It’s Thanksgiving – the most grateful day of the year. We hope your spending today at home with your friends, family + loved ones, reflecting on a 2018 in Asheville that you’re thankful for. We sure are thankful for all of you, AVLtoday readers.

Last week, we told you what we're thankful for in this city, including a new city manager, a strong university, the Blue Ridge Parkway + more. You added onto the list via Instagram + Facebook, and we got dozens of responses. We sure are thankful for all of you, AVLAtoday readers.

🍂 Whether you love the nature…

“Being cradled by these mountains every day!” – Audrey A.

“Thankful for east Asheville. Less congestion rocks! And easy access to the BR Parkway does too.” –Tony J.

“The waterfalls, or fountains of youth, creating such tranquil beauty in nature. The positive feelings coming from roaring water is both mesmerizing and relaxing.” – @cynthialmccauley

“The year round availability of sustainably grown, local, whole foods. I am especially thankful for the network of tailgate markets, Patchwork Urban farms (a really cool model for urban food production), Bountiful Cities and Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project who all have a big role in making the above possible.” –Amy L.

“The Farmer’s Market!” –@heather_c_williams

🎨 Or the culture + community…

“I feel so thankful to live in a place where I have been able to build a community of friends who have become my family. I love how we support each other's talents, hopes and dreams. ❤️” – Grace B.

“Thankful for the hard working and dedicated employees and volunteers at Habitat for Humanity!” –Jane S.

“I’m thankful for Wedge afternoons on a sunny day, and The Asheville Moth: True Stories Told Live hosted monthly at The Mothlight!”

–Mallory F.

“The Charles George VA Hospital has been the # 1 and back and forth #2 for the past 5 or more years best medical treatment for our Veterans over all. Blessed and Thankful!” – @pitts5567

“Malaprops” – @camaze

“Did you know that not all Asheville venues/restaurants that have music pay the performers? Make sure when you go out and about to tip the musicians heavy!” –Abby the Spoon Lady

“A non profit publisher, Grateful Steps Publishing , located at Crest Mountain , gives Local Authors a voice in our community to have stories published.” – @pitts5567

“Friends, family, pets, and coffee! 😆❤️” – @aoyo11

“Thankful for the diversity within our food industry here and some of the best restaurants ever!” –Deborah M.

“All the music festivals, live music and events. Most importantly, the great and caring people that live here.” –Becky C.

“Thankful for this community! I'm putting on an event for people who'd like to have a warm Thanksgiving meal and feeling, but aren’t in their usual holiday spots.” –Elizabeth T.

🙏 ...We’re all thankful to be here.

“The entirety of the 828💛” – @open828

“So many choices so much time (retired) to enjoy and appreciate. Asheville's motto should be ‘whatever you like, we've got it here.’” –Rick N.

“(This was at least true when we moved here 15 years ago) Most people live here by choice/on purpose. Not ‘transferred here by a job.’ More like, ‘oh this place speaks to me - it’s awesome. This feels like home.’ I think AVL is unique in this way.” –Grant P.

“The sense of family/community, and of course these beautiful mountains.” – Ryan RnB Barber

There are plenty of ways to celebrate Thanksgiving – most of which include eating + drinking. Here’s how the AVLtoday team is giving thanks today.

Ali | I’m in Winston-Salem today with my sister, a second-year medical resident, doing Thanksgiving with her main squeeze’s family. She rarely gets any time off and has the holiday free, so I’m excited to celebrate with her. Plus, it’s her birthday. 🎉 I’ll be doing my best to replicate 12 Bones’ Corn Pudding for the dinner table, and my mom has promised to bring her world-famous banana pudding. So I guess it’s going to be a pudding-heavy meal.

Audra | My dad and I will be heading to New Bern in coastal N.C. to spend the holidays with my mom and grandparents. It should be a big meal, but I’m more excited about just spending quality time with my family – and having a few days to relax.

Mary | I'll be driving down the mountain to Greenville for a turkey fry with friends, and a meal with my boyfriend's family. I love this low-key holiday, and being able to see the still-golden leaves on the trees on the drive.