As neighbors and community members, it’s important to take care of each other. On this page, I will list how to get help and how to provide help.
Resource List (alphabetical, scroll for latest post)
- Community Field Trip to Swannanoa – May 30, 2026
- Creative Reuse in Western North Carolina: Asheville and Brevard
- Grovemont Park – Community-Owned Park in Swannanoa, NC
- Safe Shelter in Cold Weather – Buncombe
- White Horse Black Mountain Community Hub: Free Events and Classes
- WNC Repair Cafe and Asheville Tool Library – Free Resources
- ZOOM Pass for Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania County Library Users
Creative Reuse in Western North Carolina: Asheville and Brevard
The concept of creative reuse stores is fairly new to me. Last summer, I was at the Swannanoa Market and saw a colorful table labeled ReMix It covered in fabric, popsicle sticks, odds and ends, and lots of glue guns. Within seconds, my kids were gathered round the table each with a glue gun in hand (their first time using them) and making houses out of scraps. A few weeks went by and we were at a market at ArtSpace in Swannanoa and who was there? ReMix It!
I learned that ReMix It was a non-profit creative reuse store — basically, a thrift store for art supplies. At the time, they were still in the process of trying to open a storefront (they’re now open in West Asheville). ReMix It was doing the market circuit to provide free fun crafts for all ages and to tell people about their mission to create a space that is dedicated to “inspiring creativity, reducing waste, and building community through access to affordable, reclaimed art and craft materials. [They] transform discarded materials into creative opportunities, supporting environmental sustainability and hands-on expression for all ages.”
In the last year, ReMix It has become a regular part of our lives. My family had so much fun at a huge fundraiser they held last year where each participant decorated a fabric square. The squares were then sewn live to create the world’s largest fabric snake. The snake is now in their store and we all get a kick out of looking for our square on the wall. I have also noticed my own habits around reuse change. When once I may have thrown away the plastic layer in a new picture frame, I now tuck it into the closet to use as a palette for ink. My kids, too, look for opportunities to reuse items around the house to make arts and crafts. Over the summer, the kids attended an art camp where most of the supplies were purchased at ReMix It.
Now, the storefront is open! It’s a wonder of arts and crafts supplies in a large space. They have a classroom that can be used for open craft sessions and for formal classes. (I took a printmaking class there last week and had a blast.) Click the video below to see a full tour of the space. AND, I’m excited to report than another creative reuse store is opening today, in Brevard, North Carolina.
Sunshine Creative Reuse is a similar model, a non-profit creative reuse store in downtown Brevard that will also sell arts and craft supplies, take donations, host classes, etc. I happened to be going to Brevard this week and I asked if I could swing by for a sneak peek. Check out the following video and in a couple of hours, the doors will be open!
Congratulations to both ReMix It and Sunshine Creative Reuse, our community is better off for your vision. I can’t wait to see them both grow in the years to come. Are there other creative reuse stores in WNC? Let me know in the comments!
One response to “Creative Reuse in Western North Carolina: Asheville and Brevard”
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Eee! So exciting! We are passionate about reuse and love to read how having it locally has brought new ideas to your family!
White Horse Black Mountain Community Hub: Free Events and Classes
Last month, I started seeing social media posts about a White Horse Community Hub, and I thought to myself, “I thought that was a music venue?” To find out more, I invited the new Community Hub Director, Allie, to come to my Black Mountain Community Field Trip.
She shared that the Community Hub was born out of Hurricane Helene, when White Horse Black Mountain contributed to disaster relief. Now, the WHBM venue has pivoted to hosting pay-what-you-can performances, and the Community Hub is offering events and classes to benefit the broader community. Their website mission states:
The White Horse Community Hub is a dynamic community crossroads where arts, wellness, and human connection meet. The Hub is dedicated to being a neighborhood destination that actively fosters belonging, uplifts underserved neighbors, and cultivates a proactive community response to hardship. We envision a resilient community where everyone — regardless of economic means — has access to physical and mental wellbeing, social connection, and critical support.
