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This summer, Gov. Josh Stein and VisitNC have teamed up to help people “Rediscover the Unforgettable” in western North Carolina (WNC) as the region recovers from Hurricane Helene.
The hurricane hit WNC at the end of September 2024, and tourists were not able to visit and see our fall leaves. Now, some districts and community colleges are facing cuts to local funding.
The historic storm generated rainfall, strong winds, landslides, and tornadoes, among other weather impacts, totaling $59.6 billion in damage.
“Our mountains are home to unforgettable landscapes, experiences, and people; there’s something here for everyone,” said Gov. Stein. “I urge folks from across the country to book their flight [to Asheville] and come experience something unforgettable here in western North Carolina.”
One of First Lady Anna Stein‘s priorities is rural tourism.
“The important thing is that we intentionally spend our tourist dollars in WNC this summer to keep its recovery going strong,” First Lady Stein said. “Western North Carolina is open for business!”
The Governor and First Lady have been out and about WNC this summer, visiting small businesses, exploring towns, meeting with residents, and thanking state employees. Here is a photo essay of their adventures.
The EdNC team drives a lot of miles each year. Along the way, we invest in local economies and try to connect people, plates, place, and policy.
But this is also personal for me. I call the High Country home.
With our grandfather by our side, my brother and I learned early in life to identify Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel, taste test Sourwood honey, and celebrate the seasons with ramps and rime ice.
Now you can find my oldest son, Hutch, studying the impact of Helene on hellbenders in the Watauga River. And you might catch my youngest son, Wells, playing a show at the Orange Peel in Asheville.
Below are some of our favorite restaurants, hotels, and stops in the 14 most impacted and distressed counties, as designated by FEMA and HUD.
Come visit us. We offer leaves, pumpkins, and apples in the fall, and Christmas trees and winter sports for the holidays.
If you can’t come visit, consider ordering products online from your favorite local business in WNC — from Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn in Asheville to Willow Hill Soap Company in Canton.
Or donate money to a local nonprofit.
EdNC reports on HIGHTS, which stands for “Helping Inspire Gifts of Hope, Trust, and Service,” a nonprofit that serves many of the counties in WNC.
Did you know North Carolina has more than 60 species of salamanders, more than any other state? Support the work of Mountain True to help with the restoration of our creeks, streams, and rivers.
As you travel, listen to EdNC’s podcast, “Running Towards Disaster.”
Ashe
Superintendent Eisa Cox loves the place she serves. Here is her “unforgettable” when it comes to her county.
Ashe County has so much to offer! Enjoy a relaxing float trip down the scenic New River, whether by canoe or inner tube. It’s a peaceful experience perfect for families and individuals of all ages.
In West Jefferson, step into what feels like a scene from a Hallmark movie. Stroll through downtown and watch cheese being made, peruse a variety of locally owned shops, take in the beautiful murals at every corner, and explore the bustling farmers market every Saturday. You’ll find everything from charming dress boutiques to outdoor gear and hiking boots, most locally owned and operated.
Dining options are plentiful. Enjoy sandwiches, grab wings and smash burgers, or a home-cooked meal at a local drive-thru BBQ restaurant. There are several restaurants with a variety of tastes. Coffee lovers will appreciate the many cafés, all offering cozy seating, friendly service, and excellent coffee. Be sure to stop by one of several local ice cream shops.
Downtown Jefferson is home to the recently renovated Ashe County Museum of History, as well as a number of inviting shops worth exploring.
Golf enthusiasts can take advantage of two excellent local courses.
Accommodations are plentiful, with a variety of Airbnb options, a comfortable Holiday Inn, and the newly renovated, historic West Jefferson Hotel, which features an outstanding in-house chef and dining experience.
Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway and visit Mount Jefferson State Park.
You will want to return this fall to see the amazing picturesque mountain colors and pick pumpkins. Of course Ashe County is famous for our Christmas trees, so a return visit requires a description of its own for the full holiday experience.
