Buncombe County reported 131,897 voters and 59.9% turnout in the November 3 election. Kim Roney won Asheville's mayoral race, two county bond measures passed, and Sheriff Quentin Miller won reelection. Results remain unofficial until canvass.

Henderson County's unofficial November 3 results brought a new Hendersonville mayor, a closely watched legislative upset and changes to the school board. Jerry Smith Jr. won the mayoral contest; Lynne Russo defeated Chelsea Walsh in House District 117; and Alyssa Norman, Mary Ellen Kustin and Randy Beaver secured the three school-board seats.

Hendersonville officials celebrated completion of a 27-acre Lower Mud Creek restoration that combines flood protection with public trails and wetland habitat. The project is expected to add about 20 acre-feet of flood storage and reduce risks for up to 93 nearby properties.

Hendersonville officials celebrated completion of a 27-acre Lower Mud Creek restoration that combines flood protection with public trails and wetland habitat. The project is expected to add about 20 acre-feet of flood storage and reduce risks for up to 93 nearby properties.

Four Henderson County students were recognized for winning designs in the county's 2026 'I Voted' sticker contest. Selected from 127 entries, their artwork celebrated American history, apple farming, the flag and the historic courthouse, and was distributed to local voters.

Homeward Bound is increasing Code Purple emergency shelter capacity from 20 to 90 beds at the Salvation Army's Center of Hope in Asheville. The winter program operates on severe-weather activation nights, while a separate 65-bed residential program has been suspended. Learn the activation rules and how to confirm current shelter access.

Four Henderson County students were recognized for winning designs in the county's 2026 'I Voted' sticker contest. Selected from 127 entries, their artwork celebrated American history, apple farming, the flag and the historic courthouse, and was distributed to local voters.

The 24th annual Bearfootin’ Bear Auction raised a record $145,700 for Hendersonville-area nonprofits. Eighty bidders submitted 327 bids for the colorful artist-painted bears, continuing a beloved downtown tradition that connects public art with charitable giving.

The 21st annual Western North Carolina Pottery Festival comes to Bridge Park in Sylva on Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 40 juried potters will showcase functional and sculptural ceramics and demonstrate their techniques. Admission is $8, with children under 12 free; the festival takes place rain or shine.

Western North Carolina has a busy November 6–8 weekend: Asheville's First Friday on The Block, the Museum of Science's Under the Stars fundraiser, the Weaverville Art Safari, Sylva's WNC Pottery Festival, the free Waynesville Energy Fair, Biltmore's holiday displays and Montford's outdoor painting festival. Check individual event calendars for current prices and details.

Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville has a busy late-fall calendar. Hudson Westbrook performs November 13, A Magical Cirque Christmas arrives November 15, and the Southern Conference women's volleyball championship runs November 19–22. December brings Get the Led Out, The Big Crafty, holiday performances, Christmas Jam and The Avett Brothers.

Weaverville Art Safari returns Saturday and Sunday, November 7–8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering a free, self-guided tour of 36 studios with work by 85 artists. Visitors can explore pottery, paintings, jewelry and other handmade art throughout the Weaverville area.

Connemara, the Flat Rock home of poet and biographer Carl Sandburg, offers a memorable blend of literary history, mountain scenery and the historic dairy-goat farm of his wife, Lilian.

Explore what makes the National Historic Site special, including its pastures, trails and guided home tours. Tours are currently free and first-come, first-served during Hurricane Helene recovery, and a pedestrian detour remains in place. Check availability before visiting.

Longtime downtown Asheville restaurant Limones will close after service November 14, ending a 22-year run on Eagle Street. Chef Hugo Ramirez and co-owner Amy Cavanaugh announced their retirement from the restaurant industry November 3. The Mexican-Californian restaurant has long been part of the city's independent dining scene.

Ambleside Gallery will hold a free grand-opening celebration November 12 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 30 All Souls Crescent in Biltmore Village. Founded by Jackson Mayshark in Manchester, England, in 1982, the gallery now features regional, national and international artists. Visitors can meet artists, see the collections and enjoy refreshments. No RSVP is required.

Western North Carolina's business scene has several new developments: HopFly Brewing has opened on Asheville's South Slope, Gourmand has announced a November 7 launch on Broadway Street, Abuela's Little Kitchen is preparing a West Asheville location, and Piebird remains planned for Biltmore Village in early 2027.

This November 4 roundup distinguishes confirmed openings from upcoming plans without repeating separate 828 Daily features on Limones and Ambleside Gallery.

North Carolina's Low Income Energy Assistance Program offers a one-time payment to eligible households' heating providers. Households with an adult aged 60 or older may apply starting December 1. Here is how Western North Carolina residents can prepare.

Falls can disrupt independence, but practical changes can reduce many everyday hazards for older adults in Western North Carolina.

This Senior Connections guide explains how to improve lighting, secure rugs, make bathrooms safer, review medicines with a professional and choose supportive footwear.

It also addresses wet leaves, frost and uneven mountain walkways, with advice on when to seek an assessment after a fall or near-fall.

A Blowing Rock getaway pairs Main Street browsing and dining with mountain scenery and regional culture.

Consider the separately ticketed Blowing Rock attraction, a selected walk at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park or Bass Lake, and a visit to the free-admission Blowing Rock Art & History Museum.

Early November calls for flexible plans, layers, and attention to shorter daylight.

Check seasonal building hours and museum schedules, and verify road conditions rather than assuming the Blue Ridge Parkway is open continuously from Asheville.

An overnight visit allows time to enjoy both the town and its surroundings.

For an easygoing November outing, Lake Junaluska offers two mostly paved walking loops beside the water: a 2.3-mile option crossing the Turbeville Footbridge and a longer 3.8-mile circuit.

Explore mountain views, gardens, benches and waterfowl, plus practical guidance for a late-autumn visit. The separate Waynesville Greenway connection has had a construction closure, so visitors should check posted notices before extending their walk.