Asheville Airport Updates, Flu Shots, Comet Viewing, and Autumn Adventures

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Wednesday, October 22, 2025. It’s a crisp, golden morning in Asheville, with the colors of fall showing off across the Blue Ridge. If you’re heading out, expect highs around 65 degrees by midday, so grab a jacket, but definitely make time to soak in those mountain views. Right now, the talk of the town is the big construction shift at Asheville Regional Airport. Starting today, travelers will need to use the new covered walkways to reach baggage claim since the south terminal is temporarily closed for improvements. Airport officials say most of the hard work will go on behind the scenes, but pay attention to signage if you’re flying this week; updates are rolling out daily, and delays could stretch into next week. Once done, these upgrades should improve the travel experience for everyone coming in and out of Asheville. City life is bustling, and if you’re on the hunt for ways to get involved, mark your calendar for the 12th annual winter coat giveaway from Eblen Charities. They’re handing out over five thousand free coats to anyone who needs one, just in time for the first snap of chilly weather. And speaking of community care, health officials urge everyone to get vaccinated against flu, COVID-19, and RSV as we brace for respiratory illness season. You can get your shots at most pharmacies, your doctor’s office, or head down to the Buncombe County Immunization Clinic on Coxe Avenue. If you’re feeling under the weather, take care of yourself and your neighbors by staying home and washing your hands often. On the government side, Buncombe County has just established a Helene Recovery Office to help the community bounce back from Tropical Storm Helene. This team is handling everything from landslide fixes to park repairs and will be around long-term to fuel local disaster recovery and resilience. Their work includes major projects for Owen Park and upgrades to tower roads, keeping safety and recreation at the forefront for Western North Carolina residents. Downtown, local buzz is building for the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam lineup, just announced this week. If you love live music, get your tickets soon because this annual celebration brings in world-class acts—and supports those in need. The holiday spirit is alive and well, with Highland Brewing rolling out AVL Strong beer to mark one year since Helene; if you’re out with friends, raise a glass to community resilience. Fans of the night sky, tonight’s your chance to catch a glimpse of not one but two comets—Lemmon and SWAN. Find a spot away from city lights after sunset, bring a telescope or binoculars, and see these rare cosmic wonders streaking above the mountains. And for a slower-paced adventure, local parks and trails are absolutely glowing with autumn color at their peak. Whether you’re strolling the Urban Trail downtown, exploring Lake Lure’s Flowering Bridge, or snapping photos in Bent Creek, this is the week to get outdoors. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.