Western NC still needs our help. Thoughts and prayers aren’t going to cut it if we want Asheville and the surrounding locales to ever grow back into the bustling stretch she once was. The region relies heavily on tourism, and the impact of Hurricane Helene has already caused a 70% decline in visitor spending. Area retailers, bars, restaurants, venues and hotels need tourists to come stay and play to fill the gap. And what’s better than a gorgeous getaway with a positive impact?
Although we know and love the plethora of majestic Asheville-adjacent hikes (looking at you, open Black Balsam Knob, Max Patch and Graveyard Fields), our picks focus on supporting local businesses rather than sending you outside. Naturally, of course, we rec you make time to catch some mountain air. As a WNC native, I implore you to take a drive and take in my fave spots to sip, sup and play in the Land of the Sky.
DO
Courtesy of Downtown Books and News
Downtown Books and News Since 1988, this used bookstore and newsstand has been a mainstay for locals and a staple bucket list fixture for visitors. Feed your brain with every genre imaginable—from French fiction to zines and illustrated works—amid quirky decor and oodles of character. Wooden stools, a green bank safe and ghost sightings are just some of the historic leftovers from the shoe store, jewelry store and livestock auction the building formerly housed. In short, it’s a culture vulture’s haven. dbnbooks.com
Photo by Raleigh Magazine
The Orange Peel Asheville is the up-and-coming music city—and if you want to face the noise, this fruity music hall is the place to start. Named one of the best venues in the Southeast, the lovable-meets-sleazy locale is the perf size—large enough for big names to come through, but small enough you can arrive an hour after doors and grab a beer with ease. Artists and comedians alike are regularly slated to take the stage, with upcoming shows including Inhaler and Duncan Trussell. theorangepeel.net
Asheville Pinball Museum Retro fun found at the endearing neon-lit play palace cramped with ~80 games, including pinball and old arcade games like Frogger and Pac-Man. Don’t stress about finding quarters—for a flat fee, you’re able to try your hand at however many games you fancy for as long as you want. ashevillepinball.com
EAT
Photo by Raleigh Magazine
Old Europe Pastries Whenever anyone asks for Asheville recs, this posh-yet-homey bakery and coffee shopalways tops my list. Asheville’s longest-running cafe, the pastry menu has been perfected by founder Melinda Vetro after almost three decades—and, in turn, the taste and quality of these almost-too-pretty-to-eat treats shines. The chocolate éclair is the best one you’ll try in the continental U.S.—and don’t sleep on the cakes and tiramisu. oldeuropepastries.com
Photo by Carolyn Marie Photography
Jargon Akin to its name, this mod American restaurant is always evolving. Taking inspo from near and far, the unconstrained-by-borders menu features everything from NC trout with grit cakes to golden beet risotto and chicken leg confit. Meanwhile, the gold-trimmed-mirror-adorned walls of the small historic structure create a bright and elevated atmosphere to wine and dine. jargonrestaurant.com
Early Girl Eatery Tomato girl summer came early (!). AVL’s staple farm-to-table eatery is guided by the motto “More Than Made From Scratch”—and you can taste the dedication. Multigrain pancakes, sandwiches and salads rounded out with an array of mimosas grace the fresh-focused menu. And for a post-meal stroll, check out the walkable Wall Street, oft filled with pop-ups boasting the work of local makers and artisans. earlygirleatery.com
DRINK
Antidote Life’s antidote? Three stories of 20th century apothecary-style lounge space—think starry-tiled flooring and rustic wooden furniture illuminated with soft yellow lighting from chandeliers—and classic and signature cocktails, natch. Pick your poison from ops like a vesper martini, Manhattan and The Navigation (aka a twist on an aviation). antidote.bar
Photo courtesy of Double D’s Coffee & Desserts
Double D’s Coffee & Desserts More than just a pretty red bus—although we can’t deny it’s perfect for an Insta pic—this double-decker will double deck you out with the likes of coffee, smoothies, milkshakes and desserts. Once a bevvy and sweet treat is secured, level down to the patio to sip and snack with a view of lush plants and passersby. Pro-tip: The bus is cash only, so bring some bills. doubledscoffee.com
Wicked Weed Brewing When in Asheville, you drink IPAs—and the original home of Wicked Weed is just the spot to get your fill of the hoppy bev. The OG 15-barrel brewery doubles as a beer garden and bottle shop, complete with two pup-friendly outdoor patios (so bring Bark Obama along!), plus a full-fledged restaurant in case you get the munchies. Hoppy drinking! wickedweedbrewing.com
STAY
Photo by Colby Rabon
Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins “It’s the wrong way…” Tap into sublime with an elevated glamping experience on the edge of the French Broad. Created by two rafting guides who felt Asheville’s unconventional outdoor personality wasn’t represented in lodging, the luxe lodges and A-frame cabins connect with your crunchier side while still boasting private bathrooms, AC and Wi-Fi—so after you get your outdoor fix, you can catch some Z’s in comfort. wrongwaycampground.com
Blind Tiger Less a hotel and more “the home of a well-connected friend” in the heart of the city, this unique-but-unpretentious inn blurs the lines between art and living with tile-adorned bedroom walls, avant-garde seating and bedside fireplaces. Not to mention the venues, local boutiques, bars and restaurants just steps away. larkhotels.com
The Radical This abandoned 1920s warehouse-turned-hotel has opened its doors once again after Helene demolished the River Arts District. Now on the path to revive the area, the “living art installation” treats visitors and locals alike to a lush lobby, marble and gold bathrooms, and—bringing the creative landscape of the artsy area to your bedside—graffiti-embellished walls. A rad escape, indeed. theradicalavl.com
NC’s Hurricane Helene disaster response continues to raise eyebrows. From the start, how NC has handled—or mishandled—the peril in WNC has been fodder for state residents and media alike, with a bright spotlight on a highly controversial bill.
