Win a Downtown Asheville Stay + VIP Event Tickets
Asheville and Western NC Welcome You!
We are open and eagerly awaiting your visit. In fact, your return is crucial for our beloved small businesses, restaurants, shops and lodgings to survive after Hurricane Helene. From Biltmore Estate to Bryson City, the welcome mat is out, the doors are open, and we are ready to greet you!
Please check with individual businesses before booking travel. Some areas have been impacted more than others. Also, consult DriveNC.gov for information on the best route for you.
Come see us soon, it would mean the world to us!
Small Towns & Attractions Open to Visitors
The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa, Asheville
One of the country’s most celebrated resorts for its history, elegance and southern charm. Ten U.S. Presidents and countless luminaries from the worlds of art, entertainment, sports and politics have stayed at this one-of-a-kind hotel. This historic resort offers sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, innovative and locally sourced restaurants, a Donald Ross designed golf course, an… read more
The North Carolina Arboretum
Stroll through a variety of gardens and on peaceful woodland trails, located in Asheville adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Don't miss their impressive bonsai garden exhibit and many special events during the year.
Biltmore
Touring America’s Largest Home is easily the number one indoor attraction in Western North Carolina. Experience the beauty of Biltmore House and its century-old gardens where the Vanderbilt family once strolled. Come see why George Vanderbilt chose Asheville as the site for his famous estate. Explore Biltmore's 8,000-acre Blue Ridge Mountain backyard, taste award-winning wines, dine, and … read more
Bryson City
Bryson City, NC, was spared from Hurricane Helene storm damage and has remained open for visitors. Shops, lodging, restaurants and attractions are all open and ready to welcome visitors with open arms.
Christmas at Biltmore
The biggest event of the holiday season. See America's largest home decked out in festive finery. Candlelight Evenings are especially magical. See our extensive guide with tips, photos and details.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Take a scenic train ride on excursions along the Nantahala Gorge and Tuckasegee Rivers, over the mountains, across valleys, and through tunnels. Choose from a variety of train adventures departing from Bryson City. Trips include sunset rides, craft beer tastings, even a Bourbon train, as well as the ever-magical Polar Express.
Rutherfordton
Rutherfordton, NC, is open to visitors, and many businesses and accommodations are welcoming guests, though some areas, like Chimney Rock, are still under restoration.
Rutherfordton, NC, is open to visitors, and many businesses and accommodations are welcoming guests, though some areas, like Chimney Rock, are still under restoration.
Grandfather Mountain
(1 to 12 miles, easy to strenuous) More than 12 miles of hiking trails range in difficulty from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry challenges. Our favorite is taking the Grandfather Trail… read more
(1 to 12 miles, easy to strenuous) More than 12 miles of hiking trails range in difficulty from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry challenges. Our favorite is taking the Grandfather Trail from the Swinging Bridge area and returning along Underwood Trail. The popular Profile Trail is a 7-mile roundtrip, strenuous trek up to the highest peak.
Nantahala Outdoor Center
NOC has been offering whitewater rafting for over 50 years! Enjoy family-friendly paddles on both the French Broad River outside of Asheville and on the Nantahala River campus outside of Bryson… read more
NOC has been offering whitewater rafting for over 50 years! Enjoy family-friendly paddles on both the French Broad River outside of Asheville and on the Nantahala River campus outside of Bryson City with ziplining, lake paddling, restaurants, lodging, and more!
Great Smoky Mountains Hotels & Resorts
Book a vacation in one of these top hotels and resorts by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the North Carolina side.
Book a vacation in one of these top hotels and resorts by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the North Carolina side.
Marion
Much of Marion, NC, is open for business and encouraging visitors to come to their town. Stroll down Marion's Main Street lined with historic buildings, churches, and the courthouse.
Much of Marion, NC, is open for business and encouraging visitors to come to their town. Stroll down Marion's Main Street lined with historic buildings, churches, and the courthouse.
Burnsville
Burnsville, NC, is open and encouraging visitors to visit its downtown. Local shops, galleries, restaurants, and taprooms are open and ready to welcome guests.
Burnsville, NC, is open and encouraging visitors to visit its downtown. Local shops, galleries, restaurants, and taprooms are open and ready to welcome guests.
Forest City
Fortunately, Forest City, NC, was relatively unaffected by Hurricane Helene. Businesses, restaurants, shops, and more are open and eager to welcome visitors.
Fortunately, Forest City, NC, was relatively unaffected by Hurricane Helene. Businesses, restaurants, shops, and more are open and eager to welcome visitors.
Still Point Wellness, Asheville
Experience deep relaxation with Salt Water Floatation (sensory deprivation) and stress relief with Esalen Massage. Detoxify and destress with a far Infrared sauna session, or explore how thoughts… read more
Experience deep relaxation with Salt Water Floatation (sensory deprivation) and stress relief with Esalen Massage. Detoxify and destress with a far Infrared sauna session, or explore how thoughts manifest in the body with Somatic Experiencing. Personalized packages for couples and individuals are available.
Still Point Wellness offers:
Classes and Workshops - Still Point…
Lake Junaluska
Lake Junaluska, NC, is open for recreation, including activities like walking trails, fishing, and summer boat rentals.
Lake Junaluska, NC, is open for recreation, including activities like walking trails, fishing, and summer boat rentals.
Cashiers
The town of Cashiers, NC, is grateful to have escaped severe damage from Hurricane Helene. All businesses are open and ready to welcome visitors.
The town of Cashiers, NC, is grateful to have escaped severe damage from Hurricane Helene. All businesses are open and ready to welcome visitors.
Adventure Center of Asheville
Open all year and just minutes from Downtown! This center for adventure offers something for everyone, whether you're 4 or 94! Zip on the Canopy Zipline Tour with two 1,200… read more
Open all year and just minutes from Downtown! This center for adventure offers something for everyone, whether you're 4 or 94! Zip on the Canopy Zipline Tour with two 1,200 foot lines, or make it a family adventure on the KidZip, America's first zipline adventure designed for kids under 10. Climb the Treetops Adventure Park with over 70 challenge elements, or ride through…
Cherokee
Cherokee, NC, is open. Home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Cherokee offers rich cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and entertainment.
Cherokee, NC, is open. Home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Cherokee offers rich cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and entertainment.
Black Mountain
Black Mountain, NC, is open for business and welcoming visitors. Downtown shops, restaurants, galleries, artist studios, and other businesses are open.
Black Mountain, NC, is open for business and welcoming visitors. Downtown shops, restaurants, galleries, artist studios, and other businesses are open.
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort, Cherokee
Enjoy a luxurious experience in a spacious room that includes plenty of amenities including the new outdoor pool with cabanas and bar area. The 21-story hotel includes a covered parking deck… read more
Enjoy a luxurious experience in a spacious room that includes plenty of amenities including the new outdoor pool with cabanas and bar area. The 21-story hotel includes a covered parking deck and views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Enjoy dining at five restaurants. Great mid-week rates are available.
1108 rooms, large baths, coffee maker, 42-inch HD TV, casino, spa, indoor…
Robbinsville
Robbinsville, NC, is open for business. The town sustained minimal damage and all local businesses, trails, waterfalls, and outdoor sites are open to visitors.
Robbinsville, NC, is open for business. The town sustained minimal damage and all local businesses, trails, waterfalls, and outdoor sites are open to visitors.