Available Monday through Friday, 8:00am-12:00pm
Some classes currently have a waitlist; register now and you will receive an update email regarding the enrollment status.
Feb
22
Sat
Feb 22 @ 11:00 pm – Feb 23 @ 2:00 am
Fridays & Saturdays, 11:00pm-2:00am
10pm-1am. Up to 6 people per lane for just $50 + shoes!
Come glow in the dark with all your friends at Sky Lanes.
Feb
23
Sun
Feb 23 @ 5:00 am – 5:00 pm
You will find Anything and Everything under the Sun. From Peanuts to Bulldozers, it all can be found at Smiley’s!
Great Restaurants and Concessions serving Authentic Mexican, Hamburgers, Sandwiches, Ice Cream, Snowcones, and so much more. Everyone in the family will be happy.
From the Best Produce in the South, to Clothes, Barber Shop, Hair Salon, Electronics, Appliances, Books, Plants, Antiques and Collectibles, New and Used Items, and even a full serve Bakery, are just a few of the things you can find.
Ride Smiley’s Carousel and Bumper Cars every weekend. $1 per ride or $5 for unlimited rides. Family Fun for all.
Come explore Smiley’s to find that long lost treasure or your everyday needs. It’s family fun for everyone!
Feb 23 @ 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
The City of Hendersonville’s Skate Park is located in Patton Park across from Patton Pool. The skate park is open to the public and is an unattended facility, the hours are 7am-11pm.
NO BIKES ALLOWED ON THE SKATE PARK
The Skate Park features include:
- Bowl – 8-ft deep with waterfall
- 4-ft ramp
- 4-ft quarter pipe with a 2-ft seat extention
- 8 sets of stairs with handrails
- Rainbow ledge – 4-ft wide x 20-ft long
- 3 – Flat ledges
- Grind rail
- 2 hubba ledges
- 5-ft quarter pipe
- Designed & constructed by GRINDLINE SKATEPARKS INC.
Feb 23 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
If you haven’t heard of Kids in Parks or TRACK Trails yet, you’ve been missing out! TRACK Trails is a trail program that was started here in Asheville (but has since spread across the country!) by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, a network of local Pediatricians, and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, to “promote children’s health and the health of our parks”, and we have several in our area. Kids in Parks is an ever expanding network of family-friendly, self-guided outdoor adventures, and “include hiking trails, biking trails, geocaching trails, paddling trails, nature trail disc golf courses, and even adventures you can do in your own back yard”. Register your child online, and as they complete the trail, they earn prizes for tracking their adventures! Best of all, it’s all FREE!
Feb 23 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Our comprehensive guide to Asheville Area Playgrounds is your ultimate resource for recreation in Asheville with kids! Indoor playgrounds, as well as outdoor playgrounds are included, with everything you need to know in advance to plan your family friendly outing in Asheville and the surrounding area!
This guide is a continuous work in progress, and we will keep adding to it, so keep checking back!
Feb 23 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Spreadsheet of MANNA FoodBank – Public Food Pantries and Meal Sites Sorted by County, Zip Code, then Agency Name at the link listed.
Feb 23 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Asheville is an amazing city with so much to see and do, and while we have some amazing group tour companies, sometimes we want to venture out on our own to learn about the culture and history of our area … with just our family, on our schedule and timetable, to explore our interests, on our own path. A great way to do that, and a great way to save some money (THESE ARE ALL FREE), is to take one of the many self-guided tours that have been created by our local experts at our tourism centers, and historic sites. We’ve compiled the list attached of some of our favorites for you, with links to them all, that we hope you will enjoy and learn as much from as we did and still do. If we’re missing any of your favorites, let us know, so that we can share them, too!
Check them all out at the link above
Feb 23 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
The Henderson County Public Library has teamed up with local attractions and museums to offer FREE ADMISSION for library card holders with a ZOOM pass! Reservations can be made between 5 and 30 days in advance. Your household may visit one attraction every 30 days. Check the pass details to see how many adults and children gain entry with each pass.
👉 Have your library card ready and book yours at the link above
Feb 23 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Transylvania County Public Library has teamed up with local attractions and museums to offer FREE ADMISSION for library card holders with a ZOOM pass! Reservations can be made between 5 and 30 days in advance. Your household may visit one attraction every 30 days. Check the pass details to see how many adults and children gain entry with each pass.
👉 Have your library card ready and book yours at the link above
Feb 23 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Spend some quality time with your family Sundays @ 10AM
Feb 23 @ 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Explore our brewery nestled in the Appalachians.
When we brewed our first batch of beer in 1980 in Chico, California, the lush forests of North Carolina were far from our mind. Over the last four decades, our thirst to brew quality, flavorful beer led us across the country and around the globe. In 2012, we broke ground on our second production location in order to send the freshest beer possible to our friends and fans all over the world. Come visit our sprawling East Coast home in Mills River, North Carolina and see first-hand how determination and a pioneering spirit can lead to incredible adventures. Our tours fill up quickly. You must make reservations online for all tours except the Guided Tastings and the self-guided Visitor Corridor.
