What’s open and safe to do in West Jefferson after Helene hit Western North Carolina?
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Parts of Western North Carolina welcome fall leaf visitors
Many Western NC towns that would normally see a surge of tourists for fall leaf season are not only recovering from the storm’s aftermath but also struggling due to the drop in visitors.
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West Jefferson, a tourism enclave northeast of Boone, is among the Western North Carolina towns beckoning visitors to return in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
“After Hurricane Helene, our small town is bouncing back, and one of the best ways to help is by supporting the local businesses that make this place so special!,” Visit West Jefferson posted on Instagram.
“Whether it’s grabbing a gift card for a friend, stopping in for a coffee/meal, or picking up something from your favorite boutique, every little bit helps our neighbors rebuild. Let’s show our love for the people and places that make West Jefferson home,” the post said.
As we continue our series on post-hurricane traveling in Western North Carolina, you can browse our other guides here:
Here is what you need to know about traveling to West Jefferson in the near future.
Is travel near West Jefferson safe?
While many sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway will remain closed for the foreseeable future, many other roads remain open. The High Country of North Carolina’s “Emergency Fall Leaf Lookers route” map shows some options for driving in the area.
Allow for longer travel time and avoid back roads, checking DriveNC.gov for current road conditions and updates prior to travel.
How to get to West Jefferson
Travelers who plan to visit are encouraged to drive to West Jefferson with caution and safety in mind.
- From Charlotte, take I-77 North to U.S. 421 North. Then take N.C. 16 North and N.C. 163 West to West Jefferson.
- From Raleigh or Durham, take I-40 West to U.S. 421 North. Then take N.C. 16 North and N.C. 163 West to West Jefferson.
Can I stay in West Jefferson?
Most of West Jefferson’s rental options are up and running, although check on any reservations made before the storm to ensure the property is ready for your stay.
Rentals outside or Airbnb or Vrbo to consider that are open include:
Location: 958 W Buffalo Rd, West Jefferson, NC 28694
Buffalo Tavern, a bed and breakfast situated near downtown West Jefferson, was once a tavern. Stays at the historic house built in 1872 include coffee and tea in the parlor each morning, along with a full country breakfast served in the dining room at 8:30 a.m. Guests there can borrow a book to sit on the porch and read, grab a snack from the guest pantry or soak in one of the clawfoot tubs afer a day of hiking, biking or canoeing.
Carolina Mountain Vacation Rentals
Location: Multiple
Carolina Mountain Vacation Rentals offers a variety of properties in the area. Look for log cabins, homes with hot tubs and rentals with stunning mountain views to find the spot that suits you. Pet-friendly spots area also available.
Location: Multiple
Stay Blue Ridge offers a handful of rentals in the area that includes a 1936-built cottage that sleeps seven people in downtown West Jefferson, tiny house-style cabins and a pet-friendly log cabin that offers a hot tub within walking distance to shops and restaurants.
What restaurants are open in West Jefferson?
Restaurants are largely open and accessible in West Jefferson, but here are a few local foodie spots to check out:
Location: 106 E Main St., West Jefferson, NC 28694
At Ashe County Cheese, you can watch the staff making cheese almost daily for free from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The Kraft Corporation started the operation back in 1930, although it’s changed hands a few times since and is now one of the area’s most popular tourism destinations. Cheese, cheese spreads and all kinds of accompaniments are available for purchase.
Location: 601 S Jefferson Ave, West Jefferson, NC 28694
Hillbilly Grill is an all-day breakfast cafe where you can get an omelet, eggs Benedict or a Belly Buster plate that includes three eggs and your choice of breakfast meat on top of homefries, grilled onions and cheese with sausage gravy on top. The family-owned restaurant is closed Sundays but is open 6 a.m.-2 p.m. the rest of the week.
Location: 6 S Jefferson Ave, West Jefferson, NC 28694
Sweet & Savory Bakery & Deli, which reopened in 2023 after a different flood, is open and serving up sandwiches, salads and soups. You can also stop in to try one of its sweet treats, which are baked fresh daily.
Location: 11 East 2nd Street, West Jefferson, NC 28694
Watson Foods, which has called out for visitors to come to town, offers gourmet pantry items and provisions, along with take-and-bake selections.
Information for visiting the West Jefferson area
Businesses in the area are actively seeking tourism. “As we expect a quieter fall season this year, any support you can offer makes a big impact. Together, we can keep our community strong!,” a Visit West Jefferson post on Instagram said.
Other things to know:
- The nearby towns of Boone, Blowing Rock and Wilkesboro are ready to welcome visitors, but neighboring Banner Elk and Avery County are not and remain under a state of emergency.
- Curfews remain in effect for both Avery County (8 p.m.-5 a.m.) and Watauga County (11 p.m.-7 a.m.).
- Mount Jefferson State Park is among the state parks closed for the foreseeable future as storm cleanup proceeds.
Resources to check before you go
Storm cleanup is underway in many parts of Western North Carolina. Make sure to get the most up-to-date information you can before you head out.
This story was originally published October 31, 2024 at 5:00 AM with the headline "What’s open and safe to do in West Jefferson after Helene hit Western North Carolina?."
