Cindy Faust, owner of Maggie Valley Yarn Store, said she and most of her neighbors have picked up what was left behind by Hurricane Helen and are ready to welcome tourists to the western North Carolina mountain town. .
“This area is so peaceful and welcoming,” Faust told Fox News Digital, adding that after attending college there and working in corporate human resources for years, she was excited to own her own business in the area. It was a “lifelong dream,” he added.
Asked how things have been going since the store opened last year, Faust said: “We rely heavily on tourism, but the local community has been very supportive.”
She said Maggie Valley isn't seeing as many tourists this fall as it used to. The Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce has taken note as well. social media campaign Welcome visitors.
Snow impacts Western North Carolina mountain towns recovering from Hurricane Helen: 'Coldest air of the season so far'
A rental cabin in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, weeks after Hurricane Helen devastated the area with flooding. (Pilar Arias/Fox News)
“Of course, there are still areas that are facing many challenges, such as the lack of electricity and water nearby,” she said. “But Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Sylva and the surrounding areas are all open. Restaurants are open, businesses are open. And we're excited to have tourists come and support us this season. I really want you to.”
Faust has had zero sales for the past three weeks since heavy rains caused the stream behind Faust's store to flood, and this year's sales are down 50 percent compared to last year, she said.
Helen's tragedy hurts Western North Carolina's tourism economy, AIRBNB owner says
Jonathan Creek, located behind the Maggie Valley Yarn Store, flooded dramatically during Helen. (Pilar Arias/Fox News)
Maggie Valley, North Carolina is located in the Great Smoky Mountains, not far from the national park entrance. (Pilar Arias/Fox News)
By disseminating this information, Faust said some of the large crowds seen on FOX News Digital over the weekend in Gatlinburg, Tenn., were traveling to Newfoundland, a major scenic drive through Great Smoky Mountains National Park.・I hope this will help you reach the southern end of Gap Road.
She wasn't able to go to the store until two days after Helen died, but when she discovered it had electricity and running water, she opened her doors to the community.
The sun sets over US 19 near Maggie Valley, North Carolina on October 13, 2024. (Pilar Arias/Fox News)
“People were able to come together, be together, share stories and support each other. And now we're trying to get our business back on track so we can support our employees themselves.”
Faust encourages anyone who wants to help people in western North Carolina recover from Helen to contact Samaritan's Purse, the Red Cross, local churches and local charities.
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort in Western North Carolina opened for business on October 12, 2024. (Pilar Arias/Fox News)
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The Charlotte native vows to weather the storm, no matter what happens.
“I'm here to stay,” she said, adding that people have been supportive of her business online. “I’m definitely invested in the community and enjoy supporting people in any way I can.”
