Happy Wednesday, Buncombe County!
💡 Buncombe Fact: The name "Swannanoa" is believed to derive from a Cherokee word for "beautiful river".
In today’s edition:
Summer Sailing Classes
Sip & Shop
Sound Bath in the Park
Free Golf Simulator
Gel Plate Monoprinting
A New Spot For Merrimon
Emergency Preparedness Fair
Nature Journaling
Fun Facts & More
Let’s get to it.
— Sean Kolina
⛵ Asheville Sailing Club - Summer Classes- What to Expect
Sponsored By: Asheville Sailing Club
Ahoy all you landlubbers! Ready for an exciting summer experience on the water sailing right here in WNC on Lake Julian? If so, listen up.
For all Learn to Sail (LTS) classes, we begin with land skills the first day and assess your affinity to the water. You will learn: the parts of a sailboat and terms used, how it is controlled, understanding wind direction, how to prepare a boat for launch & return, steering and safety. 2nd day you are on the water already!
If you are a young beginner, we suit you up in a PFD (life vest), let you swim/paddle a short distance then round you up in small dinghy’s with no sails and take you for a train ride around the lake powered by our safety boat to get you used to the water and buoyancy. The rest of the week you will be in the small Optis boats learning to feel the wind and sails while being closely monitored by certified counselors and directors who will coach you on the water. We maximize the FUN out there with games!
If you are an adult, we start up with the same on-land skills then teach you how to rig your boat then perform a capsize drill before going out on the water the second day. The instructors will be coaching you on US Sailing Small Boat Beginner curriculum with certification that can be attained by the end of the week. Classes are conducted on Sunfish, 420’s, Lasers and a Flying Scot. Our goal is to have you join us later on Fun Sails and regattas!
So are you ready to dip your toe in the water and set sail with us? Classes begin soon, so sign up now at www.ashevillesailing.org/about-lts
🛍️ RAD Sip & Shop
River Arts District
If your ideal weekend involves a little browsing, a drink in hand, and discovering something you didn’t know you needed, this one checks all the boxes. The River Arts District’s Sip & Shop invites you to wander through working studios, meet local artists, and explore a wide range of handmade goods in one of Asheville’s most creative neighborhoods.
What makes this event stand out is the atmosphere. It’s less about rushing from place to place and more about stepping into studios, having conversations, and experiencing the creative process up close. Add in a few drink options along the way, and it turns into an easy way to spend an afternoon.
📍 Where: River Arts District, Asheville
📅 When: Saturday, April 11th | 12pm - 5pm
💲 Price: Free to attend
🧘 Pop-Up Sound Bath in the Park
ceceyogini
As part of the Yoga in the Park Asheville series, this pop-up sound bath invites you to slow down, breathe, and unwind in an outdoor setting overlooking the French Broad River. Led by Latoya Salter, the session blends gentle guidance with calming sound elements designed to help you relax and recharge. It also marks the start of a new season of outdoor yoga gatherings, making it a great time to check it out.
📍 Where: 198 Vermont Ave (West Asheville Park)
📅 When: Saturday, April 11th | 10am –11am
💲 Price: $15-20 sliding scale
⛳ Free Golf Simulator at Funkatorium
If you’ve been meaning to work on your swing without committing to a full round, this is a great place to start. 828 Golf Sim is offering free access to their indoor simulator at The Funkatorium, giving you a chance to practice, compete with friends, or just see how your game holds up.
📍 Where: Funkatorium, 147 Coxe Ave, Asheville
📅 When: Friday, April 10th | 4pm - 8pm
💲 Price: Free
🖨️ Gel Plate Monoprinting: Wabi-Sabi Approach
A printmaking class with a built-in philosophy lesson. This workshop explores the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, embracing imperfection through layered textures and experimental techniques. It’s a slower, hands-on creative experience that’s more about the process than the final product, making it a great option if you’re looking to unplug and try something new.
📍 Where: Trackside Studios, 375 Depot St, Asheville
📅 When: Wednesday, April 15th | 11am - 2pm
💲 Price: $75
🍜 A new Chinese American spot for Merrimon
Photo by Brook Lyn White
A new restaurant is bringing a familiar concept with a fresh twist to North Asheville. The Scheffer Group has announced The Majestic, a Chinese American restaurant set to open on Merrimon Avenue. The concept draws inspiration from classic comfort dishes while adding a more modern, thoughtful approach to the menu and experience. It’s another sign that Merrimon continues to grow as a strong food corridor, with more options beyond downtown.
📍 Where: Merrimon Avenue, Asheville
📅 When: Expected later this spring
🚨 Emergency Preparedness Fair
Not the flashiest event of the week, but one of the more useful. The Emergency Preparedness Fair brings together local organizations to share practical information on how to stay safe and prepared for everything from severe weather to everyday emergencies. Expect demonstrations, resources, and simple steps you can take to feel a little more ready for whatever surprises may come our way.
📍 Where: 216 Whitson Ave, Swannanoa
📅 When: Saturday, April 11th | 12pm - 5pm
💲 Price: Free
📓 Nature Journaling with Sue Dolamore
If you’ve been looking for a more creative way to spend time outdoors, this one is a fun option. Led by RAD artist Sue Dolamore, this hands-on workshop teaches simple techniques for sketching plants, capturing details, and turning observations into a mix of drawings and written notes.
The session is designed for all skill levels and includes guided instruction, time to practice, and materials you can take home to continue the habit. It’s part creativity, part mindfulness, and a great way to start seeing the natural world a little more closely.
📍 Where: Reems Creek Nursery, Weaverville
📅 When: Saturday, April 11th | 2pm - 5pm
💲 Price: $55
Other fun notes…
😋 Weekly Appalachian inspired recipe: Apple Quick Bread with Buttermilk Icing - It tastes like a mashup of apple fritters and apple muffins and is absolutely the coziest, most lovely thing in the fall.
🎵 Who we are listening to: Live Well – Palace. “It’s got to be my FAVORITE swaying in the kitchen, washing dishes, looking out the window, watching the sunset with warm wet hands… song in the world.”
💛 Local Nonprofits. Blue Ridge Humane Society - Their mission is to nurture and strengthen the bond between animals and people in our community by removing barriers and delivering accessible, comprehensive support with dignity and respect to address animal welfare challenges.
🙏 Positive News: Humanity’s Long-Awaited Return to Lunar Space Captured with Brilliant Photographs. Read Article
✨ Comfort is not where growth lives
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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