Discover Asheville's Unique Charms
"...Asheville is rich with layer upon layer of the most exquisite quality of life just waiting to be discovered ..."
Home
CONNECT WITH ASHEVILLEBLISS.COM
Mission
Be An Editor
Write a Review
Link to Us
Advertise with Us
FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING LOCALLY AND GET INVOLVED
Media Buzz
Directories & Portals
Events Calendar
Social Networking
Free Advertising
Asheville Blogs
Local News
Local Weather
Local Media
Free Wi-Fi Spots
Web Cams
Volunteer
HISTORIC ASHEVILLE
Historic Asheville
Timeline & Historic Photos
Historic Health Retreat
Historic Architecture
Douglas Ellington
Thomas Wolfe Memorial
Edwin Wiley Grove
Black Mountain College
History of Railway
Legends & Mysteries
ARTS & CRAFTS
Art Galleries
Bakersville Artists
Burnsille Artists
Celo Artists
Penland Artists
Spruce Pine Artists
Recycled Art
River Arts District
Art & Craft Malls
Art Supplies
Art Lessons
Art to Wear
Studio Tours
Art Contests
Art Residencies
WHERE TO STAY
Lodging
ENTERTAINMENT & ATTRACTIONS
Entertainment
Museums
Free Entertainment
Movies & Film
Dinner & a Movie
Asheville Tourists
Trains & Locomotives
FESTIVALS
Festivals
Bele Chere
L.E.A.F.
GATHERING PLACES
Brew Pubs
Wine Bars & Shops
Coffee & Tea Houses
Social Hours
THEATER & SPOKEN WORD
Theater
Open Mic Nights
Poetry Slams
Storytelling
MUSIC & DANCE
Music Venues
Blue Grass
Modern Roots
Jazz
Classical Music
Live Bands
Music Festivals
Drumming
Street Performers
Dance
Contra Dance
Latin Dance
Swing Dance
Belly Dancing
SPORTS & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Rocks & Gems
Rock Climbing
Bouldering
Rafting
Kayaking
Hiking
Fishing
Camping
Mountain Biking
Waterfalls
Mountains
Picnicking
Wildlife Watching
Golfing
Tours
Day Trips
National Parks & Forests
State Parks
Blue Ridge Parkway
Toe River Valley
Boone NC
Blowing Rock NC
Hot Springs NC
Flat Rock NC
Gatlinburg TN
Jonesborough TN
FOOD & DINING
Dining
Local Produce
Natural Food
Tailgate Markets
CSA Farms
CO-OP VILLAGES, CO-HOUSING, ECO-DEVELOPMENT
Housing
Low Cost Housing
Alternative Building
Co-op Villages
Green Building
Retirement Communities
ECO-GARDENING, PERMACULTURE, NATIVE PLANTS, WILD-CRAFTED HERBS
Garden Centers
Permaculture
Gardening Information
Wild Herbs
Wildflowers
Growing &Harvesting Ginseng
ECO-CONSCIOUSNESS
Green Consciousness
Green Volunteerism
Conservacy
Sustainable Energy
Green Products
Recycling
Green Services
BODY/MIND/SPIRIT
Body/Mind/Spirit
Day Spas
Salons
Yoga & Pilates
Practitioners
Holistic Dentistry
Spiritual Community
EMPLOYMENT, BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
Fun Jobs
Business Startup Help
Grass Roots Funding
Movie Industry
EVENTS, WEDDINGS &PARTIES
Event Spaces
Event Planners
Weddings
Music for Hire
Catering
Bakeries
Florists
Photographers
KIDS ACTIVITIES
Kids Activities
Birthday Parties
Summer Camp
EDUCATION & CLASSES
Higher Education/Colleges
Educational Resources
Cooking Classes
Art Lessons
Herbal Medicine Schools
Music Lessons
Internships
Retirement Education
FUN SHOPPING
Free Stuff
Low Cost Groceries
Thrift & Flea
Bookstores
Music Stores
Antiques
Auctions
Shopping
Clothing
Mailorder Shopping
|
Discover and Celebrate
the Bliss of the Asheville
Area's Amazing Free Stuff
See also
Free Entertainment
Free Advertising
There's a fascinating array of 'freestuff' to be had in Asheville and Western North Carolina ... some of it quite unique to this area. We invite you to email us with any interesting freebies you discover and we'll add them to this page.
