Blue Ridge Parkway Reopens, Asheville Updates, and More Local News for Monday, July 21, 2025

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Monday, July 21, 2025. It is a bright start to the new week in Asheville, and we have a lot of updates to get you moving through your Monday and beyond. If you love the outdoors and are eager to enjoy Western North Carolina’s iconic scenery, there’s great news: a significant 12-mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway has finally reopened between Blowing Rock and Linville Falls. This stretch was closed nearly a year after Hurricane Helene triggered over 50 landslides along the Park’s North Carolina span, so this milestone is an important step in the long road to recovery for both the park and the communities that rely on its visitors. As more sections are expected to reopen through the fall, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is supporting local tourism with a major grant, so expect to see more life and business coming back to this beloved area. Hikers should still be cautious; there are ongoing repairs on some trails and picnic areas, and a few closures remain where crews are hard at work making sure everyone can enjoy the park safely. Turning to the city itself, Asheville’s pop-up dog park has officially opened, adding a bright spot for local pet owners while the city tackles some of the tough, years-long repairs needed along the French Broad River. If you’re planning a trip out of town, there’s still some frustration at Asheville Regional Airport. Rideshare pickup for Uber, Lyft, and taxis remains in a distant parking lot far from the main terminal, and airport officials have yet to announce when—or if—those pickup spots might be moved closer. This is a sticking point for both residents and visitors, especially in the busy summer travel stretch, so if you’re headed out, plan for a longer walk or pick up a shuttle if possible. On the education front, Asheville Academy has officially closed its doors after surrendering its license, following the tragic loss of two residents earlier this spring. This has raised fresh questions about oversight and care at similar facilities across the state, prompting community conversations about youth support services. In other development news, keep your eye on Weaverville north of Asheville as it gets set to welcome new neighbors. D.R. Horton’s Asheville division just announced a grand opening celebration for their latest residential development, kicking off July 25. With much-needed new housing coming online, this could mean some relief in the tight mountain home market. Finally, if you’re planning your week, Asheville is buzzing with ways to connect and celebrate. From new pop-up dog parks to freshly opened stretches of the Parkway, there’s plenty to explore. Local businesses continue their comeback despite recent closures, as artists and entrepreneurs look for opportunities to shine—even in tougher times post-Helene. Whether you’re strolling downtown, soaking in a mountain view, or discovering something new in a neighborhood park, Asheville is full This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.