We have always promoted safe and responsible exploration of our mountains and will continue those efforts as we move carefully through this pandemic. We are committed to providing accurate, up-to-date information on what's open in Asheville and Western NC, as well as offer recommendations on how to safely experience everything our region has to offer. Check back daily for updates and please wear a mask!
Coronavirus: Updates for Asheville and Western NC
How does Phase 3 impact traveling in and around Asheville?
Governor Roy Cooper announced a new executive order effective March 26 and set to expire April 30, 2021.
- Face masks are required in ALL public spaces.
- Restaurants, breweries, wineries, and distilleries are open at 75% capacity indoors and up to 100% outdoors. Expect long waits, plan ahead, and make reservations. For an updated list of restaurants open for Take-Out/Deliver and Dine-In, see AIR's website (Asheville's Independent Restaurant Association).
- Bars, nightclubs, theatres, and music venues may reopen both indoors and outdoors at 50% capacity.
- Spas are open at 75% capacity. See our list of Top Spas in and around Asheville for more info.
- Buncombe County Hotels and other lodging are now permitted to operate at full capacity.
- Public parks and playgrounds are open.
- Some Guided Tours & Experiences are available with limitations. Check directly with the tour company to get details on each.
- Many locals shops and art galleries are open on a limited basis. See our Shopping Guide and Art & Galleries for more.
- Mass gatherings will be increased to 50% capacity indoors and 100% outdoors. This includes some Spring events
Practice the 3 W's
The NC Department of Health and Human Services is asking us to stay strong and continue to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19.
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For more general information related to the coronavirus COVID-19, visit the Center for Disease Control’s website and NCDHHS's website.
See More Coronavirus Resources Below
Governor Cooper's 3 Phase Plan for Reopening North Carolina
Phase 1
- Lift Stay At Home order with strong encouragement for vulnerable populations to continue staying at home
- Allow limited opening of restaurants, bars and other businesses that can follow strict safety protocols (reduced capacity)
- Allow gathering at houses of worship and entertainment venues at reduced capacity
- Increase in the number of people allowed at gatherings
- Open public playgrounds
- Continue rigorous restrictions on nursing homes and congregate living settings
Phase 2 (At least 2-3 weeks after Phase 1)
- Lessen restrictions for vulnerable populations with encouragement to continue practicing physical distancing
- Allow increased capacity at restaurants, bars, other businesses, houses of worship and entertainment venues
- Further increase the number of people allowed at gatherings
- Continue rigorous restrictions on nursing homes and congregate care settings
Phase 3 (At least 4-6 weeks after Phase 2)
- Lessen restrictions for vulnerable populations with encouragement to continue practicing physical distancing
- Allow increased capacity at restaurants, bars, other businesses, houses of worship and entertainment venues
- Further increase the number of people allowed at gatherings
- Continue rigorous restrictions on nursing homes and congregate care settings
