Asheville: A Vulnerable Beauty Worth Protecting
People ask me all the time about traveling to Asheville, and it’s a question that pulls at my heart. If I could, I’d protect Asheville like a new mother guarding her vulnerable newborn—making sure it has everything it needs to heal, thrive, and survive. You can come to bring love, support, and nourishment, but please, leave room for the city to rest and recover.
As I write this, we are 50 days into life without reliable water. Families are driving just to access clean water for drinking, bathing, and laundry. There’s still so much beauty here, but there’s also a lot of unseen struggle. Local mom-and-pop shops, the true heartbeat of Asheville, are working tirelessly to survive, and they desperately need support.
A Resident’s Perspective
This is my personal take as someone who lives here and is still deeply affected by what we’ve endured. Asheville is breathtaking in its resilience and charm, but it’s also hurting. I want to share this with you not to deter you, but to help you come with awareness, preparation, and respect.
Tourism is essential to Asheville’s recovery, but visiting now requires mindfulness and a commitment to helping rather than taking.
What You Should Know Before Visiting
1. Be Respectful: Asheville’s recovery is uneven. Some areas are doing well, while others are not. If you visit, avoid driving down damaged or dirt roads unless absolutely necessary. Not only can it be unsafe, the dust kicked up by passing cars can affect the health and well-being of those living nearby in makeshift shelters.
2. Be Thoughtful with Cameras: Videos and photos can help raise awareness, but please be respectful when documenting your visit. Don’t film faces, license plates, or homes without permission. Be mindful of how your content impacts those who are still struggling.
3. Bring Your Own Water: If you’re driving into town, bring water for your family. While most hotels are pumping in clean water, if you’re staying in an Airbnb with well water ensure their water supply has been tested and approved. We want you to stay healthy while supporting our local businesses.
4. Support Local Restaurants and Businesses: Asheville’s restaurants are working harder than ever to serve you safely. They’ve implemented strict water safety protocols, retrained staff, and invested in bringing in clean water to operate. They’re doing all this not just to serve you but to keep their doors open and feed their own families. Show patience and kindness—they’ve been through a lot.
Carry Patience and Compassion
A few days after the storm, I witnessed something that embodies the spirit of Asheville. At an intersection where the lights had just been restored, a man got out of his car—not honking or yelling—but to check on the driver in front of him who wasn’t moving when the light turned green, just to make sure they were okay.
This is the kind of patience and compassion Asheville needs from visitors right now. Many of us are still processing the trauma of what’s happened while navigating the challenges of everyday life. If you come, bring your best manners and an extra dose of understanding. Our roads aren’t just for sightseeing—they’re lifelines for water, food, showers, and other necessities.
How You Can Help from Afar
If you’re not ready to visit or want to support Asheville from wherever you are, consider helping us directly. Through our Discover the Heart of Asheville initiative, we’re providing marketing and content support to small businesses, helping them stay visible during this critical time. Your contributions help us create real, lasting impact for businesses that are the fabric of our community.
Be a Part of Asheville’s Comeback
This isn’t just about visiting—it’s about being part of Asheville’s healing and resilience. While our city has endured so much, we’re still standing, still fighting, and still working to rebuild. Whether you’re here in person or supporting from afar, we invite you to join us in rediscovering and revitalizing the HEART of Asheville.
Find out how you can help here: