Hurricane Helene devastated Asheville in the Appalachian region primarily in Western North Carolina back in September of 2024. On a recent road trip, we wanted to stop by to take a look at what happened to that city. We didn’t know what to expect when arriving in Asheville, but we can tell you it was worse than we could have imagined.
Even though it has experienced massive destruction, what we captured on this trip was also the amount of progress they’ve made, really highlighting the severity of the situation. Most of what we’re showing is from the River Arts District and downtown in front of Biltmore Village. You can see the massive clean-up efforts taking place but also realize how far they still have to go.
Asheville is calling you back again. Be part of the comeback.
We’re open. The Asheville area welcomes you back after Hurricane Helene. Plan a return trip with heart and be part of the comeback.
Downtown Asheville is open and ready for business, its infrastructure having remained largely untouched by the storm. Downtown shops, restaurants, galleries, artist studios and restaurants are open—alongside our neighbors in the towns of Weaverville and Black Mountain. South Asheville and the Asheville Regional Airport are open. Biltmore Estate is open and welcoming guests.
With power and potable water restored, attractions, restaurants, breweries, music venues, hotels, inns and businesses are open, widely available and welcoming guests across the Asheville area. Our community is making progress every day. There are areas that have a longer road ahead—including parts of the River Arts District, Biltmore Village and Swannanoa. Appalachian resilience shines as pockets of business reopen in high-impact areas.
In the valleys of these rolling Appalachian mountains are beautiful towns of all sizes, and Asheville is one of the larger cities. Some of us are very familiar with the region and city itself, while many others have learned of its existence through this unfortunate event.
Asheville, North Carolina, is a small but vibrant city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s known for its eclectic vibe, combining outdoor adventure with a thriving arts scene and a foodie culture that punches above its weight for a town of its size. The downtown area has a unique, artsy feel, with street art, indie shops, and local restaurants. It’s like a mix between a mountain town and a bohemian hub, attracting all kinds of people—from outdoor enthusiasts to artists and retirees looking for a relaxed lifestyle.
The surrounding mountains provide endless outdoor activities: hiking, mountain biking, and, in the winter, skiing at nearby resorts. But beyond the outdoor scene, Asheville is also known for its historic architecture, like the Biltmore Estate (the largest privately owned home in America), and its local music scene, with live performances ranging from bluegrass to indie bands.
The weather is pretty mild—cool mountain air without the extreme winters or summers that some southern cities get. The people are laid-back, friendly, and open-minded, and there’s a big emphasis on sustainability, with a lot of farms and local food markets around.
It’s a great place if you love nature but also enjoy good food, arts, and culture.
One of the best ways to support Asheville, North Carolina is to travel there and experience everything Asheville still has to offer. Their local economy needs it.
