Last year was a difficult time for the community of Asheville. Untold damage occurred to the city with the arrival of Hurricane Helene, and all anyone could do was watch it unfold. While Hurricane Helene damaged the community, it did not break our spirit here in Asheville. Continued efforts for rebuilding the community have taken place in Asheville to help make it look better than ever. If you are concerned that now may not be a great time to visit Asheville, you will be pleasantly surprised that many parts of the community are still open and ready to host new visitors. Take a look at some of the recovery efforts taking place in Asheville at this time:
Water Drainage Recovery
When you visit a vacation destination, there are a few basic needs that you need to have. One of these basic needs is potable and clean water. You will be surprised at how many places around the world do not have potable or running water, but luckily the United States is able to provide that in nearly all communities. Hurricane Helene brought a disastrous impact to the running water and drainage systems of Asheville last year. The hurricane dumped a total of 40 trillion gallons of water onto the community, leaving it flooded. It can be difficult to picture just how much water that is. 40 trillion gallons of water is the total volume of water in Lake Tahoe or the amount of water rushing through Niagara Falls over 619 days. Any community will be impacted significantly with this amount of rainfall in such a short amount of time. Luckily, the Asheville community has been quick to get water drainage up and running. Asheville has running potable water that is brought in to most homes and businesses. The flooding has left the area with only a memory of the hurricane last year.
River Arts District
One of the most popular areas in Downtown Asheville is the River Arts District. Like other parts of Asheville, the River Arts District saw the massive flooding and destruction by Hurricane Helene. Recovery efforts for an arts community can be difficult, as these areas typically are not the home of big businesses but instead art studios and locally owned businesses. One step at a time was taken into the recovery of the River Arts District and it has its old shine again. The community has been hard at work making sure the River Arts District looks the way it did before Hurricane Helene. The River Arts District has hosted local festivals to promote the rebuilding efforts of the community and support local artists who have been greatly impacted by its closure. Local businesses have held soft and hard reopening ceremonies to open their doors in Asheville again. Recovery continues to this day, and the best way to help is to buy local and support local businesses right here in Asheville. You too can be a part of this road to recovery.
Local Attractions
Whenever you pick a place to visit, you are looking for local attractions that will provide you with all kinds of fun. Many local attractions here in Asheville were closed for an untold amount of time just after Hurricane Helene. However, you will find that Asheville has most of its wonderful attractions open again and happy to see new guests. Asheville is a destination that encourages exploration, and you are sure to find that. Outdoor attractions such as the North Carolina Arboretum and Asheville Botanical Garden were both impacted by the heavy floods but are open for visitors once again. Check out local museums and galleries such as the Asheville Art Museum and Biltmore. Pack Square Park is looking great and is an iconic spot in Asheville.
Recovery for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
One of the biggest areas impacted by Hurricane Helene is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Countless visitors come to Asheville to check out this iconic park, and recovery is still taking place to this day. Many areas of the park remain open and are encouraged to be explored. Visitors will find that some trails and roads are still undergoing repairs. Trails including Big Creek Trail and Gunter Fork Trail continue to remain closed due to landslides and a lost bridge. By visiting the park, you can support continued efforts into the park recovery. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park will always endure.
Asheville Will Never Be Broken
While you may see some recovery efforts during your visit, you will find that Asheville is still the premier destination it has always been. Come enjoy an experience that you will remember for years to come. Reach out to us today and reserve one of our Asheville vacation rentals to remain comfortable throughout your stay.