Designed with an artistic aesthetic, Winter Lights features beautifully lit displays and glowing landscapes nestled along the Arboretum’s woodland edge and garden areas. As part of the show’s redesign, visitors will enjoy several new nature-themed displays, including winter wildlife, colorful butterflies, a special insect lantern exhibit and a giant daisy “garden.” Celebrate the holiday season with the entire family at Winter Lights.
Calendar of Events
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.
Saturday, August
22, 2020
6th Annual Get In Gear Fest! Rescheduled
Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
The Salvage Station is Now Open!
AVLH3 #608-B – 12th Annual Blue Dress Run!
Runaway HomeOn The Lawn Concert Series
Fontana Trestle Train ft. BBQ & Brews
PATIO SHOW: Christy Lynn Band
Twilight in the Treetops- Night Climbs
ArborEvenings
Join the Outdoor Gear Builders – a local alliance of over 50 gear builders and makers – for our 6th Annual Get In Gear (GIG) Fest!
Marking the beginning of Spring, GIG Fest is a day of demos, music, incredible sale prices on tried and trusted gear, and – of course – libations (this is Asheville, after all).
– Family Friendly
– COMPLETELY FREE
– Amazing deals and savings on NEW 2020 Outdoor Gear and seconds from past seasons
– Climbing Wall courtesy of Camp Cedar Cliff
– Product Demos (like Fly Casting from Rent This Rod)
– Raffle in support of The Pisgah Conservancy
Some of the brands participating this year are: ENO, SylvanSport, Rightline Gear, The Tarpestry Co., LightHeart Gear, Tsuga, Rockgeist – Bikepack USA, Diamond Brand Gear, ASTRAL, Industry Nine, Recover Brands, Blyss Running, Fifth Element Camping, Blue Ridge Chair Works, Bellyak, Shira Forge, Alpine Towers, Big Weekend, Rent This Rod, Offroad Gear and Recreation Equipment (OGRE), Blue Ridge Hiking Company, Sport Hansa and more being added every day
On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m. (weather permitting), Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Garden Promenade.
We are open with new rules and safety measures!
Founded in 2016, Salvage Station is Asheville, NC’s favorite riverfront bar, restaurant, concert hall, and special events venue located in the historic River Arts District along the French Broad River. From music shows and festivals, to community and private events, Salvage Station is an excellent place to hang out and have a truly great Asheville experience.
Less than one half mile from downtown, you can find the most spacious and safe place to social distance outside while enjoying refreshing adult beverages and delicious Creole and Southern soul food from Root Down Kitchen.
In an effort to keep our beloved patrons safe (and our doors open), our staff will have their temperatures checked before each shift, they will wear face masks at all times while at work, and will sanitize their hands and work areas often. You can also feel safe knowing that all employees have completed their Count On Me certification.
We also have new rules in place that we require our patrons to adhere to.
*Face masks required at all times unless seated at your table.
*Parties of 6 or fewer only.
*Ages 21+ only (this is temporary and we hope to allow all ages in again very soon).
*Social Distance! Stay 6 feet apart while standing in line and use our hand sanitizing stations often.
*Do not move any furniture under any circumstances. We have strategically placed our tables in a way that we can safely social distance our guests.
Let’s have fun and stay safe!
WHAT: To keep our annual event safe for our members during covid times, we’ll be trying something a little bit different this year. Let’s call it “Two Packs, One Trail” :) We’ll have two separate packs of 15 wankers each running trail simultaneously, but on opposite ends of trail. The two packs will remain completely separate for the duration of the event to help us socially distance more easily.
Whhaaaa?? But how is that going to work?? Don’t you worry about a thing, the hares have it all figured out. All you need to do is pick one of these two Meetups, RSVP, and show up at your designated start location on Saturday with a shiny $5 bill (or more!) to donate to charity.
HASH CASH: Minimum $5 donation to the benefiting charity — A Therapist Like Me, an Asheville nonprofit dedicated to connecting minority-identifying clients to minority-identifying therapists, advancing therapists of color, providing financial gifts to minority-identifying clients for psychotherapy, reducing societal stigma surrounding mental health, and supporting our community.
