For us? You shouldn’t have. We think living in the Land of the Sky is the greatest gift of all, but over the years, Asheville has been on the receiving end of some truly special gestures that reflect the heart and soul of the community. From playful sculptures and historical land donations, these gifts given to Asheville speak to the spirit of the city.

“Cat Walk” | Head up, keep walking between Battery Park Avenue and Otis Street to spy three curious cat sculptures, marking spot No. 9 on the historic 1.7-mile Urban Trail. Sculpted by Vadim Bora, the tiny bronze figures are modeled after the cats of the Lavelle family, who sponsored the station in 2000.

The view of Pack Square in 1910. | Photo by H. W. Pelton

George Willis Pack land contributions | Lumberman and civic benefactor George Willis Pack bought land and buildings for Asheville’s public library in 1899 and later donated land that helped create Pack Square Park. The library was renamed Pack Memorial in his honor, and in 1919 it became a free public library for all Asheville residents — a gift that keeps giving.

A gift from George Willis Pack, this green heart of Asheville has welcomed the community for over a century. | Photo by AVLtoday

The Pack Memorial Library Archives (Buncombe County Special Collections) | Since George Willis Pack’s original donation, Asheville’s public library system has continued to grow and evolve — from digitized archives to community programs — offering gifts of knowledge, history, and accessibility for generations of residents.

Ongoing community resilience | The gifts that truly shine are often the ones that continue to give long after a moment passes. In Asheville, we’re still seeing the impact of community support for those affected by Hurricane Helene — from nonprofits like BeLoved Asheville and MANNA FoodBank providing necessities and rebuilding help, to public reminders of hope like the Flood Back Love mural in the RAD. Every act, large or small, contributes to the city’s strength and resilience.