How do we support the places we love when a crisis hits?

It is peak foliage peeping season and one of my favorite places in the past to peep has been in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains outside of Asheville, North Carolina. In fact, I have sent clients there to visit and experience all that Asheville has to offer…except now we must kindly stay away.

Asheville, North Carolina sits in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering breathtaking vistas and a gateway to outdoor adventures. This city is known for its rich, historic architecture with a young, vibrant energy largely driven by artists, musicians, and chefs and its surrounding areas have attracted outdoor enthusiasts for decades: calling those eager to hike, bike, and explore.

However, in the wake of Hurricane Helene, many beloved Asheville and Buncombe County businesses have been deeply affected by the storm and are now having to rebuild and restore their beloved communities, businesses and homes. They are graciously asking that guests continue to show their love and support of Asheville remotely, to give them the space and time to do so. (See below for the updated openings and closures at the time of this post)

Asheville is asking us to Love it from Afar. Below are some ways in which you can show Asheville your support:

1. Take a Virtual Tour of Asheville
Perhaps you are really missing this place, or curious to know all that will have to offer when you are able to visit again. Here are just some virtual tours available, such as:

• 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially during the fall foliage.
• Virtual walks through the Asheville Botanical Gardens, showcasing local flora and recovery efforts.
• Live-streamed events from the Asheville Art Museum or local galleries featuring regional artists along the River Arts District.

2. Online Experiences with Local Experts
Brows through and sign-up for online sessions hosted by local chefs, artists, and historians. Examples could include:

• A live cooking class focusing on from wellness experts.
• An online art workshop where participants can learn techniques from local Asheville artists.
• A virtual learning guide on Asheville’s history from the local museum of History.

3. Supporting Local Businesses Online: Direct from the Love Asheville from Afar site, you can shop online from or donate directly to Asheville’s businesses, artists, musicians, farms and more. Choose from any of these and more:

• Handcrafted pottery and art from River Arts District studios.
• Locally brewed beers or ground coffee available for order online.
• Homemade preserves and condiments from Asheville markets.

Your support sustains the deeply-rooted culture that makes the Asheville area so special. Every purchase counts—

4. Advocacy and Donations
Finally, you may always provide cash donations directly to those trying to rebuild so that you can keep them on their feet for when they are ready to receive you again! Here is a list of just a few:

• Always Asheville Fund helps small independent travel and hospitality businesses throughout Asheville and Buncombe County recover from the devastating impacts and aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
• North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund
• World Central Kitchen  (Also in Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee)

Openings and Closures

Please check attraction and business websites and social media channels for the most up-to-date information.

• Blue Ridge Parkway: Closed. Specific information and updates on closed sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway is available here.
• Biltmore Estate: Reopening November 2. More info here.
• Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests have closed campgrounds, roads and recreation areas with these exceptions as of Oct. 18: Davidson River Campground and Recreation Area, Cove Creek Upper and Lower Campgrounds, Kuykendall Group Campground, Wash Creek Horse Camp, Wolf Ford Horse Camp. More info here.
• Mount Mitchell State Park and Gorges State Park have been closed by the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. More info here.
• Grandfather Mountain: Temporarily closed. More info here.
• Click here for all North Carolina State Park closures.
• All City of Asheville city parks, community centers, and public facilities are closed.
• All Buncombe County parks are closed.