Asheville Begins To Welcome Visitors Back After Hurricane Helene
Asheville, a beautiful city nestled in the heart of Western North Carolina, is starting to buzz again after the recent disruption brought on by Hurricane Helene. While the storm rolled through on September 27, causing extensive road closures, power outages, and frustrating service disruptions, the community’s spirit remains unbroken. Both locals and visitors are eager to see Asheville bounce back, especially with the picturesque fall leaf season just around the corner.
Biltmore Estate: Reopening and Holiday Cheer
One of the crown jewels of Asheville, the Biltmore Estate, is set to reopen its doors on November 2. This iconic destination will also carry out its delightful Christmas at Biltmore event starting soon after, which will run until January 5. Most of the Biltmore House and its lovely gardens, vineyards, and accommodations were undamaged, although, like many areas, the entrance faced some flooding. Thankfully, recovery efforts are already underway to ensure that visitors can enjoy the estate’s splendor without a hitch.
Observing Caution While Traveling
With that said, the journey to Asheville is not without its precautions. Travelers planning to visit in the coming weeks should exercise caution as many roadways remain closed or under repair due to hurricane damage. Make sure to check www.Drivenc.gov for real-time updates on road conditions before hitting the road. And if you had plans to visit Asheville, it’s wise to touch base with your lodging provider to confirm your accommodations. Some rentals are currently housing displaced residents or repair crews.
Where to Stay
For anyone looking for a place to stay, popular options include:
- Carolina Mornings has a wide array of properties and will start taking reservations for tourism on November 1 after the storm repairs.
- Greybeard Rentals, which manages about 250 vacation rentals in the area, also has pet-friendly options available. Be sure to ask about any special deals running through the end of the year.
Local Dining Scene Resilient
- Biscuit Head on Haywood Road serves up amazing breakfast dishes like biscuits & gravy and biscuit doughnuts. It’s worth a try if you’re looking for something hearty!
- Old Europe Pastries, well-known for giving back during the storm by feeding those in need, has reopened and is ready to tempt your taste buds with croissants and pastries.
- West Village Market & Deli has fully restocked and is ready to serve up grab-and-go options including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes.
- Wild Ginger Noodle Bar has expanded its hours to provide guests with comforting Vietnamese dishes, including pho and banh mi sandwiches.
Outdoor Adventures Await
Outdoor enthusiasts shouldn’t miss out! The Pisgah National Forest has reopened several areas including campgrounds, giving visitors a chance to soak in the stunning fall colors and fresh mountain air. However, stay informed on the status of state parks as some remain closed for extended repairs.
Keep an Eye on Recovery Progress
Even as things start looking up in Asheville, many areas are still facing lengthy recovery times. It’s essential to stay updated on the latest developments as cleanup efforts continue in and around Western North Carolina. While it might take some time for things to return to normal fully, the resilience of this community shines bright.
As we navigate through this together, remember that Asheville is eager to welcome you back with open arms. So pack your bags, check your routes, and get ready to explore the beauty of this unique city that is ready to bounce back!