OTHER: Some important things to note:
– There will be NO bar stops on trail. The pack will remain OUTDOORS for the entire duration of the event. Trail will be laid in areas where it will be easy for us all to stay distant from unsuspecting muggles.
– Trail will have runner and walker options. Eagles can expect to run 4.75 miles (or more if you’re doing a lot of searching). Runners can shorten that by about 1/2 mile if you take turkey. Walkers can expect about 3.4 miles. (Ask the hare if you need more shortcuts.)
– 2 beer checks and 1 shot stop.
– Dog friendly. If you’re bringing a stroller, ask the hare for work-arounds, as the trail itself will not be stroller friendly.
– Bring a MASK and remain AT LEAST 6 ft apart from other wankers outside your household.
– There will be no official event on-after, but wankers are welcome to meet up afterwards as they please.
– Because there is an attendee limit, please only RSVP if you will be there. If your plans change, please adjust your RSVP accordingly.
– Anyone is still welcome to run the trail dead after the event, until the marks wash away! The hares will include a few photo checks.
– Most importantly, wear a blue dress!! :)
Runaway Home is easy on the ears and gentle on the soul. Mark Elliott and Gary Culley have cultivated a sound over the past 25 years, that speaks from past experiences and life lessons, through the present, and into the great unknown. The Differences in their musical backgrounds have strengthened the sound of Runaway Home into raw rhythm guitar with a hint of bluesy mandolin wrapped in the soulful harmonies that invite listeners to sit back and connect with the music. Mark and Gary have several cuts under their belt as well as winners of the Kerrville New Folk Award, Nappa Valley New Folk award and many others. They are currently on tour with the 4th record “Gotta Get Outside”.
Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis patio and lawn. Reservations are highly recommended.
Tickets: https://isiasheville.com/event/an-evening-with-runaway-home-lawn/?fbclid=IwAR0mnN7eRRlQ3snlu1afVXvhs4QVM6iU3K5DDE8ZygTqwxI19gYLd6Ni5vs
Back by popular demand our BBQ & Brews now featured on the Fontana Trestle Train, will roll out this Summer! Featuring slow-cooked BBQ prepared fresh and beer tastings showcasing our local breweries! Family friendly seating will be available on this experience!
Departing from Bryson City, these trains will travel to the Fontana Trestle and beyond remaining parallel to the Fontana Lake stopping at the perfect viewing spot just around sunset for a spectacular view! A delicious BBQ meal will be served during the trip. Returning back to the Bryson City Depot at 9pm.
In the Basket
Each of you will get your own basket of Southern-style barbeque goodness with hand-pulled pork slider, a couple pork ribs, and chicken drumstick accompanied by baked beans and house-made coleslaw.
And, of course, no respectable Southern barbeque would forget to warm up some apple cobbler for dessert.
Featured Breweries
March 14 May 2 May 23(S)
June 19 and 20 July 17&18(S) August 22
Christy Lynn Band play The Grey Eagle patio stage on Saturday August 22! A very limited number of tickets are available now.
- ALL AGES
- 7PM SHOW / 6PM DOORS
- OUTDOOR PATIO SHOW (LIMITED CAPACITY, WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES IN PLACE. ADVANCE TICKETS ARE ENCOURAGED.)
It was 3AM one Southern California morning back in 2011 when Ryan Schilling first heard the captivating voice of Christy Lynn singing. The two felt an instantaneous creative spark and joined forces together in a band, and haven’t looked back since. Together, Christy Lynn and Ryan are a powerful musical combination, simply making music under the Christy Lynn Band moniker. They share a deep interest in music all across the spectrum, from classic languid country and folk tunes to driving rock & roll. They’ve taken those influences and distilled them into their own unique sound that seamlessly fuses country music with a dash of rock and soul. The Christy Lynn Band is set to release their first full-length album, Sweetheart of the Radio, on vinyl and CD, along wit
Watch the world transform from dusk to night while climbing in the trees at our Asheville Treetops Adventure Park. Trails will be illuminated to give climbing the obstacles a new perspective. Over 15,000 colored lights, plus colorful lasers sparkling on thousands of leaves, cables, rope, and platforms throughout the park will create a mystical tree climbing experience like you can’t imagine. The Twilight session start time is 7:30 each Saturday night and runs until 9:30. Ages 4 and over. Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling 877.247.5539 or adventureavl.com.
