River Arts Tour
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, March
27, 2021
Winter Nantahala Gorge Train Tour Great Smokey Mountains Railroad
Tuckasegee River Excursion with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Tip-Based Walking Tour
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains while traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) River.The historic trellis bridge Fontana Trestle takes you across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Onboard dining is available by selecting our First Class Seating option or pre-purchasing one of our boxed lunches, an amazing unique moving dining experience. Arrive at our layover destination in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing!
We are operating under all current COVID-19 safety guidelines and ask that you follow all protocols. Find the information HERE! *Please be aware dining options are currently not available at your layover destination. You are advised to enjoy onboard dining by pre-purchasing a box lunch meal option along with your train tickets.*
Plan on being here by 1 hour before your departure.
Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small town life in western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4 hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back to the Bryson City Depot. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford!
The Tuckasegee (tuck-uh-SEE-jee) River Excursion includes an 1½ hour layover in the historic town of Dillsboro, where you’ll find more than 50 shops, restaurants, bed and breakfasts and country inns. There is time to shop, snack, and visit the many unique shops before returning to Bryson City.
This insider excursion provides you with tips and local secrets about the best way to do Asheville on a budget! You will have a better understanding of how Asheville became the unique, quirky city you see now and learn everything we are doing to “Keep Asheville Weird.” This is the only walking tour provided that allows you to choose how much you think a walking tour is worth and pay whatever you like. We will follow the urban trail, stop along the way for some free honey tastings and finish the tour with some special beer tastings at one of the best local breweries in South Slope! At the brewery, you will also be able to participate in a free raffle where you receive gifts donated from local businesses like free salsa classes, local theatre performances, books and more! I want you to know and love my city as much as I do and I am excited to share this experience with you!
Pay what you want at the end!
Downtown Tour
We will meet at Pack Square where the road cuts through the park! I will be wearing a free walking tour Tshirt
My parking recommendations are either street parking in the square or the Aloft parking deck on Biltmore Ave. If it’s a weekend, there should be free parking on the streets but be sure to check the meter! Feel free to ask any other questions you may have!
We will meet outside of the Magentic Theatre and your guide will be wearing a blue T-shirt !
I recommend parking in the public parking lot directly beside the theatre for free parking close to the meeting spot!
Sunday, March
28, 2021
Analyzing how Recent Stimulus Affects your Operations
Driving Tour with Smith-McDowell House
Haunted Asheville Tour
Self-Guided WNC Tours
Small Business Support Resulting from the American Rescue Plan
Southeastern Student Sustainability Conference
Victoria: The Forgotten Town Walking Tour
We’re Offering Free 1-Year Memberships to Downtown Businesses
WNC Arts Launches New Website + Creative Economies Data
Winter Nantahala Gorge Train Tour Great Smokey Mountains Railroad
Tip-Based Walking Tour
CBIZ recently shared resources they created to help navigate specific takeaways of the federal relief. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 contains several provisions that may be of interest to both financial and operational strategies. It builds on past stimulus relief and offers targeted support for functions and businesses that have been particularly hard-hit by the repercussions of COVID-19.
The complied resources include :
- Tax Provisions for Individuals & Businesses – This resource breaks down individual taxpayer relief and credits as well as the expansion of the Employee Retention Tax Credit and other business tax benefits.
- Key Provisions for Employee Benefits & Plan Administrators – This publication outlines key changes designed to preserve the health benefits for involuntary terminations, dependent care assistance, credits for paid sick and family leave, and updates affecting pension plans.
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| The residents of the Smith-McDowell House and grounds were woven in to the fabric of Asheville.
This driving tour begins at the Smith-McDowell House Museum on the campus of A-B Tech and continues through historic sites related to early occupants of the house. |
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| Asheville, and the surrounding mountains, have also hosted numerous writers, musicians, and folklorists who have promoted (if not possibly created) some of these legends. Perhaps these are some of the reasons lore permeates the streets, hills, and valleys of this mountain city. You can see many of these sites for yourself, if you dare. |
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| Western North Carolina is defined as much by the various chains and valleys within the Appalachian Mountains as it is by the various people here. The region contains large swaths of national forest lands and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It contains old rivers and old folkways, along with an increasingly large stream of transplants and temporary visitors. This virtual tour gives a broad overview of our region. |
The Small Business Administration released an overview of the Small Business support aspects of the American Rescue Plan Act, which was signed into law last week.