ANYTHING for Free in Asheville!
Amazing Things Given Away ...
TOTALLY FREE... on Craig's List
There is an amazing amount of free stuff being given away via the Asheville Area Craig's List... and you never know what! It's like a grand treasure hunt. So just keep checking back... as there is no accounting for what people will want to give away... or why! CLICK HERE for details
Asheville Freecycle™
".... provides individuals and non-profits in the Asheville, NC area an electronic forum to "recycle" unwanted items. One person's trash can truly be another's treasure! Whether it's a chair, a fax machine, piano, or an old door to be given away, it can be posted on the network. Or, maybe you're looking to acquire something yourself? Respond to the posting directly and you just might get it. After that it is up to the giver to set up a pickup time for passing on the treasure...." CLICK HERE for details
"Buy One Get One Free"
Dining with Coupons
WNC Insider Coupon Book.
Has many discounted and
Buy One Get One Free" meals. Costs $35 plus shipping.
Volunteer to Get Free Tickets and Admissions to Events
Volunteer... and earn free admission to musical, theatrical and entertainment events in the Asheville area.
Volunteer... and enjoy the camaraderie of others and develop lifelong friendships... while doing what you love... and giving back to your community.
Volunteer... and maybe... just maybe... get a free T-shirt.
Mountain Sports Festival
Volunteers get sweet swag!
Mountain Sports Festival volunteers get sweet swag this year! The first 30 volunteers to sign up & show-up receive a free pair of Merrell shoes, compliments of Merrell! Also, folks that sign up for 2 or more shifts will receive a pair of Mountain Khaki pants or shorts, compliments of Mountain Khakis! CLICK HERE for details |
Drive "almost for free" by Recycling Waste Vegetable Oil from Most Restaurants in Your Diesel Vehicle
Corn A Copia
"... if you have a Diesel vehicle you can use WVO (Waste Vegetable Oil) from most restaurants. The initial investment will pay for itself quickly. Lowers emissions drastically, keeping our air cleaner and our planet greener...." Has converted the French Broad Brewery to Waste Vegetable Oil. Offers FREE Waste Oil Pickup to Asheville Area Restaurants
Free Information on Healing Your Pet at Home
FREE eBook & Free eCourse:
Healing Your Pets at Home
Easily care for your pet and treat illnesses and ailments confidently and competently at home using simple techniques and inexpensive natural ingredients... and save thousands of dollars compared to relying exclusively on expensive professional veterinary services.
FREE Instant Asheville Weather Alerts
Get Severe Weather Alerts on Your Desktop, In Your Email or Mobile Device from Weather.com
- Current local weather always on your desktopInstant severe weather alertsLive local traffic reportsFree IE and Foxfire toolbars
- Free email or mobile device weather alerts
CLICK HERE for details FREE Exchange Groups
LETS
"... members exchange services for credits (called, simply, "LETS") which can then be swapped for the services of any other member in the network. Members are able to earn LETS in ways they could never earn dollars and they can get what they need without spending hard-earned cash. Any long-term resident can join and start trading right away. Internet access is not required to participate! Prospective members must attend an orientation to sign up. See our online calendar for an exciting list of upcoming events!..."
Free Money
FREE North Carolina Cash
Unclaimed Property Search
"...The $500 million in our unclaimed cash program comes from financial institutions, insurance companies, businesses and government agencies in the form of wages, utility deposits and insurance policy proceeds. These are just a few of the 100 types of property reclaimed every day by our agency. By law, these funds are escheated, or turned over, to our agency for safekeeping. As new funds are added, we update our website which means that your name could be listed right now...." CLICK HERE for details
Click onthe categories to the left to uncover what makes the Asheville area so BLISSFUL!
