June and October. Nationally known artists exhibit at this event and the best part is- they are local. Muddy Knees Design and Production proudly offers local artists the opportunity to connect with the public in Asheville‘s Pack Square Park.

You are invited to come out to Asheville Art in the Park, take a stroll around downtown Asheville and experience the textures and forms of a truly unique art garden.

What will you see at Asheville Art in the Park?

At the event you are sure to find the finest in handcrafted art that Asheville Area Artists have to offer. Skilled workers of Glass, Ceramics, Wood, Jewelry, and metal make their shops open to display to the public at every market. Positioned in the center of downtown Asheville the market has created over $1M in needed income for area artists. Many artists return to the market to welcome customers that return each year. Asheville is known as the hub of artistic activity that radiates throughout the area. Not only does Western North Carolina boast many excellent craft education programs, but it also plays host to many tourist each year. The vacationers marvel at the city as it’s arts and culture oozes out of every side of the artcentric mountainous region. Come start your next artistic adventure in the center of Asheville in Pack Square Park this June and October and take home some of the wondrous bounty that is Asheville Art.

Stop by and learn about composting at home. See five different composting methods on display, including a single bin unit, a tumbling composter, a wood pallet bin, a classic 3-bin system and an example of vermiculture on demo day.

Exhibition dates: June 9 – July 23

Hours: Tuesday-Saturdays from 10-5 pm, Sundays 11-4 pm

Eidolon is an ancient term from Greek -oeidēs “form”. Early meanings included “mental image”, “appearance”, and “reflection” (as in a mirror or pool), and later, “apparition” or “imaginary entity”, among other things. Expanding beyond the definition pointing to a phantasm or specter, eidolon also sounds like some kind of astral or idyllic place in a novel or poem about an imaginary world. Eidolon features the work of Jacqueline Shatz and Margaret Thompson.
Jacqueline Shatz’s small sculptures of ambiguous and hybridized figures float, entwine, swim, commune with animals and collapse into abstract arabesques and gestures, hinting at mythology, in-between states, and the permeable nature of existence. Margaret Thompson’s paintings are inspired by elements of the symbolist movement and magical realism; she channels dreams and the associative powers of the imagination into her practice, painting subjects that live between our physical realm and spaces beyond the categories of known experience: they are unrestrained, undefined, and free.

Food Scraps Drop Off

The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in

two locations for all Buncombe County residents.  This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Register for Food Scraps Drop Off

Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin?  Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.

Locations

West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building

942 Haywood Road, Asheville

Library open hours

Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot

30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville

• • Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.

Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot

749 Fairview Road, Asheville

• • Dawn – Dusk

Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander

• • • • Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
      • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm

Join your friends, neighbors and families of all kinds and all ages for the grand opening celebration and dedication of the Greenways Read Out Loud Walking Trail (the GROW Trail) at Lake Tomahawk Park, 401 Laurel Circle Drive in Black Mountain, North Carolina on Saturday, June 10, 2023 from 10 am-Noon. This happy event will officially dedicate and open the ‘story book trail’ to all and honor the generous donors and dedicated volunteers who have made the trail a reality.

Conceived by Melisa Pressley, Manager of the Black Mountain-Tyson Library, the concept and commitment to the GROW Trail was adopted by the Black Mountain Greenways and Trails Committee and enthusiastically endorsed by the Friends of the Black Mountain Library, Black Mountain Town Council, Black Mountain Recreation and Parks, Black Mountain Chamber of Commerce, and the Black Mountain Beautification Committee.

Through a generous initial donation by Robin and Tom Stiles in memory of their son Greg, and subsequent support by sponsors and donors, more than 20 ‘Story Stations’ were built and installed by volunteers along the half-mile existing trail encircling the lake. Located right on the lake, Arbor House Bed & Breakfast owners Theresa and Jim Fuller generously provided staging, storing, workshop, tools and building space for the many volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make the GROW Trail a reality.

The stations will showcase page-by-page rotating children’s books by local authors and encourage activities along the way that foster creativity and learning. Although all will enjoy the Trail, the specific focus is on children in K-Fifth Grade. The initial book selected for the Trail is Hiding in Plain Sight by author, photographer and Asheville resident, Cindy Groce.

