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Asheville Residents Celebrate WNC Pizza Week Amid Recovery Efforts

People enjoying pizza at WNC Pizza Week in Asheville

News Summary

As Asheville kicks off WNC Pizza Week from March 10 to 14, residents can enjoy specialty pizzas from local pizza-makers at special prices. The event, spurred by a local food blogger, includes an interactive map to guide pizza lovers. In conjunction, Asheville Beer Week also takes place, with new breweries opening and events like the Sweeten Creek Sweep Bar Crawl. However, the festivities are overshadowed by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused significant damage to local breweries, prompting community support and recovery efforts.

Asheville Residents Celebrate WNC Pizza Week Amid Hurricane Helene Recovery

Asheville is buzzing with excitement as it kicks off the highly-anticipated WNC Pizza Week, running from March 10 to March 14. This delectable event celebrates local pizza-makers by offering specialty pies at special prices and is a great way to enjoy some tastebud-tingling flavors. The idea sprouted from the mind of a passionate Asheville food blogger and tour guide, who encouraged local pizza joints to whip up unique creations that leave everyone craving more.

If you’re curious about where to find the best deals, there’s even an interactive map available that showcases pizzerias from Bryson City all the way to Boone. It’s the perfect way to make your pizza pilgrimage easier. But that’s not all. Don’t miss the big pizza party on March 11, which aims to celebrate the local hospitality industry and bring everyone together for some delicious fun!

As for the local pizza joints, Manicomio Pizza is stepping up to the plate by featuring its slice of the week on Instagram, so keep an eye out on social media for mouthwatering posts that might entice you to try something new!

Breweries Revive Spirits During Asheville Beer Week

Coinciding with Pizza Week is the exciting Western North Carolina Beer Week, which has seen several new brewery openings around town. New establishments such as Luminosa, located at the Flat Iron Hotel, are making a splash with local beers on tap and menus that showcase seasonal and local ingredients. If you’re in the mood for some expertly mixed cocktails, don’t forget to check out VOWL, a sleek new cocktail bar and event space nestled next to DSSOLVR, where natural wines and artisan cocktails reign supreme.

Adding to the festivities, Asheville Beer Week has a special Sweeten Creek Sweep Bar Crawl planned, which invites participants to visit seven breweries for a chance to earn exciting prizes. And if you’re a true craft beverage fan, you won’t want to miss the Craft Beverage Expo on May 24, offering tastings and classes from industry professionals looking to share their knowledge.

To wrap up all the fun, there are planned wrap parties on May 26 to celebrate Beer Week. One notable event is the anniversary party at River Arts District Brewing, which promises food and live music to keep spirits high.

Hurricane Helene’s Impact on Local Brewers

Breweries like Zillicoah Beer Co. have been hit particularly hard, losing a substantial amount of beer to rising floodwaters. Both New Origin Brewing and Brewery Cursus Keme also sustained extensive damage. Meanwhile, popular spots like New Belgium are temporarily closed for repairs to ensure safety and quality.

In the wake of the storm, Highland Brewing demonstrated resilience, managing to maintain operations by using alternative water sources after the municipal water access was disrupted. This goes to show the determination within the community to keep going despite hardships.

Community Support and Recovery Efforts

As Asheville and its beloved breweries work through the recovery process, there’s a strong sense of community spirit evident throughout town. Many local breweries and businesses are stepping up to support affected employees, whether it’s through GoFundMe campaigns or supplying essential goods to those in need. Notably, Burial Beer Co. has been proactive in giving back, distributing water and food to locals who have been impacted.

Additionally, various restaurants, including PIE.ZAA and Summit Coffee, faced challenges reaching out to their employees post-storm, but the efforts to help one another are testament to the unity within Asheville.

As the city weathers the storm’s aftermath and embraces the festivities of Pizza and Beer Week, the community continues to rally together, showcasing an spirit of resilience and camaraderie that’s holding strong.