— Superintendent Eisa Cox
You can visit on Saturdays in Lansing at the Old Orchard Creek General Store for some live music. Order a pizza next door at Pie on the Mountain. Visit Molley Chomper, “cider and fruit wines that celebrate the fruit and farmers of southern Appalachia.” There is also a lavender farm in Lansing.
Nearby, for blueberry picking and events, check out Old Orchard Creek Farm, owned by friends of education and the environment, Johnny Burleson and Walter Clark.
Take in Ben Long’s Ashe County Frescoes — Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Glendale Springs and St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in West Jefferson. The churches are open 24 hours a day for meditation.
Shoes for Kids is a local nonprofit dedicated to making sure every child in the county has properly fitting, season appropriate shoes.
Avery
Eric Church and Chief Cares have broken ground on Blue Haven, a first mid- to long-term housing community for families impacted by Hurricane Helene. The CEO of Chief Cares is John Blackburn, who represents the northwest region on the N.C. State Board of Education.
Grandfather Mountain, with its famous mile-high bridge, is an international biosphere. The 300-million-year-old mountain is a habitat for 16 distinct ecological communities and 72 rare or endangered species.
The Liar’s Table in Elk Park is our go-to when in Avery County.
Artisanal, which is open seasonally, made Open Table’s Top 100 in 2012.
If you remember the Louisiana Purchase, it is now LP on Main.
Our family favorite for whitewater rafting is Edge of the World, where Wells worked during the summers of college as a guide. The chicken fingers served for lunch — homemade by the owners each morning with a secret family recipe — are the stuff of legends. Expect young adult humor on the bus ride.
Gear for Groms is a local nonprofit that provides snow sport equipment to youth, making winter sports accessible for all.
Buncombe
For double breakfast, don’t miss Taco Billy — we suggest the Migas Taco for breakfast and ask for the hot sauce! — and then Hole Doughnuts right down the street. Nation Hahn says, “Laurie will greet you with a warm welcome and the best doughnuts.”
Cúrate, which has the best tapas in North Carolina, is a go-to for us for business dinners.
Freebird McKinney, Rupen Fofaria, and I love Ukiah — haiku spelled backwards — a Japanese smokehouse.
Derick Lee thinks the shrimp burger at Good Hot Fish rivals those in Carteret County, which is saying something.
Word is that a lot of nights a week, you might find philanthropist Mark Constantine at Chestnut.
The Orange Peel is an iconic music venue.
From French Broad Chocolates (highly recommend the tour and tasting) to ENO hammocks to the Edna Rhyne Distillery to East Fork Pottery, there are lots of local businesses to support.
CoThinkk is a social change philanthropy. Check out the local nonprofit Youth Transformed for Life.
Burke
“Little Guatemala is a family business that shares Guatemalan culture in Morganton, North Carolina, and serves as a bridge among neighbors in a diverse community,” says the website. It is all things coffee, chocolate, and cultural connections.
Our State has written about Asian Fusion in Morganton, and we can attest that it is worth a stop.
Caldwell
Nation, Emily Thomas, and I all have deep roots in Caldwell County.
We agree on the Happy Valley Filling Station. It features, Nation says, “woodfired pizzas with local meat and produce in a beautiful setting.”
The local meat he is referencing is from 4440 Ranch and Cattle Company just down the road, where you can buy F1 Wagyu beef.
You can also find Marshallberg Farm near Lenoir, producing Osetra caviar right here in the United States.
Nation also has long loved Cheeks Convenience and Grill for the “fluffy biscuits, livermush, and staff who have served folks forever.”
Be on the lookout for rodeos held by the CCC&TI Electrical Lineworkers, showcasing skills for friends and family.
Haywood
When I’m in Haywood County, you can find me at Papertown Coffee in Canton or Orchard Coffee in Waynesville in the mornings.
Or you can find us at the J Street Café at Sorrells Marathon. That’s Sorrells as in Mark Sorrells, the president of Fayetteville Technical Community College. Sorrells grew up in Haywood County on a farm up the hill behind the cafe, and this cafe has long been where locals grab a bite after they fill up their tanks with gas or purchase something at the hardware store. Last time we were there, we ran into his brother, Mike Sorrells, who served as a Haywood County Commissioner.