SUNDAY–THURSDAY
11:00am–9:00pm
FRIDAY–SATURDAY
11:00am–10:00pm
GUIDED:
- Brewery Tour – Mills River, NC … Duration: 45 minutes | Ages 12+ only | $9/Person | Reservation required
Whether you’re just getting into craft beer or we’re on your brewery bucket list, a Mills River tour is for you — so we recommend you reserve a spot! Our interactive tours offer everything from hop handling to nature hikes to — what you really came for — beer sampling.
- Beyond the Pale Tour – Mills River, NC … Duration: 90 minutes | Ages 12+ only | $25/Person | Reservation required
Join us for a taste of our iconic Sierra Nevada Pale Ale as we dive into our roots: from humble beginnings in Chico, California to our LEED Platinum certified facility in Mills River, North Carolina. We will walk through our production facility, exploring the brewing process and ingredients, and highlight how our sustainability commitment fits into it all. We will end with guided tasting of eight beers in our Grand Tasting Room and Bar. Wheelchair accessible. No one under 12 years old permitted.
- Trip in the Woods Hiking Tour … Duration: 2 to 2 1/2 hours | Ages 12+ only | $30/Person | Reservation required
Our Mills River brewery is nestled within over 200 acres of lush, forested land just waiting to be explored, so join us on a Trip in the Woods! On this 1.5-mile guided nature hike, you will explore our beautiful, forested property, visit our resident chickens, donkeys, and sheep who graze freely across nearly 4 acres of pasture, and wrap up with a sampling of a few of our award-winning brews in our Back Porch Beer Garden. Grab your hiking shoes and get ready for a beer adventure! *The loop trail features moderate elevation change. Those with allergies should note that the group will hike near our beehives.
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SELF GUIDED:
- Visitor Corridor … Duration: At your leisure | All ages | No reservation required | Sunday-Thursday: 11am-8pm, Friday-Saturday: 11am-9pm
Groups not your thing? We get it. For those who prefer to wander solo, our Brewery has been designed with guests in mind! Our upstairs Visitor Corridor includes a raised mezzanine for bird’s-eye views of our copper-clad brewhouse, a real-time look at fermenting beer and a visit to our warehouse and packaging hall. Self-guided tour areas do not require a reservation, and are open to the public during normal business hours.
Feb 23 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
VISITING HOURS FOR SELF GUIDED TOURS:
Monday, 11:00am-12:00pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 11:00am – 1:00pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 3:00pm – 5:00pm
The following options for tours are available:
COMPLIMENTARY GUIDED TOURS – Schedule a tour by completing the online form. Tours Available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 1:30pm (These tours take 45 minutes), and immediately after Sunday Masses. Mass times are Saturday, 5:00 p.m., Sunday, 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 Noon (these tours take 25 minutes). Tours of the Basilica of Saint Lawrence must be prescheduled at least two weeks in advance and re-confirmed with the Tour Coordinator before your scheduled visit. Trained Docents (tour guides) are provided unless you make other arrangements with the Tour Coordinator.
SELF-GUIDED TOUR – The brochure, The Art & Architecture of the Basilica of Saint Lawrence, D.M., provides a very informative self-guided tour. When visiting the Basilica, copies may be found in the side vestibule. You may also download a copy of the brochure HERE
Tours are free but donations are very much appreciated.
Church parking is located in the first lot to the west of the Parish Office building and behind the Basilica. On weekends additional parking available is in the large gated lot across the street.
The Basilica’s parking lots are clearly marked “Church Parking.” Parishioners and the many Visitors who attend Mass at the Basilica usually find our parking adequate unless they arrive late. There is no charge for parking to attend daily and weekend Masses, and other church activities.
When visiting the Basilica please pay close attention to our parking lot signage, as parking in non-church lots may result in the unpleasant, expensive experience of having your vehicle towed.
Feb 23 @ 11:30 am – 4:30 pm
YEAR ROUND! The market is moved indoors in the winter.
A local market on the second and fourth Sundays of the month! There will be local makers, artists, and purveyors set up with their goods.
Feb 23 @ 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Citizen Vinyl is a communal space housing a record press facility, cafe, bar, recording studio & analog art & record store – located in the historic Citizen Times building in downtown Asheville – an incredible specimen of the Art Moderne style whose grand civic space serves to celebrate the history of manufacturing & craft alongside the current state of music, food & beverage within our local community.
A very few walk-up spots are available for most public tours, but reservations are strongly recommended — first come first served! Gather at the Coda Shop Counter for your guide at the scheduled time, Tours will last ~45 minutes. Punctuality is appreciated: Late-comers may join in at any point before the group heads up to the recording studio, about 20 minutes in.
Be advised that there is limited access [ stairs / elevator to the 3rd floor ] due to the nature of the historically preserved 1930’s construction. Please email tours@CitizenVinyl.com ahead of time with any questions or concerns!
“You can watch blobs of vinyl smooshed into discs, then trimmed into perfect circles, while listening to the Daily Sides—curated playlists available in printed form on clipboards. On one molasses-slow Asheville afternoon, as light streamed through some of the twenty-thousand glass bricks, Lauryn Hill’s voice filled the air. “ – Esquire
Tours Offered by Appointment Only, Wed-Sun
Feb 23 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
At 5:30 pm on Fridays, Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays (A new weekly featured movie begins each Friday)
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. will be showing a different kids movie each week so you can bring your little’s for something fun to watch on the big screen while enjoying food and beverages.