- EVERY SATURDAY EVENING June 13-Aug 29
- Thanksgiving in the Treetops Nov 28 at 4:30
- Holidays in the Treetops Dec 27 at 4:30
The Arboretum’s popular ArborEvenings summer after hours series will return this season with a special LEGO twist. Held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July through September, from 8 to 11 …
Sunday, August
23, 2020
Cades Cove Loop Lope
It’s Time to Clean Up the French Broad River
Labor Day Weekend at Coming Nantahala Outdoor Center
Tour Flat Rock Playhouse’s Garden
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum Tickets on Sale Sept. 1
Animal Habitats VIP Tours
Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
The Salvage Station is Now Open!
Highland Brewing Company Reggae Sundays in the Meadow with Chalwa
Alexa Rose Trio: Lawn Concert
Carpooling is essential to maximizing participation in this race. Only 100 vehicle passes will be available for purchase for an additional fee when registration opens. Registrants who do not purchase a vehicle pass must either carpool with a passholder they know or utilize the group transportation option which will be provided by Friends of the Smokies.
Event Date: Sunday November 8, 2020
EVENT: VIRTUAL 5K – 10/25/20-11/8/20
Can’t join us in person? Participate virtually! A virtual race can be run (or walked!) anywhere, even indoors on a treadmill, and anytime. This is a great way to support Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a day, time, and place that works for your schedule. All virtual runners will receive a race t-shirt and undated finisher’s medallion via mail.
Price: $75.00 Race Fee + $4.50 SignUp Fee
Call on Asheville City Council to do its part to clean up the French Broad River, starting with the establishment of a Stormwater Task Force to address the City’s water pollution problems. Not only does the City have a legal obligation to protect water quality, Council’s commitment to racial equity demands action to protect residents of the Southside neighborhood from the highest pollution levels in the city.
Our river is a public resource, and tens of thousands of people recreate on the French Broad every year. However, none of the testing sites within the City of Asheville pass the EPA’s safe limit on average, and the worst site that we test is Nasty Branch, which drains over half of downtown Asheville and flows through the historically African American Southside neighborhood, before discharging into the French Broad River in the River Arts District.
High levels of E. coli also indicate the presence of other, more harmful microbes, such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Shigella, and norovirus. Heavy rains and storms often result in spikes in E. coli contamination, increasing the risk to human health. Contact with or consumption of contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal illness and skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic and wound infections. The most commonly reported symptoms are stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and low-grade fever.
Asheville City Council has a moral and legal responsibility under the Clean Water Act to protect our river and water quality for all city residents. Henderson County has already established a Stormwater Task Force, Asheville should too.
Classic Family Adventure in Western North Carolina
North Carolina’s shimmering Nantahala River, located just outside Bryson City, NC, at 13077 Highway 19 West, Bryson City, NC 28713. This location offers river rafting through family-friendly rapids that are mild but exciting. The Nantahala features eight miles of practice on easy Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls.
The Nantahala is also headquarters of the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Founded in 1972, NOC is located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River in the Nantahala National Forest. Originally a roadside inn, the company has evolved into one of the largest outdoor recreation companies in the nation, hosting well over one million guests each year.
NOC’s 500-acre adventure center offers whitewater rafting, four aerial and zipline activities, mountain biking on nine miles of private trails, and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Fontana. In between activities, you can shop at one of NOC’s four retail stores including NOC’s flagship Outfitter’s Store, eat at NOC’s two riverfront restaurants, and even stay in a cabin adjoining the Appalachian Trail.
