Happy Thursday, Buncombe County!

💡 Buncombe Fact: Completed in 1827, the Buncombe Turnpike became a vital trade route, carrying livestock and travelers from Kentucky and Tennessee down into the Southern states.

In today’s edition:

Let’s get to it.

— Sean Kolina

Spring evenings just got a little more magical. Biltmore’s newest experience, Luminere, officially opens this week, transforming the estate’s gardens and grounds into an illuminated nighttime walk designed around light, sound, and atmosphere.

This isn’t a quick pass-through kind of event. The experience is meant to be taken slowly, with glowing installations, curated pathways, and moments that are equal parts peaceful and immersive. The beautiful decorations keep it seasonal and visually striking as the Biltmore is known to do.

📍 Where: Biltmore Estate, Asheville
📅 When: Opens Today, March 26th | Select evenings
💲 Price: Ticketed

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For fans of classic rock, this tribute show hits all the right notes. Somewhat Petty brings the sound and spirit of Tom Petty to life with a setlist packed with familiar favorites. Most of us know the lyrics by heart, so there is no better fun than having a few sing-along moments that leans into nostalgia in the best way.

📍 Where: Third Room. 46 Wall St, Asheville
📅 When: Saturday, March 28th | Doors: 7pm | Show: 8pm
💲 Price: Ticketed

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A slower, more creative evening option. This candlelit collage workshop at Flora & Forage invites participants to work with natural materials and botanical elements in a relaxed, intimate setting. Expect a calm atmosphere, guided creativity, and something you can take home at the end of the night.

📍 Where: Flora & Forage. 428B Haywood Rd, Asheville
📅 When: Friday, March 27th | 5:30pm - 7:30pm
💲 Price: $40

Reserve Spot

If your ideal Saturday involves browsing handmade goods and picking up something you didn’t plan to buy, this one’s worth heading up to Weaverville. The Spring Art & Craft Pop-Up Market at Reems Creek Pottery brings together local makers, pottery, and small-batch goods in a relaxed setting.

📍 Where: Reems Creek Pottery, Weaverville
📅 When: March 28 | 10am – 3pm
💲 Price: Free to attend

More Info

This one has all the playful energy. The Hop & Bop Puppet Party brings a lively mix of puppets, music, and interactive fun to downtown Asheville, led by the Street Creature Puppet Collective. Expect a mini parade, hands-on puppet play, and a crowd that will be moving and grooving more than a traditional event. It’s lighthearted, a little quirky, and very Asheville in the best way.

📍 Where: The Hop at S&W, 56 Patton Ave, Asheville
📅 When: Sunday, March 29 | 3:00–4:30 PM
💲 Price: Free (food & treats available for purchase)

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If you’ve been getting more curious about sustainable gardening, this workshop offers a practical place to start. Learn how biochar can improve soil health, retain nutrients, and support long-term garden success. It’s educational and especially relevant as planting season gets closer.

📍 Where: 408 Pearson Dr. Asheville
📅 When: Friday, March 27th | 1pm
💲 Price: Free

More Info

Sometimes the best way to experience art is to slow down and actually spend time with it. The Asheville Art Museum’s Slow Art Friday encourages visitors to focus on a handful of pieces rather than rushing through an entire gallery. It’s a quieter, more intentional way to engage with art, and a nice midday reset if your week has been a little too fast-paced.

📍 Where: Asheville Art Museum
📅 When: Friday, March 27th | 12pm – 1pm
💲 Price: Included with admission

More Info

Spring really shows up for this one. Tulip Blossom Days at Stepp’s Hillcrest brings fields of blooming flowers, mountain views, and a chance to slow down and enjoy the season outdoors. Visitors can walk through rows of colorful tulips, take photos, and spend time on one of the area’s most scenic family farms. It’s a simple, feel-good outing that pairs well with sunshine and a relaxed afternoon. They anticipate their tulip season lasting 3-4 weekends, weather and crop dependent so don’t wait!

📍 Where: Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard, Hendersonville
📅 When: Fridays & Saturdays | 11am - 4pm , Sundays | 1pm - 4pm
💲 Price: $5-6

Get Tickets

😋 Weekly Appalachian inspired recipe: Rösti - A Southern mountain take on a Swiss classic

🎵 Who we are listening to: A Place In The Sun – Jack Johnson & Paula Fuga. “Easy, earthy, and endlessly replayable. The perfect soundtrack for a sunny Buncombe afternoon.”

💛 Local Nonprofits. Homeward Bound of WNC - Their mission is to prevent and end homelessness in Asheville and Buncombe County through permanent housing and support.

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

🙏 Positive News: Teens are recycling thousands of old pickleballs — aiming to break a Guinness World Record while keeping them out of landfills. A small idea with a surprisingly big impact. Read Article

✨ You don’t have to do everything today. Doing one thing with care is often enough.

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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