Y'all Come Visit: Western North Carolina's Spirit is Shining Bright This Summer

WNC --  Hey there! Thinking about where to wander this summer? Let us tell you about a corner of the world that's been through a bit, yes, but has come out the other side with its spirit completely unbowed: Western North Carolina.

From the tippy-top of the mountains down into our lively valleys, we're putting out the welcome mat, and we mean it from the bottom of our hearts.

Listen, you likely heard about the tough times we faced, especially last fall with Hurricane Helene. It knocked some of us down for a bit. Rivers rose higher than anyone ever imagined, and some places got hit hard. It wasn't easy. But if you could have seen what happened next – the neighbors showing up with chainsaws and hot meals, the volunteers working till they dropped, the business owners looking at damaged storefronts and saying, "We'll be back" – you'd understand the kind of grit that runs through these hills.

Our local Tourism Development Authorities, folks who live and work right here in these communities, have been right in the thick of it all. They've been pouring everything they have, often using visitor tax dollars, back into helping our towns heal and get ready for you. They've seen the challenges up close, and they've been part of the incredible effort to clear roads, help businesses reopen, and make sure the places you love are ready.

And the truth is, after all that hard work, the overwhelming feeling here is one of hope and a deep, genuine eagerness to share our home with visitors again. We missed you!

So, What's It Like Here Right Now? It Feels Like Coming Home.

Step out of your car here this summer, and you'll find the air smells like pine and possibility. You'll see flowers blooming with an extra burst of color and rivers flowing, carving their way through the landscape just like they always have.

Most everything you come to WNC for is here, waiting. Our towns are buzzing – maybe you'll hear live music drifting from a patio in Asheville, smell fresh-baked bread from a revived bakery in a mountain town, or see artists back in their studios, creating beauty out of clay or canvas. Places you might have heard were affected? Many of them have worked miracles to reopen. That cozy cabin you love? It's likely ready for your stay. That favorite restaurant? The lights are on, and the kitchen is humming.

Getting around is smoother, too. The main roads are open, connecting our vibrant communities. While there might still be a few spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway or certain trails that are being tended to – a sign of the ongoing care for our natural treasures – there are countless miles of scenic drives and hiking trails ready for you to explore. Our state and national parks are welcoming visitors to discover their breathtaking vistas and hidden gems.

When you choose to visit Western North Carolina this summer, you're doing more than just taking a trip. You're supporting the folks who poured their sweat and tears into bringing their businesses back. You're helping the towns that are rebuilding, and you're experiencing the authentic, unshakeable spirit of a region that finds strength in community and welcomes everyone like family.

We, the people of Western North Carolina, along with our dedicated TDAs, want you to know that we've worked incredibly hard, we've stood strong together, and we are genuinely excited to share our beautiful corner of the world with you.

Come see us this summer. Come explore, relax, and connect. Come be a part of our story. You are so very welcome here.