Feb
24
Mon
Feb 24 all-day
In addition to story times for the little ones (see our calendar for those), our local libraries have several clubs, classes, and other fun programs on their calendars for families with kids of all ages. And, unless they specify that you must register in advance for an event, you won’t likely need a library account with that county to attend them! Visit the events calendars for the numerous library systems we have in our area, below …
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BUNCOMBE COUNTY LIBRARIES … EVENT CALENDAR HERE
- Black Mountain Library @ 105 N. Dougherty St., Black Mountain, NC 28711 | (828) 250-4756
- East Asheville Library @ 3 Avon Rd., Asheville | (828) 250-4738
- Enka-Candler Library @ 1404 Sand Hill Road, Candler, NC 28715 | (828) 250-4758
- Fairview Library @ 1 Taylor Road, Fairview, NC 28730 | (828) 250-6484
- Leicester Library @ 1561 Alexander Road, Leicester, NC 28748 | (828) 250-6480
- North Asheville Library @ 1030 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, NC 28804 | (828) 250-4752
- Oakley/South Asheville Library @ 749 Fairview Road, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 250-4754
- Pack Memorial Library @ 67 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 250-4700
- Skyland/South Buncombe Library @ 260 Overlook Road, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 250-6488
- Swannanoa Library @ 101 W. Charleston Ave. Swannanoa, NC 28778 | (828) 250-6486
- Weaverville Library @ 41 N. Main Street, Weaverville, NC 28787 | (828) 250-6482
- West Asheville Library @ 942 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806 | (828) 250-4750
HENDERSON COUNTY LIBRARIES … EVENT CALENDAR HERE
- Main Library @ 301 N Washington St., Hendersonville, NC 28739 | (828) 697-4725
- Fletcher Library @ 120 Library Road, Fletcher, NC 28732 | (828) 687-1218
- Edneyville Library @ 2 Firehouse Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792 | (828) 685-0110
- Etowah Library @ 101 Brickyard Rd, Etowah, NC 28729 | (828) 891-6577
- Green River Library @ 50 Green River Rd, Zirconia, NC 28790 | (828) 697-4969
- Mills River Library @ 124 Town Center Dr., Suite 1, Mills River, NC 28759 | (828) 890-1850
HAYWOOD COUNTY LIBRARIES … EVENT CALENDAR HERE
- Canton Branch @ 11 Pennsylvania Avenue Canton, NC 28716 | (828) 648-2924
- Fines Creek Branch @ 190 Fines Creek Road Clyde, NC 28721 | (828) 356-2551
- Maggie Valley Branch @ 3987 Soco Road Town Hall Maggie Valley, NC 28751 | (828) 356-2541
- Waynesville Branch @ 678 S Haywood Street Waynesville, NC 28786 | (828) 452-5169
MCDOWELL COUNTY LIBRARIES … EVENT CALENDAR HERE
- Marion Library @ 90 W Court St, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 652-3858
- Old Fort Library @ 65 E Mitchell St, Old Fort, NC 28762 | (828) 668-7111
Feb 24 @ 6:00 am – 1:00 pm
6:00am-8:00am and 11:00am-1:00pm, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
The YMCA of Western North Carolina partners with Buncombe County Schools to manage the new Buncombe County Schools Aquatics Center. The 17,380 square foot building features a 10-lane, 400,000 gallon climate-controlled pool. The center also includes 420 spectator seats, a state-of-the-art timing and scoreboard system, UV water filtration, and numerous energy efficient design features.
At this time, we only offer lap swimming. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult and pass a swim test to be in the pool.
Feb 24 @ 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
The City of Hendersonville’s Skate Park is located in Patton Park across from Patton Pool. The skate park is open to the public and is an unattended facility, the hours are 7am-11pm.
NO BIKES ALLOWED ON THE SKATE PARK
The Skate Park features include:
- Bowl – 8-ft deep with waterfall
- 4-ft ramp
- 4-ft quarter pipe with a 2-ft seat extention
- 8 sets of stairs with handrails
- Rainbow ledge – 4-ft wide x 20-ft long
- 3 – Flat ledges
- Grind rail
- 2 hubba ledges
- 5-ft quarter pipe
- Designed & constructed by GRINDLINE SKATEPARKS INC.
Feb 24 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
If you haven’t heard of Kids in Parks or TRACK Trails yet, you’ve been missing out! TRACK Trails is a trail program that was started here in Asheville (but has since spread across the country!) by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, a network of local Pediatricians, and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, to “promote children’s health and the health of our parks”, and we have several in our area. Kids in Parks is an ever expanding network of family-friendly, self-guided outdoor adventures, and “include hiking trails, biking trails, geocaching trails, paddling trails, nature trail disc golf courses, and even adventures you can do in your own back yard”. Register your child online, and as they complete the trail, they earn prizes for tracking their adventures! Best of all, it’s all FREE!
Feb 24 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Our comprehensive guide to Asheville Area Playgrounds is your ultimate resource for recreation in Asheville with kids! Indoor playgrounds, as well as outdoor playgrounds are included, with everything you need to know in advance to plan your family friendly outing in Asheville and the surrounding area!
This guide is a continuous work in progress, and we will keep adding to it, so keep checking back!
Feb 24 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Spreadsheet of MANNA FoodBank – Public Food Pantries and Meal Sites Sorted by County, Zip Code, then Agency Name at the link listed.
