Our Home in Asheville
Floridians love western North Carolina, and we are no exception. We’ve visited several times over the years and have always enjoyed the cool(er) weather, the gorgeous mountain views, and the artsy and outdoorsy vibe.
In late September of 2024, Hurricane Helene brushed by Tampa Bay, came ashore on the Florida panhandle, and then continued northward through the Southeast. Western North Carolina was devastated by flooding, mudslides, and tornadoes. More than 100 lives were lost. Entire neighborhoods were destroyed. Rescue efforts were hampered by impassable roads and widespread communications and power outages. Florida had been braced for the worst; North Carolina never saw it coming.
We decided to participate in Western North Carolina’s recovery by spending some time (and money) there. Tourism is and has always been a significant part of this region’s economy. Since we don’t have a car, it made sense to stay in highly walkable downtown Asheville.
We’re staying in a historic brick building that was built in 1914 for the Asheville Gazette (later renamed the Asheville Times). The newspaper operated here until the 1930s. On the ground floor is the Black Mountain College Museum and Art Center, dedicated to the liberal arts college that educated artists like Robert Rauschenberg, Willem de Kooning, Buckminster Fuller, John Cage, and Merce Cunningham.
Our condo is on the second and third floors. It’s spacious and filled with natural light. The furniture is both comfortable and stylish, and we have been supplied with everything we could possibly need. It’s one of the nicest places we’ve had the privilege to live in!
We are in the heart of downtown Asheville, just steps away from Pack Square. From our windows, we have a great view of the historic Jackson Building (the area’s first skyscraper) and the foothills of the Black Mountains. We had just driven for six hours in the rain, and Asheville welcomed us with a rainbow.
Although downtown Asheville was not flooded by Helene, local businesses were hit hard. There was no electricity, cellular service, or potable water for two months. Interstate highways were closed. Employees were displaced. Now, although there are still many closed storefronts, there are plenty of restaurants and shops open and ready for visitors.
