ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Asheville is continuing to recover from Hurricane Helene, but that isn't stopping the North Carolina city from celebrating the holidays.
Explore Asheville, an organization that develops tourism initiatives and supports tourism-related programs, said several businesses and restaurants are hoping to welcome visitors during the holidays. It also launched a website meant to help prospective visitors plan trips to the city. People can explore details about community landmarks and businesses through the website.
It said as of Oct. 19, North Carolina leaders designated Buncombe County, Asheville and Black Mountain as safe to visit. Explore Asheville also said there was a calendar of festive events planned for the downtown area.
For example, the new Gingerbread Trail of Giving will take the place of the National Gingerbread Competition. A historic resort atop Sunset Mountain will host an event, and as part of it, more than 40 gingerbread artists will display cookie and candy creations at different businesses in Asheville. It starts on Nov. 23 and lasts through Jan. 5.
It also said the Asheville Downtown Association would bring back the "Winter Window Display Contest," challenging dozens of businesses to decorate their windows for an award in one of three categories.
The Biltmore Estate also said it would welcome visitors back through its doors during the holidays after it temporarily closed due to Hurricane Helene. It's one of Asheville's biggest attractions. Visit Asheville also said some parts of the River Arts District held a soft reopening on Nov. 9 and Nov. 10.
Visitors in Ashville can also once again access 11 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a path that runs through Asheville and takes visitors through the area's natural beauty, leading them to other nearby trails.
Although festivities are planned in Asheville, people should still take steps to plan ahead if they're expecting to take a trip there. Visit Asheville said people should check online and call lodging properties to learn what they should expect while visiting, and to confirm their needs would be met.