Feb 24 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Feb 24 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Asheville is an amazing city with so much to see and do, and while we have some amazing group tour companies, sometimes we want to venture out on our own to learn about the culture and history of our area … with just our family, on our schedule and timetable, to explore our interests, on our own path. A great way to do that, and a great way to save some money (THESE ARE ALL FREE), is to take one of the many self-guided tours that have been created by our local experts at our tourism centers, and historic sites. We’ve compiled the list attached of some of our favorites for you, with links to them all, that we hope you will enjoy and learn as much from as we did and still do. If we’re missing any of your favorites, let us know, so that we can share them, too!
Check them all out at the link above
Feb 24 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
FREE ADMISSION TO LOCAL ATTRACTIONS! Buncombe County Public Libraries have teamed up with local attractions and museums to offer FREE ADMISSION for library card holders through their ZOOM pass program! All you’ll need is a Buncombe County library card in good standing to reserve one. You can make 1 reservation at a time per library card, up to 30 days in advance, and you may visit each attraction once every 30 days. The process is simple! Reserve your pass on the Buncombe County Libraries website, pick up the pass at the library of your choosing, and go have fun! They’ll even send you an email confirmation of your reservation and a reminder email the day before your visit, so you don’t forget!
All reservations are made online, so you won’t be able to call or email to make a reservation.
WHAT’S CURRENTLY BEING OFFERED:
ASHEVILLE ART MUSEUM … Pass admits 2 adults and 4 children under age 18. For general admission only and doesn’t include special exhibits or events that have an additional charge.
ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE … Pass admits four people (Children under 2 are admitted free and don’t need a pass). For admission only and doesn’t include additional programming fees.
HANDS ON! CHILDREN’S MUSEUM … Family Pass admits 4 people. You can get $10 off a membership to Hands On! on the day of your ZOOM pass visit.
NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM … One pass per car for personal vehicles. Doesn’t include special exhibits or events that have an additional charge (like Winter Lights).
PADDLEBOATS AT LAKE JULIAN … One ZOOM pass = one 30 minute Paddleboat ride. Minimum passenger age is 2 years old. Minimum age to rent a paddleboat is 16 years old and the paddleboat must have at least one person 16 years of age or older on board.
TEAM ECCO AQUARIUM AND SHARK LAB … The ZOOM Family Pass for the Team Ecco Aquarium and Shark Lab admits 4 people. This pass is available Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
WATERCRAFT LAUNCH PASS AT LAKE JULIAN … One ZOOM Pass = one personal watercraft daily launch pass (no gas powered engines on the lake).
WNC NATURE CENTER … Family Pass admits 2 adults and 4 children under age 18 (Children under 2 are admitted free and don’t need a pass).
WELL PLAYES BOARD GAME CAFE … There are two passes available Monday through Thursday starting July 1st. Each pass admits two adults and four kids.
BUNCOMBE COUNTY OUTDOOR POOLS … Seasonally, Beginning May 27th in 2023! Family Pass admits 4 people, and can be used at Cane Creek Pool, Erwin Pool, Hominy Valley Pool, North Buncombe Pool, Owen Pool.
Buncombe County Libraries also partners often with Asheville Community Theatre and NC Stage Company for passes to performances
Seasonally, you may even see passes to Buncombe County pools in the summer, and passes to Winter Lights at Lake Julian in the Winter!
Live in neighboring counties? Several other counties have their own version of ZOOM! We know Henderson County, Transylvania County, Madison County, and Polk County all do! You can also apply for an out of county library card with Buncombe County for a small $20 yearly fee, in which case you’ll qualify to participate in their ZOOM Pass program! Apply in person at any Buncombe County Library branch to become an out of county cardholder. Our guide to Buncombe County Library branches HERE
GET YOUR PIN NUMBER READY AND RESERVE YOUR ZOOM PASS HERE
Feb 24 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
The Henderson County Public Library has teamed up with local attractions and museums to offer FREE ADMISSION for library card holders with a ZOOM pass! Reservations can be made between 5 and 30 days in advance. Your household may visit one attraction every 30 days. Check the pass details to see how many adults and children gain entry with each pass.
👉 Have your library card ready and book yours at the link above
Feb 24 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Transylvania County Public Library has teamed up with local attractions and museums to offer FREE ADMISSION for library card holders with a ZOOM pass! Reservations can be made between 5 and 30 days in advance. Your household may visit one attraction every 30 days. Check the pass details to see how many adults and children gain entry with each pass.
👉 Have your library card ready and book yours at the link above
Feb 24 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
MONDAYS: 9:00am-12:00pm
TUESDAYS: 9:00am-12:00pm
WEDNESDAYS: 2:00pm-5:00pm
THURSDAYS: 2:00pm-5:00pm
1st & 3rd SATURDAYS: 9:00am-12:00pm
Playspace AVL is a neighborhood/community playspace for babes, tots and their loved ones. Our curated environment is filled with several different types of gross motor opportunities and play experiences for littles from age birth to 3 years old.
Feb 24 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Story Times for Kids at the library focuses on early literacy as it helps children develop a joy for learning language and enjoying books. Story times are subject to cancellation or rearrangement on the schedule without notice. Please check to be sure that the story time is still scheduled to occur, at the link we’ve provided.
