Lifestyle
7 hours ago
‘Song Sung Blue’ is a messy melodrama, but sung sweet – 828reviewsNOW
There is something irresistible about Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline," especially as performed by Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman. "Song Sung Blue" understands this very well. Read our full review of the musical melodrama below.
11 hours ago
Tired of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’? Try these alternative Christmas movies
Are you feeling reluctant to take "Elf" off the shelf? Is your "Home Alone" tradition in need of renovation? Is your 34th viewing of "Miracle on 34th Street" just one time too many? Like Rudolph with his nose so bright, 828reviewsNOW is here to help.
12 hours ago
WNC bluegrass band to celebrate 500th performance this weekend
Local bluegrass outfit The JackTown Ramblers are heading to Jack of the Wood for their 500th performance this weekend. The bluegrass band will take to the stage from 8:30-11:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 27 at the downtown pub.
2 days ago
Top 5 international movies of 2025 – 828reviewsNOW
2025 was a fantastic year for global cinema. From searing docudramas to surreal celebrations of the film medium itself, we visit Brazil, China, Iran, Norway and Palestine to bring you the best international movies of 2025. Read our list.
4 days ago
The best books of 2025, according to WNC booksellers
Who better to tell you about the best books of 2025 than the folks at the local bookstores of Western North Carolina? From queer vampires to epistolary charmers, read on for our local booksellers' favorite reads of the year.
4 days ago
Hikes of WNC: Catawba Falls River Trail
We celebrate the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, tomorrow, so here is a breezy, nearby hike to enjoy. The Catawba Falls River Trail, located just outside of Old Fort, N.C., is an easily accessible route that starts off nice and flat before climaxing with an impressive waterfall – and a massive staircase, to match.
5 days ago
Trousdale, Turnstile, Tyler Childers: The best albums of 2025
828newsNOW and our friends at the Asheville Media Group, including DJs for Mix 96.5, 98.1 The River and La Pantera 97.3, are proud to present a list of our favorite albums of the year.
6 days ago
Highlights from the Grove Park Inn Gingerbread House Competition
The annual National Gingerbread House Competition has returned to the Omni Grove Park Inn for another year of stellar sugary sculptures. The gingerbread houses are on display for free at the Grove Park Inn, where they will remain until Jan. 4, 2026.
7 days ago
Things to do in Asheville & WNC: Dec. 19-21
Looking for weekend plans? From winter solstice celebrations to a Grinch brunch to a town-wide bar crawl, we have you covered.
7 days ago
White Horse kicks off family movie series with ‘Frozen,’ ‘The Princess Bride’
White Horse Black Mountain, a nonprofit music venue located in the heart of Black Mountain, N.C., has launched a new family movie series called "Sunday Funday Movie Features."
7 days ago
‘Big Fish,’ small pond: New indie bookstore blooms in Weaverville
Lindsay Johnson has wanted to open a bookstore since she was five years old. With Willbloom Books, a pop-up bookstore based in Weaverville, N.C., her wish has come true.
7 days ago
Fork & Dagger: Lost in the language? Jargon speaks fluently in flavor
Despite its intimidating name, this West Asheville restaurant delivers a cozy vibe, inventive cocktails and memorable plates
1 week ago
Teen drug use remains low, but survey finds small rise in heroin and cocaine use
Teen use of alcohol, nicotine and marijuana remains at record lows, according to national survey results released Wednesday.
1 week ago
Coverfest V: 12 local bands to perform their favorite covers at AMS benefit
Next month, The Grey Eagle will host the fifth annual Coverfest, a musical fundraiser for Asheville Middle School's 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C.
1 week ago
Maximalism is back in cocktails with bold colors and flavors
After years of minimalist, pared-back drinks, maximalism is back. Drinkers are looking for more than just a simple serve, and bartenders are dreaming up bold color palettes, layered flavors, oversize garnishes, theatrical glassware and playful twists on classic drinks.
1 week ago
Threequel ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ is a lukewarm rehash – 828reviewsNOW
When "Avatar: The Way of Water" was released in 2022, it had been 13 years since James Cameron's revolutionary sci-fi epic first hit the scene. "Avatar: Fire and Ash," meanwhile, comes soaring into cinemas this weekend just three years after its predecessor, and this time, it feels a little less special. Read our full review.
1 week ago
Americans like artificial Christmas trees even though few are made in US and prices are up
Tariffs shone a twinkling light this year on fake Christmas trees — and the extent to which America depends on other countries for its plastic fir trees.
1 week ago
Rob Reiner dies at 78: Tribute to the ‘When Harry Met Sally…’ director
On Dec. 14, 2025, acclaimed actor and director Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife, photographer and producer Michele Reiner, 68, were found dead in their Los Angeles home. Though details are still emerging about the manner of their death, one thing is certain: the world is a better place for their time on it.
1 week ago
Charity to donate hot meals, winter clothes to Candler families today
The Zakat Foundation of America, a Chicago-based humanitarian charity, will distribute hot meals, winter clothing and more to families in need at 5 p.m. today, Monday, Dec. 15 at 12 Hilltop Dr. in Candler.
1 week ago
Older adults may struggle to learn a new language but classes are a worthwhile exercise
A large study published by the science journal Nature Aging in November suggests that speaking multiple languages protects against more rapid brain aging, and that the effect increases with the number of languages.