News Summary
Asheville, North Carolina, has secured the No. 9 spot among the best U.S. cities to visit, according to Travel + Leisure. This recognition comes in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation, which caused substantial damage and displacement. An extensive survey highlighted the city’s attractions, including its vibrant arts scene, craft beer culture, and scenic offerings. Despite the challenges, Asheville’s community resilience and continued appeal position it as a top destination for travelers seeking unique experiences.
Asheville
Asheville, North Carolina, has made a strong comeback in the travel sector, ranking No. 9 among the best U.S. cities to visit in 2025 according to the recent Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. This recognition comes after the city experienced significant challenges due to Hurricane Helene, which struck in September 2024, causing over $53 billion in damages and displacing many local businesses.
The ranking was announced on July 8, 2025, following a comprehensive online survey conducted by Travel + Leisure in partnership with Proof Insights. The survey gathered nearly 180,000 responses on a range of factors critical to travelers, such as sights and landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping, and value. Asheville stood out as the only North Carolina city to secure a position in the top 10, reflecting travelers’ continued affection and hope for its revival.
Recovery from Hurricane Helene
Asheville’s recovery from Hurricane Helene has been notable, with many businesses and attractions reopening their doors, signaling resilience within the community. The city’s rich offerings, including scenic hiking trails, an impressive craft beer scene, and unique art galleries, were highlighted as significant draws for visitors. Despite some local eateries closing as a result of the hurricane’s destruction, reports indicate improvements within the hospitality and dining sectors.
Tourism Impact
The influx of tourists is critical for Asheville’s economy, with nearly $3 billion spent in 2023 alone. The vibrant downtown area remains a hub of activity, featuring numerous creative spaces and operational galleries. The River Arts District, while affected by flooding, continues to support many artists who are also in the rebuilding process. Attractions such as the Blue Ridge Parkway and its surrounding areas still offer a range of hiking opportunities, even though some parts remain closed due to ongoing recovery efforts.
National Recognition
Asheville’s recent ranking in the Travel + Leisure survey follows a series of accolades earlier in 2025. The city was recognized among the best for beer lovers and as a top destination in the South. Additionally, it made the list for best budget travel destinations according to USA Today, and Tripadvisor ranked it No. 10 for exceptional dining experiences. Furthermore, Wander included Asheville as the No. 6 most underrated travel destination.
Community and Culture
Achievements in rankings and awards illustrate Asheville’s vibrant atmosphere, marked by a lively arts and culture scene and diverse dining options. The friendly nature of local residents and their commitment to community resilience contribute to a welcoming environment for tourists and visitors. The call for support from local businesses and artists continues to highlight the town’s determination and collaborative spirit as reconstruction efforts move forward.
Future Prospects
As Asheville looks ahead, the city’s appeal remains strong among travelers seeking unique experiences. The ongoing recovery highlights a collective dedication to preserving its cultural identity while welcoming visitors with open arms. With improvements ongoing, the outlook for Asheville to maintain its position as a prominent destination in the U.S. appears promising.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Riverbend Dog Park Opens in Asheville Following Hurricane Damage
Governor Stein Launches ‘Rediscover the Unforgettable’ Campaign
Governor Stein Launches ‘Rediscover the Unforgettable’ Campaign
North Carolina Launches ‘Rediscover the Unforgettable’ Campaign
Governor Stein Promotes Tourism Recovery in Asheville
North Carolina’s Population Surge and Housing Challenges
Discover Greensboro: An Underrated Travel Gem
Tragic Incident Reflects Escalating Violence in West Bank
Tragic Car Accident Claims Life of Young Girl in North Carolina
Tragic Death of Sayfollah Musallet Sparks Outcry for Justice
Additional Resources
- CNN: Asheville Ranked Best Towns in America 2025
- Travel + Leisure: World’s Best Awards 2025
- ABC11: Asheville Fall Foliage Ranking 2024
- WLOS: Mission Hospital Rankings in Asheville
- Charlotte Observer: Travel Insights on Asheville
- Wikipedia: Asheville, North Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