DESCRIPTIONS:
Preschool Story Time is for children ages 3 to 5 years. Activities include stories, songs, flannel board stories, action rhymes, and more. Each program concludes with a special craft kit.
Family Story Time is designed for children and their families. Activities include stories, songs, flannel board stories, action rhymes, and more. Each program concludes with a special craft kit.
Music & Movement is an interactive program designed for children and their families. Activities include music, movement, flannel board stories, action rhymes, and more.
Bouncing Babies is a special program for babies ages 0 to 18 months and their caregiver. Activities include lap rhymes, songs, stories, and more. Each program concludes with playtime and exploration.
MONDAYS:
- 10:00am – Family Story Time @ Edneyville Library (2 Firehouse Rd, Hendersonville)
- 10:00am – Family Story Time @ Mills River Library (124 Town Center Dr, Mills River)
TUESDAYS:
- 10:00am – Family Story Time @ Etowah Library (101 Brickyard Rd, Etowah)
- 10:30am – Preschool Story Time @ Henderson County Main Library (301 N Washington St, HVL)
WEDNESDAYS:
- 10:30am – Toddler Story Time @ Henderson County Main Library (301 N Washington St, HVL)
- 10:30am – Family Story Time @ Fletcher Library (120 Library Rd, Fletcher)
THURSDAYS:
- 10:00am – Family Story Time @ Green River Library (50 Green River Rd, Zirconia)
- 10:30am – Music & Movement @ Henderson County Main Library (301 N Washington St, HVL)
- 11:15am – Bouncing Babies @ Henderson County Main Library (301 N Washington St, HVL)
Feb 24 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Mobile Food Markets visit dozens of locations each month, pairing free healthy food with tasty recipes, practical cooking demonstrations, and valuable nutrition information that’s easy to understand. Spanish-speaking community staff are also on hand to connect attendees with local resources. Distributions are FREE and open to the public, no questions asked.
FIND THE SCHEDULE AT THE LINK HERE
Feb 24 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Every Monday of each month @ 10:30am
Get your body moving while making connections with other parents! Meet at French Broad River Park in front of the bathrooms before heading out on our hour-long stroll.
Interested in leading this group, either consistently or occasionally? Become one of their Community Ambassadors by sending them a DM!
Be sure to check the Homegrown families community page for cancellations due to weather or changes in dates AT THIS LINK each Monday morning to confirm location.
Feb 24 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wed-Sat 11:00am, 1:00pm & 3:00pm
Mon & Tues 11:00am & 1:00pm
Dive into the magical world of bean-to-bar chocolate right here in Asheville by taking a Bean to Bar Chocolate Factory Tour with French Broad Chocolates. Their Bean to Bar Chocolate Factory Tour includes a classroom session about the history of French Broad Chocolate, an overview of cacao farming, a chocolate tasting experience, and a guided viewing of their chocolate factory where guests explore each step of their chocolate-making process, from the roasting of the cacao bean to their tempering of their chocolate bars. During the tour, guests will taste cacao in several forms – roasted bean, bar, and bonbon, and compare and contrast flavor notes in samples of three different chocolate bars.
Tours are approximately 45-55 minutes.
They ask that guests arrive 5-10 minutes before your tour start time to check in at the cafe counter.
Tours are NOT at French Broad Chocolate Lounge in Pack Square. All tours take place at French Broad Chocolate Factory & Cafe, 821 Riverside Drive, Asheville NC 28801.
Feb 24 @ 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Explore our brewery nestled in the Appalachians.
When we brewed our first batch of beer in 1980 in Chico, California, the lush forests of North Carolina were far from our mind. Over the last four decades, our thirst to brew quality, flavorful beer led us across the country and around the globe. In 2012, we broke ground on our second production location in order to send the freshest beer possible to our friends and fans all over the world. Come visit our sprawling East Coast home in Mills River, North Carolina and see first-hand how determination and a pioneering spirit can lead to incredible adventures. Our tours fill up quickly. You must make reservations online for all tours except the Guided Tastings and the self-guided Visitor Corridor.
SUNDAY–THURSDAY
11:00am–9:00pm
FRIDAY–SATURDAY
11:00am–10:00pm
GUIDED:
- Brewery Tour – Mills River, NC … Duration: 45 minutes | Ages 12+ only | $9/Person | Reservation required
Whether you’re just getting into craft beer or we’re on your brewery bucket list, a Mills River tour is for you — so we recommend you reserve a spot! Our interactive tours offer everything from hop handling to nature hikes to — what you really came for — beer sampling.
- Beyond the Pale Tour – Mills River, NC … Duration: 90 minutes | Ages 12+ only | $25/Person | Reservation required
Join us for a taste of our iconic Sierra Nevada Pale Ale as we dive into our roots: from humble beginnings in Chico, California to our LEED Platinum certified facility in Mills River, North Carolina. We will walk through our production facility, exploring the brewing process and ingredients, and highlight how our sustainability commitment fits into it all. We will end with guided tasting of eight beers in our Grand Tasting Room and Bar. Wheelchair accessible. No one under 12 years old permitted.
