Before May officially begins tomorrow, we wanted to look back at all of the best things from the past month. And here’s a #Protip – next time you’re heading to a spring cookout or wedding and need a conversation topic, bookmark this list on your phone and you’ll automatically be in the know.

Top conversations

17 birds you’ll see this spring + summer in Asheville

From Eastern towhees to wood thrushes, we rounded up a few of the year-round + migratory birds you’re likely to see this season at your feeder or when you’re out hiking, plus tips on how to learn the species in the area – and how to attract them to your yard. 🐦

#Asked: What are your favorite mom and pop businesses in Asheville?

We wanted to know where you love to shop local in the 828, specifically when it came to mom + pop bizzes – i.e. independently-owned + family-controlled. Here are all of the places you’re buzzing about, from local bakeries and movie stores to toy stores, gift shops + more. 🛍️

25 Asheville authors to add to your reading list

Beach season will be here before you know it, so get a headstart on your summer reading with our suggestion of local authors from the 1800s through today, including classics like Look Homeward, Angel and contemporary novels that highlight life in these mountains. 📚

Top clicked links

Tressa’s Downtown Jazz & Blues closing (Asheville Citizen-Times) landed in the top spot as many of you shared your memories of the downtown music venue, which is shutting its doors tonight after 22 years in business. The story got 981 clicks and 95 sad reactions, plus loads of wonderful comments with your stories from the space. 🎶

Bill Murray in Asheville (Ashvegas) came in second with 529 post clicks and a reach of 5,366 people. Bill, who was in town to catch a game with the Charleston Riverdogs, a team he co-owns, was spotted checking out some live music at The Mothlight. 🤩

Top comments

“Should the Flat Iron building become a boutique hotel?”
“I'd like to see the estimated cost to create apartments for locals? AVL is being gutted of local foot traffic. I feel confident it's a viable option just perhaps not the most profitable short term decision.” – @badabastu828

“The Before I Die wall painted”

“Hopefully it will be a nice railing overlooking an urban garden 🌱” – @mskellysusanne