Culture

Asheville Downtown Association spotlights post-Helene business with Doors Open Downtown

Downtown businesses can display a red balloon on their door to welcome folks in and signal that they’re open and ready for business.

October 17, 2024 • 
Molly Wilson
Asheville skyline with mountains in the background

The initiative’s goal, says Executive Director Hayden Plemmons, is to “help facilitate healing and encourage support for our local businesses as we work toward recovery.”

Photo by @andre.daugherty.photo

As some resources return and businesses begin to navigate the post-storm landscape, some local spots are ready to reopen. So the Asheville Downtown Association is organizing Doors Open Downtown — an initiative to fill the streets and shops of the city again.

The concept is simple. On Saturday, Oct. 19 and Saturday, Oct. 26, downtown businesses can display a red balloon on their doors to indicate that they’re open and encourage folks to reconnect and support.

Businesses can pick up a balloon from the Downtown Association office, Horse and Hero, or Citizen Vinyl.

Then, on Thursday, Oct. 31, downtown will come alive for a Halloween Block Party. From 4 to 7 p.m., you and the little ones can trick-or-treat at participating businesses, listen to live music, enjoy kids’ activities and restaurant specials, and bring your pup to a dog costume contest.

More from AVLtoday
AVLtoday_river_arts_district_artsavl.png
Culture
Post-Helene resources for Asheville artists
Many local art spaces sustained damage and numerous artists lost work or income — so here’s some help for the Asheville artists impacted by the storm.
October 16, 2024
 · 
Molly Wilson
AVLtoday_north_fork_bypass_line_asheville
City
Hurricane Helene, Oct. 14-20: Updates + need-to-know information
This article is being updated daily to include information shared at Buncombe County news briefings.
October 16, 2024
 · 
Molly Wilson
volunteer efforts helene avl.png
Volunteer
Local volunteer opportunities to support recovery from Hurricane Helene
Get involved with these volunteer opportunities to help the community rebuild.
October 15, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
AVLtoday_water_line_break_asheville
City
An update on Asheville’s water system repairs
After more than two weeks of work — here’s where we stand on repairing the local waterlines.
October 14, 2024
 · 
Molly Wilson
Appalachian wildlife refuge donations.png
Nonprofits
Lend a helping hand to these Asheville nonprofits after Helene
In the face of overwhelming crisis, the nonprofits of Asheville have stepped up to ceaselessly and steadfastly serve our community — but they can’t do it without your help.
October 14, 2024
 · 
Molly Wilson
AVLtoday_water_distribution_buncombe_county
City
Hurricane Helene, Oct. 7-13: Updates + need-to-know information
This article is being updated daily to include information shared at Buncombe County news briefings.
October 14, 2024
 · 
Cat George
Volunteers remove supplies from a truck for Hurricane Helene fundraiser recovery
Culture
Show your support through these local post-Helene fundraisers
As many businesses face increased need after the storm, campaigns have arisen to cover everything from essentials for the community to employees’ livelihoods — here’s a guide on where to give.
October 13, 2024
 · 
Molly Wilson
A bartender shakes a cocktail behind the bar at Jettie Rae's Oyster House
Food
Post-Helene resources for Asheville food and beverage workers
Many of the restaurants and bars that make up this foodie town have been damaged or rendered inoperable by lack of water or power — so here’s some help for the Asheville food and beverage workers displaced by the storm.
October 10, 2024
 · 
Molly Wilson
Intro (5)
Food
Asheville restaurants that are open after Helene
Although many restaurants and bars have become inoperable while we wait for water and power to come back online, a few local spots have been able to reopen their doors.
October 10, 2024
 · 
Molly Wilson
donations highland.png
Culture
Mental health resources to support recovery from Hurricane Helene
From group listening sessions to pro bono referrals to national resources, here are some ways to support your mental health as WNC recovers from the storm.
October 9, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers