We're Open, Come Visit!

With great joy and appreciation, Carolina Mornings would like to welcome you back to the Blue Ridge Mountains and continue to provide the top-notch luxury vacation rental experience our clients have come to expect. With the holidays approaching fast, we invite you to book the perfect mountain getaway with us.

Our Vacation Planners are ready to help you select the perfect accommodations. As you plan your upcoming winter lodging, we hope you find the following information helpful.

Tourism is a vital part of Western North Carolina’s economy. That is why one of the best ways you can help our area recover is to plan a trip returning to our mountains! The small, local businesses in these recovered areas rely on tourism to survive and thrive. Many of these businesses are already hurting from the lack of tourism during the fall season and need your help in the coming months to recover financially! The Blue Ridge Mountains are still just as beautiful as ever. As of 11/04/24 the following parks and attractions have reopened sections to visitors to enjoy with new openings being added weekly:

OPEN PARKS

Bent Creek Experimental Forest

Bracken Preserve

Nantahala National Forest

Gorges State Park

DuPont State Recreational Forest

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Grandfather Mountain State Park

OPEN ATTRACTIONS

Many Sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway Cradle of Forestry Sierra Nevada Brewery and Tours Apple Orchards around Hendersonville Crest of the Blueridge AVA Wineries around Hendersonville Guided Trips with Davidson River Outfitters Guided Trips with DB bar D Outfitters in Mills River Elijah Mountain Gem Mine
Flat Rock Playhouse
Jump Off Rock
Woolworth Walk
Groove Arcade

Click here for a wider database of coffee shops, breweries, and restaurants in Asheville.

HOMES WITH FULL UTILITIES AND POTABLE WATER

The majority of our homes have fully working utilities and normal water, though there are a few homes currently under a Boil Water Advisory. To assist guests, if a home is under a Boil Water Advisory, we will clearly outline this in the property description and photo reel. Carolina Mornings has also introduced a new website filter, 'Potable Water' if you'd like to only see homes with regular running water.

View All Potable Rentals with Full Amenities

HURRICANE HELENE RECOVERY FAQS

What Happened to WNC?

Western North Carolina experienced unrelenting rain and high winds as Hurricane Helene moved through the mountains during the last week of September. Some areas experienced more than 29 inches of rain within 72 hours. This led to catastrophic flooding in the low-lying areas of the region and countless downed trees that created life-threatening conditions for people throughout the region. Roadways were damaged, and widespread utility disruptions left much of the region without power, water, or cellular service.

What are the travel conditions like?

As of 10/31/24, most major highways in Western North Carolina are now open and ready for visitors. The main restriction remaining within the region is the closure of I-40 in both directions from Mile Marker 20 (US 276 west of Lake Junaluska) to Mile Marker 0 at the Tennessee state line.

For the most updated information regarding road closures and conditions as well as alternate route recommendations, please visit Explore Asheville's Travel Information page.

What about the mountain discovery pass? Is this still available?

Yes! Our MDP is an important part of the Carolina Mornings experience. With every booking, guests will still receive the same exclusive tickets and discounts to a variety of local businesses and experiences. Most of our MDP partners (including the Biltmore!) have returned to normal operations and are eager to welcome visitors back. We invite you to take advantage of this offering during your next visit with us!

How long will it take for the region to recover?

Many areas in Western North Carolina have already recovered from the damages of Hurricane Helene. Harder-hit areas continue to improve day-to-day. Below is a list of towns in the region currently back to normal, as of 10/31/24:

Brevard

Hendersonville

Flat Rock

Saluda

Tryon

Weaverville

Mars Hill

Maggie Valley

Waynesville

Is the Biltmore still open?

The Biltmore reopened on 11/2/2024 and is all decked out in their signature holiday decor, ready to welcome guests! Enjoy all the best of Christmas at Biltmore including the exclusive Chihuly at Biltmore exhibit and their Candlelight Evening tours from now through January 5th. During this period of recovery, the estate will open at 12 PM and the operating hours of the various shops, restaurants, and attractions on the grounds may vary. Select estate walking and biking trails and the Outdoor Adventure Center are also closed temporarily while the cleanup efforts continue within the wooded areas of the estate.

For updated information regarding visits to the Biltmore, visit here.

How can you help our area and business?

Tourism is a vital part of Western North Carolina’s economy. That is why one of the best ways you can help our area recover is to plan a trip returning to our mountains! There are many towns (see above list) that are open and ready for visitors. The small, local businesses in these recovered areas rely on tourism to survive and thrive. Many of these businesses are already hurting from the lack of tourism during the fall season and need your help in the coming months to recover financially! The Blue Ridge Mountains are still just as beautiful as ever. As of 10/31/24 the following parks and attractions have reopened sections to visitors to enjoy with new openings being added weekly:

-Pisgah Ranger District along US 276

(current known trail conditions and closures within this section of the national forest can be found at https://www.pisgahareasorba.org/)

-Various NC sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway including

-Milepost 285 to 305, from Blowing Rock to Beacon Heights near Grandfather Mountain

-Milepost 411.8 to 421, from US 276 to Black Balsam

-Milepost 423.2 to 469, from NC 215 to US 441 in Cherokee, NC, near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance

-Nantahala National Forest

On 11/1/24 -

-A partial reopening of DuPont State Recreational Forest

(To view current trail closures please visit https://www.dupontforest.com/visit/alerts/)

-Gorges State Park

In addition to this, if you would like to donate to charities supporting our recovery, some recommendations have been included below: