They’re on the Comeback Trail in Western North Carolina

If you saw scenes of the region in the immediate aftermath of the storm, you might be surprised by the invitation to visit now. Helene wrought destruction everywhere, from tiny mountain towns like Swannanoa to cities like Asheville and Hendersonville. But the determination, grit and resilience of North Carolinians are already helping the region turn the corner, and inspiring stories of neighbors helping neighbors make it clear that community means everything here. Bright signs of recovery are popping up daily.

Helping Hands and Hearts

USA Today produced a very moving video essay recently, showing the impact of the storm on communities like Marshall, while also highlighting the indomitability of the human spirit there. Jaana Mattson is a fiber artist who knows many of the people featured in the video. While her own home was spared, her gallery downtown was submerged in 10-15 feet of water, destroying all of the work she had on display. At the same time, most of the shows and exhibits at which she had planned to display other work were canceled.

Still, as she struggled to cope with her own losses in the days and weeks following the hurricane, Mattson could be found in downtown Marshall, with friends, neighbors and sometimes complete strangers, shoveling mud off the street and helping to remove ruined art, fixtures and important items of the town’s past from battered historical buildings. Many of those working alongside her were artists themselves. She notes, “Artists are intrepid people to begin with, and they love this region so much, they’re determined to come back from something nobody asked for.”

Artists outside the region are lending far more than moral support to their impacted colleagues. Local Cloth, a volunteer-led network of fiber artists, farmers, educators and others in Western North Carolina, put out a call for donations of fiber supplies and tools. Hundreds of artists across the country sent in contributions, which the nonprofit is now distributing free to help local makers get back on their feet.

Landmarks Bounce Back

That same community spirit is reflected in the tremendous progress being made all across Western North Carolina. Near Asheville, the iconic Biltmore Estate reopened in early November, just in time to resume its traditional Christmas events. The historic Grove Park Inn, built in 1913 and host to 10 U.S. presidents since, also reopened in November.

In downtown Asheville, where the infrastructure survived the storm largely intact, many previously shuttered shops, restaurants, galleries and studios have reopened. ExploreAsheville.com has an excellent, frequently updated guide to what’s open and what’s not. It is particularly helpful for those interested in the status of businesses in the popular but hard-hit River Arts District, which had been, Mattson says, “a phenomenon of ingenuity, housing 300 artists and 80 buildings.” Many galleries and restaurants remain closed there, but a significant (and growing) number are welcoming guests.

Outside of Asheville, more signs of recovery appear with every passing day. The North Carolina Arboretum just south of the city has reopened its gardens and is working to reopen trails. Scenic, biodiverse Grandfather Mountain, 70 miles to the east, is again open. Nearby, the Montreat Conference Center, home to numerous retreats and educational events — including a number of Road Scholar programs — will be resuming its events calendar in spring 2025.

To the west, visitors can still enjoy the area’s spectacular waterfalls and scenic vistas. Scores of spas and resorts are also open, but road closures and repairs may impact access, so it’s best before planning any visit to check their status at nc.gov.

How to Help

Responding to queries about what others can do, Hendersonville tourism director Michelle Owens sounded a familiar refrain. “The best way to help right now,” she told The Henderson Times-News, “is to visit. Employees at attractions, accommodations and in the service industry need to get back to work to put food on their tables, stabilize their families and repair their homes and cars. An impromptu getaway can make a big difference.”

Likewise in Boone, home to three ski resorts and a lively college community, the Chamber of Commerce stresses the importance of visitors but adds a request that surely applies to any journey to Western North Carolina:

“Be empathetic toward those you encounter in our community. Many of our residents are still dealing with major disruption as we are also trying to restart our economy and maintain our local workforce. The store or restaurant employee you come in contact with may very well be displaced from their home and trying to rebuild their life here. Please be respectful and pack plenty of grace and patience.”

According to artist Mattson, the region is seeing a new influx of visitors with exactly that mindset. She says, “These people are incredibly supportive, and they know what they’re supporting. It helps immeasurably.”

There are other ways you can help. You can donate to support recovery efforts, either through nc.gov or any of the numerous charitable organizations coming to the region’s aid. You can also be a remote shopper, supporting local businesses through online stores. Nc.gov has a great shopping site, and Local Cloth has also created an online store for 30 local artists’ work.

Finally, you can participate in Road Scholar programs in the region, either the aforementioned educational experiences at the Montreat center or one of several programs centered around Asheville.

Western North Carolina, “Land of the Sky,” is home to remarkable natural beauty, wonderful people, and a rich and varied cultural scene. It’s all still there, waiting for you. Go experience it!