Despite the cancellation of the Flat Rock Playhouse’s 2020 season due to COVID-19, folks are being encouraged to take time to enjoy the lush gardens on the grounds of the historic campus.
With a QR code reader on any smartphone, garden visitors can tap into information about the individual plants wherever they’re standing. The codes direct the phone to webpages on a Muddy Sneakers site that the garden volunteers control.
The Master Gardners have been hard at work adding some tech to our gardens! QR codes can now be found on the 62 garden beds that make up the Playhouse gardens. Visitors can use their smartphones to learn more about the plants they are seeing. Congratulations and thank you to Tamsin Allpress and all of our gardening volunteers who work to keep our gardens beautiful! Photo by volunteer Mary Smit
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum
November 20, 2020 – January 10, 2021
5:30 – 10:30 p.m. Nightly
Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. This year, guests are invited to take a dreamy ride through the Arboretum’s enchanted forest and attend Winter Lights safely within their own vehicles. In light of COVID-19, the Arboretum has converted its popular event into a drive-thru show, allowing guests to navigate through a one-mile stretch of the Arboretum’s campus and see unique exhibits covered in thousands of holiday lights. As the Arboretum’s largest fundraising event of the year, proceeds generated from Winter Lights will directly support the Arboretum’s mission-driven programming.
***Tickets go on sale September 1***
See where the cougars and otters sleep overnight, meet black bears that are not commonly on display, learn the ins and outs of what it takes to care for the animals year-round, observe a training session and find out why the animals call Grandfather Mountain home.
Offered on weekends, April – October.
On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m. (weather permitting), Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Garden Promenade.
We are open with new rules and safety measures!
Founded in 2016, Salvage Station is Asheville, NC’s favorite riverfront bar, restaurant, concert hall, and special events venue located in the historic River Arts District along the French Broad River. From music shows and festivals, to community and private events, Salvage Station is an excellent place to hang out and have a truly great Asheville experience.
Less than one half mile from downtown, you can find the most spacious and safe place to social distance outside while enjoying refreshing adult beverages and delicious Creole and Southern soul food from Root Down Kitchen.
In an effort to keep our beloved patrons safe (and our doors open), our staff will have their temperatures checked before each shift, they will wear face masks at all times while at work, and will sanitize their hands and work areas often. You can also feel safe knowing that all employees have completed their Count On Me certification.
We also have new rules in place that we require our patrons to adhere to.
*Face masks required at all times unless seated at your table.
*Parties of 6 or fewer only.
*Ages 21+ only (this is temporary and we hope to allow all ages in again very soon).
*Social Distance! Stay 6 feet apart while standing in line and use our hand sanitizing stations often.
*Do not move any furniture under any circumstances. We have strategically placed our tables in a way that we can safely social distance our guests.
Let’s have fun and stay safe!
Join us for Reggae Sundays every week in the Meadow for a cold beer and the sounds of the island with our friends from Chalwa.
Reggae Sundays are dependent on weather and will only occur outdoors in the Meadow.
Jam on, friends!
Virginia-born singer-songwriter Alexa Rose creates her own style of modern folk. Her distinctive vocal sound has bits of Joni Mitchell, Lucinda Williams, and Gilliam Welch. Her earnest, well-crafted songs explore timeless topics. It is American roots music that blends some of the mountains with modern country and a little rock and roll.
Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis patio and lawn. Reservations are highly recommended.
Monday, August
24, 2020
It’s Time to Clean Up the French Broad River
Labor Day Weekend at Coming Nantahala Outdoor Center
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum Tickets on Sale Sept. 1
Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens
Check out Archetype on the Cover of Beer Connoisseur “Best in Beer”
Call on Asheville City Council to do its part to clean up the French Broad River, starting with the establishment of a Stormwater Task Force to address the City’s water pollution problems. Not only does the City have a legal obligation to protect water quality, Council’s commitment to racial equity demands action to protect residents of the Southside neighborhood from the highest pollution levels in the city.
