What you should know about Western NC's landmarks

The passage of Hurricane Helene through Asheville, North Carolina left nothing untouched.

With at least 57 people dead, major roads and bridges washed away, and countless businesses severely damaged or destroyed by flooding, it will take weeks or even months for everything to return to normal.

As Asheville residents begin to recover, here’s how local hotspots, landmarks and attractions are faring.

Western North Carolina Nature Center

The Asheville Zoo is doing well despite Helene’s influence on the surrounding area. The Western North Carolina Nature Center released a statement on Instagram on Monday.

“We are relieved to report that all of our animals are safe and being checked and that our staff are present and caring for them,” the statement said. “There is minimal damage to habitats; however, Swannanoa River Road and the main nature center bridge were washed away and it will be some time before they can reopen.”

The nature center, a city-owned facility, said it will undoubtedly need community support as it rebuilds and reopens.

Mission Hospital

Mission Hospital is operating and caring for patients, even though the situation is less than ideal.

The number of visitors was limited to one family member per person, so relatives had to wait outside the emergency room for news.

Those without life-threatening injuries are being taken to a nearby emergency medical shelter at AB Tech Community College, where there is reportedly no running water. Emergency room patients are accommodated in rooms, which reflects the human effort for Helene.

Mission Hospital Cancer Center and Hope Women’s Cancer Center remain closed. According to the hospital’s Facebook page, Mission My Care Now at Biltmore Park is open for walk-in care at 310 Long Shoals Road from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

River Arts District

Asheville’s famous River Arts District was completely destroyed by Helene. Many businesses will take weeks to reopen, while some may be gone for good.

Breweries in the area, such as Hi-Wire Brewing, New Belgium Brewing and Wedge Brewing Company, were inundated by flooding, causing significant damage to their operations.

Restaurants like Bull & Beggar, stores like RAD Records, and the area’s numerous art studios are closed indefinitely. The Grail Moviehouse, like many other stable businesses in the area, said its building is “lost.”

“It is difficult to process the complete destruction of all the buildings on Foundy Street,” Grail said on its website.

Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate will remain closed until October 3rd. Although the house itself is well above the French Broad’s typical water level, the property has not disclosed what happened, whether there was any damage to the house or the rest of the property surrounding the river.

Like RAD, Biltmore Village was flooded and severely damaged. Biltmore-affiliated hotels and area businesses such as Grand Bohemian Asheville and Biltmore Inn remain closed indefinitely.

More:Asheville Flooding: Is Grove Park Inn, Grand Bohemian open? What you should know about historical places

UNC Asheville

UNC Asheville has been without power, water and internet since Monday and will remain closed until at least October 7th. The university is distributing meals outside the Highsmith Student Union building and mental health services are available by calling 252-328-6661 through Oct. 11. All other university events are otherwise closed.

“Due to resource constraints and dwindling life safety infrastructure in residence halls, Student Affairs staff are assisting all students remaining on campus in exploring relocation options,” UNCA said in a statement on Instagram. “The students receive individual support in identifying and eliminating obstacles to moving. The university is committed to relocating all remaining students as quickly as possible.”

Like UNCA, all schools and universities across Asheville will be closed for an extended period of time.

Pisgah National Forest

According to the US Forest Service, the Pisgah National Forest remains closed until accurate damage assessments can be made. The administrative offices also remain closed.

“Regardless of whether you are an experienced hiker, camper or off-road driver, conditions in both forests remain dangerous,” the Forest Service said in a statement, “and if something were to happen, forest rangers and emergency services would not be dangerous.” able to reach you.

Asheville Botanical Garden

The local botanical garden is closed for the foreseeable future. Although several large trees fell and there could be many more soon, the Botanical Garden said on Facebook that the garden “miraculously” suffered no flood damage.

“We will need your support as we recover over the next few months, but first there are greater immediate needs in our community,” it said in a statement. “Take care everyone and our best wishes are with you.”

What you should know about Western NC’s landmarks

Western North Carolina Nature Center

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