Asheville is open and the mountains are calling
July 28, 2025
We are perplexed by the number of people who still think Asheville is not accessible or not open for business. Let’s set the record straight and make it clear that Asheville is open and welcoming visitors.
All roads into and out of Asheville are open. The Asheville airport (AVL) is open with a new concourse and more flights than ever before. Most businesses have been open since late 2024. Those in the harder hit areas have reopened in the last couple of months or are planning a reopen date. Parts of the River Arts will take more time to come back but the rumors of the River Arts being completely gone are not true.
Asheville has earned recognition as a top 2025 destination by Forbes Travel Guide and The New York Times. Yet we are baffled how so many people still question if Asheville is open. The answer is simple: Yes, Asheville is open! Below you will find plenty of reasons to visit and support this unique place.
Why you should plan a visit to Asheville soon
- Asheville is comprised of mostly small businesses. Needless to say, Asheville would not be the same without the shops, boutiques, art galleries, breweries, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts. Since Hurricane Helene, many family-owned businesses have been struggling to stay afloat. A big draw for visitors are these small businesses and they need your help. If you cannot make a visit soon, please consider buying a gift certificate for one of these special places. Every little bit of income helps our struggling businesses.
- Accommodation prices are the lowest they have been in years. Take advantage of staying in a historic B&B. Same beautiful place, same hospitality and experience but at a lower cost. You will most likely get more time and interaction with friendly innkeepers that are happy to chat about travel, offer recommendations, and more.
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Tourism is down so it is much easier to visit your favorite places without the crowds
- The Blue Ridge Parkway has less traffic and makes it more peaceful to enjoy the scenery and sounds of nature. Once again, rumors about the majority of the Blue Ridge Parkway being closed are untrue. Miles and miles of it are open and waiting for you. We personally have been enjoying the overlooks and taking in the beautiful scenery. The Blue Ridge Mountains are super lush and green this year. More of the Parkway will be opening within the next month before the Fall colors start appearing.
- Popular and off the beaten path hiking trails have less visitors which is typically unheard of. We personally have been able to enjoy trails that we have not in years. We are avid hikers and love sharing hiking recommendations so feel free to ask about specific trails, trail conditions, flower blooms, etc.
- Both Biltmore Estate and most Asheville restaurants that normally require reservations months out are now possible to visit within a week or two.
- Most of Asheville’s annual festivals and events are happening. There are plenty of fun events that include the arts, culture, food, and of course, beer.
- Asheville temperatures are generally comfortable and make for a refreshing getaway. Escape the heat and stay cooler in the mountains.
Always Asheville
We highly recommend you take the opportunity to help our community and businesses by planning a visit to Asheville. The mountains are calling and now is the time to rediscover why this place is unforgettable. We thank you all for your support and we hope to see you soon!
Biltmore Estate There is never a bad time to visit the iconic Biltmore Estate but winter brings a yuletide oasis. Now through January 4, 2026, you can experience the beauty of thousands of lights, over 100 Christmas trees, fragrant wreaths, and sparkling garland. The winter season of January through March also brings lower prices and less crowds. Explore Beer City USA The local craft brewing scene has exploded and Asheville has been voted Beer City USA four years in a row, Asheville takes extreme pride in being home to over 20 local craft brewers. Whether you take a Brews cruise or a DIY tour on the Asheville Ale Trail, a brewery hopping exploration is the perfect way to keep warm and enjoy a cold, winter weekend. Foodie Experiences Find out why Asheville ranks first in the South Atlantic region in the RewardExpert’s Best American Foodie Towns . With hundreds of restaurants and farm fresh eateries, you will not be disappointed by the choices of restaurants. Take a guided eating tour with a professional foodie to sample and taste some of Asheville’s best restaurants. Asheville Restaurant Weeks (January 20-26, 2026 and February 17-23, 2026) Try some new restaurants or revisit favorites. Get the lowest prices of the year, with a prix fix menu at $15-$35/person. With dozens of choices, there’s something for all appetites! Asheville has been touted by many as one of the top ten food and wine destinations in America. Hiking Less crowds means quieter hikes. It is a great time to hit the trails! Discover peace and solitude with expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains on a cool, clear day. Dupont State Forest offers several hikes from easy to difficult. It is famous for being one of “The Hunger Games” film locations. Chimney Rock offers breathtaking views of the gorge after climbing up the chimney. Pisgah National Forest offers the opportunity of seeing a frozen waterfall at Daniel Ridge Falls. Sharpen your photography skills Choose a half-day or full-day photo tours with our friends, Chris & Bonnie at Asheville Photo Tours. Explore some of the most photogenic but lesser-known locations in the Blue Ridge and Asheville areas. Take an art class Tap into your creative side with some of the talented, local artists. Day and weekend workshops include oil painting, acrylics, watercolor, inks, bookbinding, and pottery. Live music Asheville has been called “One of America’s Greatest Music Cities”. There is a vibrant music scene with live music of all genres from bluegrass to rock. Experience some of the very best in live music and find out why The Orange Peel has been called the country’s premiere Live Music Hall and Concert Venue. The Orange Peel offers state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment rarely found in a club of its size. Other fun venues include The Grey Eagle and Asheville Music Hall. Pamper yourself There is nothing quite like a luxurious foot soak in a hand-hammered copper bowl. Enjoy a fragrant, rejuvenating, and moisturizing sole to soul experience at Wake Foot Sanctuary. A signature massage can be added on for an extra splurge. Indulge in a romantic getaway Snuggle up with your loved one next to one of our cozy fireplaces with a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of wine at The Lion and the Rose
We are lucky to have great friends that grew up in Asheville. They have told us about some interesting local hauntings and strange experiences. With Halloween around the corner, we thought this was the right time to share some of these ghost stories and legends of paranormal activity.