Asheville is Open
A year after Hurricane Helene devastated Asheville and its surrounding communities, this vibrant city welcomes you to eat, drink, and explore
Saturday, Sept. 27, will mark a year since Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina. Throughout the region, rural towns were cut off from help by water and debris, left without power and potable water. Those areas even less fortunate were completely washed away. Helene destroyed more than 125,000 housing units across western North Carolina, damaged a staggering 822,000 acres of timberland, and was responsible for at least 37 deaths, according to WRAL.
Asheville, a city nestled in the mountains and revered for its near-perfect year-round weather, was hit hard, with areas like Biltmore Village and the River Arts District receiving the most damage. To make matters worse, about 25,000 Asheville residents reported not having power for two weeks. Businesses — including the hospitality industry — were forced to stay closed for two months due to extensive damage to Asheville’s water treatment infrastructure, which meant that clean water wasn’t available to the city until November 18 — nearly two months after the storm had passed.
In a recent JBF conference, held in Asheville, five-time James Beard Foundation award-nominated chef, cookbook author, and founder of Asheville-based Cúrate. Katie Button described the aftermath of the storm and the consequences it had on the community. “We were without power and water, and internet service. It was two whole days before we could be in contact with our employees.”
Button added that as the days and weeks went by, the true economic damage of the storm and its aftermath began to set in. She added that, even with all of its challenges, the resurgence of the restaurant industry was the exact thing that Asheville needed to revive its economy and very soul.
Well, Asheville is back. The mountain city that became a haven for artists, musicians, restaurateurs, and people who want to connect with the land, is welcoming visitors to return to this very magical place.
I recently spent a few days in Asheville, staying, for the most part, in the Downtown area to eat, drink, stroll galleries, and just support. As I spoke to people, they all wanted to stress that visitors were more than welcome — they were needed. As the weather starts to cool in the mountains, planning a weekend (or longer) in Asheville is nothing short of an amazing idea. as chef Button concluded to the roomful of chefs who made their way from across the country to share dialogue and help heal Asheville: “The restaunat industry is too beautiful and too important to let it fail.”
Where to Stay
The Foundry Hotel
The Foundry Hotel has become my Asheville home away from home for many reasons: it’s just a block from Biltmore Avenue (home to many of Asheville’s best restaurants, shopping, breweries, and galleries), and it has a sense of space, culture, and history. The Foundry is housed in a former steel mill that was the source of the city’s steel for buildings, including the Biltmore Estate. The building is located in the historically Black neighborhood of The Block, and the lobby serves as a revolving art space that speaks to its culture and neighborhood.
There’s also a wonderful craft cocktail bar in the lobby called the Workshop Lounge, with live music many evenings. The Refinery is a great place for a hearty breakfast to start your day of exploration.
Where to Eat and Drink
You can’t go wrong when it comes to food in Asheville. The city has turned into a culinary hub that welcomes chefs and restaurateurs from all over the world for its proximity to amazing farms and its sense of community.
Here are some of the places I’ve recently visited, but feel free to discover new favorites.
The Rhu
For years, Rhubarb was one of my favorite restaurants in Asheville for its dishes that explored and revered local ingredients. Sadly, Rhubarb closed this past January after 11 years in service. There is a silver lining, however. The Rhu, the restaurant’s little sister (if you will) is open just a few blocks away. The Rhu is far more casual, serving pastries, sandwiches, soups, and such — but it’s intensely satisfying.
The Bull & Beggar
Located in the RIver Arts District, the Bull & Beggar wa “resurrectd’ in January 2025 after months of rebuliding. I went there with my friend — a generous chef who relocated to Asheville with his family — and we ate out way through the entire menu, it seems. Oysters, anchovy toast, chicken liver crostini for starters — steak frites for the main — and some very well made martinis. I highly recommend a similar feast — paired with the very best of company, of course.
The Admiral
The Admiral will make my list of “best places I’ve eaten in 2025” for its kitschy nautical fish shack decor, its perfectly plump oysters, and its superior steak frites (yes, I had steak frites two days in a row).
Cúrate
I fan girl out to Katie Button’s restaurat, Cúrate. Every time I go, it’s nothing short of perfect. The service is impeccable and friendly, the culinary staff work together in the open kitchen like a ballet, and the food ies exactly what I want to eat every time I eat it. After all, who doesn’t love tapas? And, although it is Spanish tapas, because of the ingredients, the atmosphere, and the people that work there, the restaurant feels very much like an integral thread in the fabric that is Asheville. Also, I defy anyone to not feel intense joy when tucking into a dish of patatas bravas.
White Labs Brewing Company
Being a vegan is tough in many cities, but not in Asheville. This is a city that embraces its plant-loving citizens and visitors and, while I do prefer a pizza with toms of cheese, While Labs’ vegan pizzas are the best I’ve had. My animal loving, plant-based bestie turned me onto this brewery with a laboratory theme and I adored it. The beers are fantastic, especially the Hazy IPA, and there’s a full bar if you’d rather a bourbon than a brew.
This brewery in Downtown Asheville is everything I adore in this world — giant skeletons, live music, and a special beer named “Your Dog Here” where a portion of proceeds are donated to Asheville Humane Society. The beer is great, the brewery is dog-friendly, and it’s Halloween 365 days a year.
What to Do
Hazel Twenty Boutique
If you’re looking for trendy, affordable fashion, Hazel Twenty is a great place to shop. But there’s so much more than just shoppingL Hazel Twenty is my version of heaven. First, the boutique has its own mascot/marketing director: Maisie the Frenchie. This canine fasionista lives to judge you while you take a million pictures of her. Be sure to follow her Instagram page. Did I mention the free glass of bubbly you’ll be offered while you shop? Or the weekend DJ parties? You’’ll love this store so much, you’ll want to move here just to shop (you don’t have to — they have an online boutique). For menwear, there’s Lex 20 right around the corner.
River Arts District
Whatever you do, make sure you visit the River Arts District. This was one of the hardest hit areas of asheville, with the river rushing over (and consuming) many of the shops, artist studios, and restaurants in the neighborhood.
Much of the area is back in business after a legnthy recovery — and the artists and shops want to see you. This walkable area features a vibrant community of over 700 artists, collectives, and galleries, including a glass blowing studio (where you can make your own piece of art).
Be sure to visit Jeffrey Burroughs’ shop. If you’re lucky, this fabulous human will help you pick from some of the most goegeous pieces that are seriously in every price range so you WILL be able to take a piece of Asheville home with you.
American Folk Art
This gallery offers a fantastic selection of American folk art, including unique examples of face jugs, pottery, and pieces from self-taught artists throughout the United States.