It’s All Hallow’s Eve, and to begin your day filled of costumes, trick-or-treating, scary stories, parties, booze + fun – we are recapping our top five stories from October.

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We finally got some cold weather, and went through another mini hurricane. Buncombe County got hyped about voting, tipping + fall foliage. Several businesses opened (like Button Bagels + Continental Lounge) and a couple closed (like King Daddy’s + Bartaco). We let you know about the biggest happenings, along with Bird Scooters briefly making an appearance downtown.

Keep reading for a look back at our top five stories of October + a few Social conversations you may have missed.

So sit back and enjoy these reads again, catch up if you’ve missed them, or send to a friend. It can count as a wickedly-good Halloween treat. ⬇️

ELECTION GUIDE

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The discussion of politics + elections can bring out a persons’ darkest side – but it doesn’t have to. To help everyone be in-the-know before heading to the polls, we put together a full voting guide for Buncombe County. Here is your guiding light to get you informed for Nov. 6 (or for the rest of early voting until Saturday). 🤡

TIPPING GUIDE

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You don’t want your servers to picture themselves as Michael Myers in Halloween after seeing the receipt you left. Read this guide on how to properly tip those in service industry professions. 🎃

FALL FOLIAGE: PEAK WEEK(S)

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Alright, mouthbreathers – it’s time to get some fresh mountain air and plan your trip to see the fall foliage. Read this guide to find out when peak week(s) are for viewing and the best viewing spots. Who knows, you may find yourself in the vortex of Mount Pisgah. 👻

HALLOWEEN COSTUMES

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Every city has its secrets that only locals would understand. That is why we’ve thought long and hard to create a list of the best Asheville Halloween costume ideas. From local street performers, ghosts of the past, and current places, you name IT – that keep the city’s spirits thriving. 🎈

CAROLINA RENAISSANCE FEST

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I put a spell on you… and now you’re... back in time at Fairhaven. The fall season is almost over, which means the Carolina Renaissance Festival will wrap up soon. Don’t miss out on thee greatest Ren Fest thou musteth experience. Meet witches, wenches, pirates, fairies, mermaids + more. 🧙‍

And, just when you thought we were done… Here are some top social posts that sparked plenty of conversations + received many double taps.

Hello, Button & Co. Bagels. 👋 Just in time for Halloween *hangover* food, bagels are always a total #MustDo, with 367 of you liking to agree. Button & Co. Bagels officially opened shop last Friday – selling 500 bagels before noon the first morning. Scroll through photos here.

Bird, Bird, Bird...Bird is the word. Well, Bird Scooters were the word on the street last week. 🛴 This app-powered scooter-share company were delivered around downtown Asheville last Thursday. The AVLtoday team was told by the City they weren't licensed to be on the streets, and were quickly removed. We asked our readers their input on the situation – 352 of you engaged by liking + another 83 of you replied. Read the conversation here.

Happy Halloween, Asheville. I hope your evening is safe and full of treat-filled fun. Watch a scary movie, grab a beer, and snack on some candy as your wait for the trick-or-treaters to appear. At least that’s what I’ll be doing. 🎃 And, Don’t miss our guide of where to go trick-or-treating.

P.S. – Don’t forget our Halloween costume contest ends at 11:59 p.m. tonight! Enter on Instagram – details here.

–Audra