- Trip in the Woods Hiking Tour … Duration: 2 to 2 1/2 hours | Ages 12+ only | $30/Person | Reservation required
Our Mills River brewery is nestled within over 200 acres of lush, forested land just waiting to be explored, so join us on a Trip in the Woods! On this 1.5-mile guided nature hike, you will explore our beautiful, forested property, visit our resident chickens, donkeys, and sheep who graze freely across nearly 4 acres of pasture, and wrap up with a sampling of a few of our award-winning brews in our Back Porch Beer Garden. Grab your hiking shoes and get ready for a beer adventure! *The loop trail features moderate elevation change. Those with allergies should note that the group will hike near our beehives.
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SELF GUIDED:
- Visitor Corridor … Duration: At your leisure | All ages | No reservation required | Sunday-Thursday: 11am-8pm, Friday-Saturday: 11am-9pm
Groups not your thing? We get it. For those who prefer to wander solo, our Brewery has been designed with guests in mind! Our upstairs Visitor Corridor includes a raised mezzanine for bird’s-eye views of our copper-clad brewhouse, a real-time look at fermenting beer and a visit to our warehouse and packaging hall. Self-guided tour areas do not require a reservation, and are open to the public during normal business hours.
Feb 24 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
VISITING HOURS FOR SELF GUIDED TOURS:
Monday, 11:00am-12:00pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 11:00am – 1:00pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 3:00pm – 5:00pm
The following options for tours are available:
COMPLIMENTARY GUIDED TOURS – Schedule a tour by completing the online form. Tours Available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 1:30pm (These tours take 45 minutes), and immediately after Sunday Masses. Mass times are Saturday, 5:00 p.m., Sunday, 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 Noon (these tours take 25 minutes). Tours of the Basilica of Saint Lawrence must be prescheduled at least two weeks in advance and re-confirmed with the Tour Coordinator before your scheduled visit. Trained Docents (tour guides) are provided unless you make other arrangements with the Tour Coordinator.
SELF-GUIDED TOUR – The brochure, The Art & Architecture of the Basilica of Saint Lawrence, D.M., provides a very informative self-guided tour. When visiting the Basilica, copies may be found in the side vestibule. You may also download a copy of the brochure HERE
Tours are free but donations are very much appreciated.
Church parking is located in the first lot to the west of the Parish Office building and behind the Basilica. On weekends additional parking available is in the large gated lot across the street.
The Basilica’s parking lots are clearly marked “Church Parking.” Parishioners and the many Visitors who attend Mass at the Basilica usually find our parking adequate unless they arrive late. There is no charge for parking to attend daily and weekend Masses, and other church activities.
When visiting the Basilica please pay close attention to our parking lot signage, as parking in non-church lots may result in the unpleasant, expensive experience of having your vehicle towed.
Feb 24 @ 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm
Come stretch, breathe, move, and play! This playful yoga class is designed for 3-6 year olds and is a fun mixture of yoga, music, breathing and relaxation.
Feb 24 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
At 5:30 pm on Fridays, Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays (A new weekly featured movie begins each Friday)
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. will be showing a different kids movie each week so you can bring your little’s for something fun to watch on the big screen while enjoying food and beverages.
Feb
25
Tue
Feb 25 all-day
In addition to story times for the little ones (see our calendar for those), our local libraries have several clubs, classes, and other fun programs on their calendars for families with kids of all ages. And, unless they specify that you must register in advance for an event, you won’t likely need a library account with that county to attend them! Visit the events calendars for the numerous library systems we have in our area, below …
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BUNCOMBE COUNTY LIBRARIES … EVENT CALENDAR HERE
- Black Mountain Library @ 105 N. Dougherty St., Black Mountain, NC 28711 | (828) 250-4756
- East Asheville Library @ 3 Avon Rd., Asheville | (828) 250-4738
- Enka-Candler Library @ 1404 Sand Hill Road, Candler, NC 28715 | (828) 250-4758
- Fairview Library @ 1 Taylor Road, Fairview, NC 28730 | (828) 250-6484
- Leicester Library @ 1561 Alexander Road, Leicester, NC 28748 | (828) 250-6480
- North Asheville Library @ 1030 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, NC 28804 | (828) 250-4752
- Oakley/South Asheville Library @ 749 Fairview Road, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 250-4754
- Pack Memorial Library @ 67 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 250-4700
- Skyland/South Buncombe Library @ 260 Overlook Road, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 250-6488
- Swannanoa Library @ 101 W. Charleston Ave. Swannanoa, NC 28778 | (828) 250-6486
- Weaverville Library @ 41 N. Main Street, Weaverville, NC 28787 | (828) 250-6482
- West Asheville Library @ 942 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806 | (828) 250-4750
HENDERSON COUNTY LIBRARIES … EVENT CALENDAR HERE
- Main Library @ 301 N Washington St., Hendersonville, NC 28739 | (828) 697-4725
- Fletcher Library @ 120 Library Road, Fletcher, NC 28732 | (828) 687-1218
- Edneyville Library @ 2 Firehouse Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792 | (828) 685-0110
- Etowah Library @ 101 Brickyard Rd, Etowah, NC 28729 | (828) 891-6577
- Green River Library @ 50 Green River Rd, Zirconia, NC 28790 | (828) 697-4969
- Mills River Library @ 124 Town Center Dr., Suite 1, Mills River, NC 28759 | (828) 890-1850
HAYWOOD COUNTY LIBRARIES … EVENT CALENDAR HERE
- Canton Branch @ 11 Pennsylvania Avenue Canton, NC 28716 | (828) 648-2924
- Fines Creek Branch @ 190 Fines Creek Road Clyde, NC 28721 | (828) 356-2551
- Maggie Valley Branch @ 3987 Soco Road Town Hall Maggie Valley, NC 28751 | (828) 356-2541
- Waynesville Branch @ 678 S Haywood Street Waynesville, NC 28786 | (828) 452-5169
MCDOWELL COUNTY LIBRARIES … EVENT CALENDAR HERE
- Marion Library @ 90 W Court St, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 652-3858
- Old Fort Library @ 65 E Mitchell St, Old Fort, NC 28762 | (828) 668-7111
Feb 25 @ 3:36 am – 4:36 am
Every Tuesday, 6:00pm-9:00pm. Only $8
Come join us on a night that’s not so busy!
