First, let me start by saying that we are grieving with our neighbors that were impacted by Hurricane Helene. She was heartless.
Second, let me say that we are ok. In fact, I’m not even sure we deserve your concern. So many of you have contacted us just to be sure we’re ok, and each call was so very appreciated. But it felt almost wrong, knowing we suffered literally no damage. I think the power was only off for a few hours in the middle of the night on Thursday as the hurricane ravaged so many just hours away from us. Thankfully, Bryson City and many nearby towns came through it with our same outcome. All the prayers, all the concern should go where it’s really needed. The areas between Asheville and east towards Hickory were the hardest hit. I traveled through it on Friday after the storm and unwittingly drove straight through (well, as far as roadways would allow) what I would learn later was the epicenter of the full impact. And I can tell you, what you’re seeing online and on television is true. Maybe even worse. Our friends and neighbors in Burnsville, Spruce Pine, Chimney Rock, Lake Lure and so many, many more – much of their beloved towns are literally washed away. I wish I could say that I can only imagine what it feels like to lose everything. Unfortunately, I don’t have to imagine. It sucks.
Third, let me say that all the information floating out there about what’s going on in this area is not entirely the truth. And I’ll be honest, it’s difficult to know how to express what I’m going to say next. I attempted to on social media, but let’s just say the knee-jerk backlash was at the least unnerving (I’m talking to you, Penny). The truth is that not all of western North Carolina was washed away. At least, not yet.
Most people have a fairly good idea that the major source of income for mountain towns is tourism. And if you’re in the tourism game here, October is your make-or-break month. And for those areas directly impacted by the storm, I know they could care less about that statement. I would, too, if I were standing where they are right now. But that doesn’t change the fact that those of us who were thankfully spared from major loss are now looking at joining our neighbors in that loss through lost revenue.
Revenue. It’s a dirty word when others have lost lives. We know that. We understand. Still, lost revenue and panic can close the doors of small western North Carolina businesses just as easily as a raging river can. So here are some things we want you all to know about our beloved western North Carolina:
We are heartbroken for those truly impacted by the storm.
If we could wave a wand and make it all better, we would. We’re here for you. If you are displaced and need a place to stay with services, clean water, and internet, please get in contact with us so that we can make arrangements to house you if we can.
Don’t Assume Everything You See or Hear Is Accurate
There is much mis-information circulating out there right now. The initial warnings from the NCDOT that states all roads in the area should be considered closed is a blanket statement that does not apply to much of the area. There is also a DOT statement that says that travel should only be for emergency vehicles and that people are being stopped and interrogated if they are traveling those pathways right now. This is also untrue. The statements are there and posted on the NCDOT website, but that should change in the next several days to reflect the wishes of multiple western North Carolina county commissioners who are petitioning our state legislature to provide more accurate data concerning road closures. They are doing this as an attempt to calm the chaos that the coverage of the impacted areas is having on the whole of western North Carolina and to stem the panic responses of hoarding water, food, gas and other supplies when it is not necessary. Supply chains, though maybe a bit slower, are working.
Western North Carolina Needs Your Help! Here Are Ways That You Can Help
Tourism is our biggest industry here. And to turn away from it completely can cause unnecessary harm. In fact, our local congressman has just announced on Thursday, October 3rd that Bryson City and all of Swain County is open and welcoming visitors to the area without restriction. Of course, no one should travel if they feel unsafe, but here are a few things you can do rather than just cancelling your plans altogether:
1. If you have a reservation for a stay or an event, keep it if you have a clear path to us. Normalcy goes a long way to quell the anxiety business owners are feeling right now.
2. If you can’t make it or feel like you don’t want to risk travel, consider taking a credit for another time. You wanted to be here, so why not just arrange to come back when you feel better about it? This helps businesses stop the loss of revenue that they will need to cover for reduced travel to the area for the balance of the year.
3. Better yet, just let your plans lie. Cancel your reservation and consider what you’ve paid as a donation to the recovery efforts. Most businesses not affected are the ones helping those that are, so leaving their money alone rather than having them return it to you can help free up cash so that they can better help our neighbors in the most need.
4. Find a reputable organization to donate to for relief efforts. Our favorites are Beloved Asheville and Samaritan’s Purse. Both of these organizations are local to the affected area and know the specific needs. Many churches and school groups in your area are also bringing in collected supplies, so donating locally for transport is a good idea, too.
If you decide to come up and enjoy fall in the mountains with us, it is smart to do a few things differently this time. Plan your route ahead of time. We’ve driven most of the major routes in and out of the area in all directions, and most are perfectly passable, even when GPS maps may say otherwise. If you’re unsure, just check with us and we will help you navigate to the best of our abilities. Bring cash. While most card readers are up and working without issue, there still may be a few places where cash will be the only option, so be prepared. If you are renting a cabin in the area that’s self-service, it may be a good idea to bring a few supplies from home that you wouldn’t normally bring – like paper products and bread (that’s always the first to go!). Check social media for Facebook groups for the small towns you plan to visit. Here you will find probably the most accurate information about what’s happening live-time in their communities (just stay out of the comments section). You can also visit Smoky Mountain Host for a great resource about what’s open and what’s still not ready for visitors. Come with a positive attitude. After an event like Helene, some things will operate and move differently than you’re used to, but they’re still moving, so keep that in mind. It will make things better for everyone if we all have patience with one another.
And if you’d like to stay with us at either Sky Ridge or Long View, you have three options to help:
1. If you’re displaced, please get in touch with us so that we can help rehome you as you rebuild.
2. If you want to take advantage of the many new (and rare) fall openings we have right now and book a new stay, you can save 30% by using coupon code “WILLTRAVEL” at checkout.
3. If you want to come and stay with us and opt to pay full price, we will donate 30% of your stay to much-needed relief efforts where it’s really needed just a few hours to our east.
Last, let me say thank you. Thank you to those who worried about us. Thank you to those who are giving of their time and efforts to help those affected by this hateful hurricane. Thank you to our local leaders who are working to clear up the miscommunication about travel to the area. And thank you to our guests who get it and are either keeping their reservations or taking credits for another time. You are the very best.
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