I recently posted this blog on our sister property's blog and also wanted to give you some of it here to our already loyal followers and blog readers. Read the full post here.
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:
Western North Carolina Needs You Right Now: Here Are Ways That You Can Help
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.
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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