It is amazing to see how the Swannanoa Valley is transforming on the other side of Hurricane Helene, and I’m so proud of my neighbors for their resilience, grit, and creativity in making sure that community care continues long after disaster hits.
I’ve got my eyes on memoir writing, poetry writing, board game day, and so many other cool offerings! Follow the White Horse Community Hub on Instagram here and the full calendar at https://whitehorsecommunityhub.org/.
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Grovemont Park – Community-Owned Park in Swannanoa, NC
Tucked away in Swannanoa, there’s a sweet little area called Grovemont. It’s home to Grovemont Park and Fox Creek Park, two community-owned green spaces. They are maintained by the Swannanoa Community Council, a completely volunteer body. If you’ve ever been to the Swannanoa Library, you’ve been to Grovemont!
@rundainwnc AND THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS 🤩 Learn more about Grovemont Park and find links to donate here: grovemontpark.org Psst…know someone who wants to volunteer doing social media content? Reach out to the Swannanoa Community Council via the website or IG #swannanoa #swannanoanc #828isgreat #asheville #blackmountain ♬ original sound – Runda in WNC
Grovemont Park
In addition to the Swannanoa Library, Grovemont Park has a playground, outdoor exercise equipment, rubber track, field, basketball court, pavilion, and picnic tables. During the summer, you have to check out Groovin’ on Grovemont, a free admission concert series with musical guests, food trucks, and great fun for all ages.
The series is sponsored by local businesses and community members, with proceeds benefiting the Swannanoa Community Council and Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa (FANS). In 2026, the concerts will be held on July 14, July 18, and August 11 at 6 PM!
Fox Creek Park
In addition to Grovemont Park, the Swannanoa Community Council also maintains Fox Creek Park, a “walking path, wildlife habitat and educational resource for our community on the former site of Lake June in Grovemont.” Check out the website linked for video tours, ways to volunteer, and more information about habitat restoration.
Support the Work of the Swannanoa Community Council
Maintaining these grounds for the community’s benefit takes time and resources. Consider making a one-time or recurring donation here. During the 2026 season, Runda in WNC is one of the sponsors of Groovin’ on Grovemont. I’m so excited to support community-minded work and hope you will join me!
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Community Field Trip to Swannanoa – May 30, 2026
I’ve had this idea percolating for a while…what if I invited my social media followers to meet up in person for a field trip? We could do the what we do best: connect with each other, build community, support local businesses, find free ways to spend time outside our homes, and spread joy.
AND SO! The first ever Runda in WNC Community Field Trip will be on Saturday, May 30th, 2026 in Swannanoa, NC and you’re invited! All ages are welcome and although there is a schedule, dropping in and out is okay – we’d rather have ya some of the time rather than none of the time.
If it goes well, I’ll keep hosting them regularly. Here’s a draft agenda (I’ll keep updating) and what to expect. Please use the form at the bottom of this page to sign up – I’ll use this information to communicate and bring enough materials.
What to Expect
We’ll meet up as a group to:
- Get to know each other
- Get name tags
- Pass out Maps, Field Trip Guides, and Collectible Buttons (get excited!!!)
