asheville travel guide

Always Asheville

Asheville is calling you back again. plan your return trip with heart..

Like the rest of our community, Explore Asheville has been heartbroken by the devastating losses from Hurricane Helene that our region has endured. And we are heartened by the gumption, grit, and people of Appalachia helping neighbors and opening their doors to welcome customers back again.

Almost all of 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 has reopened and is welcoming guests for a holiday season of hope and reconnection.

While water and power have been widely restored across the area, limitations remain in pockets of the community. The City of Asheville remains on a system-wide boil water notice. Many restaurants, hotels and inns have secured their own potable (drinking) water with water tankers. Others are providing bottled water and added amenities to support ease and comfort across the guest experience.

Our community is making progress every day, surely and safely. There are areas that need more time and support. We are mindful that high impact areas—including parts of the River Arts District, Biltmore Village and Swannanoa—have a longer road ahead, so checking status online, calling ahead and making sure roads are open is advised before traveling to these areas. We are here for our neighbors throughout western North Carolina.

Planning is key. As you support local businesses, please visit respectfully, with heart and patience. Explore Asheville is here to provide accurate information on getting here, openings and closures .

Shop online at Love Asheville from Afar to send love to the creators and innovators of our local business community. Donate to long term relief efforts via the Always Asheville Fund .

We are resilient together. You coming back is our comeback. Your support means the world to our deeply rooted, creative community.