Asheville as we know it today was built upon the back of its electric streetcar system, one of the largest networks of its time. As the city finds itself in a growth spurt once again, could its defunct trolley system provide some clues to Asheville’s transit future?
Community and business representatives from across the rail industry gathered in Asheville on Sept. 22 for the Railroads & Regional Economic Development Conference. Organized by the WNC Rail Committee, the conference revealed some hints of how railroads may adapt to changing times.
While other planned greenways have bogged down in the face of rising costs — leaving the timeline for their construction in doubt — a flurry of fundraising, planning and design activity surrounds the planned Woodfin Greenway & Blueway. What does that project have going for it that other greenways don’t?
For more than 20 years, the WNC Rail Corridor Committee has worked tirelessly to prove the economic viability of restoring the historic rail link between Salisbury and Asheville. With changes in the rail industry looming and younger travelers showing increased interest in train travel, the committee is partnering with towns and municipalities and freight rail companies to pursue a new, three-pronged strategy.
Craggy Mountain Line, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving a historic 3-mile stretch of track in North Asheville and Woodfin, does more than transport visitors down the track this holiday season: It gives regional residents a chance to embark on a journey reminiscent of scenes from Christmas classics of the past.
The Craggy Mountain Line Railroad —a nonprofit dedicated to preserving a historic 3-mile section of railroad on the Craggy Mountain Line in Buncombe County — will present the second installment of this season’s holiday-themed run on Saturday. Launched on Nov. 30, the holiday event runs every Saturday up until Christmas — Dec. 7, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21, and train rides will be offered once per hour from 4-8 p.m.
