We owe you a debt of gratitude, Asheville.

We can’t say that 2020 went as planned, but we can say that you’re a wonderful crowd and we couldn’t appreciate your support more, especially this year.

In 2020, we sent more than 240 newsletters to our growing audience of 40,000+ AVLtoday subscribers. Wow.

Those numbers really humble us.

We love our jobs and our cities, and we’re doing the work with you in mind. So, here’s what we noticed you guys read and interacted with the most in 2020.

🎉 Top AVLtoday articles from 2020

1. 20+ Black-owned businesses in Asheville, NC

From retail to restaurants and beyond, we showcased over 20 Black-owned businesses in + around town. Better still? You, our darling readers, added your smartypants feedback, too, making this a robust list.

2. Tracking the 2020 election results

If they ran for office in NC, we covered it – and brought readers all the results of the 2020 election cycle.

3. 9 movies filmed in and around Asheville, N.C.

Being stuck inside didn’t mean we couldn’t still explore Asheville + WNC — with this list, we did it via the big screen.

4. 13 lakes to visit this summer

We beat the heat at the region’s raddest lakes within a two-hour drive from Asheville and included info on everything on camping + vacation rentals to boating, swimming + fishing.

5. What restaurants have outdoor seating in Asheville, NC?

As the state began opening back up in May, multiple readers asked us which restaurants offered outdoor dining, so we made a list of spots that opened their patios + porches. Plus, we highlighted some unique ways places are implementing social distancing.

6. Amtrak rail service could be coming to Asheville, NC

We were stoked to share deets about the rail service that may be coming back to the area 45 years after the last passenger train took its final trip.

7. 29 things you didn’t know about Asheville + WNC

We uncovered 29 weird + interesting facts about our city, including its hidden history, how it got its name, why we started Prohibition early + much more.

8. Restaurants offering delivery and takeout in Asheville, N.C.

Because we all need to eat, keep our distance, and support our local businesses, we compiled a list of area eateries with takeout, delivery + curbside options.

9. Asked: The Vance Monument in Asheville, NC

Protests over disparities in racial justice in Asheville and throughout the country brought renewed attention to downtown’s iconic 75’ tall obelisk, named after slaveowner + county solicitor Zebulon Baird Vance.

10. 17 birds you’ll see this spring + summer in Asheville, N.C.

In honor of the entertainment value our feathered friends provide, we shed a light on some of the birds you’re likely to see right here in the 828. Bonus: You can still see many of these at your feeders now.

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