Asheville Thrives as Cultural Destination, RAD Rebuilds After Helene, Costco Eyes Enka Development

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Monday, August 25, 2025.

As Asheville wakes up to another beautiful late August morning, let’s dive into the stories shaping our city today. Downtown is still buzzing after a weekend that saw comedian Leanne Morgan pack the Harrah’s Cherokee Center, drawing fans from across the Southeast. About half the crowd traveled over 150 miles, a sure sign that Asheville continues to thrive as a cultural destination and local businesses—from restaurants to hotels—are reaping the rewards. And if you missed it, don’t worry; organizers say more big events are lined up every weekend next month, so there’s plenty to look forward to.

Recovery from last year’s Tropical Storm Helene is still heavily on the minds of many. Throughout the River Arts District and Biltmore Village, the rebuilding process continues at a pace slower than most had hoped, with many business owners now realizing this effort will be a marathon, not a sprint. If you’re in those areas, you’ll notice construction is ongoing; city leaders stress patience and determination as the community works to restore its vibrant creative hubs.

On the business front, some big retail news is brewing. Costco is getting closer to reality in Enka, with company officials announcing they plan to submit formal development plans to the city within the next month. While the prospect of more shopping options excites many, residents have voiced concerns over how this could impact traffic in the area. These conversations will continue as plans move forward, but it’s a significant development for the local economy and job market.

Looking for things to do today? Art lovers should check out A Rouge Reunion at Noir Collective in the RAD. This special event brings together creative dining, art, and dessert for an evening of Asheville flair. Over at Pack Square Park, keep your ears open for a free concert to celebrate the Asheville Symphony’s new season. For music fans, Sixpence None the Richer performs tonight at The Orange Peel—perfect for anyone wanting a nostalgic live music fix. And for bookworms or those seeking some camaraderie, the Monday Night Book Club is hosting a discussion on “The Book of Doors.” Details are on local events pages, but come ready for lively literary conversation.

In sports, the UNC Asheville women’s golf team tees off its season today at Clemson, building on their impressive recent success in the Big South Conference. Go Bulldogs!

That’s what’s making waves around town this Monday. This has been Asheville Local Frequency. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Good morning. This is your Asheville local frequency from Monday,
August twenty fifth, twenty twenty five. As Ashville wakes up
to another beautiful late August morning, Let's dive into the
stories shaping our city today. Downtown is still buzzing after
a weekend that saw comedian Leanne Morgan packed the Hara's
Cherokee Center, drawing fans from across to southeast. About half

(00:22):
the crowd traveled over one hundred and fifty miles, a
sure sign that Asheville continues to thrive as a cultural
destination and local businesses from restaurants to hotels are reaping
the rewards. And if you missed it, don't worry, organizers
say more big events are lined up every weekend next month,
so there's plenty to look forward to. Recovery from last

(00:44):
year's tropical storm Heleene is still heavily on the minds
of many throughout the River Arts District and builtmore village.
The rebuilding process continues at a pace slower than most
had hoped, with many business owners now realizing this effort
will be a marathon. If you're in those areas, you'll
notice construction is ongoing. City leaders stress, patience and determination

(01:07):
as the community works to restore its vibrant, creative hubs.
On the business front, some big retail news is brewing.
Costco is getting closer to reality in eNCA, with company
officials announcing they plan to submit formal development plans to
the city within the next month. While the prospect of
more shopping options excites many residents have voiced concerns over

(01:28):
how this could impact traffic in the area. These conversations
will continue as plans move forward, but it's a significant
development for the local economy and job market. Looking for
things to do today, art lovers should check out a
Rouge Reunion at Noir Collective in the rad This special
event brings together creative dining, art and dessert for an

(01:49):
evening of Asheville Flair. Over at pack Square Park. Keep
your ears open for a free concert to celebrate the
Asheville Symphony's new season for music fans. Sixpence None the
Richer performs tonight at the Orange Peel. Perfect for anyone
wanting a nostalgic live music fix and for bookworms or
those seeking some camaraderie. The Monday Night book Club is

(02:10):
hosting a discussion on the Book of Doors. Details are
on local events pages, but come ready for lively literary conversation.
In sports, the unc Asheville women's golf team tease off
its season today at Clemson, building on their impressive recent
success in the Big South Conference. Go buckles. That's what's
making waves around town this Monday. This has been Ashville

(02:32):
local frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.