From Staff Reports 

One of Asheville’s top tourist attractions, the Omni Grove Park Inn, recently announced a target reopening date of Nov. 11, after having been closed since Sept. 27 because of damage inflicted on its property — power and water loss, and minor flooding — by Tropical Storm Helene.

In addition, the hotel has canceled the 32nd Annual National Gingerbread House Competition for 2024 — reportedly — to show support for the communities in Western North Carolina that are still recovering from Helene’s damage. 

Instead of the gingerbread house competition, the hotel announced that it will feature “The 12 Days of Gingerbread” on its Facebook and Instagram pages from Dec. 1 to Dec. 12. “his will allow people to virtually participate in the tradition and see some of the year’s gingerbread creations,” a promotion noted.

Meanwhile, the hotel noted that the gingerbread house competition will resume in 2025, with information about entry forms and display viewing available starting July 25, 2025. 

Despite the competition cancelation, Omni Grove Park Inn stated officials that the hotel still will feature holiday decor, including decorated trees, hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies for guests.