Asheville community to welcome visitors for the holidays, during Hurricane Helene recovery [Video]

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Asheville is continuing to recover from Hurricane Helene, but that isn’t stopping the North Carolina city from celebrating the holidays.

Explore Asheville, an organization that develops tourism initiatives and supports tourism-related programs, said several businesses and restaurants are hoping to welcome visitors during the holidays. It also launched a website meant to help prospective visitors plan trips to the city. People can explore details about community landmarks and businesses through the website.

It said as of Oct. 19, North Carolina leaders designated Buncombe County, Asheville and Black Mountain as safe to visit. Explore Asheville also said there was a calendar of festive events planned for the downtown area.

For example, the new Gingerbread Trail of Givingwill take the place of the National Gingerbread Competition. A historic resort atop Sunset Mountain will host …