2025 Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smokies Lead Nation Despite Historic Shutdown
Marge•March 21, 2026News
View AllNews2025 Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smokies Lead Nation Despite Historic Shutdown
The Blue Ridge Parkway continues to reign as the most visited National Park site in the US, drawing 16.5 million visitors in 2025. We explore what makes this scenic route so popular and its economic impact on Asheville and surrounding WNC communities.
Waynesville Nominated for USA TODAY’S "Best Main Street": How to Cast Your Vote
Waynesville's charming Main Street is a contender for USA Today's 'Best Main Street' award. Discover what makes it special and how Asheville residents can support its bid for national recognition.
March 21, 2026
Governor Stein Awards $8.5M for WNC Small Business Infrastructure
Governor Cooper announced nearly $8.5 million in grants for WNC small business infrastructure. This article breaks down which organizations received funding and how local businesses can potentially benefit from these resources.
March 20, 2026
Waynesville Gym Owner Pleads Guilty to Sex Crimes, Extortion
Stephen Edward Speed, former owner of a Waynesville gym, has pleaded guilty to multiple charges including disseminating obscenity, extortion, and assault by strangulation. The plea deal comes after Speed faced numerous sex crime allegations, bringing a close to a case that has shaken the Haywood County community.
March 20, 2026
Chuck Norris 86, Passes Away
Chuck Norris passed away at the age of 86 on Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Kauai, Hawaii, following a sudden medical emergency. His family confirmed th...
March 20, 2026Sports
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SportsFairway Forecast: Western North Carolina Golf Heats Up for Spring 2026
WNC -- While the sports world is buzzing over the PGA TOUR’s return to Asheville this September for the Biltmore Championship, local golfers don't hav...
Blues Make History: Asheville City SC Topples Greenville in U.S. Open Cup Thriller
ASHEVILLE -- ASHEVILLE, NC – Under the biting chill of a mountain Wednesday night, Asheville City SC didn’t just brave the elements; they made history...
March 19, 2026
A Legend Returns to the Green Flag: WNC’s Dave Marcis to Start the Goodyear 400
WNC's own Dave Marcis, a NASCAR icon living in Arden, will be the honorary starter at the Goodyear 400. Learn about his legendary career and local ties to Western North Carolina.
March 19, 2026
Buncombe County High School Sports Roundup: March 18, 2026
Buncombe County athletes delivered stellar performances on **March 18, 2026**, in baseball, softball, and track and field. More than just games, these high school sporting events unite communities...
March 19, 2026
Robbinsville Girls' Basketball Reaches State Final, Inspires Western North Carolina
Earning its first-ever berth in the 1A state championship game, the Robbinsville girls' basketball team made history this month, a feat that resonates deeply within the close-knit communities of...
March 18, 2026Business
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BusinessBuncombe County TDA to Award $11 Million in Tourism Grants
An estimated $11 million in grants for tourism-related capital projects in Asheville and Buncombe County will be awarded beginning April 1, when the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority...
Asheville to Ride Sports Tourism Wave in 2026
Three major sporting events are expected to inject millions into Asheville's economy in 2026, supporting post-Helene recovery efforts and providing a significant boost in tourism. The city is...
March 19, 2026
The River Arts District Rises: A Dual Comeback Asheville
Asheville -- March 18, 2026: ...
March 18, 2026
Asheville Considers Fee Hikes for Water, Waste, and Parking Services
Asheville residents and business owners could soon face higher bills for essential city services, as the city considers increasing fees for water, solid waste, and parking. The proposed increases...
March 17, 2026
WNC Environmental Summit Friday, March 20, 2026 Haywood Community College
HAYWOOD COUNTY -- Haywood Community College Annouces WNC Environmental Summit Friday, March 20, 2026 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m.Haywood Community College Auditori...
March 17, 2026Entertainment
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EntertainmentFree Floral Fun: Grove Arcade in Bloom Returns to Downtown Asheville
Asheville's Grove Arcade will be bursting with color on April 25th during the annual Grove Arcade in Bloom event. Enjoy a free afternoon of floral displays, plant shopping, and giveaways in the heart of downtown.
WNC Let's Go to the Movies March 20–26, 2026
WNC -- Whether you're looking for a high-stakes space mission or a nostalgic horror sequel, Western North Carolina theaters have a packed lineup for t...
March 20, 2026
Richman, TEDx Highlight Asheville's Arts Scene Tonight
Asheville's reputation as a hub for arts and innovation will be on full display tonight, **March 20, 2026**, with a diverse lineup of events across Buncombe County. **Jonathan Richman** will appear...
March 20, 2026
The Streets of Asheville Come Alive with Inaugural BuskerFest
Downtown Asheville has always had a certain rhythm, one dictated by the strum of guitars, the beat of drums, and the creative spirit of its street per...
March 18, 2026
Steven Curtis Chapman Concert Kicks Off Asheville's Music Week
Asheville's music scene hits a high note tonight as Grammy-winning Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman brings his Speechless ’26 Tour to Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. His performance coincides with...
March 18, 2026Lifestyle
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LifestyleMANNA FoodBank Unveils New Mills River Facility After Storm Recovery
MANNA FoodBank celebrated the opening of its new freezer and cooler in Mills River, marking a significant milestone after Tropical Storm Helene's devastation. The facility promises streamlined operations and improved food access for Western North Carolina.
State of the County: Haywood Releases 2026 Community Health Update
Haywood County -- Tracking the well-being of a community is an ongoing mission, and this week, Haywood County officials provided a fresh look at the ...
March 21, 2026
The Invisible Power Plant in Your Garage: Why NC is Rewriting the Rules of Energy
North Carolina -- TECHNOLOGY: The headlines across North Carolina are clear: electricity demand is skyrocketing, projected to jump as much as 60% over...
March 20, 2026
'American Idol' Top 20 Finalist Braden Rumfelt Performs in Asheville
Just days after advancing to the top 20 on *American Idol*, Murphy singer Braden Rumfelt captivated an Asheville audience with a St. Patrick's Day performance. The show connected his rising national...
March 20, 2026
WNC Restaurants Unite for 24th Annual Dining Out for Life on April 30
Western North Carolina AIDS Project's Dining Out for Life returns April 30th, with local restaurants donating 20% of proceeds to HIV prevention and care. Discover which Asheville eateries are participating and how you can support the cause while enjoying a delicious meal.
March 19, 2026Outdoors
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OutdoorsSun, Shadow, and Spring: A Guide to the March Equinox
EQUINOX -- The chill of winter is fading, replaced by the promise of warmth, blooming flowers, and longer days. In the Northern Hemisphere, the March ...
Deaverview Mountain Park: Buncombe Finalizes Land Purchase
Buncombe County has officially purchased 342 acres on Deaverview Mountain, paving the way for its largest public park. The purchase, finalized Thursday, marks a significant milestone in the partnership with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.
March 20, 2026
Asheville Area Great Outdoors Beckon: Ditch Downtown, Hit the Trails!
Western North Carolina is set for a week of beautiful weather, perfect for outdoor adventures. We highlight the best hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks near Asheville to escape the city crowds.
March 19, 2026
Spring Bird Migration: Lights Out, How Asheville Can Save Our Feathered Friends
Millions of birds are passing through Asheville this spring. Learn simple steps residents can take to reduce hazards like window collisions and habitat loss, making our city a safer haven for migrating birds.
March 18, 2026
The Trail That Started It All: Fishing the Nation's First Fly Fishing Trail in 2026
Jackson County -- In 2009, Jackson County made history by launching the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail®—the first of its kind in the United ...
March 17, 2026