Independently, several of us on the EdNC team fell in love with Grateful Table Cafe and Provisions.
We host larger events at Southern Porch.
None of us has ever been, but have you heard about The Swag? It costs (at least) $1,225 a night, but is worth a virtual look.
We worked closely with the team at the nonprofit Mountain Projects when the mill in Canton closed.
Home to the state’s finest regional early child care center, school district, early college, and community college, Haywood County is remarkable for its commitment to education anchor institutions. You can see our in-depth reporting on the county here.
Henderson
Atkinson Elementary School’s campus is split by Perry Creek in Henderson County. The facility was built in 1982, and the gym sits on one side of the creek, the school building on the other. Due to unprecedented rainfall from Helene, the creek swelled, and both buildings took in the water. With students displaced, the Henderson County Boys and Girls Club welcomed the entirety of Atkinson Elementary staff and students to their building. That’s a nonprofit worth supporting.
I like to stay at Kanuga when in Henderson.
Harry’s Grill and Piggy’s Ice Cream is cash only and beloved in the community.
HenDough Chicken and Doughnuts closes at 3 p.m. Here is the menu.
Lauren Castillo is from Henderson County, and her family still calls it home. Her favorite is Three Chopt Sandwich Shoppe.
Madison
Highland Station Coffee in Marshall offers locally roasted coffee and espresso, but the handmade empanadas are out of this world.
We love Sweet Monkey Catering for events.
EdNC has been covering the nonprofit PAGE for 10 years.
McDowell
When Superintendent Mark Garrett was in McDowell County, he told me about TJ’s Cafe for breakfast and lunch at Tom Johnson’s Camping World. There are daily specials, but it is worth planning your trip to be there on a Tuesday or Friday when they serve catfish.
And don’t miss the livermush festival on the first Saturday of June in Marion.
Kim Effler leads the local chamber, which is top-notch. We believe in the leaders and the work of the nonprofit Centro Unido Latino Americano (CULA).
Mitchell
When visiting in Avery, Mitchell, or Yancey counties, our team usually stays at the Blue Ridge Boutique Hotel. The hotel housed the linemen working in the region after the hurricane.
The Mayland Earth to Sky Park includes the Glenn and Carol Arthur Planetarium as well as the Bare Dark Sky Observatory.
While the local favorite DT’s Blue Ridge Java Coffee Shop and Cafe is rebuilding, they are located inside of L&L Furniture. Take the time to talk to both generations of owners — now leaders — and hear what it is like for a family to feel called to rebuild, not for themselves, but because they want to serve their community and inspire others to choose to invest in the future of the place they call home.
The 50s Classic Diner is, well, a classic.
Word has it some state leaders detour through Spruce Pine just to stop at the Western Sizzlin.
Jessie Bomar’s The Spa on Oak even has a salt cave!
Two state treasures — the Wildacres Retreat and the Penland School of Craft — are located here. Both need support.
SECU Foundation awarded a $5 million grant to NC Baptists on Mission (NCBOM) to assist with the repair of up to 1,000 homes that sustained damage from Hurricane Florence. They now have a site in an old school in the county that is command central for their work in the region.
Rutherford
Julie Pittman, 2018 Western Region North Carolina Teacher of the Year, calls this county home.
She says there is a new restaurant called The Parcel Exchange in downtown Rutherford, and that when you go, you should ask for Skylar.
The Firehouse Inn, she says, is the best place to stay. It’s a firehouse converted into a B&B. Find Donna, whom Julie says “knows everything.”
Pie Safe Baking Company in Forest City is beloved for its desserts. It’s in a converted bank, thus the name.
Everyone, Julie says, goes to Main Street Market for musical bingo on Tuesday nights.
And in warmer seasons, the towns of Rutherfordton and Forest City hold “FAB,” which stands for food, art, and brew, on the first Friday of the month.
