Asheville, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Asheville is experiencing a resurgence in tourism following Hurricane Helene’s disruptions. While downtown hotels report improved occupancy as the leaf-viewing season approaches, some businesses like the Historic 1899 Wright Inn face ongoing struggles. Jargon restaurant enjoys a surge in reservations, contrasting with the challenges faced by other establishments. Community developments, including renovations at the Fairview Fire Department and ongoing repairs on the Blue Ridge Parkway, amplify the positive yet uneven recovery efforts. A flood advisory and heat alerts are also in effect for the region.
Asheville Tourism Shows Signs of Recovery, Some Businesses Struggle to Keep Up with Demand
Asheville is witnessing a resurgence in tourism nearly a year after the disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene. Downtown hotels are reporting a slight increase in tourist occupancy as the October leaf-viewing season approaches, usually a strong period for the local tourism economy. Despite these positive signs for some businesses, others are struggling to keep pace with the demand, resulting in differing levels of recovery across the industry.
Many hotels in downtown Asheville are experiencing improved booking trends, reflecting a gradual return of visitors to the area. However, one hotel manager noted a significant reduction in room rates, a byproduct of a prior decrease in demand that came in the wake of the hurricane. Resilience seems to be building in various sectors of the tourism industry, with some restaurants and accommodations showing more promise than others.
For instance, Jargon restaurant in West Asheville has been particularly busy, reporting a notable uptick in reservations since June that has continued through August, indicating robust interest from locals and visitors alike. With a seating capacity of 80, including an outdoor covered patio, Jargon has become a favored destination. The restaurant’s owner expressed optimism for a successful fourth quarter in 2024, aligning with positive trends following a challenging period.
If the situation at Jargon highlights recovery, the scenario for the Historic 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House paints a different picture. Owners Sheri and Chris Riffle are still facing challenges, with estimated occupancy around 15%. They attribute this decline in bookings to economic fears affecting potential travelers along with a noticeable drop in foreign visitors, especially when compared to occupancy rates that soared to 90% in late 2023.
Another notable recovery is reported by Bruce O’Connell, owner of Pisgah Inn, who stated that occupancy for October is about 85%. This comes at a crucial time as repairs on a critical section of the Blue Ridge Parkway are nearing completion, with essential final steps such as paving and road striping underway, contingent on favorable weather conditions.
The broader context includes the Fairview Fire Department, which is nearing completion of its delayed construction and remodeling project, following severe damage inflicted by Tropical Storm Helene. Work began in June 2024 and is set to conclude by late September 2024. In the meantime, firefighters have been living in donated campers at their station, facing challenging weather while continuing their duties.
Amidst these developments, the Asheville Police Department apprehended a juvenile following a shooting incident last Friday where a gun was discharged, causing damage to a vehicle before the individual fled on a bicycle. Additionally, the National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for parts of Western North Carolina due to elevated stream flows from recent heavy rainfall, urging residents to stay cautious of flooded roads until 5:15 p.m.
The forecast predicts further showers and thunderstorms in the region, increasing the potential for heavy rain and isolated flooding through Friday. Concurrently, a heat-health alert has been issued for western North Carolina, with heat index values expected to reach the low to mid-90s. Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and limit outdoor activities during this alert period.
Conclusion
As the tourism industry in Asheville shows signs of recovery, the uneven landscape highlights a mix of renewed interest and lingering challenges. The community remains hopeful for continued improvements as fall leads into winter, bringing both tourists and opportunity back to the area.
FAQ
What is the current tourism occupancy rate in Asheville?
Occupancy rates vary, with some downtown hotels showing an uptick, while others like the Historic 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House are at about 15% occupancy.
What is contributing to the increased demand for reservations at Jargon restaurant?
Jargon has seen an increase in reservations due to its popularity among locals and tourists, along with favorable weather conditions for outdoor dining.
What repairs are being made to the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Repairs include paving and road striping on critical sections of the Parkway, expected to be completed soon, depending on dry weather conditions.
What is the status of the Fairview Fire Department’s reconstruction project?
Renovations for the Fairview Fire Department are nearing completion after delays caused by Tropical Storm Helene, with an expected finish by late September 2024.
What weather alerts are currently in effect in Asheville?
A flood advisory is in place due to heavy rainfall, along with a heat-health alert for western North Carolina, recommending residents limit outdoor activities and stay hydrated.
Key Features of Asheville Tourism Recovery
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Hotel Occupancy | Uptick reported, varied across different establishments |
| Jargon Restaurant | Notable increase in reservations, continued through summer |
| Pisgah Inn | 85% occupancy for October with ongoing repairs nearby |
| Historic Wright Inn | Occupancy around 15%, decline attributed to economic fears |
| Flood Advisory | Effective until 5:15 p.m., caution advised due to road safety |
| Heat-Health Alert | Low to mid-90s expected; hydration and limited outdoor activity advised |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Asheville Tourists Suffer Defeat to Greensboro Grasshoppers
RiverLink Receives Grant for Native River Cane Restoration
Recovery Struggles of Small Businesses in Asheville After Hurricane Helene
The Legacy of the Sunshine Lady in Hendersonville
Asheville Recovers from Hurricane Helene with Concert Boost
Asheville Panel Unveils Strategies for Recovery Following Tropical Storm Helene
Additional Resources
- 828 News Now: Firefighters Weather Storm Loss
- Weather.com: Current Weather
- New York Times: Asheville Arts Recovery
- CBS17: 6th Earthquake of 2025
- Wikipedia: Asheville
- Legacy.com: Robert Waddell Obituary
- Weather.com: Asheville Weather
- 828 News Now: Storms Bring Flood Threat
- Britannica: North Carolina
- Google Search: Asheville Tourism Recovery
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.
