Ecusta Trail Funding and Asheville's Resilience

Episode transcript

Maggie: This is Good News Asheville for Friday, October 2, 2026.

Ben: Hi there, I'm Ben.

Maggie: And I'm Maggie. We're so glad you're joining us today.

Ben: Good News Asheville is made possible by Dylan Lennon, Realtor with Unique: A Real Estate Collective, helping neighbors buy and sell homes all across Western North Carolina.

Maggie: First up, Brevard has secured the funding to finish the final eight miles of the Ecusta Trail.

Ben: That's huge. It will finally complete the long-awaited regional greenway, connecting our local communities and supporting businesses along the route.

Maggie: It really is a big deal. And looking at our resilience, two years after Helene, Western North Carolina communities are preparing for what's next by building on lessons learned.

Ben: We're also seeing that Asheville tourism is rebounding two years after Hurricane Helene.

Maggie: Over in arts and culture, Different Strokes! is launching its fourth annual three sixty-nine Monologue and Short Play Festival right here in Asheville, showcasing local playwrights and performers.

Ben: If you're looking for weekend plans, there's a guide out for local events happening around Asheville and Western North Carolina from October second through the fourth.

Maggie: Now for a few quick micromoments. Erwin Football's Caden Ingle is leading when the pressure is on.

Ben: You can vote for Asheville's best taco shop in a new readers' poll.

Maggie: Pisgah View State Park is moving one step closer to welcoming visitors.

Ben: West Asheville neighbors actually rallied together to help find a lost kitchen knife.

Maggie: And you can find new gardening tips for Western North Carolina about marigold dyes and backyard grapes.

Ben: And thanks again to Dylan Lennon with Unique: A Real Estate Collective for making the show possible.

Maggie: To get all this local good news sent straight to your inbox, subscribe to the free newsletter at buttondown dot com slash good news asheville.

Ben: Thanks for listening, neighbors. Have a wonderful weekend.

Adapted from Good News Asheville - October 2, 2026 - Issue #134.