Asheville’s comeback trail: Resilience & revival in the Blue Ridge

A natural disaster united an already strong LGBTQ+ community. GayCities honors the determination of Asheville, North Carolina.

Mark

Jan 8, 2025 - 19:00

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If there’s one thing Asheville proved in 2024, it was unwavering resilience. In September, Hurricane Helene brought widespread damage to North Carolina’s bustling cultural hub of 95,000 residents. Asheville rallied together, and the city has reopened its doors to welcome back longtime admirers and first-time travelers.

Asheville’s LGBTQ+ community played a vital role in the recovery effort, demonstrating the solidarity and compassion that define the city. Firestorm Books in West Asheville emerged as a hub for mutual aid and community support in the days and weeks following Hurricane Helene. Travelers can stop by this “radical bookstore” to browse its thoughtfully curated selection of books and discover a roster of events, from game nights and writing groups to book clubs.

“The LGBTQ+ community is so vibrant and tight-knit in Asheville,” shares PR Manager of Explore Asheville Mickey Poandl. “When travelers come to Asheville and have a drink, enjoy a meal, or spend the night, they are supporting our queer community. And we can’t wait to welcome them back again to brighten up our colorful Blue Ridge Mountain city!”

Potential New Boyfriend owner Disco. Photo provided.

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Adding to the city’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene is a new dessert lounge and Hi-Fi vinyl listening room, Potential New Boyfriend. Opened in early 2025, this unique venue offers a cozy and eclectic space where visitors can relax and unwind. Owner Disco (also the founder of Asheville’s Gospel Ice Cream) tells GayCities the new venue offers “a cozy space to escape the outside noise and discover Asheville’s unexpected offerings.”

Reopening this March just outside Downtown Asheville on Broadway is DayTrip, a 1970s-themed cocktail bar and LGBTQ+ hotspot that had barely been open a month before Hurricane Helene submerged it under 23 feet of water. Despite this devastating setback, co-owner Brandon Davis shared their optimism, telling GayCities, “Thanks to the outpouring of love, kindness, and support from the Western North Carolina community and queer small business owners from across the country, we are coming back stronger — and GAYER. Prepare to be immersed in a cozy grandma fantasy from the 70s. We can’t wait to reopen and give back to the community that stood by us.”

Asheville’s thriving neighborhoods

Two women share an oversized sandwich in Asheville, North Carolina. — Asheville’s thriving food scene features plenty of LGBTQ+ chefs, restaurateurs, and guests. Photo provided by Explore Asheville.

Downtown Asheville remains the vibrant hub it has always been, with shops, restaurants, galleries, and artist studios open and eager to share their unique charm. “Downtown Asheville is open and ready for business, its infrastructure having remained largely untouched by the storm,” Vic Isley, President and CEO of Explore Asheville, tells GayCities. “Alongside our neighbors in Weaverville and Black Mountain, we’re thrilled to welcome everyone back.”

Travelers can explore an array of downtown attractions, from boutique shops to local artisan galleries. On Walnut, shoppers will find East Fork, a pottery store founded by artisans on an old tobacco farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains. From a complete collection of pottery and exclusive wares inspired by American-made ceramics to after-hours events like wreath-making and tablescaping, a shopping trip here can feel like a special occasion.

In addition to East Fork, Downtown Asheville is home to eclectic shops like Gaea, a New Age gift store selling Tarot cards and incense, and Madam Clutterbucket’s Neurodiverse Universe, a rock’ n’ roll merchandise shop committed to hiring and creating a safe space for adults with developmental disabilities. While shopping in Downtown Asheville, travelers can experience the ever-evolving but always proud identity of the North Carolina city firsthand.

“Thanks to the outpouring of love, kindness, and support from the Western North Carolina community and queer small business owners from across the country, we are coming back stronger — and GAYER.” DayTrip co-owner Brandon Davis

For shoppers and art enthusiasts, the River Arts District, hit particularly hard by Hurricane Helene, is bouncing back with creativity and resilience. Many studios and galleries have reopened, showcasing the work of local artists who embody Asheville’s indomitable spirit.