In nearby Polk County — which was also in the storm’s path — don’t miss the Earl Scruggs Music Festival, which will be held Aug. 29-31, featuring Allison Krauss, Watchhouse, and other bluegrass, Americana, and roots artists.
WNCW-FM, a pubic radio roots music station located at Isothermal Community College, encourages its audience to pursue lifelong learning.
Transylvania
Both Jeremy Gibbs and former Superintendent Jeff McDaris call this county home.
Don’t miss the drunken noodles at Love, Eat, Thai Kitchen.
Smoke on BBQ is a drive-through BBQ in Brevard. According to the website, “We smoke our meats fresh daily. All of our Barbecue Sauces, Marinades, and Seasonings are made in house. We use Boston Butts and pull them by hand throughout the day as needed.” The burnt ends on the brisket are to die for.
Jeremy also suggests Bracken Mountain Bakery and Morning Social.
The county has more than 250 waterfalls and thus is often called the “Land of Waterfalls.”
The Sunset Motel is an iconic place to stay. The hotel served displaced families after the hurricane.
More than 80 concerts are held from May to August as part of the 2025 Summer Music Festival held by the Brevard Music Center.
At Neighbors in Ministry’s Rise & Shine Afterschool Program, every scholar gets personalized support to improve academic achievement, enhance cultural and social experiences, and build self-esteem.
Watauga
Watauga County is home for me. If you haven’t met him, you need to meet David Jackson, the head of the local chamber. He believes in the power of possibility, maybe more than anyone I have met on the road.
Joel Olsen, one of the first funders of EdNC, is the founder and CEO of O2 Group Ventures. “Our companies operate in clean energy development and services, agrivoltaics (the dual use of land for solar and agriculture), local food and the sustainable hospitality industries,” says his bio. During the pandemic, he bought a bed and breakfast off King Street in Boone. The Lovill House Inn is an incredible property known for its culinary events.
Mint is our hometown favorite. The website says, “Combining all tastes possible, the Indian cuisine is bound to satisfy spice-lovers, ‘salty’ people and persons with a sweet tooth alike.” The crab masala on the lemon rice is the best I have ever had. Try it with the rosemary naan. The owners are set to open a new King Street restaurant called Chai and Chutney featuring street food by the end of the summer.
We also love Hatchet for coffee and avocado toast, Vidalia (where we first had Captain Crunch Ice Cream), the rooftop bar at the Horton Hotel, Taqueria La Monarca, and when I am home, you might find me having lunch with Scott Elliott at Dos Amigos, where the ceviche is off the hook.
There is a new-ish Thai restaurant, Eem Asian Eatery, that is worth a stop.
My favorite hikes include Flat Top Tower and the Moses Cone Carriage Trails, MacCrae Peak at Grandfather Mountain, Hebron Rock Colony Falls, and the 13.5 mile Tanawha Trail.
If you want to know how to access the secret Blue Hole, give me a ring. It’s my favorite spot in all of North Carolina.
Camp at the Julian Price Campground or stay at our local favorite, Hellbender Bed & Beverage, in Blowing Rock.
Dinner in the Gap, a local fundraiser, is on July 27. Join us.
Yancey
This video, shared with us by Superintendent Kathy Amos, is a powerful reminder of the impact of Hurricane Helene.
Amos is both an extraordinary leader and an extraordinary cook. Getting hold of some of her honey or a jar of vegetable soup — she will tell you to serve the latter with a drizzle of olive oil — is like winning the lottery.
In the days after the hurricane, I watched Root Down Farm serve its community day after day for free, providing much-needed sustenance. There was no access to cell service or internet, so credit cards didn’t work, and cash was long gone. Even Nation agrees the hamburger is among the best in the state.
When in Burnsville, try Appalachian Java in the morning, and then Pigs and Grits later in the day.
The high school is home to an indoor construction facility located on campus, where the students are building tiny homes. If they had the money, they could crank out eight tiny homes a school year.
Share your own unforgettable favorites in WNC. Email me at mrash at ednc.org.
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