Morning Parking:
- Lot beside Swannanoa Town Hardware
- Lot beside The Rite Buy
- Street parking across from The Rite Buy and Short Sleeves Coffee
Baby Changing Tables:
- One of the two bathrooms at Short Sleeves Coffee
- Okie Dokie’s BBQ
Community Field Trip Agenda
- 8 AM-10 AM Pre-Field Trip Bonus: Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa Community Yard Sale – Kearfott Corporation Parking Lot (not Ingles!), 2858 US 70, Black Mountain
- 10 AM-10:15 AM Begin gathering in parking lot beside Swannanoa Town Hardware – 119 Alexander Place, Swannanoa
- 10:15 AM-10:30 AM Group Intro Activity
- 10:30 AM-11:30 AM Explore Beacon Village (folks break off into small groups)
- Ovenbird Kitchen
- Roots and Branches
- Blunt Pretzels
- Short Sleeves Coffee
- The Rite Buy Neighborhood Grocery
- Cherry Tree Beads – 20% off on May 30 when you mention community field trip
- Swannanoa Town Hardware
- 11:30 AM-12:15 PM Swannanoa Market
- Meet back up at the Swannanoa Market to explore (still in Beacon Village) – 216 Whitson Avenue
- 12:15 PM-1:45 PM Lunch/Explore US 70 in Swannanoa
- Unicorn Farm Plant Nursery – 6 Avery Wood Dr
- Okie Dokie’s BBQ – 2375 US-70
- Good Company Pizza, Gelato, and Arcade – 2334 US-70
- Papaw’s Place Produce, Feed Store, Plants, Local Products – 2632 US-70
- La Bamba Restaurant and Tienda (at the back of the restaurant is a full grocery) – 2298 US-70
- Moments Coffee – 2304 US-70
- Taqueria La Perla (Food Truck) – 2277 US-70
- Athen’s Grill – 2345 US-70
- Buckeye Antiques – 90 Buckeye Access Road
- East Acupuncture Wellness – 2296 US-70, Suite 2
- Free tea for field trip members who stop by to check out the services they offer
- 1:45 PM-2:15 PM
- Grovemont Park Group Closeout – 251 Stonewall Ave (put Swannanoa Library into your GPS)
- 2:15 PM-whenever Swannanoa Library and Playground (connected to same property as park)
Safe Shelter in Cold Weather – Buncombe
The weather in Buncombe County has been incredibly cold and back to back weekends of ice and snow create even more dangerous conditions for our neighbors with inadequate shelter and access to food.
In need of shelter?
If you’re in need of shelter, Buncombe County has several Winter Shelter options. When a “Code Purple” is called due to extremely cold temperatures – there are fewer requirements and more locations available. Check the Buncombe County and Asheville City websites here to go directly to guidance on resources available for shelter and transit.
@rundainwnc Hope you’re safe and warm! đź©· #asheville #ashevillenc #buncombecounty #828isgreat #westernnorthcarolina ♬ original sound – Runda in WNC
Looking for ways to help?
Volunteer – Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles including in-person at shelters, sorting supplies, cooking, clean up, etc. You can find a list of ways to volunteer here.
Donate – Shelters accept donations, please check for information on what is needed and drop off times. It’s important to not make it harder on volunteers.
Safe Shelter in Asheville is currently calling for donations and has a very clear list of what they need (can be purchased and dropped off or ordered via their Amazon wishlist). A few days ago I did a Go Grocery run for my family and also picked up a bunch of items for the shelter and dropped them off. I made a simple Facebook/Instagram post inviting any of my friends to Venmo me by 12 PM and I’d add to the donation when I was at the store. This is a simple way to make your donation go further – some folks have money, but not the time to shop/drop off!
Asheville Survival, a “interdependent web of working groups, growing together by practicing mutual aid” is also collection donations at Second Gear in Asheville (see below).
In addition to Safe Shelter and Asheville Survival, check out Beloved Asheville, The Blessing Project and Swannanoa Communities Together for additional community resources like food, propane, etc. The latter two serve the Swannanoa Valley specifically.
If you know of other ways folks can help – ways to donate, accounts to follow, etc. please leave a comment below and I’ll update this post!
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WNC Repair Cafe and Asheville Tool Library – Free Resources
@rundainwnc The @Asheville Tool Library and WNC Repair Cafe are wonderful resources in Western North Carolina, let’s make sure we use them! You can also support these two efforts by hosting a class, volunteering, donating tools for money, etc. Follow both of their pages for more info. #wnc #westernnorthcarolina #asheville #ashevillenc #828isgreat ♬ original sound – Runda in WNC
WNC folks, I’ve got two incredible community resources that you need to know about. They’re the WNC Repair Cafe and the Asheville Tool Library!
WNC Repair Cafe
The WNC Repair Cafe is a group of volunteers who do pop up events several times a month in primarily Buncombe and Haywood counties. Bring in broken household items and sewing/mending on the designated days to get help for free.
In 2025, the repair cafe helped “636 people fix 838 items with an 87% success rate.” What exciting work and they have a huge 2026 calendar (underneath the video on the left).
