Explore Asheville

Asheville and surrounding areas were recently devastated by Hurricane Helene. Potable water has been restored and in many areas of town life has seemingly gone back to normal, however it has been a very hard time for everyone in the region.

If you’re able this week, please make plans to go into Asheville for dinner or sightseeing as a way to support the local community where we host this event. Asheville businesses need your support.

NEW THIS YEAR - The hotel is offering a daily shuttle to downtown Asheville from noon to 8 pm leaving every half hour!

The shuttle costs $8 round trip - you can pay cash or card or charge it to your hotel room.

Areas Affected by Helene

The road the hotel is on was mostly unaffected. Downtown did not flood and many businesses remain open! Local roads around town are mostly open at this point or will be marked appropriately on Google Maps.

Unfortunately the River Arts District was hit very hard by flooding and many restaurants are still closed, including 12 Bones, White Duck Taco (downtown is open!), Fresh Wood Fired Pizza, and Hi-Wire RAD locations. Many restaurants and businesses in Biltmore Village are also either currently or permanently closed.

One of our attendees’ favorite activities - the annual gingerbread competition at Omni - looks a little different this year. You can see these gingerbread entries around businesses across Asheville! Also, many nearby hikes and tourist attractions, including the Biltmore estate, have reopened.

Getting to Asheville

Most routes in and out of (and through!) Asheville are back to normal. Unfortunately, I-40 coming through East Tennessee is currently closed.

Luckily, alternate routes through Newport or Johnson City typically add 15-45 minutes to your travel time. Taking I-26 through Johnson City is interstate the whole way and 60 extra miles. Taking Highway 25 through Newport and Hot Springs involve some curvy backroads. The shortest route will likely depend on traffic and if there are any accidents.

I-26 in both directions and I-40 East of Asheville (towards Charlotte/Durham) have all reopened. Routes from nearby major airports (CTL, ATL, GSP) are clear.