About the Area
With a deep sense of community, Asheville and Western North Carolina have demonstrated extraordinary resilience in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the storm that caused significant damage to parts of the mountain region last fall. At the height of the crisis, MAHEC learners and providers came together, rolled up their sleeves, and jumped into action, continuing the mission we've upheld for more than 50 years—delivering compassionate care to our most vulnerable populations.
While some areas of WNC face a longer recovery, others emerged virtually unscathed. Asheville’s vibrant downtown, along with its eclectic neighborhoods and charming nearby towns, continue to draw locals and visitors for their award-winning restaurants, beloved breweries, thriving art galleries, quirky indie shops, and lively music venues. Enhanced by stunning mountain vistas and a wealth of outdoor activities—despite the challenges posed by the hurricane—Asheville remains a dynamic hub of creativity, culture, and economic vitality, a testament to the enduring spirit and determination of its people.
Asheville, NC, is a vibrant city surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina. The city is well known for its art deco style, live music, award-winning cuisine, craft breweries, outdoor recreation, and eclectic arts scene. Asheville frequently tops national and international lists of the most desirable places to live, work, and play. Asheville is also an incredibly pet friendly city and many restaurants have outdoor seating where pets are welcome—some even offer special pet menus. Learn more about Asheville’s housing, arts, dining, recreation, and more by visiting the sites below.
Nicknamed “The City of Four Seasons,” Hendersonville, NC, is located 30 minutes southeast of Asheville. It is famous for its many apple orchards, vineyards, and abundant outdoor recreation. Living in Henderson County is affordable and allows for a multitude of cultural and outdoor activities for families and young professionals. Residents enjoy the best of all worlds with convenient access to nature and beautiful state parks and a charming downtown that boasts live music, unique shopping, events, drinks, and dining options. Explore for yourself at visithendersonvillenc.org.
Boone, NC, is the economic hub of the High Country, considered the jewel of eastern America's highest mountains. Boone is also home to Appalachian State University, a mid-sized university known for its academic and athletic excellence. Boone is more than a college town, however, with a vibrant culture of its own that emphasizes local arts and outdoor adventures all within easy reach of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Boone offers plentiful hiking and biking trails, beautiful mountain overlooks, recreational lakes, and year-round ski resorts. Neighboring Linville Falls, where Grandfather Mountain is located, featuring a mile-high swinging bridge, and the annual Highland Games draw visitors from around the world. Explore for yourself at the Town of Boone website and ExploreBoone.com.