On Dec. 11, with the veto override of a single bill (SB 382), state lawmakers signed the bill into law.
Passed with a 72–46 margin, the law allocates $252 million to those in Western North Carolina who are still in dire need of disaster funding to bounce back from Hurricane Helene—with one caveat. The money can’t be accessed until it’s appropriated by the General Assembly.
The unallocated funding isn’t the only reason the legislation was unpopular from the jump. Cries of protests and chants of “shame” echoed throughout the GA chambers from nearly 100 demonstrators—many from WNC—in part due to hidden language within the law that has little to do with hurricane relief.
In short, the law enacts a series of changes unrelated to disaster relief that weakens the powers of multiple state positions, including governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and superintendent of public instruction, all notably set to be held by Democrats this year.
“This bill is a power grab, not hurricane relief. It is despicable for the Republicans in the General Assembly to use folks’ incredible need for aid to cloak their political pettiness.” -Gov. Josh Stein
“The people of Western North Carolina are desperate for help from their state government,” said Gov. Josh Stein in an early-December statement. “Yet, this bill is a power grab, not hurricane relief. It is despicable for the Republicans in the General Assembly to use folks’ incredible need for aid to cloak their political pettiness.”
In the end, all three members flipped their votes. That party unity gave the lame-duck General Assembly the ability to override the veto in its final days, holding the exact number of seats necessary to do so. Suffice it to say, the law won’t just affect WNC—but the entire state.
Temps may be cooling down, but local + national news is only heating up as we near the end of 2024. Here, we round up some of the latest newsy tidbits that should be on your radar.
Say goodbye to all your parking probs. … Free two-hour parking in select DTR decks has officially begun!
Delayed/canceled flight? No problem. The Department of Transportation ruled all airlines in the U.S. must automatically refund passengers for a canceled or delayed flight in cash–not just a voucher.
All aboard! The North Carolina Railroad Company received a $105 million grant for transformational modern rail improvements, allowing for increased ridership and new routes.
Catch flights, not feelings. RDU has announced two new international flights: Nonstop to Bermuda, beginning April 11, and Calgary, Canada, launching in June.
Nothing’s finer! Attendance at the 2024 NC State Fair hit a post-pandemic high with almost a million visitors.
In colorful news, local artist Lidia Churakova completed a new mural in DTR as part of a pedestrian safety initiative.
In need of a new furry friend? Wake County Animal Shelter is celebrating Adopt a Senior Pet Month through November.
Transit takeaway: GoTriangle is adding 10 new bus stops along its ZWX route that will provide better connectivity between Zebulon, Wendell and Raleigh.
I-440 drama lives on. The bridge over Western Boulevard will be closed for construction over the next couple of weeks, with the project expected to be complete before Thanksgiving.
Here are some WNC towns open to visitors after Hurricane Helene.
Although certain regions of Western North Carolina are still stranded in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a handful of towns have reopened and are welcoming visitors again.
WNC normally relies heavily on tourists during this time of year. To wit, about 16.7 million people visited the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2023. That’s millions of people who this year aren’t buying local beer, investing in local artists or tipping their servers. That said, visiting the handful of towns that are reopened to tourists will lend a crutch to the regions still severely hurting.
Although most main roadways are open, be sure to stay updated and plan your route before heading west. Consider bringing winter supplies (coats, buddy heaters, blanket and fuel) with you, as many WNC regions and residents are still in need of help—especially with winter approaching.
Here, seven mountain towns ready to welcome those looking for an escape, just in time for the end of fall—plus five reopened state parks. Ready to get back on mountain time?
Boone Although Boone was hit particularly hard by Hurricane Helene, the town is now welcoming visitors—but all tourists are encouraged to stay on primary routes while enjoying views and brews.
Brevard The Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest and parts of DuPont State Recreational Forest are now open. After hiking, get your fill of shopping, drinking and dining in the walkable downtown area.
Bryson City Treat yourself to some outdoor relaxation. Parts of Nantahala National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are open with limited access.
Hendersonville All of Hendersonville’s apple orchards have reopened with minimal damage and maximal views. Get picking!
Highlands Venture higher (!) via this small mountain town’s array of biking, hiking, fly-fishing and waterfall chasing—three of which you can walk behind.
Marion Run for the (foot)hills of McDowell County and explore Marion’s newly reopened Main Street—backdropped by Mount Ida, which is on standby for hiking, biking and catching views.
