I'm wondering how Asheville is doing, and in particular Biltmore Village. When last we heard, the Village was under water and all the galleries, studios, and gift shops were in very bad shape. Are any back in business? What is their outlook for the holidays? Would love a word from Ashevillians or those who have been there in the last few weeks.

(Quote from Ben Stein in "Ferris Bueller" "Anyone? Anyone?"

I was in Asheville from Oct. 7-15 and most of the Village shops and restaurants were still closed. Sorry it wasn't more recent.

Almost all of the shops have reopened in Biltmore Village in one form or another. Many of the restaurants in Biltmore Village are just beginning to reopen, and will be open in time for the holidays. Biltmore Estate, of course, sustained only minor damage and never closed, and is open for their Christmas season.

You should know, too, that there is very little obvious evidence of the floods still remaining.

Cassandra - there is very little evidence of flooding. Rezza's restaurant in Biltmore Village is scheduled to reopen in early December. Downtown Asheville, which sits on a hill, was unaffected by the flooding.

Thanks. I knew that downtown was less affected but knew that surrounding areas had some rough times, and was particularly interested in how the art galleries were doing --- thinking of inviting another couple with, shall we say, a degree of impatience, to go there with us over the holidays. Wanted to know where to steer them, what to avoid.

too bad you will miss the gallery stroll this weekend which is all along the river. I think most of the galleries in that area are up and running again. The most well-known one in Biltmore Village, New Morning, is open for business.

Hi again Leah - can you direct me to a site for more info about the gallery stroll? I think we are going to pull and overnight in Asheville this weekend and try to catch dinner at Tomato.

Cassandra: If you go to www.exploreasheville.com, and look under Biltmore village, there is a list of shops and restaurants that are re-opened.

I'm not leah, but in the interest of time and the greater public good, here is the website with information about the river district studio stroll this weekend in Asheville:

www.riverdistrictartists.com/