If you’re in Asheville as a visitor or are planning a trip for the future—perhaps to indulge in a relaxing weekend or to attend a wedding, business conference or other event—there’s a good chance that at some point in the process you asked yourself, “Didn’t they just have a hurricane? What will it be like? Should we even go?” 

As you deliberated your options, perhaps you turned to Google for answers: “What is open in Asheville?” or “What is there to do in Asheville?” Hopefully, you discovered that large portions of our beautiful city are up and operating as usual—that restaurants and breweries are hopping with guests, that the River Arts District is welcoming art lovers and that many trails in our stunning mountains once again beckon the adventurous. 

Maybe you decided that, regardless of the progress our region had made following Hurricane Helene in September 2024, you wanted to come and support us—not in spite of the damage, but because of it. And wow, if that’s you, you are a special kind of good soul. Either way, you’ve ultimately decided to join us—and for that, I thank you. I hope you feel welcomed and enjoy every minute of your stay. 

We publish this “Visitors Companion” every year. Months before it hits the stands, our editorial team starts to pull together ideas for it—and we often compare this planning process to the bragging that parents do about their children. Because, as longtime residents, that’s what it’s like to write about all of the amazing things our region has to offer. To be sure, there’s a reason that a stunningly high percentage of visitors to Western North Carolina make repeat trips and consider this their “home away from home.” 

In this issue, you’ll find a lot of practical resources to make the most of your trip. There’s a really good three-day itinerary for lovers of food, music, art and architecture, as well as a list of four easy and beautiful hikes within an hour’s drive of downtown Asheville. Also, before you head out for your dinner reservations, make sure to read our behind-the-scenes look at the farms you’re likely to see on the menu. 

The city of Asheville has long been popular with tourists. Even in the 19th century, when George Vanderbilt decided to build his stunning Biltmore Estate here—becoming the largest private residence in the U.S.—Asheville was known as a destination hot spot. Today, we maintain that spirit of hospitality. Your stay gives us the opportunity to share our home with you—to share our food, music, art and adventure—and to brag on this wonderful and resilient city. And for that, I thank you.

Tennille T Legler

Publisher