Discover the Bliss of
Saving Money, Living Frugally, and Scrounging for Hidden Treasures |
|
Empire of Scrounge: Inside the Urban Underground of Dumpster Diving, Trash Picking, and Street Scavenging "....In December of 2001 Jeff Ferrell quit his job as tenured professor, moved back to his hometown of Fort Worth, Texas, and, with a place to live but no real income, began an eight-month odyssey of essentially living off of the street. |
| Empire of Scrounge tells the story of this unusual journey into the often illicit worlds of scrounging, recycling, and second-hand living. Existing as a dumpster diver and trash picker, Ferrell adopted a way of life that was both field research and free-form survival. Riding around on his scrounged BMX bicycle, Ferrell investigated the million-dollar mansions, working-class neighborhoods, middle class suburbs, industrial and commercial strips, and the large downtown area, where he found countless discarded treasures, from unopened presents and new clothes to scrap metal and even food...." |
|
Art & Science of Dumpster Diving "...In step-by-step, illustrated detail, John Hoffman shows you how to use dumpster diving for food, clothing, appliances, furniture, books and other treasures. Discover how to dress for dumpster diving success, work your neighborhood dumpsters, dive a restaurant, use a "bag blade" and "dive stick", handle run-ins with the authorities, convert your trash to cash, and much more! While you are learning all these professional secrets, you will be entertained by outrageous anecdotes from a life-long master diver....' |
|
Secondhand Chic "...In recent years, increasing numbers of people have become aware of something that impecunious but savvy folks have known for a long time: You don't have to be rich to wear high-quality, high-fashion clothing. You just need to know how and where to shop for it at incredible, bargain prices--secondhand, vintage, consignment, and thrift stores.
|
| Christa Weil goes the whole nine yards here, explaining how to spot quality, understand labels (and fakes!), and find your size when labels are missing. She knows which flaws are easily fixed, how to organize your wardrobe, how to look "done" without looking "overdone," how to care for your clothing and accessory treasures, and even how to make money on your unwanted clothes...." |
|
Thrift Score "... Al Hoff's #1 gift is her ability to bring to life the intangible thrill of the hunt that is the narcotic base of the thrift-store game. Her writing is so good that she could easily get by on style and no substance, but her #2 gift is to use the first gift to impart actual information. I learned more from this book than I ever knew I needed to know, both on practicalities like judging old fabrics and furniture and on esoterica like the history of big-eye paintings...." |
|
Your Money or Your Life: Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence "...learn how to
- get out of debt and develop savings
- reorder material priorities and live well for less
- resolve inner conflicts between values and lifestyles
- convert problems into opportunities to learn new skills
- attain a wholeness of livelihood and lifestyle ... and much more...."
|
|
Dining on a Dime Cook Book: 1000 Money Saving Recipes and Tips "....Great cook book! Lots of money saving tips and advice. Simple recipes
that are easy to follow, quick, and made with ingredients that are
simple and easy to find. This book even has recipes for items that are
hard to find like crackers (great!) Gives wonderful craft tips and
recipes for gifts, and bath and body care. I have never seen another
cookbook like this one...." |
|
The Complete Tightwad Gazette "...This is one of my favorite books and something that will be read over
and over again. The Complete Tightwad Gazette is an incredible resource
for the frugal minded and those who are not so frugal minded as well!
She suggests amazing ideas to cut back on costs, while still living a
full life...." |
|
The Urban Treasure Hunter: A Practical Handbook for Beginners ".... Tompkins Square Park, in New York City's East Village, has produced coin recoveries dating back to the 1830s. A construction site in Philadelphia recently yielded ceramic perfume containers and embossed pipe bowls from the 1860s. "Urban treasure hunter" Chaplan explains how to find, unearth and identify valuable artifacts like these in this how-to manual. |
| He provides information on dealing with curious onlookers and fitting into a neighborhood (in "upscale" areas, dress like a jogger; in "tough areas," wear camouflage items and worn jeans), covers legal issues, provides a surprisingly scholarly and in-depth lesson in archeology and details how and where to search for and clean old coins, bottles and historical and prehistoric artifacts (he also gives tips on how to cash in on this hobby). Chaplan peppers his text with quotations from fictional and real adventurers, from Sherlock Holmes to Rudyard Kipling, and includes do-it-yourself instructions for building a sifter and even setting up an electrolysis device for cleaning unearthed metal objects. Chaplan's enthusiasm enlivens the extensive, solid factual information, and although his comparison of urban treasure hunters to history's swashbuckling explorers is a bit exaggerated, stories of his own hunting experiences in the greater New York area, as well as tales of discoveries of booty in unexpected places, prove his point that adventures and buried treasure are closer to home than most would expect..." |
|
Free and Low Cost Dining for Kids
Since offers have a way of changing or disappearing, please verify these offers with restaurant before ordering. "Kids" is usually defined as 10 and under, but verify that too.
