Ramps Season Arrives with a Warning: Record-Breaking Poaching Bust in Nantahala National Forest
Jake "Trailblazer" Thompson•March 12, 2026News
View AllNewsRamps Season Arrives with a Warning: Record-Breaking Poaching Bust in Nantahala National Forest
As the highly anticipated ramp season begins across the Blue Ridge Mountains, officials are issuing a stern reminder about the importance of sustainab...
Asheville Mayor Appeals to Costco Amid Hurricane Recovery Setbacks
As Asheville struggles to recover from Hurricane Helene, Mayor Karen Bennett has formally requested that Costco reconsider its decision to withdraw its application for a proposed retail store. In a...
March 12, 2026
Governor Stein Joins Governors Calling on Congress to Reclaim Authority Over Tariff Power
Governor Stein joins other governors in calling for Congressional control over tariffs, citing the burden on NC families. This article explores how these tariffs directly impact Western North Carolina consumers and businesses.
March 12, 2026
Community Rallies to Save 1909 Pedestrian Bridge on Beaucatcher Mountain
Weaverville residents are actively organizing to save the 1909 pedestrian bridge. This article spotlights the individuals leading the charge, their fundraising efforts, and the creative solutions they're exploring to ensure the bridge's future.
March 12, 2026
Huey Magoo’s Sets Official Grand Opening Celebration in Weaverville
Huey Magoo's, known for its premium chicken tenders, has opened its doors in Weaverville. The grand opening celebration includes a contest to win free chicken for a year, drawing crowds from across the Asheville area.
March 12, 2026Sports
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SportsReel in the Cash: $20K Up for Grabs at 2026 Cherokee Trout Tournament!
Get ready to cast your lines and chase tagged trout in the Qualla Boundary! With a $20,000 prize pool, the 2026 Opening Day Trout Tournament is an angler's dream come true.
Buncombe, Hendersonville County High School Teams Score Wins
Greater Asheville-area high school teams delivered a series of exciting victories on March 11, showcasing the growing rivalries and community spirit. These wins highlight the dedication and skill of...
March 12, 2026
Catamounts Tennis Serves Up Spring Break Action in Orlando!
The WCU Women's Tennis team is trading textbooks for tennis balls this week in sunny Orlando! Get the scoop on their matches against Quinnipiac and Penn as they fine-tune their game before returning home.
March 12, 2026
McCormick Field's Grand Reopening: What's New for Asheville Tourists Fans?
Get ready for a whole new ballgame! We preview the major renovations at McCormick Field, highlighting improvements to seating, concessions, and overall fan experience before the Asheville Tourists' opening day.
March 11, 2026
North Buncombe Throwers and T.C. Roberson Distance Stars Shine at Season Opener
**Bailey Barrett** of **North Buncombe High School** dominated at a recent track and field meet, winning first place in both the girls discus (116-3.00) and shot put (34-1.50). Her discus throw, a...
March 6, 2026Business
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BusinessBuncombe County to Overhaul Development Rules, Schools Amidst Appeal Surge
Anticipating a flood of property value appeals after recent reassessments, Buncombe County is also moving forward with capital projects and development rule changes affecting businesses and...
GE Aerospace Invests $48M in Asheville, Boosting Jet Engine Production
GE Aerospace is investing $48 million in its Asheville facility to ramp up production of Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) for jet engines. The investment will modernize the plant and create new opportunities in advanced manufacturing.
March 9, 2026
ArtsAVL Opens $1.2 Million Grant Program to Help WNC Nonprofits Rebuild After Helene
ASHEVILLE — Arts organizations across 16 Western North Carolina counties battered by Hurricane Helene can now apply for a share of $1.2 million in rec...
March 9, 2026
Thermo Fisher Scientific to Close Weaverville Facility, Eliminating 421 Jobs by End of 2027
WEAVERVILLE — Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced plans to phase out operations at its Weaverville manufacturing facility, a move that will result ...
March 9, 2026
WNC Manufacturing Sector Rebounds With 4,400 Job Openings Despite Post-Helene Layoffs
ASHEVILLE — Western North Carolina's manufacturing economy is showing signs of resilience despite a wave of post-Hurricane Helene layoffs, with more t...
