Healing Arts
The best way to support Western North Carolina is to go there
By April Economides
As people outside Western North Carolina follow the unfolding news of how the region is faring post–Hurricane Helene and wonder how best to help, local towns are issuing a call to action that may at first feel counter-intuitive: visit them. Stay in their inns, dine at their restaurants, shop in their stores, and visit their arts and music venues. And if you can’t book a weekend getaway or day trip sometime soon, please shop WNC from home.
As the people of Appalachia continue to band together in support, demonstrating an endurable spirit and generosity, they also need outside help—both immediate and long-term. The hurricane struck at the start of the region’s peak tourism season, when visitors flock to the Blue Ridge Mountains to soak up the vibrant fall colors. Some businesses that survived the disaster have already shuttered their doors due to a sharp decline in revenue.
Clean running water has been restored in Asheville, after weeks of businesses having to pump in potable water to continue operations. Thankfully, many art galleries, boutiques, hotels, and music venues are back open. The roughly 20 percent of River Arts District institutions that survived are supporting less-fortunate neighbors by stocking their art and wares.
Without a doubt, now is the time to support Western North Carolina.
Photography (left to right): courtesy of East Fork, The Radical, There There, East Fork, and Farewell; this story appears in our Winter 2025 issue.
The websites of individual businesses, as well as exploreasheville.com, visitnc.com, and wheninavl.com, provide the most up-to-date information about what is open.
These are just a few of our favorite spots in Appalachia’s largest city, Asheville, and nearby small towns. There are many more. The Love Asheville from Afar initiative offers an expansive way to support hundreds of shops and artists.
EAT
Chai Pani
Festive and colorful restaurant serving elevated Indian street food. 32 Banks Ave, ASHEVILLE
Cúrate
Popular Spanish tapas restaurant in a renovated 1920s bus depot. 13 Biltmore Ave, ASHEVILLE
Farewell Coffee
South Slope café and wine bar serving locally roasted coffee and featuring a micro gift shop to support local vendors. 11 Southside Ave, ASHEVILLE
Owl bakery
Charming bakery, with locations in North and West Asheville, offering a variety of European-style breads and pastries, served with espresso, tea, and wine. 295 Haywood Rd, ASHEVILLE
SHOP
Atomic Furnishing & Design
Thoughtfully curated midcentury furnishings shop that also hosts other local vendors. 178 Broadway St, ASHEVILLE
East Fork
Downtown purveyor of locally crafted pottery and unique housewares. 15 W Walnut St, Asheville
Mast General Store
From adventure gear to clothing to home goods, this employee-owned franchise has 11 locations across the Southeast, most of them in WNC. Various locations; original store is located at 3565 Hwy 194 South, Sugar Grove, NC
North Asheville Tailgate Market
Support local farmers, artisans, and purveyors of culinary provisions, skincare, and home goods. 275 Edgewood Rd, ASHEVILLE
There There
This design-forward gift shop in the River Arts District sells local art, home goods, and personal care products. 20 Artful Way, Ste 110, ASHEVILLE
STAY
Blind Tiger, The Radical & Zelda Dearest
Keep an eye out for when these distinctly designed boutique inns, run by Lark Hotels, fully reopen. Asheville, NC
Highlander Mountain HOUSE & The Ruffed Grouse Tavern
WNC meets the English countryside at this warm inn and restaurant, sourcing from local farmers and featuring special small concerts. 270 Main St, Highlands, NC
Lovill House Inn
Historic and sustainability-minded luxury bed and breakfast with farm-to-table dinners and cooking classes. 404 Old Bristol Rd, Boone, NC