Asheville: A Community in Shock After Devastating Floods
Asheville is a city known for its vibrant arts scene and breathtaking natural beauty, but today, it stands as a somber reminder of nature’s overwhelming power. Floodwaters have swept through the River Arts District, devastating businesses, tearing families apart, and erasing parts of what made this community feel so alive.
A Personal Journey to the Heart of the Damage
I ventured into the River Arts District (RAD) today, not as a journalist gathering stories, but as a member of this community wanting to witness the aftermath of the floods. For the past 12 years, I have called Western North Carolina my home, working as an arts and entertainment editor. The RAD has been my second home, filled with inspiring artists, bustling breweries, and small shops full of dreams brought to life. Seeing it so drastically altered? It left me shocked and speechless.
The landscape that I once navigated easily was now unrecognizable. The cultural heart of our city, which once pulsed with creativity and passion, felt eerily quiet. As I drove through the muddy remnants of what used to be bustling businesses, a heavy stomach ache of sadness overwhelmed me. The familiar scents of lively gatherings had been replaced by the foul tang of rotting debris and thick mud. It felt like a punch to the gut.
Familiar Faces, Devastating Losses
I’ve interviewed so many small business owners in this area. Some, like Russ Keith, owner of The Outpost, described their heartbreaking paths ahead. “The whole place went down river,” he said while surveying the wreckage. “If you had eyesight on the [French Broad] River, you’re probably not in good shape today — it’s going to be a long recovery.” This was echoed by Josh Copus, who owns the Old Marshall Jail, a place I wrote about just months ago. He described watching the waters rise, a tragedy unfolding before his eyes. “I watched a whole restaurant just float down the road,” he recounted. The devastation is almost surreal.
From Flood Waters to Community Support
As I took in the scene, my mind went to the lively restaurants and gathering places that had been part of my routine. Places like White Duck Taco and 12 Bones Smokehouse once buzzed with the sounds of laughter and good food—they too are now gone. During this tumult, I was reminded of the collective resilience that defines Southern Appalachia. Even as the waters recede, the path forward will be a long and winding one. Spencer Tetrault, co-owner of Cultivate Garden Shop in Waynesville, voiced what many feel: “Unfortunately, these effects will be felt and seen for years to come.”
It’s not just the businesses that are suffering; the emotional toll is heavy too. In my brief encounters with the owners of these beloved spots, their pain was palpable. The faces of local entrepreneurs who had chased their dreams now wore expressions of despair. Yet, in times like these, the importance of community has never been clearer. “Take care of yourself and your neighbors, period,” Tetrault emphasized. “The willingness to lend a hand to people around you is pivotal.”
What Lies Ahead
Though the struggle feels overwhelming, it’s essential to remember that the human spirit is strong. We may feel stunned, weighed down by the loss, but we are not alone. As communities rally together to support one another, we begin to see glimmers of hope within despair. Whether it’s through volunteer work, donations, or simply being there for one another, we can help stitch together the fabric of our neighborhoods that the floods have torn apart.
While the damage may be extensive and the recovery long, one thing is certain: The incredible people of Asheville will not stay silent in the face of hardship. Together, we will rebuild our arts district, uplift our community, and in time, bring back that well-loved sense of life and vibrancy.
So, if you’re a local or a visitor to our mountains, consider contributing where you can. Every little bit helps. Remember those wonderful places that have served us smiles, delicious meals, and countless memories, and let’s work together to bring them back.
