Asheville's Latest: Road Upgrades, Hospital Bids, and Community Camaraderie

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Thursday, July 17, 2025. There’s something distinctly Asheville about waking up to big plans and neighborly action. Let’s dive right into what's making news and what you can get up to today around town. First up, a major change for traversing the city: Asheville just announced the completion of long-anticipated infrastructure improvements on Patton Avenue. Locals and commuters alike will notice smoother rides and improved access through one of our busiest corridors, reflecting years of civic planning coming to fruition in real time. And as you drive those new roads, keep in mind conversations continue on the future I-26 Connector project, a piece of infrastructure that’s been debated for decades and could bring a very different landscape to Asheville down the line. On the health front, Novant Health has submitted a bid to compete with AdventHealth for a new 129-bed hospital in Buncombe County. As the area grows, locals could soon see more options and improved emergency care—crucial for our rapidly expanding population. If you felt a sense of community pride lately, that might be thanks to Asheville’s ongoing flood relief efforts. Starting today and running through July 27, more than a dozen local restaurants are teaming up to support flood victims in Kerr County, Texas—the same kind of help Asheville once received after Hurricane Helene. If you order a featured beverage as part of Benevolent Spirits, a dollar will go directly to relief funds. It’s a grassroots way to give back while enjoying the local food scene and raising a glass for a good cause. Speaking of traditions, it’s Thursday, and that means the Asheville Drum Circle returns to Pritchard Park this Friday night. Everybody’s welcome, whether you play or just cheer on the beats. Looking for a taste of summer culture? The Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands kicks off today at Harrah’s Cherokee Center, with over a hundred artisans showcasing their unique creations. If you’re a fan of art, don’t miss the Enchanted Garden Art Show, where creativity and nature come together in ways that only Asheville can pull off. Music lovers have some standout options tonight, too. Catch Melody Trucks and friends at Asheville Music Hall, or head to the AyurPrana Listening Room for a more intimate vibe with Joe Westerlund and Lyle de Vitry. And if you’re thinking ahead, flipturn and Joe P will be rocking Asheville Yards tomorrow. The Asheville Tourists are in the thick of their final series before the All-Star break, coming off a string of tough games. Whether win or lose, they’re still providing that classic summer pastime at McCormick Field. Also newsworthy is an ambitious new project to clean up our region’s waterways after last year’s destructive flooding. MountainTrue, in partnership with the state, is launching an 18-month effort to clear debris from local creeks and rivers, and they’re hiring for both crew members and leaders. If you wa This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.