Applebee's
$.99 on Tuesday nights from the kid's menu
3 Asheville locations: 115 Tunnel Road; 275 Smokey Park Hwy; 1655 Hendersonville Rd and 1635 Four Seasons Blvd in Hendersonville.
BierGarden
"Kids eat Free Tuesday and Wednesday Nights... One free child meal for every adult meal purchased. Beverages are not included. For children 10 and under please...." Haywood Street in downtown Asheville
Fuddruckers
Kids eat free off the Kids Menu every Monday thru Wednesday with adult meal. Located at 130 Charlotte Street. Join their FuddsClub online for emailed special offers which includes kids.
Lone Star Steakhouse
Two kids eat free off of the kid's menu with the purchase of any entree. Tuesday all day and Saturday from 11 to 4 p.m." Located at 17 Tunnel Road. (828) 259-9500
Texas Roadhouse
Wednesday night is Kids Night. One free kid's dinner for every adult dinner. Games. Crafts. Face Painting. "... fun-filled, lively atmosphere at an affordable price...
Urban Burrito
Tuesday nghts kids eat free from kid's menu with adult meal. A couple ofl locations in Asheville: 129 Bleachery Boulevard (near Wal-Mart off Swannanoa River Road) and 640 North Merrimon Avenue (near UNCA). Has California-style Mexican food with fresh salsa bar with several types of salsa, cilantro and lime.
MyKidsEatFree.com
is a searchable database of restaurants throughout the country for restaurants that have free meals for kids. Great when you're travelling outside of the Asheville area! |
Free Entertainment in Asheville
Bele Chere
"The Southeast's Largest Free Street Festival" 3 days end of July. Music, food and crafts in downtown Asheville. CLICK HERE for videos of Bele Chere.
Grove Arcade Seasonal Events
These include "Jazz After 5" Concerts co-presented by The Grove Arcade and the Asheville Downtown Association featuring local musicians with beer, wine and appetizers from local restaurants, available for purchase. Fresh on Friday - every Friday from 4 til 6 pm. "... Come get a taste of what the mountains have to offer...fresh bread and other local products, along with a direct delivery of fresh fish from the North Carolina coast. A wine tasting and classical guitar always make it a special event...."
Malaprops Bookstore and Cafe
hosts "meet the author" events and concerts.
Montford Park Players
"North Carolina's Longest Running Shakespeare Festival... People bring fast food, picnic baskets, and candlelight dinners. The concession stand sells drinks and snacks."
Free Wine Tastings
Asheville Wine Market
65 Biltmore Avenue for one of Asheville's best selections of wines, beers, ciders, cheeses and accessories. Often has Free Wine Tastings on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. Check their site for details on these Saturday tastings. Also check their Events Calendar for other free tastings as well as wine dinners, etc. You can also subscribe to their free weekly newsletter to be kept up to date with events, new arrivals and specials.
Hops and Vines
"...Each week we highlight a winery, country, or grape designed to illustrate the diversity of wines out there! There's always something to learn by joining us for our tastings on Saturday afternoons...." Ongoing free wine-tasting every Saturday from 2-5 p.m. Located at 797 Haywood Road in West Asheville (near Brevard Rd).
The Merry Wine Market
Check with store for tasting schedule. Located in the heart of historic Black Mountain, just 15 minutes east of Asheville on I-40.
Weinhaus
Free wine tastings on Saturdays after 2 p.m. On the 3rd Saturday their is free "Themed Tasting" Located on Patton Avenue in Downtown Asheville
The Flat Rock Wine Shop (Flat Rock ) Complimentary wine tastings monthly, complete with hors d'oeuvres and music.5-8 p.m. Check their website for dates.
