August was a busy month here at AVLtoday – We looked back on memories of Asheville past, visited the hottest spots on the West Asheville, went on some first dates, and (of course) tried a loooot of ice cream.🍦

Can we also give a big round of applause to the local businesses who made the Inc. 5000 list? In just 3 days, our piece on these WNC companies rocketed to our number one most-read article with over 5,000 views. 🤩We love that our readers are excited about our local economy.

So, in case you’ve been busy squeezing in last-minute summer vacations and/or preparing for the start of the school year, we’re revisiting our top five stories from this month.

And as always, if you like what you read, share it with a friend. Because sharing is caring.

10 fastest-growing companies in Asheville: The Inc 5000. Which private WNC companies are experiencing the most dramatic growth in revenue? These local businesses are officially killin’ it. 💸
24-hour guide to West Asheville. Where to eat breakfast, lunch + dinner, plus shopping, nightlife + more in “Best Asheville.”
Stu’s top 10 ice cream recommendations in Asheville. From ice cream sandwiches to mochi (plus Stu’s tips on buying the best ice cream from your nearest grocery store). 🍨
You know you’re from Asheville if…. Do you remember cruising Patton, coffee + crumb cake at Beanstreet’s, catching a show at Be Here Now, or eating at Stone Soup? Peek into Asheville’s past and relive earlier times from the city (even if you didn’t grow up here).
7 tried + true first dates in AVL. We let you in on how to have the best first date ever in town. Bonus: Where to go for your second date (if this one goes well). 🌹

If you’ve just joined team AVLtoday, we’re so happy you’re here. And for our long-time fans, thanks for continuing to kick off your days with us.

I’m really excited for what’s on the horizon this September, like this Sunday’s LAAF music + arts festival on Lexington Ave., the Goombay Festival on Sept. 7 + 8, Asheville FM’s ninth birthday party on Sept. 13, and, of course, the Mountain State Fair (stay tuned for a guide to that next week).🎢

We always love hearing from you. Have a question about Asheville, an idea about an awesome feature, or a comment about our coverage? Let us know. Leave a comment here, or drop us a line on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow, September. 🎉

– Ali