The Grand Opening Celebration will include a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony, music, free ice cream and cookies, and activities and fun for children and all attendees.

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Know Before You Go

• Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
• Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
• Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
• Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.
• COVID-19 Safety: In order to hear the guide and fully participate in the trail walk, participants will be in close proximity to one another for extended periods of time. While face coverings are not required, participants should use their best judgement to keep themselves and others safe while enjoying the trails. Individuals who are experiencing flu-like symptoms or suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should not participate.
• At this time, no more than 6 spaces may be filled by a single family/group through pre-registration for any one Guided Trail Walk. If additional spaces are available on the day of the Walk, additional members of the family/group may participate. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming larger groups in the future.

Explore Biltmore House with an Audio Guide that introduces you to the Vanderbilt family and their magnificent home’s history, architecture, and collections of fine art and furnishings.

PLUS: Immersive, multi-sensory Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition created by Grande Experiences

PLUS: FREE next-day access to Biltmore’s Gardens and Grounds

This visit includes access to:

• Italian Renaissance Alive at Amherst at Deerpark®
• 8,000 Acres of Gardens and Grounds for two consecutive days
• Antler Hill Village & Winery
• Complimentary Wine Tastings at the Winery
• Tastings require a Day-of-Visit Reservation, which can be made by:
  • Scanning the QR Code found in your Estate Guide
  • Visiting any Guest Services location
• Complimentary parking

Art Exhibition: Italian Renaissance Alive

This fascinating experience takes you on a spellbinding tour of Italy, fully immersing you in the beauty and brilliance of iconic masterworks from the greatest artistic period in history

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)

Would you like to learn more about how literacy changes people’s lives?

Sign up to come to an orientation meeting! We host two monthly orientations. Everyone is welcome to join us, from community members willing to learn more about Literacy Together’s work to prospective volunteer tutors. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer tutor, please click here.

Linda Youngblood, for example, came to an orientation meeting a few years ago, and the information she gathered helped her to understand her neighbors better.

“I love Literacy Together! One of their presentations changed the way I think of people and how I relate to them. I have so much forgiveness in people knowing the numbers about literacy.” 

Linda Youngblood, a Buncombe County resident

Upcoming orientation meetings:

May 2nd at 6:00 pm via Zoom

May 4th at 10:00 am via Zoom

June 6th at 6:00 pm via Zoom

June 8th at 10:00 am via Zoom

Ooh La La Curiosity Market is an artist’s market that takes place in Pritchard Park, located in the center of beautiful downtown Asheville and will showcase the work of more than a dozen local artists. Taking place on Saturdays throughout Summer and every Saturday in October. Ooh La La will feature works by local painters, leather smiths, jewelry makers, potters, up-cycled crafters, and other curious delights, all beneath the colored canopies of large market umbrellas. In addition to the artists, the market will also feature live local music with three musical acts performing each Saturday and will include everything from a solo saxophonist to folk, blues, acoustic and jazz acts.

Join us in this inclusive and supportive environment as we all take turns in the “hot seat” where the focus is on getting insight and solving problems.

Not only will your challenge be addressed, but you get to learn from what others are bringing to the table too. And it’s a great way to meet other entrepreneurs who are on a similar journey.

Policies in effect at our Market:

• Walk-in service with vendors with proper distancing.
Once in the market, please distance from other customers while in line. Only one customer at a booth at one time.

The market will continue the following practices:
• Hand sanitizer will be available for shoppers and vendors throughout the market;
• A hand washing station is available;
• All vendor tents will be spaced to allow for physical distancing;
• Vendors will wear gloves and/or sanitize regularly when will handle open food products for customers;
• Vendors may sample their product but we ask that customers let the vendor provide a single sample and then step to the side, away from others, to try that product;
• No member of Market staff or Market vendors will be allowed to attend the Market if they are experiencing illness;
• If you have any questions or need the Market’s assistance in any way, please email us at  [email protected] and we will help any way we can.

We take the health and wellness of our community very seriously. Fresh local food is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and we want our community to have consistent and safe access to our local produce and products.

Thank you all for your cooperation and for your support of our Market.