July 6, 2025

Asheville Ranked Third Best US Destination Post-Hurricane

News Summary

Asheville, North Carolina, has been recognized as the third best destination in the United States to visit after Hurricane Helene by CNN Travel. The city showcases stunning scenery, numerous activities, diverse dining options, and a vibrant arts scene. Following considerable damage from the hurricane, Asheville has demonstrated resilience through its community’s entrepreneurial spirit and ability to recover, making it a top travel choice. The city’s unique charm and local attractions, including the renowned Biltmore Estate, contribute to its appeal as a must-visit destination.

Asheville, North Carolina, has been ranked as the third best destination in the United States to visit after Hurricane Helene, according to a recent list by CNN Travel. The city garnered this recognition due to its stunning scenery, numerous activities, diverse dining options, and a vibrant arts scene. This ranking emphasizes Asheville’s robust entrepreneurial spirit and its community’s ability to adapt and thrive in challenging circumstances.

The list was created based on nominations from readers and contributions from travel enthusiasts, evaluating criteria such as tourist attractions, culinary delights, cultural and nightlife offerings, diversity, and essential travel features. Asheville stands out as the only city from North Carolina to achieve a top ten ranking, highlighting its unique charm and resilience following recent natural disasters.

After enduring significant damage and flooding from Hurricane Helene in September 2024, Asheville has made an impressive recovery. CNN Travel highlighted that despite the hurricane’s impact, the city has preserved its breathtaking mountain views, numerous trails, and vibrant neighborhoods. Important local attractions, including the renowned Biltmore Estate, are back open for visitors, providing new tours and experiences for tourists. Despite the damage, the city manifests its character with its thriving food and drink culture.

While certain sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway remained closed post-hurricane, others have reopened, regaining access to the breathtaking scenic views and hiking trails that draw visitors. Brad Childers, a local restaurant manager, noted that numerous businesses are operational and encouraged tourism as a means to support the local economy. Many eateries and shops in downtown Asheville are boasting minimal impacts from the storm, maintaining their vibrant activity and offerings for both residents and visitors alike.

The River Arts District (RAD) is experiencing resurgence, with various artists and galleries playing a role in the community’s recovery. Local establishments, such as Hell or High Water restaurant, have stepped up efforts to attract tourists, actively promoting a return to the area to enhance the local economy.

Asheville’s cultural landscape is rich, hosting a multitude of breweries, especially within the South Slope brewing district. The local culinary scene continues to innovate, with chefs curating diverse menus that reflect the area’s unique flavors. Events such as the weekly drum circle in Pritchard Park showcase the city’s thriving cultural vibrancy.

Earlier in 2024, Asheville was recognized for being an ideal destination for beer enthusiasts and ranked among the top cities in the South, further underscoring its appeal. The top-ranked destination in CNN Travel’s list was Ithaca, New York, while Asheville stands strong at the third position, reflecting its appeal as an attractive getaway.

The community’s focus remains on revitalizing spaces for displaced artists and businesses impacted by the hurricane. Efforts are in place to ensure that Asheville continues to be a welcoming destination for both tourists and locals, with ongoing support for the city’s vibrant arts scene, which remains steadfast as galleries and studios continue to showcase local talent.

In summary, Asheville’s recognition as a top travel destination highlights its resilient spirit and commitment to recovery after Hurricane Helene. The city not only provides picturesque landscapes and a rich cultural tapestry but also embraces its visitors with open arms, ensuring that its charm remains intact even in the face of adversity.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER

ASHEVILLE STAFF 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.

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