In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene, when Western North Carolina was left without power, cell service or running water, downtown Asheville was forced to shut down. But as resources have returned to the region, downtown businesses, restaurants and galleries are reemerging. With Asheville-area tourism numbers not quite back to pre-Helene levels, now is the perfect opportunity for locals to easily enjoy a less-crowded downtown – think fewer lines at dining hotspots and events, ample opportunities to shop local, and free on-street and city deck parking (until Dec. 1). Ready to live like a tourist in your own town – and help local businesses, restaurants and artists in the process? Here are just a few of the many reopened downtown Asheville spots to support as the holiday season approaches (this is not an all-inclusive list, but just enough to whet your appetite).
Enjoy some Asheville retail therapy
Unique, locally owned retail shops are the backbone of downtown Asheville’s eclectic cityscape, offering all manner of clothing, housewares and gift ideas. From eclectic furniture (K2 Studio) to vintage clothing (Honeypot Vintage) to regional bestselling books (Malaprops), there’s plenty for local shoppers to take in. Looking for some fantastic footwear? Longstanding retailer Top’s for Shoes is currently offering 15% off all in-store purchases while at the same time working with the United Way Helene Recovery Fund to help collect donations for storm victims. Another longtime retailer in downtown Asheville, Mast General Store, is sponsoring “Food for the Mountains,” a promotion where with every purchase of Merrell footwear through Nov. 24, Merrell will donate $15 to food security agencies in WNC.
Downtown Asheville eateries are back
Downtown Asheville restaurants are finding resourceful ways to reopen as they await the region’s return to potable running water, and locals looking to get into these popular Asheville eateries – which would normally have weeks-long waitlists – are in luck. Eager to savor a classic cassoulet from Chestnut, a maple curry chicken salad from 67 Biltmore Downtown Eatery & Catering, flank steak and frites from Posana, or a Curate charcuterie, now’s the time! Additionally, with Thanksgiving approaching, a number of downtown restaurants are offering either in-house (Pack’s Tavern, Strada, The Blackbird, Posana) or carry-out meals (Laughing Seed Café, Twisted Laurel, 67 Biltmore) for the holiday.
Admire and enjoy some Asheville art
Several galleries have reopened in downtown Asheville, heralding a welcome and much needed boost to the artist community in Western N.C. Spend a leisurely afternoon perusing these galleries, knowing that your purchases of locally made pieces will help artists directly. Visit the Russell and Armstrong Gallery, where Jeremy Russell and Alicia Armstrong – mainstays in the Asheville community, not only as artists but also as supporters of area nonprofits – recently reopened their gallery’s doors and immediately went to work raising money for Brother Wolf Animal Rescue’s destroyed shelter. You can reciprocate support (especially important to Russell, who lost his entire River Arts District studio) by purchasing a piece of art from this unique artist-run gallery.
In addition, make sure to pop into the many galleries and collectives finding ways to help artists with showcases, direct donations and fundraisers. During the month of November, Woolworth Walk is dedicating its FW Gallery Featured Artist Space to artists directly impacted by Helene. At Blue Spiral 1, for every purchase made through Dec. 25, 2024, a donation will be made to the Craft Emergency Relief Fund. And at the Asheville Gallery of Art, visit the November showcase “Artists Uniting,” where a portion of sales will go to benefit RAD artists.
When you’re ready to take a break from shopping, pop into the Fine Arts Theatre for a first-run art house flick. The Asheville Art Museum has reopened and is offering a pay-what-you-wish admission for visitors from the Helene-affected Appalachian region. And as a local, it’s now easier to get tickets to hot shows at the Orange Peel: Upcoming acts include Mipso, the Wood Brothers and MJ Lenderman & The Wind.
For information about real estate in the Asheville area, reach out to us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call anytime at 828.707.9556.
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