Asheville Tool Library
The Asheville Tool Library is a sliding-scale membership based library for borrowing tools. They’ve got over 2,000 tools in stock from big machines to cotton candy makers and folding tables.
Once you’re a member, you can use their reservation website and tools can be borrowed for one week at a time.
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ZOOM Pass for Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania County Library Users
@rundainwnc There are not unlimited passes, they can be reserved on a first come first serve basis. Pickup is at ANY Buncombe library. I believe you can book at least a month in advance! I love our public libraries! Hope this helps you enjoy fun places for free đź©· #library #buncombecounty #828isgreat #asheville #buncombe ♬ original sound – Runda in WNC
Do you have a Buncombe, Henderson, or Transylvania County Library Card? If so (or if you’re eligible to get one), you get access to FREE attraction tickets through the library ZOOM pass program.
I’ve been to the Asheville Museum of Science, Asheville Art Museum, Well Played Board Game Cafe, Asheville Art Museum, WNC Nature Center, and so many other places for free using this pass!
In my video on the left, you can watch exactly how to login and select your passes. Keep reading if you prefer a written tutorial.
Step 1: Get a Library Card. If you don’t have one already, Google your county name and “Library Locations”. You’ll need to stop by in person and they will ask for your ID to verify that you live in the county. Librarians are the nicest people and will be excited to help you!
Step 2: Click the button above for your county to zoom to the ZOOM Page (see what I did there) and click reserve/login
Step 3: Select whether you’d like to search “by pass” or “by date”. I recommend “by pass” if you’re looking for a particular activity and can be flexible about the date. Use “by date” if you’re wanting to do an activity on a certain date but flexible about which one.
Step 4: Make your selection
Step 5: Login using your library number and four digit PIN. The PIN is usally the last four digits of your phone number. However, if it doesn’t work, call or stop by a local library location and say: “Can you help me reset by PIN for my library card so that I can reserve a ZOOM pass?”
Step 6: Go to any local library the week of your pass and ask them to print it at the front desk. Make sure that you check the library hours and for any holidays. I’ve definitely lost out on passes because I didn’t realize the library was closed when I had planned to stop by, oops!
Do you know of another WNC library system that uses ZOOM passes? What are your favorite pass stops? Let us know in the comments!
4 responses to “ZOOM Pass for Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania County Library Users”
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[…] For many of us in Western North Carolina, today is the first day of Spring Break for our kids. No school for 9 days! Exciting and daunting. How do we keep our kids busy and having fun without breaking the bank? What if you can’t afford to go to the beach or Gatlinburg or pay for camp? This week, I’ll be sharing some advice for how to keep your kids having fun right here in Western North Carolina. “Budget” varies widely from family to family, so I’ll cover ideas that are completely free and some that have a small cost associated with them. Psst…if you don’t know about ZOOM Passes from the library, check this out. […]
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[…] For many of us in Western North Carolina, it’s Spring Break for our kids. No school for 9 days! Exciting and daunting. How do we keep our kids busy and having fun without breaking the bank? What if you can’t afford to go to the beach or Gatlinburg or pay for camp? This week, I’ll be sharing some advice for how to keep your kids having fun right here in Western North Carolina. “Budget” varies widely from family to family, so I’ll cover ideas that are completely free and some that have a small cost associated with them. Psst…if you don’t know about ZOOM Passes from the library, check this out. […]
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[…] For many of us in Western North Carolina, it is Spring Break for our kids. No school for 9 days! Exciting and daunting. How do we keep our kids busy and having fun without breaking the bank? What if you can’t afford to go to the beach or Gatlinburg or pay for camp? This week, I’ll be sharing some advice for how to keep your kids having fun right here in Western North Carolina. “Budget” varies widely from family to family, so I’ll cover ideas that are completely free and some that have a small cost associated with them. Psst…if you don’t know about ZOOM Passes from the library, check this out. […]
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[…] know about the ZOOM Buncombe Library passes, learn how to get into attractions in WNC for free here. If you utilize SNAP benefits, read about free admission to museums across the US in the Museums […]
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