Helen’s Devastated Mountain Town Reopens to Visitors

Nearly nine months after Hurricane Helen wreaked havoc in western North Carolina, towns like Marshall are welcoming visitors once again. Some local businesses report a resurgence as they continue to recover and rebuild.

In Marshall, situated about 30 minutes north of Asheville, the atmosphere has shifted as shop owners eagerly await tourists. The main areas of the town line the Broad River, which saw a dramatic rise of nearly 25 feet during the storm, according to the US Geological Survey.

The town began reopening to visitors in May, and more shops have been gradually resuming operations. Many business owners vividly recall the aftermath—the floors thick with mud, their belongings suffocated beneath layers of debris.

Connie Moland, co-founder of Flow Gallery, described her initial reaction: “I had no words; I was crying,” reflecting on the devastation they faced as they entered the space that once held their creations. “What we found was just heartbreaking—everything covered in mud.”

Unfortunately, the gallery lost about 30% of its cherished handmade artwork to the storm. They weren’t alone; many other businesses experienced similar destruction.

At Zuma Coffee, owner Joel Friedman recalls the chaos. He had to climb through the window just to access his coffee shop. “Everything was destroyed—tables, chairs, equipment. It was total destruction,” he explained.

Friedman and Moland both noted a wave of support from volunteers nationwide. Dressed in protective gear and equipped with tools, these helpers have been invaluable in the recovery process.

“That’s what kept us going through this whole ordeal,” Moland stated, emphasizing the community spirit that has fueled their resilience.

The Flow Gallery opened its doors again in late March, followed by Zuma Coffee in early April. Friedman expressed a sense of achievement, stating, “It felt like a victory. We have small wins each day, and we hope it will become even better than it was.”

Although some businesses are still in the midst of preparing to reopen, the atmosphere is one of hope and tenacity as Marshall looks to a brighter future, reviving its identity as a welcoming destination.