The American Rescue Plan Act provides additional relief for the nation’s small businesses and hard-hit industries for programs the SBA is currently administering and adds new efforts, including:
- $7.25 billion additional for the Paycheck Protection Program, including to expand eligibility to additional nonprofits and digital news services
- Additional funds are allocated for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, and now allows businesses to apply for both a PPP loan after Dec. 27, 2020, and the SVOG
- $15 billion additional for Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance (EIDL) payments, including NEW $5 billion for Supplemental Targeted EIDL Advance payments for those hardest hit
- NEW: $28.6 billion for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund for industry-focused grants
- NEW: $100 million to establish a Community Navigator pilot program; grants will go to eligible organizations supporting efforts to improve access to COVID–19 pandemic assistance programs and resources.
This annual conference brings together student EcoReps, sustainability interns, and faculty and staff advisers from around the region for a weekend of peer leadership training and collaboration. This conference is a great opportunity to learn from your peers, share your successes (and get constructive feedback), and get inspiration you can bring back to your own campus.
Key topics in 2021 will include:
• Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion in our work
• Effective Student Leadership/ Peer 2 Peer education
• Zero Waste initiatives
• Educational initiatives & events
• Adapting to COVID-19
• Translating student visions into institutional action
This conference will be held VIRTUALLY due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic.
Register
There is no fee to attend, however, you must register to participate in the virtual sessions. The registration deadline is Friday, March 19 at midnight.
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| Contained by its larger growing neighbor (Asheville), the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, and the Southern Railway line, the Town of Victoria existed from 1887 until 1905, when it was absorbed into Asheville. The community—which included the Smith-McDowell House and Fernihurst mansion—originally incorporated into a town to prevent unwanted development (particularly from the Vanderbilts). |
We know how difficult the Covid-19 pandemic has been on downtown businesses. This is a gesture of support we can offer to help businesses as they rebuild and recover.
Complimentary memberships will be available from March 1 – 31 and will be for one year.
Membership benefits include a business profile and the ability to add events and news on ashevilledowntown.org, advertising space in the ADA’s bi-weekly newsletter to 2,000+ subscribers, and cross promotion of members through ADA social media channels. A full list of membership benefits can be found here.
This offer is restricted to businesses in the downtown area, as defined by the Central Business District. Other restrictions may apply. Interested businesses can email [email protected] to determine eligibility.
We also extended memberships for our current members. To check to see if you’re a member, visit our online directory.
The Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina (WNC Arts) was established in 1980s as a peer support group for arts councils and agencies in WNC. This group is now working to expand their advocacy support for the arts in WNC.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains while traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) River.The historic trellis bridge Fontana Trestle takes you across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Onboard dining is available by selecting our First Class Seating option or pre-purchasing one of our boxed lunches, an amazing unique moving dining experience. Arrive at our layover destination in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing!
We are operating under all current COVID-19 safety guidelines and ask that you follow all protocols. Find the information HERE! *Please be aware dining options are currently not available at your layover destination. You are advised to enjoy onboard dining by pre-purchasing a box lunch meal option along with your train tickets.*
Plan on being here by 1 hour before your departure.
This insider excursion provides you with tips and local secrets about the best way to do Asheville on a budget! You will have a better understanding of how Asheville became the unique, quirky city you see now and learn everything we are doing to “Keep Asheville Weird.” This is the only walking tour provided that allows you to choose how much you think a walking tour is worth and pay whatever you like. We will follow the urban trail, stop along the way for some free honey tastings and finish the tour with some special beer tastings at one of the best local breweries in South Slope! At the brewery, you will also be able to participate in a free raffle where you receive gifts donated from local businesses like free salsa classes, local theatre performances, books and more! I want you to know and love my city as much as I do and I am excited to share this experience with you!
Pay what you want at the end!
Downtown Tour
We will meet at Pack Square where the road cuts through the park! I will be wearing a free walking tour Tshirt
My parking recommendations are either street parking in the square or the Aloft parking deck on Biltmore Ave. If it’s a weekend, there should be free parking on the streets but be sure to check the meter! Feel free to ask any other questions you may have!
River Arts Tour
We will meet outside of the Magentic Theatre and your guide will be wearing a blue T-shirt !
I recommend parking in the public parking lot directly beside the theatre for free parking close to the meeting spot!
Monday, March
29, 2021
8th Annual Business Plan Contest
Analyzing how Recent Stimulus Affects your Operations
Business Broadband Survey
Henderson County Chamber: Submissions for the 2021 Business Plan Contest
We’re Offering Free 1-Year Memberships to Downtown Businesses
Nominations for the 14th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Now Open
Tip-Based Walking Tour
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CBIZ recently shared resources they created to help navigate specific takeaways of the federal relief. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 contains several provisions that may be of interest to both financial and operational strategies. It builds on past stimulus relief and offers targeted support for functions and businesses that have been particularly hard-hit by the repercussions of COVID-19.
The complied resources include :
- Tax Provisions for Individuals & Businesses – This resource breaks down individual taxpayer relief and credits as well as the expansion of the Employee Retention Tax Credit and other business tax benefits.
- Key Provisions for Employee Benefits & Plan Administrators – This publication outlines key changes designed to preserve the health benefits for involuntary terminations, dependent care assistance, credits for paid sick and family leave, and updates affecting pension plans.
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is presenting the 8th Annual Business Plan Contest and contest submissions are now being accepted. 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 $7,000!
Contest submissions are due by 5:00 pm on Monday, April 19. Submissions are reviewed and graded by the Small Business Committee of the Chamber. The winner will be announced and honored at the Small Business Awards Reception at Southern Appalachian Brewery. The final event date has not been determined at this time and is dependent on COVID restrictions but the tentative plan is to host the reception in May or June.
Submissions should include a cover page featuring the name of the business, name of the owner, and contact information, and information outlining the business idea, competitive advantage, market analysis, cash flow, timeline and action plans, and owner qualifications. Optional elements to include are vision and mission statements, table of contents, and legal structure information. Submissions will be graded on the required elements.
Please email your plan to Hoyle Adams at the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
204 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739 • [email protected] (828) 692-1413
204 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739 • [email protected] (828) 692-1413
We know how difficult the Covid-19 pandemic has been on downtown businesses. This is a gesture of support we can offer to help businesses as they rebuild and recover.
Complimentary memberships will be available from March 1 – 31 and will be for one year.
Membership benefits include a business profile and the ability to add events and news on ashevilledowntown.org, advertising space in the ADA’s bi-weekly newsletter to 2,000+ subscribers, and cross promotion of members through ADA social media channels. A full list of membership benefits can be found here.
This offer is restricted to businesses in the downtown area, as defined by the Central Business District. Other restrictions may apply. Interested businesses can email [email protected] to determine eligibility.
We also extended memberships for our current members. To check to see if you’re a member, visit our online directory.
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce and Pardee UNC Health Care, along with Morris Broadband and Judy Stroud – State Farm Insurance, are pleased to announce the 14th Annual ATHENA Award of Henderson County in memory of Vanessa, Y. Mintz. Nominations are now open for the 2021 ATHENA award, which will be presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon, tentatively scheduled for May, to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.
ATHENA International is a women’s leadership organization that supports, develops, and honors women leaders through the programs it administers. Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA award to Henderson County in 2008 and she embodied the values underlying ATHENA International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government. This program is facilitated locally by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce as a licensed ATHENA host organization.
Nominations are sought throughout the community. Recipients are selected by a diverse group of out-of-town professional judges, based on ATHENA leadership criteria. Those interested in nominating should plan to tell their compelling story as if to a stranger. The deadline for nomination is Friday, April 2 at 5:00 pm. For more information, contact the Chamber at 828-692-1413
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This insider excursion provides you with tips and local secrets about the best way to do Asheville on a budget! You will have a better understanding of how Asheville became the unique, quirky city you see now and learn everything we are doing to “Keep Asheville Weird.” This is the only walking tour provided that allows you to choose how much you think a walking tour is worth and pay whatever you like. We will follow the urban trail, stop along the way for some free honey tastings and finish the tour with some special beer tastings at one of the best local breweries in South Slope! At the brewery, you will also be able to participate in a free raffle where you receive gifts donated from local businesses like free salsa classes, local theatre performances, books and more! I want you to know and love my city as much as I do and I am excited to share this experience with you!
Pay what you want at the end!
Downtown Tour
We will meet at Pack Square where the road cuts through the park! I will be wearing a free walking tour Tshirt
My parking recommendations are either street parking in the square or the Aloft parking deck on Biltmore Ave. If it’s a weekend, there should be free parking on the streets but be sure to check the meter! Feel free to ask any other questions you may have!
River Arts Tour
We will meet outside of the Magentic Theatre and your guide will be wearing a blue T-shirt !
I recommend parking in the public parking lot directly beside the theatre for free parking close to the meeting spot!
