As this formidable year comes to a close, we reflect on the incredible progress throughout Asheville, Buncombe County, and much of Western North Carolina these past three months. Our community has begun to transform catastrophe into an extraordinary tale of rebirth. Each rebuilding project, each reopened business, and each restored home represents a rising seed of renewal. Our community’s spirit has blossomed in unexpected ways, creating a stronger, more meaningful place to live, work, and visit.

Though each person's road to recovery is unique, our community continues to show unwavering resilience together. Just this week, Forbes named Asheville one of its top 12 destinations for 2025, and the US-70 bridge in East Asheville has reopened after being rebuilt.

We are heartened to share that more than 1,000 partners have reported reopening. Our business development team has confirmed 90 group events projected to generate $32 million in direct community spending in the first half of 2025, equating roughly to group business from the same period earlier this year.

From the Always Asheville Fund, Explore Asheville has distributed 95% of grants totaling more than $1 million of the $1.1 million raised thus far. Through a series of new events, we hope to raise another half million in the first quarter of 2025. We know others are answering the call as well, with Dogwood Health Trust announcing today another $10 million for the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative administered by Mountain Bizworks.

Along with the rest of our region, we eagerly await a new federal disaster bill to be passed by Congress. While currently facing political headwinds in Washington, the bill announced yesterday includes:

• $12 billion for CDBG-DR with specific eligibility to provide grants to small businesses and authority for the Secretary to waive eligibility requirements.
• $1.5 billion for Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) from the US Economic Development Administration (EDA). Although not explicitly stated, travel recovery could be an eligible use.
• $2.25 billion for the Small Business Administration (SBA) loan program.

We are grateful for the many leaders and residents who have advocated for the dire need for significant federal relief, including Congressmen Chuck Edwards, Thom Tillis, and Ted Budd.

As we navigate these challenging times, we’re honored to shine a spotlight on the creative spirit, determination, and resilience that define our deeply rooted, ever-evolving Appalachian community. We hope the following information helps you make the best decisions for you, your organizations, and your team members going into the new year. 

Explore Asheville is working with partners for our community's revival this winter. We understand businesses have many decisions to weigh as we enter the first quarter of 2025 and have been working collaboratively to secure a calendar full of joyful events set to inspire residents, visitors, and large groups to be part of the comeback for Asheville with heart during the winter shoulder season. Please use the Drumbeat to Spring planning calendar to plan your winter staffing and promotions.

Our team is here to help your events shine! If you have an upcoming event, please email us at news@exploreasheville.com and submit it to the Explore Asheville calendar. Our 2025 Festivals & Cultural Event Support Fund will open in January and Event Sponsorships will continue to be approved on an on-going basis.

New to 2025, Explore Asheville is launching Date Nights with Asheville and Hotel Weeks in February to stimulate business, inspire visits, and drive engagement during one of the quieter months of the year. Each participating establishment will receive dedicated marketing support to boost their romantic itineraries and lodging promotions. See more details on how to participate here.

We’re excited to share marketing assets that you can use to join the Be Part of the Comeback campaign, celebrating Asheville’s resilience and encouraging visitors to plan their return. Together, we’re spreading the message that Asheville is open and ready to welcome guests back—from downtown shops and restaurants, to galleries in North RAD, to the neighboring towns of Weaverville and Black Mountain, and beyond. With progress being made every day, now is the time to show the world that we’re open, and that travel to our deeply rooted, creative community means more than ever. For content ideas, tips to inspire visitor confidence, and sample themes to get you started, click the button below.

Check out our initial announcement and a collaborative post with local businesses for more inspiration!

A new pop-up art gallery—“Love Asheville from Afar”—opened its doors at Ponce City Market in Atlanta earlier this month, featuring work from artists in Asheville’s River Arts District. Coordinated by the River Arts District Artists (RADA) Foundation, The Radical Hotel, Explore Asheville, and Jamestown, this exhibition offers a meaningful way for people outside our region to support our local arts community. Proceeds from art sales will directly benefit the participating artists, many of whom were displaced, lost their work, or face financial setbacks due to the hurricane. So far, $15,000 has been raised in artist sales and nearly $1,000 in donations to the RADA Foundation.

The gallery will be open Thursday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. throughout the month of December, so please share these details with your friends, family, and colleagues in Atlanta. If your holiday plans include a trip to Atlanta, be sure to stop by! 

A new video by Bclip Productions captures the community livestream viewing of the Concert for Carolina at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, commemorating a night of music, connection, and solidarity. The video features neighbors feeding neighbors, residents supporting local makers, and the crowd cheering together for our region—highlighting the spirit and resilience of our community.

A huge thank you to our community viewing sponsors—Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville, First Bank, All Day Darling, Mother, Whole Foods Market, and 12 Bones Brewing—their generosity and support made this evening possible. In total, the Concert for Carolina in Charlotte raised more than $24.5 million to support Samaritan’s Purse, MANNA FoodBank, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC, Eblen Charities, and the organizations supported by Chief Cares LLC, Eric Church’s nonprofit.