NorthLight Studios invites travelers to commission pet portraits from local artist Angela Alexander, whose vibrant and heartfelt creations capture the bond between owners and their furry companions. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Burroughs’ gallery offers handmade jewelry inspired by artifacts of ancient civilizations but with a modern finish. Burroughs’ jewelry is known to be crafted with precision and care, earning him the affectionate title of the “Mayor of the River Arts District.” These artistic havens provide not only a window into Asheville’s culture but also an opportunity to support the community directly.

Across the French Broad River, even more adventures await in West Asheville. Known for its funky, trendy vibe, this neighborhood is home to quirky eateries like Biscuit Head, a brunch spot renowned for its “cat-head” biscuits, a playful take on a Southern classic. You’ll also find chic bars such as the LGBTQ+-inclusive Golden Pineapple, a lively tiki bar featuring trivia nights and occasional DJ sets. Biscuit Head and Golden Pineapple are among the many thriving businesses along Haywood Road, West Asheville’s main corridor, which sustained minimal damage from the hurricane.

A taste of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Chef-owner Silver Iocovozzi greets guests at Neng Jr.'s. — Chef-owner Silver Iocovozzi greets guests at Neng Jr.’s. Photo provided by Fiasco Media/Explore Asheville.

Asheville’s culinary scene continues to thrive, celebrating a mix of cultures and cuisines rooted in local and seasonal ingredients. Among the many eateries reopening their doors is queer-owned Neng Jr.’s, the city’s first Filipinx restaurant. A favorite among locals, this culinary gem reopened in December with an exciting new addition: Harmony, a wine bar featuring a curated selection of wines by the glass and a small, thoughtfully crafted snack menu. Harmony’s intimate setting offers a perfect complement to the vibrant dishes served at Neng Jr.’s.

Gay-owned Sovereign Remedies marked its 10th anniversary in 2024 and remains one of Asheville’s premier dining and cocktail destinations. Housed ina former medical building, the space has been reimagined with vintage touches, locally built furniture and fixtures, and a hyper-local menu to accompany craft cocktails (including zero-proof options).

For dessert, French Broad Chocolate Lounge delights visitors with its bean-to-bar confections. Nestled in the heart of downtown Asheville on Pack Square, the lounge boasts an array of baked goods, bonbons, and chocolate bars, alongside coffee drinks, bottles of wine, and house-made ice cream. Recently recognized as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2024, this beloved establishment remains a must-visit destination for anyone with a sweet tooth. The adjoining gift shop offers an assortment of treats and souvenirs, ensuring travelers leave with a taste of Asheville to take home.

Take it outside

An LGBTQ+ couple kisses while hiking in Asheville. — Asheville’s natural beauty is unforgettable. Photo provided by Explore Asheville.

Asheville’s natural wonders and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains remain a cornerstone of the area’s appeal. The Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs 11 miles through Asheville, is open, providing breathtaking scenic drives and access to trails like Graveyard Fields and Black Balsam. These trails allow hikers to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the region, with cascading waterfalls and panoramic mountain views waiting around every bend.

The historic Biltmore Estate, a cornerstone of Asheville’s tourism, sustained minimal damage and continues to offer its iconic tours, festive holiday celebrations, and breathtaking gardens. Although some trails across the estate’s 8,000-acre grounds remain temporarily closed, the estate’s conservatory and gardens are in full bloom, providing an ideal backdrop for a day of exploration and relaxation.

Asheville’s recovery story is a testament to the strength of its community and the enduring beauty of its surroundings. “While there is a long road ahead for Western North Carolina, our city is still stunning and standing,” shares Vic Isley. “The Asheville area welcomes you. Be part of the comeback.”

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