Asheville Rallies Back After Hurricane Helene
Asheville, a vibrant town nestled in the heart of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, is known for its eclectic mix of artistry and cuisine. Unfortunately, the town faced a tough challenge this September when Hurricane Helene brought devastating flooding that left a lasting mark on the community. Despite the challenges, the spirit of Asheville shines through as its local artists and small businesses are rolling up their sleeves and finding creative ways to bounce back.
The Impact of Hurricane Helene
The floodwaters swept through Asheville, causing extensive damage to properties, particularly in the well-known River Arts District. Many businesses were either directly affected or went weeks without power and water, leading to a significant downturn as the busy tourist season came to a standstill. This tough situation left downtown Asheville quieter than usual, just when it needed the buzz of visitors the most.
Hope on the Horizon
As December approaches, local entrepreneurs are hoping to attract holiday shoppers back to their stores and studios. Many Asheville artists and small business owners are now showcasing their handcrafted goods online to serve as perfect gifts for the season. It’s a win-win situation: shoppers get unique gifts while helping the community recover. One initiative, dubbed “Love Asheville from Afar,” launched by the local tourism authority, aims to connect consumers with these wonderful artisans. Katie Button, a local chef and passionate community member, encourages people to visit, stating, “We are open, and downtown — the rest of the businesses and things — are really needing people to come travel here.”
Handcrafted Holiday Gifts
If you’re searching for thoughtful and unique gifts, Asheville has plenty to offer through its talented artisans and businesses. For instance, if you want to give something special, consider supporting Curate Bar de Tapas, where you can purchase delightful handmade ceramic pigs. These come in charming styles such as holiday ornaments for $38 or toothpick holders for $29, created by local artist Lori Theriault.
Another scrumptious gift idea comes from French Broad Chocolate, which started in a home kitchen and blossomed into a beloved local business. Whether it’s their rich bonbons, flavorful hot chocolate mixes, or classic peppermint bark ($35), you can indulge your loved ones with exceptional treats that also help a local business.
Tea and Popcorn Lovers Unite
Don’t forget about the tea enthusiasts! The Asheville Tea Company faced severe losses, but they’re still providing pre-order gift boxes including delightful blends like “Pisgah Breakfast” and “Asheville Grey” for $45.95. Recipients will receive a heartfelt card letting them know their gift is on its way, making it a special surprise!
If popcorn is more your style, check out Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn. Founded by Ginger Frank, this brand offers unique flavors such as dill pickle and oatmeal cookie, sold in a special “Asheville Mix Artist Bag” ($7.25), with proceeds supporting other Asheville entrepreneurs recovering from the flood.
The Resilient River Arts District
As Asheville recovers, many artists in the River Arts District are stepping up by offering their works directly for sale. Although some studios are damaged and awaiting repairs, local businesses like Moonlight Makers are creating Asheville-themed products with all profits going to hurricane relief efforts, showing how deeply community-focused this town is.
Join the Asheville Comeback
This holiday season, if you want to fill your stockings with unique, heartfelt gifts while contributing to a community on the mend, consider supporting Asheville’s local businesses. Visit the “Love Asheville from Afar” initiative for an array of options that showcase the creativity and resilience of this remarkable town. Remember, your shopping can make a difference in helping Asheville not just recover, but flourish once more!
