Asheville Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts

Digital Resources

Essential Apps

Navigation:
Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze for directions. Download offline maps for spotty cell service areas.
Ride-sharing:
Uber and Lyft for convenient, on-demand transportation.
Dining:
Yelp and OpenTable for restaurant reviews and reservations.
Outdoor Activities:
AllTrails for hiking trail information. Gaia GPS for detailed backcountry navigation.
Local Transit:
UMO Pass for Asheville's ART bus system, mobile ticketing, and real-time tracking.

Useful Websites

Explore Asheville:
Official tourism site for attractions, events, dining, and accommodations. Exploreasheville.com
Asheville Chamber of Commerce:
Business listings, community information. Ashevillechamber.org
NPS - Blue Ridge Parkway:
Current road conditions, closures, and alerts. Nps.gov/blri
Asheville Citizen-Times:
Local newspaper for current news and events. Citizen-times.com
Mountain Xpress:
Asheville's alternative weekly newspaper for extensive event listings and cultural insights. Mountainx.com

Social Media Accounts

@ExploreAsheville

The official tourism account for inspiration and event updates.

Follow on Instagram

Local Businesses

Follow specific breweries, restaurants, and attractions for real-time updates and specials.

Local News & Culture

Follow local news outlets or cultural organizations for the city's pulse.

Citizen-Times Mountain Xpress

Podcasts & Digital Content

Podcasts

Explore local Asheville-centric podcasts on culture, food, or outdoor activities.

Digital Content

Local artists and community groups create digital content offering unique city perspectives.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks & Maps

National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Buy on Amazon
Blue Ridge Parkway Map: A physical map is highly recommended due to spotty cell service. Buy on Amazon
Asheville Trail Guides: Local outdoor shops sell specific hiking guides for the area.
North Carolina Waterfall Guide Books: Specialized guides like "Waterfall Hikes of North Carolina Mountains". Buy on Amazon

Books about Asheville

"Look Homeward, Angel" by Thomas Wolfe: A classic novel set in Asheville. Buy on Amazon
"Asheville: A History" by Milton Ready: A comprehensive historical overview. Buy on Amazon
Further Reading: Look for books on local craft beer, Appalachian folklore, or regional culinary traditions.

Local Publications Worth Picking Up

Mountain Xpress: A free alternative weekly newspaper with local news, event listings, and restaurant reviews.
Asheville Grit: While mainly online, local cultural publications or guides often have print versions or specific articles.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Numbers

All Emergencies

Dial 911 (Police, Fire, EMS - Ambulance).
This is the universal emergency number in the U.S.
Clearly state your location and the emergency.

Hospitals & Clinics

Mission Hospital: 1600 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803.
Phone: (828) 213-1111.
Western North Carolina's largest medical center.
Urgent Care: For non-life-threatening issues, urgent care clinics are alternatives to emergency rooms.

Embassy & Consulate

For international travelers, know your country's embassy in Washington D.C.
Also know any relevant U.S. Consulates for assistance with lost passports or emergencies.

Lost Document Procedures

Passport

Contact your country's embassy or consulate immediately.
File a police report with the Asheville Police Department.

Credit Cards

Contact your bank or card issuer immediately to report lost cards.
Request cancellations and replacements. Keep emergency numbers separate from your wallet.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Weather Alerts

Monitor local weather forecasts (TV, radio, apps, citizen-times.com).
Check local emergency alerts if possible.

Specific Warnings

Flooding: If heavy rain causes flooding, do not drive on flooded roads. Seek higher ground.
Winter Storms: If traveling in winter, avoid driving in snow or ice. Refer to NCDOT for road closures.
Wildfires: Be aware of wildfire warnings during dry periods. Follow evacuation orders.

Online Communities & Language Resources

Online Communities

Subreddits like r/asheville or r/northcarolina offer local discussions and travel tips from residents.

Travel Forums

General travel forums may have dedicated sections or threads for Asheville.

Language Resources

While English is common, resources on Southern dialects or colloquialisms exist for cultural studies.

Emergency Contact

For urgent issues or major incidents, 911 is the direct line to help. State your location and emergency clearly.

Asheville Travel Resources