Happy Thursday, Buncombe County!

💡 Buncombe Fact: Albert Einstein and Jack Kerouac were among the notable figures who visited or passed through the Black Mountain College area.

In today’s edition:

Let’s get to it.

— Sean Kolina

There’s a new kind of First Friday happening in Asheville, and it feels a little more neighborhood-driven than usual. Lamplight AVL is hosting the East–West Asheville Art Walk, bringing art, music, and creative energy out of galleries and into the streets of West Asheville.

Instead of one central location, this is designed as a walkable experience across 12 local businesses, each hosting its own mix of exhibitions, performances, and creative programming. Think open studios, live music, pop-ups, and plenty of opportunities to meet artists and explore spaces you might not normally step into.

It’s free, flexible, and built for wandering. Start anywhere, follow your curiosity, and see where the night takes you. Events like this are a good reminder that Asheville’s art scene isn’t just something to visit, it’s something to move through.

📍 Where: West Asheville (multiple locations including Lamplight AVL)
📅 When: Friday, April 3 | 5pm –8pm
💲 Price: Free

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A new addition is bringing bold flavors to downtown. Baba Nahm has officially moved into S&W Market, adding a fresh, globally inspired dining option to the growing lineup of food vendors inside this historic space. Known for its vibrant dishes and modern approach to Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, it’s another reason to swing by for lunch, dinner, or a casual food hall stop.

📍 Where: S&W Market, Downtown Asheville
📅 When: Now open
💲 Price: Menu pricing

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Spring events are starting to pop up, and this one leans fully into the season. The WNC Nature Center’s EGG-stravaganza features a scavenger-style egg hunt paired with animal-themed activities and time outdoors. It’s a great option for families or anyone hosting visitors who want something light, festive, and easy to enjoy.

Bonus: you’re surrounded by one of Asheville’s most underrated outdoor spots.

📍 Where: WNC Nature Center, Asheville
📅 When: April 4 | Starting at 10am
💲 Price: General admission required

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Sometimes the most meaningful gatherings are the quiet ones. This Dementia Partners Support Group offers a space for caregivers and loved ones to connect, share experiences, and find support in a community that understands what they’re going through. Hosted at the Asheville YMCA, it’s a helpful reminder that resources like this exist right here in Buncombe County.

📍 Where: Asheville YMCA
📅 When: Monday, April 6th | 6pm - 7pm
💲 Price: Free to attend

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If you’ve been craving a little travel without leaving the mountains, this exhibit offers a scenic alternative. Tapestry of America is an interdisciplinary project by a UNC Asheville student that blends photography and science to explore the beauty and complexity of the country’s national parks.

The evening includes a public lecture followed by a gallery-style reception, highlighting wildlife, landscapes, and the stories behind some of the most iconic protected lands in the U.S. It’s thoughtful, visually rich, and a nice way to step outside your usual routine without leaving town.

📍 Where: Mullen & James Humanities Hall, UNC Asheville
📅 When: Friday, April 3rd | 5:30pm - 8:30pm
💲 Price: Free

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A new dessert spot is on the way, and it’s one worth keeping on your radar. LKN Cheesecakery is set to open in Biltmore Village, bringing a menu filled with cheesecakes, crème brûlée, cakes, and other sweet favorites. It’s not open just yet, but if you like knowing where your next dessert stop will be before everyone else does, this is a good one to bookmark.

📍 Where: 6 Boston Way, Biltmore Village
📅 When: Opening soon
💲 Price: Menu pricing

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This one is exactly as fun as it sounds. Goat Yoga on the Farm pairs a beginner-friendly yoga flow with a group of curious, playful goats who tend to wander, climb, and occasionally steal the spotlight. It’s less about perfect poses and more about enjoying the moment, laughing a little, and soaking in the fresh mountain air.

Hosted at Wilde Dairy Goat Farm, the experience is designed to help you disconnect from stress and reconnect with something a little lighter and more playful.

📍 Where: Wilde Dairy Goat Farm, Candler
📅 When: Saturday, April 4th | 11am - 12pm
💲 Price: $55

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A practical update with real community impact. Buncombe County is planning to convert its downtown general services building near McCormick Field into a new EMS station. The location’s proximity to Mission Hospital is expected to improve response times and strengthen emergency coverage in the area, making it a meaningful step forward for local infrastructure.

📍 Where: Downtown Asheville (near McCormick Field)
📅 When: Planning phase

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😋 Weekly Appalachian inspired recipe: Catfish Etouffee - it’s rich, zippy from the Cajun seasoning but not too spicy, and deeply savory.

🎵 Who we are listening to: “Figa de Guiné” – Mari Froes. A mellow, slightly dreamy track that feels good on a slow evening or playing in the background while cooking.

💛 Local Nonprofits. OpenDoors - Their mission is to strengthen community by eliminating opportunity and achievement gaps for students through education.

🐰 We found a great Easter Activity Book to fill the kids baskets.

🙏 Positive News: A new 24/7 streaming channel is bringing live views of animals from the San Diego Zoo into over 400 children’s hospitals across 12 countries. Read Article

✨ A quiet moment can be just as meaningful as a big milestone.

As always, we read every reply and truly appreciate hearing from you. If there’s something you’d like to see more of locally, let us know. Thanks for being part of the Buncombe County Digest community.

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