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Asheville Business Community Rallies for Summer Tourism

Scenic view of Asheville with unique cabins and vibrant scenery

News Summary

Asheville is set to welcome back summer tourists, with local businesses optimistic about the upcoming season after last year’s flooding by Hurricane Helene. The Wrong Way River Lodge and Cabins highlights the resilience of the area, emphasizing the importance of tourism for economic revival. With unique accommodations and attractions, Asheville aims to draw visitors to support the local economy. Ongoing recovery efforts continue as businesses and nonprofits work to stabilize following the natural disaster, signaling a hopeful future for the community and its vibrant tourism industry.

Asheville is gearing up to welcome back summer tourists, with small businesses in western North Carolina thriving for the first time since last year’s devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. Local establishments are expressing enthusiasm about the tourism season ahead, particularly highlighting the significance of attracting visitors for the revival of the local economy.

One local business that embodies the resilience of Asheville is the Wrong Way River Lodge and Cabins. Co-owner Shelton Steele noted that last year’s flooding set a new record for the French Broad River, resulting in unprecedented conditions that led to severe financial implications for many in the area. The lodge’s elevated design provided some protection against the flooding, however, closures during the critical revenue month of October had lingering effects on their operations.

Despite the hardships faced after the flood, there is a sense of optimism among local businesses. Steele emphasized the importance of tourism for rebuilding and revitalizing the local economy, signaling a hopeful outlook for the summer ahead. Asheville offers an enticing combination of outdoor adventures and a lively downtown experience, making it an attractive destination for tourists looking to explore.

Visitors returning to Asheville will discover the 16 unique A-frame cabins at the Wrong Way Lodge. These accommodations feature reclaimed wood, record players, and a blend of Scandinavian and Appalachian styles, offering guests a distinctive experience. With open restaurants and accessible hiking trails, Asheville’s diverse attractions aim to cater to the various interests of travelers.

To enhance the visitor experience, the local tourism industry is encouraging tourists to plan ahead. The region offers interactive maps and tools to assist visitors in navigating the plethora of activities and attractions available to them during their stays.

Monumental recovery efforts are ongoing in Asheville and surrounding areas, especially as the community grapples with the lasting impacts of Hurricane Helene. MANNA FoodBank, a vital local nonprofit organization, was heavily affected, losing its former buildings to the flood. The organization is now in the process of transitioning to a new facility, benefiting from $7 million in grants to support their efforts.

In the immediate aftermath of the flood, MANNA FoodBank mobilized quickly, serving over 8,000 families just within the first two weeks of the disaster. While six months have passed since Hurricane Helene, the death toll in North Carolina stands at 107, with ongoing efforts to locate missing persons still connected to the flood.

Many communities continue their recovery efforts months later, with various businesses and resources providing assistance to those still affected. Some families remain in temporary housing, like Soan Son’s family, who are waiting to rebuild their homes. Their situation illustrates the ongoing challenges experienced by certain households in the aftermath of the disaster.

As Asheville approaches the summer season, the collective hope among businesses and residents is that increased tourism will propel the community towards revitalization. With a blend of resilience and unique offerings, Asheville stands ready to embrace visitors eager to explore its beauty and culture while supporting local businesses that have endured so much.