Vaso de Vino
"...offers a modern day Enoteca. The atmosphere is old world, like being in the small town of Montalcino, Italy. A full deli case and a menu that enhances the flavor of our wines, makes it a pleasure to help our customers figure out their likes and dislikes, regarding their wine choices. We are Asheville's only complete retail wine shop and wine bar, featuring gourmet foods, cigars, accessories and gifts.... Hundreds of wines from around the world... Public wine tastings every Saturday afternoon... Inquire about our private wine and food pairings beginning soon..." 75 Long Shoals Road, The Overlook at Lake Julian
Free Beer Tastings
Bruisin' Ales
"... Asheville’s first and only retail store just for beer lovers. No wine, just beer. It’s pure “beerlanthropy™” for the greater good. We specialize in Belgians, Belgian-style, high-gravity, craft brews, microbrews, and the best from around the globe. With over 600 different beers from across the country and around the world, you’ll find a delectable line-up sure to please any beer lover’s palette. From ales to stouts, lagers to bitters, Bruisin’ Ales is Western North Carolina ’s stop for the tastiest beers available. Free Beer Tastings every other Thursday. Check BLOG for details....." at 66 Broadway, Downtown Asheville
Hops & Vines
"...Each week we choose a new brewery or style to focus on and sample several examples. This is a great way to wind down at the end of the week!...." Hops & Vines is ".... your neighborhood source for old favorites and new discoveries in beer and wine or the ingredients to create your own! We feature an extensive selection of craft beer and boutique wines with a special focus on microbrews and wines from vineyards that use sustainable growing practices...." Located at 797 Haywood Road in West Asheville (near Brevard Rd). |
Free MicroBrewery Tours
Highland Brewing Company
Micro-Brewery. Tours on Tuesdays and Fridays. Phone to schedule. Free.
 Get Paid to Play Golf... and Play Golf For Free!
FREE Portrait at Jen Bowen's
'Faces of Asheville' Project
"... Bowen is now setting up appointments for the 2nd attempt of the “Faces of Asheville” Portrait Documentary Project. Free 30 minute portrait appointments will take place Tuesdays & Sundays from 10am-8pm January 15 thru April 1st at the Wedge Gallery and Betsalel Studios in the River Arts District."
CLICK HERE for more information |
Free Wi Fi
FREE Wireless Internet Access to Downtown's Business District is provided by Buncombe County.
Free Computer and Internet Tools
Free Search Engine Submission
OpenOffice: FREE Full featured Office Suite
".... Free Powerful integrated set of word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, drawing and database applications. Reads, edits and saves Microsoft Office files. Supports over 70 languages and Solaris, Windows, Linux and Max operting systems. Uses industry-standard, open file format as its default file format. Built-in, one-click PDF export...."
PikiFX -- Free Photo Editing Tool
You can also add speech balloons to your photos at PikiStrips.com ... and add bling and glitter at PikiPimp.com.
Discover the Bliss of Discounts,
Great Deals and Free Stuff
|
|
Unbelievably Good Deals and Great Adventures That You Absolutely Can't Get Unless You're over 50
The newest edition of this proven bestseller, which has sold more than 850,000 copies, is completely revised and updated with even more information about trips, discounts, clubs, programs, and special perks for anyone over 50.
|
Unbelievably Good Deals and Great Adventures That You Absolutely Can't Get Unless You're Over 50 includes amazing bargains on:
- Airfares and hotels
- Car rentals and public transportation
- Vacations designed for grandparents and grandkids
- Adventure destinations
- Bike trips and walking tours
- Golf, tennis, and other sports
- Free or discounted educational opportunities
- And much more!
|
|
Fantastic Discounts and Deals for Anyone Over 50! is packed with dozens of discounts on all sorts of products and services. Only $9.95, you'll get your money back in no time at all. Right after reading it I noticed a number of discounts we could take advantage of, many I would never have thought of. Anyone who is at least 50 years old and interested in saving money should have a copy. |
|
It Pays to Be Cheap! "....Fun and innovative ways to save money on items such as groceries, electronics, pet care, travel, and clothing are revealed in this indispensable savings handbook. Features such as "Online Steals & Deals," "Bargain Alerts," and "Fantastic Formulas" uncover easy ways for anyone to become a thrift expert without sacrificing personal pleasures or undergoing excessive belt-tightening...." |
| Money-saving ideas for cutting pet food bills by 25 percent, flying major airlines for free, and creating an automatic plant-watering system are included, as well as tips on how to unclutter cabinets; make simple health and beauty tonics; create eco-friendly, multipurpose cleaning supplies; save a bundle on home repairs; and snag free tickets to concerts, museums, and sporting events. |
|
The Elite Grocery Shopper "Enlightening!.... With the direction our economy is heading, the publishing of this book couldn't have come at a more opportune time. Reading this book was very eye opening. It provides clear and precise instructions on ways to cut grocery costs and take advantage of significant savings. Many of the principles described in this book I would have never thought of on my own. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is living on a tight budget and looking for ways to stretch their income...." |
|
|
