Hurricane Helene hit Florida in the form of a Category 4 hurricane. Category 4 storm On Sept. 26, 2024, a hurricane ripped through Georgia, Tennessee and the Carolinas. But it was the southern Appalachian Mountains—particularly Asheville, North Carolina—that saw some of the worst devastation, as four days of relentless rain flooded rivers and washed out roads, structures, and entire neighborhoods. The storm was the third-deadliest hurricane in modern history. according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, claiming more than 200 lives—104 of them in North Carolina alone.
The community has shown remarkable resilience, even more than a year after the storm. Vic Isley (President and CEO of Asheville Tourism) said that a little more than a year has passed since the storm and the area is now open. Many businesses are on track to meet the fall travel season of 2023. Explore Asheville Then, there is the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority You can tell them by clicking on the link Travel + Leisure.
Visit the area. Asheville needs tourism to recover.
What’s Open After Hurricane Helene in Asheville?
The tourism board reports that Asheville’s entire city is ready and open to welcome tourists. While portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway—one of the National Park Service’s most visited sites—sustained damage, a 114-mile stretch has reopened, allowing seamless access north and south of the city and to major attractions like Mount Mitchell State ParkThe Folk Art Center, Graveyard Fields. Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Isley is “delighted” that visitors are returning to The North Carolina Arboretum For “Trolls: a Field Study”, a whimsical installation that features 12 oversized sculptures of trolls created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo from fallen branches and recycled wood. The North American premiere will run until February 17.
He said that Asheville’s hospitality community is growing, as 150 new partners joined this year in shops, attractions and restaurants. The $400 million regional airport has also unveiled the first phase in its $400-million expansion. It features a new North Concourse, which includes seven gates.
The inaugural Food Festival is a feast for food lovers. The inaugural Michelin American South Guide The Asheville Restaurant Awards was launched last month. Italian-Appalachian Luminosa The Green Star is awarded for environmental sustainability. Little Chango You can also find out more about the following: Mother Bib Gourmands are awarded to restaurants that offer high-quality food at a reasonable price. New additions to the dining scene in Toronto include the elevated Mexican restaurant Xico as well as Asian-fusion spot JazminLe Parisien, a French-style restaurant, will open in the winter. Ukrainian cuisine is also on offer. Slava Café Soon after, we will follow.
Biltmore to debut its new Biltmore Luminere Nighttime experience before hosting the inaugural Biltmore Championship In September, the PGA Golf Tour will return to the region for the first time in nearly 80 years.
The reopening of several popular stays has also been announced, including The Radical The rustic-chic AutoCamp AshevilleAirstreams and cabins are now available to welcome guests.
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Areas still Rebuilding After Hurricane Helene
While the essential stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway around Asheville has been restored, the damage was so extensive—including at least 57 mudslides—that some portions of the North Carolina–Virginia corridor are still under repair. National Park Service reports that the first phase of a three-phase plan for recovery is completed. Online updates are also available. The city also notes that Interstate 40 near the North Carolina–Tennessee border is down to one lane in each direction, with narrower lanes and reduced speed limits. You can get the latest updates at DriveNC.gov.
The city is a place where you can find a lot of things to do. River Arts District The Upper RAD North section has reopened, but other areas are still in recovery. Sugar and Snow Gelato The reopened in the November of this year. Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food Cotton Mill Studios is scheduled to reopen in the spring of 2026.
How to help Asheville hurricane victims
Explore Asheville offers a way for visitors to Asheville to help directly with the recovery efforts. voluntourism activities River cleaning is a great way to help the environment. Asheville GreenWorks You can also distribute food through Grassroots Aid PartnershipThere are many activities that you can do. listed on its page. Also, American Red Cross Shelter Heroes, a program that helps with disaster relief and seeks volunteers, is currently looking for volunteers. All Hands and Heart Asheville was quickly mobilized after the hurricane. accepting volunteers Through Dec. 19, as well Jan. 2, through March 28.
Locals say that visiting Asheville in person is the best way to show your support. Travelers are reminded that they should prioritize supporting small, independent businesses and to follow the Leave No Trace Principle to tread lightly and reduce their impact.
Shop online at Asheville retailers and consider donating. Always Asheville FundThe organization has distributed over $2.17million in grants to 389 companies affected by Hurricane Sandy.
Above all else, visit Asheville gracefully. A smile, a kind phrase, and a small tip to the locals who graciously served our guests are needed and appreciated more than ever. Explore Asheville wrote on its site. Enjoy your visit, but be mindful of the areas that are still under construction. Shop and eat locally, and have fun.
