42 WWW.CHARLESTONWOMENPODCAST.COM | WWW.READCW.COM | WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/CHARLESTONWOMEN After Hurricane Helene, the mountain town is rebuilding stronger than ever—and ready to welcome you back BY ANGEL HOLMES Asheville has always been a special place to me. Born and raised in Charleston, I found Asheville offered the closest mountain escape with stunning Blue Ridge views, cooler temperatures and a vibrant food scene. I remember early visits to Biltmore and how magical it felt. As I grew older, I returned to hike waterfalls and explore trails. Then Chef Katie Button asked me to help organize the first Chow Chow food festival—a hyperlocal celebration that deepened my connection to this creative mountain town. When Hurricane Helene hit, I immediately organized a group of eight women for a weeklong mission trip, our cars packed with SPECIAL EXPERIENCES Biltmore’s Luminere — As the sun sets, Biltmore’s story comes to life during Luminere, an all-new evening outdoor light-andsound experience launching this spring. Thomas Dambo’s Trolls at The North Carolina Arboretum — Through Feb. 17, 2026, 12 larger-than-life troll sculptures crafted from reclaimed wood explore the Arboretum’s gardens and trails. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, these sculptures—symbols of revival and beauty rising from what’s been discarded— carry added meaning. Spring Mountain Escape to Asheville supplies. We saw immense damage but also hope—most major downtown places remained intact. I’m proud to say most areas have bounced back. The River Arts District is rebuilding, and Asheville’s unique energy is making its comeback stronger than ever. For our first travel profile, there’s no better place to highlight than Asheville—especially with its ties to wellness and beauty. If you’ve been worried about going back, now is the time.
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