Tuesday, March
30, 2021
8th Annual Business Plan Contest
Analyzing how Recent Stimulus Affects your Operations
Business Broadband Survey
Henderson County Chamber: Submissions for the 2021 Business Plan Contest
We’re Offering Free 1-Year Memberships to Downtown Businesses
Nominations for the 14th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Now Open
Tip-Based Walking Tour
Empower Hour
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CBIZ recently shared resources they created to help navigate specific takeaways of the federal relief. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 contains several provisions that may be of interest to both financial and operational strategies. It builds on past stimulus relief and offers targeted support for functions and businesses that have been particularly hard-hit by the repercussions of COVID-19.
The complied resources include :
- Tax Provisions for Individuals & Businesses – This resource breaks down individual taxpayer relief and credits as well as the expansion of the Employee Retention Tax Credit and other business tax benefits.
- Key Provisions for Employee Benefits & Plan Administrators – This publication outlines key changes designed to preserve the health benefits for involuntary terminations, dependent care assistance, credits for paid sick and family leave, and updates affecting pension plans.
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is presenting the 8th Annual Business Plan Contest and contest submissions are now being accepted. 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 $7,000!
Contest submissions are due by 5:00 pm on Monday, April 19. Submissions are reviewed and graded by the Small Business Committee of the Chamber. The winner will be announced and honored at the Small Business Awards Reception at Southern Appalachian Brewery. The final event date has not been determined at this time and is dependent on COVID restrictions but the tentative plan is to host the reception in May or June.
Submissions should include a cover page featuring the name of the business, name of the owner, and contact information, and information outlining the business idea, competitive advantage, market analysis, cash flow, timeline and action plans, and owner qualifications. Optional elements to include are vision and mission statements, table of contents, and legal structure information. Submissions will be graded on the required elements.
Please email your plan to Hoyle Adams at the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
204 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739 • [email protected] (828) 692-1413
204 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739 • [email protected] (828) 692-1413
We know how difficult the Covid-19 pandemic has been on downtown businesses. This is a gesture of support we can offer to help businesses as they rebuild and recover.
Complimentary memberships will be available from March 1 – 31 and will be for one year.
Membership benefits include a business profile and the ability to add events and news on ashevilledowntown.org, advertising space in the ADA’s bi-weekly newsletter to 2,000+ subscribers, and cross promotion of members through ADA social media channels. A full list of membership benefits can be found here.
This offer is restricted to businesses in the downtown area, as defined by the Central Business District. Other restrictions may apply. Interested businesses can email [email protected] to determine eligibility.
We also extended memberships for our current members. To check to see if you’re a member, visit our online directory.
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce and Pardee UNC Health Care, along with Morris Broadband and Judy Stroud – State Farm Insurance, are pleased to announce the 14th Annual ATHENA Award of Henderson County in memory of Vanessa, Y. Mintz. Nominations are now open for the 2021 ATHENA award, which will be presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon, tentatively scheduled for May, to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.
ATHENA International is a women’s leadership organization that supports, develops, and honors women leaders through the programs it administers. Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA award to Henderson County in 2008 and she embodied the values underlying ATHENA International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government. This program is facilitated locally by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce as a licensed ATHENA host organization.
Nominations are sought throughout the community. Recipients are selected by a diverse group of out-of-town professional judges, based on ATHENA leadership criteria. Those interested in nominating should plan to tell their compelling story as if to a stranger. The deadline for nomination is Friday, April 2 at 5:00 pm. For more information, contact the Chamber at 828-692-1413
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This insider excursion provides you with tips and local secrets about the best way to do Asheville on a budget! You will have a better understanding of how Asheville became the unique, quirky city you see now and learn everything we are doing to “Keep Asheville Weird.” This is the only walking tour provided that allows you to choose how much you think a walking tour is worth and pay whatever you like. We will follow the urban trail, stop along the way for some free honey tastings and finish the tour with some special beer tastings at one of the best local breweries in South Slope! At the brewery, you will also be able to participate in a free raffle where you receive gifts donated from local businesses like free salsa classes, local theatre performances, books and more! I want you to know and love my city as much as I do and I am excited to share this experience with you!
Pay what you want at the end!
Downtown Tour
We will meet at Pack Square where the road cuts through the park! I will be wearing a free walking tour Tshirt
My parking recommendations are either street parking in the square or the Aloft parking deck on Biltmore Ave. If it’s a weekend, there should be free parking on the streets but be sure to check the meter! Feel free to ask any other questions you may have!
River Arts Tour
We will meet outside of the Magentic Theatre and your guide will be wearing a blue T-shirt !
I recommend parking in the public parking lot directly beside the theatre for free parking close to the meeting spot!
Wednesday, March
31, 2021
8th Annual Business Plan Contest
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