The flood crippled the region’s key tourism economy, causing many hotels, restaurants, and businesses to shutter at a time when money was needed more than ever. Estimates suggested tourism would drop by up to 70 percent. But the town went from a story of despair to a story of determination, and 85 percent of tourism businesses were reopened by summer 2025.
Despite the interruption, Asheville’s culinary reputation has continued to grow, with multiple local chefs and restaurants earning 2025 James Beard Award nods. Don’t miss The Market Place, a downtown farm‑to‑table institution whose chef was nominated for his sustainability‑driven Appalachian cuisine. The chef behind the 18-seat Filipino-Southern fusion restaurant Neg Jr.’s earned a nod for best chef in the Southwest. On the beverage side, Asheville has long been promoted as having one of the densest brewery scenes per capita in the United States, with more than 40 breweries within city limits.
The outdoor scene is an unbeatable draw among East Coast destinations. More than 100 miles of routes in Pisgah National Forest reopened by mid‑2025, once again allowing access to waterfalls, ridgelines, and backcountry hiking loops. Visitors can also book private sauna sessions in the woods, check out the newly opened Museum of Costume Jewelry, or explore what’s considered one of the best mountain biking destinations in the US for all skill levels.
Lodging-wise, the options are just as exciting and, more importantly, unique. Sohum Healing Resort offers custom ayurvedic wellness retreats, and the newly reopened Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville mixes the vibe of a 19th-century French hunting lodge with modern art.
For travelers seeking outdoor adventure and great food and drink, plus a dash of artsy-meets-hippie-meets-modern-mountain charm, you won’t do any better than Asheville. 