Our river is a public resource, and tens of thousands of people recreate on the French Broad every year. However, none of the testing sites within the City of Asheville pass the EPA’s safe limit on average, and the worst site that we test is Nasty Branch, which drains over half of downtown Asheville and flows through the historically African American Southside neighborhood, before discharging into the French Broad River in the River Arts District.
High levels of E. coli also indicate the presence of other, more harmful microbes, such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Shigella, and norovirus. Heavy rains and storms often result in spikes in E. coli contamination, increasing the risk to human health. Contact with or consumption of contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal illness and skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic and wound infections. The most commonly reported symptoms are stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and low-grade fever.
Asheville City Council has a moral and legal responsibility under the Clean Water Act to protect our river and water quality for all city residents. Henderson County has already established a Stormwater Task Force, Asheville should too.
Classic Family Adventure in Western North Carolina
North Carolina’s shimmering Nantahala River, located just outside Bryson City, NC, at 13077 Highway 19 West, Bryson City, NC 28713. This location offers river rafting through family-friendly rapids that are mild but exciting. The Nantahala features eight miles of practice on easy Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls.
The Nantahala is also headquarters of the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Founded in 1972, NOC is located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River in the Nantahala National Forest. Originally a roadside inn, the company has evolved into one of the largest outdoor recreation companies in the nation, hosting well over one million guests each year.
NOC’s 500-acre adventure center offers whitewater rafting, four aerial and zipline activities, mountain biking on nine miles of private trails, and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Fontana. In between activities, you can shop at one of NOC’s four retail stores including NOC’s flagship Outfitter’s Store, eat at NOC’s two riverfront restaurants, and even stay in a cabin adjoining the Appalachian Trail.
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum
November 20, 2020 – January 10, 2021
5:30 – 10:30 p.m. Nightly
Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. This year, guests are invited to take a dreamy ride through the Arboretum’s enchanted forest and attend Winter Lights safely within their own vehicles. In light of COVID-19, the Arboretum has converted its popular event into a drive-thru show, allowing guests to navigate through a one-mile stretch of the Arboretum’s campus and see unique exhibits covered in thousands of holiday lights. As the Arboretum’s largest fundraising event of the year, proceeds generated from Winter Lights will directly support the Arboretum’s mission-driven programming.
Designed with an artistic aesthetic, Winter Lights features beautifully lit displays and glowing landscapes nestled along the Arboretum’s woodland edge and garden areas. As part of the show’s redesign, visitors will enjoy several new nature-themed displays, including winter wildlife, colorful butterflies, a special insect lantern exhibit and a giant daisy “garden.” Celebrate the holiday season with the entire family at Winter Lights.
***Tickets go on sale September 1***
The Fairy trail is open Monday thru Saturday, 9am-4pm. We encourage all visitors to be patient as there will be limits to the number of people allowed on the trail at the same time. While the trail is outdoors, there are some small spaces and we want to ensure our guests and fairies are safe. Please practice appropriate social distancing and bring a mask in case. Masks are not required, but are considerate in a close area. Our restrooms are not open to the public at this time. Please make arrangements prior to visiting.
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.
The Fairies can’t wait to see you all here!
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.
Tuesday, August
25, 2020
It’s Time to Clean Up the French Broad River
Labor Day Weekend at Coming Nantahala Outdoor Center
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum Tickets on Sale Sept. 1
Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens
Check out Archetype on the Cover of Beer Connoisseur “Best in Beer”
Call on Asheville City Council to do its part to clean up the French Broad River, starting with the establishment of a Stormwater Task Force to address the City’s water pollution problems. Not only does the City have a legal obligation to protect water quality, Council’s commitment to racial equity demands action to protect residents of the Southside neighborhood from the highest pollution levels in the city.
Our river is a public resource, and tens of thousands of people recreate on the French Broad every year. However, none of the testing sites within the City of Asheville pass the EPA’s safe limit on average, and the worst site that we test is Nasty Branch, which drains over half of downtown Asheville and flows through the historically African American Southside neighborhood, before discharging into the French Broad River in the River Arts District.
