Happy Wednesday, Buncombe County.

If there was any doubt about how seriously Buncombe County takes game day snacks, Sunday cleared that up. Wings were handled, dips disappeared, and there were probably a few of you that went crazy on the charcuterie board… I for sure did.

Now that the Super Bowl is behind us, it might be time to trade the nachos for something slightly more responsible — like pizza. Or at least balance them out with a long walk and a good local outing!

In today’s edition:

Let’s get to it.

— Sean Kolina

If you needed a reason to lean back into carbs after your very serious Super Bowl “reset,” this is it. WNC Pizza Week is back, and local pizzerias across Buncombe County are rolling out creative, limited-time pies that you won’t find on their regular menus.

Think unexpected toppings, regional twists, chef experiments, and maybe even that flavor combo you didn’t know you needed. The beauty of Pizza Week is that it gives you a built-in excuse to try somewhere new or revisit a local favorite. Many spots offer a fixed-price special, making it an easy and delicious night out .

Grab a friend, plan a mini pizza crawl, or make it a casual family night. Supporting local never tasted this good.

📍 Where: Participating restaurants across Buncombe County + greater WNC
📅 When: Through February 15th
💲 Price: Special fixed-price pizza offerings

More Info + Pizza Map

Celebrate friendship, creativity, and community at this special museum night that swaps Valentine spotlight for friend appreciation instead. Expect a waffle bar, DJ spinning tunes, a silent auction with women-owned vendors, bouquet building, crafts, and playful moments all night long. Perfect for a girls’ night or a self-love treat.

📍 Where: Asheville Art Museum
📅 When: Thursday, Feb 13, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
💲 Price: Ticketed

Event Details

If you love music that is rooted in tradition, Bluegrass First Class is absolutely a weekend worth blocking off. This long-running festival brings bluegrass to life in Asheville with back-to-back sets from well-loved performers and rising artists alike. The lineup includes names like Seth Mulder & Midnight Run, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Appalachian Road Show, and more across two stages in a format that will be lively!

Whether you’ve been coming for years or are considering your first bluegrass festival, this is one that delivers both high-caliber musicianship and an experience that will be soulful and social. Come for the tunes, stay for the community.

📍 Where: Crowne Plaza Resort, Asheville
📅 When: Friday, Feb 13 through Sunday, Feb 15
💲 Price: Ticketed (varies by package)

Get Tickets

Here’s a creative twist on Valentine’s Day. Learn the traditional art of Ukrainian egg decoration in a warm studio setting. It’s hands-on, unique, and makes for a thoughtful keepsake or gift, especially if you want an activity that is culturally rich.

📍 Where: River Arts District
📅 When: Fri, Feb 13th, 3pm - 6pm | Sat, Feb 14th, 2pm - 5pm
💲 Price: $75 Registration required

Register For Event

The Great Backyard Bird Count invites community members to spend time outdoors spotting and identifying local birds, contributing to a global citizen science project in the process. Lake Julian Park is an easy, scenic place to participate, with open water views that attract a variety of winter species. Bring binoculars if you have them, bundle up if needed, and enjoy a peaceful morning walk that doubles as a meaningful way to connect with nature right here in Buncombe County.

📍 Where: Lake Julian Park, Arden
📅 When: February 16th | 9am - 10am
💲 Price: Free

Reserve Your Spot

Snow, trolls, and a fresh perspective on winter life. Now that sounds like a plan worth getting out for! This is the last few days of Trolls: A Field Study which has transformed the Arboretum into a whimsical outdoor gallery with twelve interactive troll sculptures scattered through forest paths and gardens. Each larger-than-life figure is crafted from natural materials and playfully engages with our environment, inviting you to explore, laugh, and admire the unbelievable craftsmanship.

📍 Where: The North Carolina Arboretum
📅 When: Through Tuesday, Feb 17
💲 Price: Arboretum parking price includes ticket

Learn More

Reservations recommended.

👨‍🌾 Bush Farmhouse creative South African-inspired cuisine in a cozy Black Mountain atmosphere. Seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients.

🥘 Bargello features stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, an open kitchen view, and an open-fire pizza hearth.

🇧🇷 Gauchinho Brazilian steakhouse all-you-can-eat churrasco and wine selections for a special Valentine’s feast.

🍹 Copper Crown seasonal new American Valentine’s dinner in East Asheville with craft cocktails and local ingredients.

🍣 Murasaki Japanese Restaurant Highly rated for authentic Japanese cuisine — intimate dinner setting ideal for a Valentine’s reservation.

🛡️ The Cheshire Arms British-inspired dining in Black Mountain with cozy interior and elevated dishes perfect for a casual but flavorful meal.

🍽️ The Bull and Beggar Special Valentine’s menu with refined European-inspired dishes in a cozy mountain chic space.

🧅 Glass Onion Intimate Italian and wine bar in Weaverville with a cozy dinner vibe that feels just right for Valentine’s night.

🥂 La Guinguette French/Latin-inspired dinner in a romantic Black Mountain setting perfect for a date night with wine and classic crepes.

🍷 The Blackbird Restaurant Valentine’s dinner special curated multi-course menu celebrating seasonal ingredients.

💡 At over 1 billion years of age, the Blue Ridge Mountains are among the oldest in the world, second only to South Africa's Barberton greenstone belt.

😋 Weekly Appalachian inspired recipe: Shuck Beans. Silky-smooth green beans dried in their pods, which, when slow-cooked with smoky pork, rehydrate into tender, velvety morsels that melt in your mouth with an intense, savory flavor.

🎵 Who we are listening to: Alabama Shakes - Don't Wanna Fight. A gritty, emotional blend of Southern soul, blues-rock, and roots music.

🎁 Local small business highlight: Mabel Bakery - Small artisan bakery with beloved pastries and breads.

👩‍🌾 Weaverville Tailgate Market - vibrant weekly community offering locally grown produce, farm-raised meats, baked goods, and handmade crafts. Wednesdays 3-6pm.

🙏 Positive News: 13-year-old Ditches Lifejacket and Makes ‘Superhuman’ Swim to Save Family Swept out to Sea. Read Article

✨ Progress, not perfection.

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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