JULY 2, 2026 - People walking around downtown Asheville, N.C. (Photo: WLOS Staff) ASHEVILLE, NC. (WLOS) — Businesses across Asheville are preparing for a busy Fourth of July weekend as the city welcomes an influx of visitors during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Local restaurants, shops and tour companies say they are already seeing increased foot traffic ahead of the holiday, a trend they expect to continue through the weekend. "Sales are up, definitely compared to last year.