Discover Asheville's July Celebrations: Independent Shops, Nature, and Community Connections

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Tuesday, July 1st, 2025.

We’re stepping into July today with that lush, full summer energy, and Asheville is buzzing with events, announcements, and reasons to get out and explore. The city has declared July as Independent Retailer Month, so it’s the perfect time to discover a new local boutique or support an Asheville favorite you haven’t visited in a while. Independent shops will be hosting special events and pop-ups throughout the month, making it a great opportunity to connect with business owners and take advantage of unique deals and one-of-a-kind finds.

Nature lovers, listen up: Starting today, the North Carolina Forest Service has kicked off its annual tree seedling sale. They’re offering over 40 species of native and improved trees, including several types of pine and hardwoods. If you’ve got a green thumb or just want to help reforest the region, now’s the time to place your order. You can even speak with a local ranger for planting advice to make sure your seedlings thrive. Supplies do move fast, so don’t wait too long to get your order in this year.

Yesterday, Highland Brewing Company hosted a heartfelt celebration of founder Oscar Wong’s life, gathering the community to honor the legacy of a pioneer in Asheville’s craft beer scene. If you missed it, you can still lift a glass of local brew today and toast to the community spirit that makes Asheville such a special place to live.

For those looking to give back, the Love Our City Serve Day brought together volunteers this week to uplift the community, and there are more chances to get involved throughout July. Asheville’s nonprofit organizations and outreach events are always looking for helping hands—reach out and see where you can make a positive impact.

If you’re seeking some art and culture, consider a scenic drive out to Hendersonville where a brand-new art gallery just opened in the vibrant 7th Avenue District. Closer to home, gardens are bursting with color, and summer farmers markets are overflowing with local produce, so take advantage of these bountiful days for picnics, canning, or just a stroll through nature.

And for outdoorsy types, Chimney Rock State Park is back open after months of restoration, welcoming hikers and adventurers alike to see some of Western North Carolina’s most stunning views.

That’s a quick spin through what’s happening in Asheville and around the region this July 1st. However you choose to spend your Tuesday, there’s no shortage of ways to connect with your community, your local businesses, and the beautiful landscape we all share.

This has been Asheville Local Frequency. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.