Asheville Springs Forward: What’s New in 2025 After Hurricane Helene

This spring, Asheville is experiencing a remarkable revival. After the devastation of Hurricane Helene, the city and its surrounding communities have rallied together, transforming adversity into an opportunity for renewal and creativity. As doors reopen and new experiences blossom, both locals and visitors will find a wealth of fresh things to do in Asheville this season.

Culinary Comebacks and New Tastes

Asheville’s celebrated food scene is back in full force, with several new and reimagined eateries making waves downtown and beyond. Among the standout newcomers is Botiwalla, a vibrant Indian eatery inspired by the late-night tea and kabab houses of Mumbai. Owner Meherwan Irani has filled the space with family photos and memorabilia, creating an atmosphere that’s as warm as the food is flavorful. Diners can expect sizzling meats, glowing charcoal sigris, and a menu that honors both tradition and innovation1.

Another inspiring comeback is Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food. After losing his original food truck to the hurricane, owner Christian Barroso has returned with a new truck in Biltmore Village, serving up slow-cooked black beans, succulent lechon, and sweet plantains based on his grandmother’s recipes.

For those seeking something different, the soon-to-open Focaccia Sandwich Shop in Upper RAD promises fresh focaccia sandwiches, pizza, pastries, and coffee-an ideal spot for a casual lunch or a quick bite between gallery visits.

Art, Culture, and Creative Renewal

The arts have always been at the heart of Asheville, and this spring, the city’s creative spirit shines brighter than ever. The RAD Renaissance festival on May 10 is a signature event, celebrating the resilience of the River Arts District (RAD) with live painting, artist demonstrations, music, and interactive classes. The festival also marks the launch of the RAD Art Market, a weekly marketplace offering a vital platform for artists who lost their studios in the storm to showcase and sell their work3. As Jeffrey Burroughs, President of River Arts District Artists, notes, “This is not just about art-it’s about reclaiming our spaces, reimagining our future, and proving that creativity endures even in the face of hardship.”

The North Carolina Glass Center has opened a new gallery and boutique in Black Mountain, giving visitors a chance to experience glassblowing and view works by over 100 regional artists. While the studios are still under construction, the center continues to offer classes and workshops, further cementing Asheville’s role as a hub for craft and creativity.

For those interested in fashion and history, the newly opened Museum of Costume Jewelry in West Asheville displays hundreds of iconic pieces from designers like Coco Chanel and Christian Dior, tracing the evolution of personal adornment through the 20th century.

Outdoor Adventures and Wellness

Nature lovers will find plenty of new reasons to explore the outdoors this spring. The Blue Ridge Parkway has reopened in phases following hurricane repairs and has recently been designated a National Historic Landmark, underscoring its significance as a masterpiece of landscape architecture and conservation1. The Greenslick Trail in Bent Creek Experimental Forest, a favorite among mountain bikers, has also reopened after a complete overhaul, offering nearly 800 feet of thrilling descent1.

Cyclists can look forward to the debut of the WNC Bike Fest at Ecusta Brewing and the upcoming Beacon Bike Park in Swannanoa, which will feature North America’s largest pump track and a new events lawn for concerts and festivals.

Wellness seekers will appreciate the relocation of Drip Sauna, a wood-fired sauna and cold plunge experience now perched atop a forested hill overlooking the French Broad River, as well as expanded spa offerings at SoHum Healing Resort.

Festivals, Exhibits, and Community Events

Spring in Asheville wouldn’t be complete without its signature festivals and exhibits. The Asheville Orchid Festival at the North Carolina Arboretum (March 28–30) fills the air with blooms and offers educational exhibits for all ages. At the Biltmore Estate, the annual Biltmore Blooms (March 21–May 22) is enhanced this year by the immersive “Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures” exhibition, bringing ancient Egypt to the Blue Ridge.

Meanwhile, the Asheville Art Museum hosts “Asheville Strong: Celebrating Art and Community After Hurricane Helene,” a special exhibition highlighting the region’s resilience through the eyes of local artists.

Asheville’s Spirit Endures

Whether you’re tasting something new, connecting with artists, or exploring revitalized trails, Asheville’s spring 2025 offerings are a testament to the city’s resilience and creativity. As the community continues to heal and grow, visitors are invited to be part of this inspiring chapter-where every experience is infused with the spirit of revival and hope

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Asheville’s Rafting Comeback: River Outfitters Reopen After Hurricane Helene

As spring 2025 arrives, the Asheville area’s rafting companies are making a triumphant return, welcoming adventurers back to the rivers after the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene. The storm, which struck Western North Carolina in September 2024, caused historic flooding, significant infrastructure damage, and left riverbanks littered with debris. Yet, just months later, the region’s renowned resilience is on full display as outfitters reopen and the rivers flow with renewed energy.

Resilience and Recovery on the French Broad

The French Broad River, a centerpiece of Asheville’s outdoor recreation scene, bore the brunt of Helene’s impact. Floodwaters surged to record levels, inundating homes and businesses and depositing debris along the river’s course. In the aftermath, a massive cleanup effort began. Volunteer groups, local agencies, and the Army Corps of Engineers worked tirelessly to clear fallen trees, stabilize eroded banks, and repair access points critical for recreation. Thanks to these efforts, the river is now in “surprisingly good condition,” according to local experts, and ready for the return of paddlers and tubers.

Rafting Companies Reopen for 2025

Several of Asheville’s most beloved rafting companies have officially reopened for the spring season:

  • Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) announced it is “back in action for 2025,” with trips resuming on the French Broad and other regional rivers. While some access points, such as the Barnard put-in and Stackhouse take-out, are still undergoing improvements, the core river experience remains as thrilling as ever. NOC’s Director of River Outposts, Steven Foy, emphasized the community’s resilience and the importance of visitor support in the ongoing recovery.
  • Blue Heron Whitewater is also welcoming guests for the 2025 season, describing the river as “still fun and beautiful” despite the challenges of the past year.
  • French Broad Adventures and other outfitters have reopened, with the Hot Springs Welcome Center-an important access point-resuming operations after post-Helene renovations and cleanup.

A Season of Renewal and Community Spirit

While some stretches of river, particularly near Asheville’s River Arts District, remain under restoration and are not recommended for water recreation, the majority of popular rafting sections are open and safe. Outfitters have adapted by focusing on the best-maintained sections and maintaining transparent communication with guests about current conditions.

Visitors this spring will notice ongoing cleanup and some temporary facilities along the riverbanks, but the essence of the whitewater experience endures. The reopening of these businesses is more than a return to adventure-it’s a testament to the region’s spirit and the vital role tourism plays in supporting local economies.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Return

For those considering a rafting trip, this season offers a unique opportunity: to witness the landscape’s recovery firsthand and to contribute directly to the comeback of Western North Carolina’s communities. Every booking helps sustain local businesses, many of which faced existential threats after the storm. As the rivers run clear and the mountains burst into spring, Asheville’s outfitters are eager to share both the thrill of the rapids and the story of a region reborn.

In short: The rivers are open, the guides are ready, and the adventure is calling. Spring 2025 marks not just a return to the water, but a celebration of resilience and renewal in the Asheville area.

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