Asheville, North Carolina, is sending a clear message: the city is open for visitors.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — As summer vacation season approaches, small businesses in western North Carolina are eager to welcome guests back after last year’s historic flooding from Hurricane Helene.
Nestled along the banks of the French Broad River, Wrong Way River Lodge and Cabins stands as a symbol of Asheville’s resilience.
Co-owner Shelton Steele recalled the shock of Helene.
“No one can expect a storm of that magnitude,” Steele said. “That’s the highest recorded flood in history for the French Broad River. So we saw the projections and knew that it was gonna be high, but it far exceeded everyone’s expectations.”
Despite the elevated design that spared Wrong Way from catastrophic structural damage, the financial toll was severe.
“Like all of Asheville, we were closed in October and that’s our breadbasket month,” Steele explained. “No revenue in the month of October was crippling.”
Steele remains optimistic about the months ahead. He emphasizes that Asheville’s unique blend of outdoor adventure and vibrant downtown culture is ready for visitors.
“I just want you to know that we’re open and we’re here and we’re welcoming everyone back with open arms,” he said. “We are a visitor economy. We need people to come here, stay in our hotels like this one, eat at our restaurants, go to the Biltmore Estate, and really kind of stand this community back up so that all the small businesses that make us the vibrant community that we are can come back to life.”
Steele describes Wrong Way’s 16 A-frame cabins as a hybrid between a hotel and a campground, offering “the personality of a campground” with the comforts of a hotel room. The cabins feature reclaimed wood, record players, games, and a design blend of Scandinavian and Appalachian styles.
Steele said it’s all about the idea of slowing down to reconnect with what matters most. Tourists who have returned are finding plenty to do, from open restaurants to accessible hiking trails.
“I’m hoping that we’re busy again,” Steele said. “That’s kids running up and down our property, that’s the greenway full of people running and walking, we see folks on the river. A bustling downtown, that’s kind of the heartbeat of Asheville. Tourism is really what makes Asheville work and so I’m looking forward to seeing everyone come back.”
Tourism officials in Asheville recommend planning ahead and using interactive maps and search tools to make the most of a visit.
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