High levels of E. coli also indicate the presence of other, more harmful microbes, such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Shigella, and norovirus. Heavy rains and storms often result in spikes in E. coli contamination, increasing the risk to human health. Contact with or consumption of contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal illness and skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic and wound infections. The most commonly reported symptoms are stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and low-grade fever.
Asheville City Council has a moral and legal responsibility under the Clean Water Act to protect our river and water quality for all city residents. Henderson County has already established a Stormwater Task Force, Asheville should too.
Classic Family Adventure in Western North Carolina
North Carolina’s shimmering Nantahala River, located just outside Bryson City, NC, at 13077 Highway 19 West, Bryson City, NC 28713. This location offers river rafting through family-friendly rapids that are mild but exciting. The Nantahala features eight miles of practice on easy Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls.
The Nantahala is also headquarters of the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Founded in 1972, NOC is located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River in the Nantahala National Forest. Originally a roadside inn, the company has evolved into one of the largest outdoor recreation companies in the nation, hosting well over one million guests each year.
NOC’s 500-acre adventure center offers whitewater rafting, four aerial and zipline activities, mountain biking on nine miles of private trails, and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Fontana. In between activities, you can shop at one of NOC’s four retail stores including NOC’s flagship Outfitter’s Store, eat at NOC’s two riverfront restaurants, and even stay in a cabin adjoining the Appalachian Trail.
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum
November 20, 2020 – January 10, 2021
5:30 – 10:30 p.m. Nightly
Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. This year, guests are invited to take a dreamy ride through the Arboretum’s enchanted forest and attend Winter Lights safely within their own vehicles. In light of COVID-19, the Arboretum has converted its popular event into a drive-thru show, allowing guests to navigate through a one-mile stretch of the Arboretum’s campus and see unique exhibits covered in thousands of holiday lights. As the Arboretum’s largest fundraising event of the year, proceeds generated from Winter Lights will directly support the Arboretum’s mission-driven programming.
Designed with an artistic aesthetic, Winter Lights features beautifully lit displays and glowing landscapes nestled along the Arboretum’s woodland edge and garden areas. As part of the show’s redesign, visitors will enjoy several new nature-themed displays, including winter wildlife, colorful butterflies, a special insect lantern exhibit and a giant daisy “garden.” Celebrate the holiday season with the entire family at Winter Lights.
***Tickets go on sale September 1***
The Fairy trail is open Monday thru Saturday, 9am-4pm. We encourage all visitors to be patient as there will be limits to the number of people allowed on the trail at the same time. While the trail is outdoors, there are some small spaces and we want to ensure our guests and fairies are safe. Please practice appropriate social distancing and bring a mask in case. Masks are not required, but are considerate in a close area. Our restrooms are not open to the public at this time. Please make arrangements prior to visiting.
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.
The Fairies can’t wait to see you all here!
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.
Wednesday, August
26, 2020
It’s Time to Clean Up the French Broad River
Call on Asheville City Council to do its part to clean up the French Broad River, starting with the establishment of a Stormwater Task Force to address the City’s water pollution problems. Not only does the City have a legal obligation to protect water quality, Council’s commitment to racial equity demands action to protect residents of the Southside neighborhood from the highest pollution levels in the city.
Our river is a public resource, and tens of thousands of people recreate on the French Broad every year. However, none of the testing sites within the City of Asheville pass the EPA’s safe limit on average, and the worst site that we test is Nasty Branch, which drains over half of downtown Asheville and flows through the historically African American Southside neighborhood, before discharging into the French Broad River in the River Arts District.
High levels of E. coli also indicate the presence of other, more harmful microbes, such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Shigella, and norovirus. Heavy rains and storms often result in spikes in E. coli contamination, increasing the risk to human health. Contact with or consumption of contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal illness and skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic and wound infections. The most commonly reported symptoms are stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and low-grade fever.
Asheville City Council has a moral and legal responsibility under the Clean Water Act to protect our river and water quality for all city residents. Henderson County has already established a Stormwater Task Force, Asheville should too.