Feb 25 @ 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
The City of Hendersonville’s Skate Park is located in Patton Park across from Patton Pool. The skate park is open to the public and is an unattended facility, the hours are 7am-11pm.
NO BIKES ALLOWED ON THE SKATE PARK
The Skate Park features include:
- Bowl – 8-ft deep with waterfall
- 4-ft ramp
- 4-ft quarter pipe with a 2-ft seat extention
- 8 sets of stairs with handrails
- Rainbow ledge – 4-ft wide x 20-ft long
- 3 – Flat ledges
- Grind rail
- 2 hubba ledges
- 5-ft quarter pipe
- Designed & constructed by GRINDLINE SKATEPARKS INC.
Feb 25 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
If you haven’t heard of Kids in Parks or TRACK Trails yet, you’ve been missing out! TRACK Trails is a trail program that was started here in Asheville (but has since spread across the country!) by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, a network of local Pediatricians, and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, to “promote children’s health and the health of our parks”, and we have several in our area. Kids in Parks is an ever expanding network of family-friendly, self-guided outdoor adventures, and “include hiking trails, biking trails, geocaching trails, paddling trails, nature trail disc golf courses, and even adventures you can do in your own back yard”. Register your child online, and as they complete the trail, they earn prizes for tracking their adventures! Best of all, it’s all FREE!
Feb 25 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Our comprehensive guide to Asheville Area Playgrounds is your ultimate resource for recreation in Asheville with kids! Indoor playgrounds, as well as outdoor playgrounds are included, with everything you need to know in advance to plan your family friendly outing in Asheville and the surrounding area!
This guide is a continuous work in progress, and we will keep adding to it, so keep checking back!
Feb 25 @ 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8am-2pm.
The Curb Market has been a local Hendersonville tradition since 1924. What began as a group of farmers bringing their extra produce to town for the “city folk” has expanded over the years to include some of the freshest fruits & vegetables, plants & fresh cut flowers, homemade jams, jellies & baked goods and hand made mountain crafts.
A favorite of locals and visitors alike, the Curb Market always has something different. Each vendor brings his specialty items for a unique collection of offerings. Come visit and make new friends while enjoying some of the best that Henderson County has to offer.
Feb 25 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Spreadsheet of MANNA FoodBank – Public Food Pantries and Meal Sites Sorted by County, Zip Code, then Agency Name at the link listed.
Feb 25 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Available Monday through Friday, 8:00am-12:00pm
Some classes currently have a waitlist; register now and you will receive an update email regarding the enrollment status.
Feb 25 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Asheville is an amazing city with so much to see and do, and while we have some amazing group tour companies, sometimes we want to venture out on our own to learn about the culture and history of our area … with just our family, on our schedule and timetable, to explore our interests, on our own path. A great way to do that, and a great way to save some money (THESE ARE ALL FREE), is to take one of the many self-guided tours that have been created by our local experts at our tourism centers, and historic sites. We’ve compiled the list attached of some of our favorites for you, with links to them all, that we hope you will enjoy and learn as much from as we did and still do. If we’re missing any of your favorites, let us know, so that we can share them, too!
Check them all out at the link above
Feb 25 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
FREE ADMISSION TO LOCAL ATTRACTIONS! Buncombe County Public Libraries have teamed up with local attractions and museums to offer FREE ADMISSION for library card holders through their ZOOM pass program! All you’ll need is a Buncombe County library card in good standing to reserve one. You can make 1 reservation at a time per library card, up to 30 days in advance, and you may visit each attraction once every 30 days. The process is simple! Reserve your pass on the Buncombe County Libraries website, pick up the pass at the library of your choosing, and go have fun! They’ll even send you an email confirmation of your reservation and a reminder email the day before your visit, so you don’t forget!
All reservations are made online, so you won’t be able to call or email to make a reservation.
WHAT’S CURRENTLY BEING OFFERED:
ASHEVILLE ART MUSEUM … Pass admits 2 adults and 4 children under age 18. For general admission only and doesn’t include special exhibits or events that have an additional charge.
ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE … Pass admits four people (Children under 2 are admitted free and don’t need a pass). For admission only and doesn’t include additional programming fees.
HANDS ON! CHILDREN’S MUSEUM … Family Pass admits 4 people. You can get $10 off a membership to Hands On! on the day of your ZOOM pass visit.
NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM … One pass per car for personal vehicles. Doesn’t include special exhibits or events that have an additional charge (like Winter Lights).