March 6, 2026Entertainment
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EntertainmentGroove by the River: Riverside Concerts Return to Olivette This April
Chatt Hills Music brings back its Riverside Concert Series to the scenic Olivette Riverside Pavilion for a sixth year. We delve into what makes this outdoor music experience unique, focusing on the venue's ambiance and family-friendly atmosphere.
Murphy's Braden Rumfelt Charges Into the 'American Idol' Top 20
Braden Rumfelt, a singer from Murphy, NC, has advanced to the Top 20 on 'American Idol'. This article explores his journey from local Western North Carolina stages to national television, highlighting his connection to the community.
March 10, 2026
Asheville’s Edge: The 24th Annual Fringe Arts Festival Leads a High-Energy March for WNC Arts
ASHEVILLE, NC — As the first whispers of spring reach the Blue Ridge, Western North Carolina is shedding its winter coat for a vibrant, multi-venue ex...
March 9, 2026
Local Roots, Global Impact: LEAF "Deep Roots" Anchors a Vibrant Final Weekend of May
More than 100 performances and an estimated $15 million economic impact on the Asheville area are expected from the Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) 2026 spring edition. Scheduled for May 8-11 at the...
March 5, 2026
The Orange Peel's 'Hellbender' Venue: Asheville's New Music Hotspot
The Orange Peel is launching 'Hellbender,' a 6,000-capacity outdoor venue on the Swannanoa River. This article explores the venue's design, amenities, and potential impact on Asheville's music scene.
March 3, 2026Lifestyle
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LifestyleBuncombe County Schools STEAM Day: Science & Free Family-Friendly Fun!
Nesbitt Discovery Academy will host Buncombe County's STEAM Day, a celebration of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Families can enjoy interactive exhibits, animal encounters, and robotics demonstrations at this free event.
Asheville Area Communities Honored for Urban Forestry Efforts
Several Western North Carolina towns and institutions have received Tree City USA, Tree Campus Higher Education, and Tree Line USA designations for their commitment to urban forestry. Learn which local communities are being recognized and what makes their programs stand out.
March 10, 2026
North Asheville Gets New Food Scrap Drop-Off: Composting Expands!
A new food scrap drop-off site has opened in North Asheville, providing residents with another convenient way to compost. Asheville's composting program has diverted 1.5 million pounds of waste since 2022; this expansion aims to increase that impact.
March 6, 2026
Asheville Blooms: Your 2026 Guide to Spring Festivals & Fun!
Get ready for a vibrant spring in Asheville! We'll highlight the best festivals, outdoor activities, and hidden gems to explore as the city awakens in 2026.
March 5, 2026
Doghouses for a Cause: Pawrade of Homes Debuts at WNC Expo
The Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains is launching a unique workforce development initiative called the “Pawrade of Homes” at the WNC Build and Remodel Expo. High school students from Buncombe and Henderson counties will showcase their doghouse-building skills, raising awareness for the trades.
March 3, 2026Outdoors
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OutdoorsWeekend Nature Fix: Best WNC Hikes for Spring Wildflower Peeking
Escape the city this weekend and discover the early blooms of spring! We've compiled a list of easy-to-moderate hikes around Asheville perfect for spotting wildflowers like trillium and bloodroot.
Heartbreak Ridge Reborn: Old Fort's Outdoor Access Restored!
After an 18-month closure due to Hurricane Helene, the Lower Heartbreak Ridge Trail is finally open. This article explores the trail's reopening and its vital role in connecting Pisgah National Forest to Old Fort, boosting the local outdoor economy.
March 3, 2026
WNC "Blood Moon" Guide: How to See Tomorrow’s Rare Total Lunar Eclipse
Don't miss the rare blood moon Tuesday morning! We'll highlight the best locations around Asheville with unobstructed western views for optimal eclipse viewing, ensuring you catch this celestial spectacle before sunrise.
March 2, 2026
Appalachian Trail Spring: Hot Springs & Max Patch Section Hikes
Discover the joys of section hiking the Appalachian Trail near Hot Springs and Max Patch this spring. This article offers insights into trail conditions, permits, and the unique experiences these sections provide.
February 21, 2026
Camp Like a Pro: Level Up Your WNC Camping Game This Season
Elevate your camping experience in Western North Carolina with expert tips on gear selection, campsite selection, and Leave No Trace principles. This article provides practical advice for both novice and experienced campers, ensuring a comfortable, safe, and environmentally responsible outdoor adventure.
February 21, 2026