After Hurricane Helene, the mountain town is rebuilding stronger than ever—and ready to welcome you back
Asheville has always been a special place to me. Born and raised in Charleston, I found Asheville offered the closest mountain escape with stunning Blue Ridge views, cooler temperatures and a vibrant food scene. I remember early visits to Biltmore and how magical it felt. As I grew older, I returned to hike waterfalls and explore trails. Then Chef Katie Button asked me to help organize the first Chow Chow food festival—a hyperlocal celebration that deepened my connection to this creative mountain town.
When Hurricane Helene hit, I immediately organized a group of eight women for a weeklong mission trip, our cars packed with supplies. We saw immense damage but also hope—most major downtown places remained intact. I’m proud to say most areas have bounced back. The River Arts District is rebuilding, and Asheville’s unique energy is making its comeback stronger than ever.
For our first travel profile, there’s no better place to highlight than Asheville—especially with its ties to wellness and beauty. If you’ve been worried about going back, now is the time.
SPECIAL EXPERIENCES
Biltmore’s Luminere—As the sun sets, Biltmore’s story comes to life during Luminere, an all-new evening outdoor light-and-sound experience launching this spring.
Thomas Dambo’s Trolls at The North Carolina Arboretum – Through Feb. 17, 2026, 12 larg-er-than-life troll sculptures crafted from reclaimed wood explore the Arboretum’s gardens and trails. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, these sculptures—symbols of revival and beauty rising from what’s been discarded carry added meaning.
WELLNESS AND SPA
The Salt Spa of Asheville—Experience science-based salt therapy in a Himalayan salt cave.
Omni Grove Park Inn—Built over a century ago, this glorious lodge has welcomed 10 U.S. presidents. Unwind in the 18,000-square-foot subterranean spa or play a round on the Donald Ross-designed golf course.
SoHum Ayurvedic Retreat Center—Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, SoHum offers personalized healing journeys inspired by ancient Ayurvedic wisdom, including the intensive seven-night Panchakarma Retreat.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, known as “America’s favorite scenic drive.” All Asheville sections have reopened from Mount Mitchell to Cherokee. Lace up your hiking shoes for trails ranging from easy to challenging, and go waterfall hunting—hundreds of beautiful waterfalls are scattered throughout the region. Stand atop Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi at 6,684 feet. Many sections of the French Broad River are now open for stand-up paddleboarding, tubing and boating.
ARTS AND CULTURE
The River Arts District along the French Broad riverbank features former industrial warehouses filled with working artist studios. While heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene, the Upper RAD—including Roberts Street, Artful Way, Depot Street and Clingman Avenue—has reopened and welcomes visitors. Shop displaced artists’ work at the RADA Outpost downtown.
Hop aboard LaZoom, the big purple bus, for an irreverent look into Asheville’s colorful history, or explore self-guided walking trails including the Urban Trail, Black Cultural Heritage Trail or South Slope Mural Trail.
CULINARY SCENE
The Michelin Guide’s first-ever American South edition put Asheville center stage. Luminosa earned a prestigious Green Star for sustainability.
Bib Gourmand winners include Luminosa, Little Chango and Mother. Ten Asheville restaurants earned Recommended status, including Cúrate Bar de Tapas, Good Hot Fish and The Admiral. Sign up for a food tour, visit local farms along the WNC Cheese Trail or go foraging with one of the nation’s largest foraging tour companies.
DOWNTOWN HIGHLIGHTS
Browse books with bubbly at Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar. Climb to rooftop bars for views from Asheville’s tallest buildings. Follow Friday night drumming to the downtown drum circle.
Asheville is ready to welcome you back. Come taste, explore and experience why this mountain town continues to captivate–now with even more resilience and heart.
All of the photos except the one of the Trolls exhibit were provided courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com.
By Angel Holmes