Asheville NC, August 8, 2025
News Summary
The Phoenix Asheville, a wellness retreat center, reopened following months of closure due to severe flooding from Tropical Storm Helene. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, supported by local officials, highlights community resilience and recovery efforts. The center will donate a portion of retreat proceeds to rebuilding efforts in the local area. With upcoming events like the Southern Highland Craft Guild’s Wood Day, Asheville aims to bolster community spirit and vitality during this recovery phase.
Asheville Reopens The Phoenix Retreat Center Following Tropical Storm Helene
The Phoenix Asheville, a wellness-focused retreat center, reopened on Wednesday after being closed for several months due to severe flooding caused by Tropical Storm Helene. The reopening event, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, was held in partnership with the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, with key officials emphasizing the community’s resilience in the wake of disaster.
The flooding, which affected numerous families across the region, resulted in significant disruptions, making recovery critical for the local community. The Phoenix Asheville is recognized for hosting retreats that promote personal renewal, connection, and growth, and is now ready to resume its services for the 2025-26 season.
During the reopening ceremony, the commitment of The Phoenix Asheville to support local recovery was reiterated. A portion of the proceeds from each retreat will be donated to ongoing rebuilding efforts in the affected communities. This step underscores their dedication to not only their attendees but also to the broader community impacted by the storm.
Community Response and Challenges
The aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene left extensive damage across multiple states—specifically North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia—with Asheville experiencing major traffic backups and access issues. Many local churches and organizations continue to play a vital role in distributing essential supplies like water and food to those suffering from the storm’s impact. Emergency response agencies, including Samaritan’s Purse, have mobilized efforts to assist in recovery.
In addition to these efforts, significant challenges involving communication and access to impacted areas hinder the relief response. The need for specialized engineers with bridge-building capabilities has been highlighted, as damaged infrastructure poses ongoing difficulties in reaching those in need.
Upcoming Local Events
Amidst the recovery efforts, the Southern Highland Craft Guild will host its annual Wood Day this weekend at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The event is scheduled for August 9, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will feature demonstrations from more than 25 artisans, including spoon-carving and instrument-making. This event not only serves as a cultural highlight but also aims to engage the local community in the arts, offering a welcome diversion as recovery continues.
The event will include a “carve-off” competition, where woodworkers will craft birds from blocks of wood from 1-3 p.m., showcasing local talent and artistry. Notable artisans, such as furniture maker Derek Hennigar and members of the Brasstown Carvers, founded nearly a century ago, are expected to participate, contributing to the celebration of craft and community.
As Asheville moves forward, The Phoenix Asheville’s reopening is a beacon of hope in a time of recovery, presenting opportunities for personal growth while actively participating in rebuilding efforts. Through events like Wood Day and ongoing community support initiatives, the city continues to foster resilience in the face of adversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Phoenix Asheville?
The Phoenix Asheville is a wellness-focused retreat center that hosts various retreats aimed at personal renewal, connection, and growth.
Why was The Phoenix Asheville closed?
The center was closed due to severe flooding caused by Tropical Storm Helene, which resulted in significant disruptions in the Asheville area.
What are the recovery initiatives mentioned in the article?
Proceeds from retreats hosted at The Phoenix Asheville will be donated to local recovery and rebuilding efforts in the community affected by the storm.
What events are being held to support the local community?
The Southern Highland Craft Guild will hold its annual Wood Day event on August 9, featuring demonstrations by artisans and a carve-off competition to support local culture and community.
How is the local community responding to the aftermath of the storm?
Local churches and organizations are distributing food and water, while agencies like Samaritan’s Purse provide emergency support. There are ongoing challenges including damaged infrastructure and communication barriers to relief efforts.
Key Features of the Reopening and Community Recovery Efforts
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Reopening of The Phoenix Asheville |
| Date | Wednesday, [Reopening Date] |
| Impact of Tropical Storm Helene | Severe flooding causing closures and disruptions |
| Community Support Initiatives | Donations from retreat proceeds to local recovery efforts |
| Upcoming Event | Southern Highland Craft Guild Wood Day |
| Event Date | August 9 |
| Community Response | Distribution of essentials, regulatory challenges to relief efforts |
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Additional Resources
- 828 News Now: The Phoenix Asheville Reopens After Helene Flooding
- 828 News Now: Wood Day at Folk Art Center
- Christianity Today: Hurricane Helene Christian Relief Organizations
- Post and Courier: Greenville County Trash Utility Retreat
- Recordnet: Mom Pushes for Veterans Retreat
- Wikipedia: Tropical Storm Helene
- Google Search: Helene Flood Relief
- Google Scholar: Tropical Storm Helene
- Google News: Hurricane Helene Asheville
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.
