Over the 4th of July weekend, we returned to one of our favorite places on earth, the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. It had been months since our last visit in December, and ever since purchasing land in Waynesville, we’ve felt an ever-deepening connection to the region. Each trip feels like a homecoming, and this one was no exception.

This visit held special meaning for us. Beyond our own longing to be in a place that brings us peace, we came with a purpose: to support the small businesses still recovering from the devastating blow of Hurricane Helene last October. Our hearts were set on doing what we could, even in small ways, to help rebuild the spirit of a community we care deeply about.

While we didn’t have time to visit every shop and café on our list, we made a conscious decision to spend our time and money exclusively at locally owned establishments. Dining, shopping, and simply being present, it all matters. Two of our favorite stops this trip were the New Morning Gallery in Biltmore Village and the ever-enchanting Antique Tobacco Barn off Swannanoa River Road.

Driving through Biltmore Village was sobering. While signs of life and renewal are beginning to emerge, much of the area still bears the scars of the storm. The Swannanoa River strip, once home to multiple antique malls and unique shops, is nearly unrecognizable. Though the Tobacco Barn has bravely reopened, many businesses were either forced to relocate or were lost for good.

Recovery is happening, but it will take time. The charm and vibrancy that once defined Asheville’s shopping districts may take years to fully return, and that will inevitably impact tourism in the short term. Still, my husband and I remain hopeful. Asheville and the surrounding mountain communities are resilient, and their spirit is alive in every shopkeeper, artist, and restaurateur still standing.

So if you love Asheville—go. Don’t let the rebuilding process keep you away. There’s still so much to see and experience:
✔️ Explore the incredible local shops and artisan galleries
✔️ Dine at family-run restaurants that pour their heart into every plate
✔️ Visit the Biltmore Estate (the King Tut exhibit is still on display through the end of the year!)
✔️ Rent a cabin, breathe in the mountain air, and simply be
✔️ Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway—many portions are open again, offering those breathtaking, soul-stirring views

Our hope is that more people continue to show up, support, and celebrate this remarkable corner of the world. Every visit counts. Every dollar spent locally makes a difference. We’re already looking forward to our next trip—and to the day Asheville is not just rebuilt, but reborn.