PADDLEBOATS AT LAKE JULIAN … One ZOOM pass = one 30 minute Paddleboat ride. Minimum passenger age is 2 years old. Minimum age to rent a paddleboat is 16 years old and the paddleboat must have at least one person 16 years of age or older on board.
TEAM ECCO AQUARIUM AND SHARK LAB … The ZOOM Family Pass for the Team Ecco Aquarium and Shark Lab admits 4 people. This pass is available Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
WATERCRAFT LAUNCH PASS AT LAKE JULIAN … One ZOOM Pass = one personal watercraft daily launch pass (no gas powered engines on the lake).
WNC NATURE CENTER … Family Pass admits 2 adults and 4 children under age 18 (Children under 2 are admitted free and don’t need a pass).
WELL PLAYES BOARD GAME CAFE … There are two passes available Monday through Thursday starting July 1st. Each pass admits two adults and four kids.
BUNCOMBE COUNTY OUTDOOR POOLS … Seasonally, Beginning May 27th in 2023! Family Pass admits 4 people, and can be used at Cane Creek Pool, Erwin Pool, Hominy Valley Pool, North Buncombe Pool, Owen Pool.
Buncombe County Libraries also partners often with Asheville Community Theatre and NC Stage Company for passes to performances
Seasonally, you may even see passes to Buncombe County pools in the summer, and passes to Winter Lights at Lake Julian in the Winter!
Live in neighboring counties? Several other counties have their own version of ZOOM! We know Henderson County, Transylvania County, Madison County, and Polk County all do! You can also apply for an out of county library card with Buncombe County for a small $20 yearly fee, in which case you’ll qualify to participate in their ZOOM Pass program! Apply in person at any Buncombe County Library branch to become an out of county cardholder. Our guide to Buncombe County Library branches HERE
GET YOUR PIN NUMBER READY AND RESERVE YOUR ZOOM PASS HERE
Feb 25 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
The Henderson County Public Library has teamed up with local attractions and museums to offer FREE ADMISSION for library card holders with a ZOOM pass! Reservations can be made between 5 and 30 days in advance. Your household may visit one attraction every 30 days. Check the pass details to see how many adults and children gain entry with each pass.
👉 Have your library card ready and book yours at the link above
Feb 25 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Transylvania County Public Library has teamed up with local attractions and museums to offer FREE ADMISSION for library card holders with a ZOOM pass! Reservations can be made between 5 and 30 days in advance. Your household may visit one attraction every 30 days. Check the pass details to see how many adults and children gain entry with each pass.
👉 Have your library card ready and book yours at the link above
Feb 25 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
MONDAYS: 9:00am-12:00pm
TUESDAYS: 9:00am-12:00pm
WEDNESDAYS: 2:00pm-5:00pm
THURSDAYS: 2:00pm-5:00pm
1st & 3rd SATURDAYS: 9:00am-12:00pm
Playspace AVL is a neighborhood/community playspace for babes, tots and their loved ones. Our curated environment is filled with several different types of gross motor opportunities and play experiences for littles from age birth to 3 years old.
Feb 25 @ 10:00 am – 10:45 am
Classes are every Tuesday from 10-10:45am
A dance class for parents and caregivers and their babies ages 0m-2 years. Baby wearing or holding encouraged. Have fun moving and grooving with your baby to today’s top hits, no baby music here. This class is for you to have fun, find joy through movement, and build community.
Follow them on Instagram @thecreatiffany for class updates and posts.
Feb 25 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Story Times for Kids at the library focuses on early literacy as it helps children develop a joy for learning language and enjoying books. Story times are subject to cancellation or rearrangement on the schedule without notice. Please check to be sure that the story time is still scheduled to occur, at the link we’ve provided.
DESCRIPTIONS:
Preschool Story Time is for children ages 3 to 5 years. Activities include stories, songs, flannel board stories, action rhymes, and more. Each program concludes with a special craft kit.
Family Story Time is designed for children and their families. Activities include stories, songs, flannel board stories, action rhymes, and more. Each program concludes with a special craft kit.
Music & Movement is an interactive program designed for children and their families. Activities include music, movement, flannel board stories, action rhymes, and more.
Bouncing Babies is a special program for babies ages 0 to 18 months and their caregiver. Activities include lap rhymes, songs, stories, and more. Each program concludes with playtime and exploration.
MONDAYS:
- 10:00am – Family Story Time @ Edneyville Library (2 Firehouse Rd, Hendersonville)
- 10:00am – Family Story Time @ Mills River Library (124 Town Center Dr, Mills River)
TUESDAYS:
- 10:00am – Family Story Time @ Etowah Library (101 Brickyard Rd, Etowah)
- 10:30am – Preschool Story Time @ Henderson County Main Library (301 N Washington St, HVL)
WEDNESDAYS:
- 10:30am – Toddler Story Time @ Henderson County Main Library (301 N Washington St, HVL)
- 10:30am – Family Story Time @ Fletcher Library (120 Library Rd, Fletcher)
THURSDAYS:
- 10:00am – Family Story Time @ Green River Library (50 Green River Rd, Zirconia)
- 10:30am – Music & Movement @ Henderson County Main Library (301 N Washington St, HVL)
- 11:15am – Bouncing Babies @ Henderson County Main Library (301 N Washington St, HVL)
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