|
The Mountains of Western North Carolina
Western North Carolina and the small towns scattered against the Great Smoky Mountains National Park have a unique charm and character that can make you feel right at home and on a wonderful adventure at the same time. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a craft and antique lover, or simply looking for an affordable, friendly, small town to raise your family, the villages and communities of Cherokee, Swain, Macon, Graham and Clay counties have much to offer.
If you are considering a position with Meridian Behavioral Health in these southwestern most counties of Western North Carolina, we have created a list of websites that you may find useful in exploring the area online. Many of our staff have relocated to the area from around the country and have found their homes from Asheville to deep in the mountains. These communities are filled diversity; with locals who have always called the mountains home, those drawn to the mountain trails and rivers with their adventure outdoor gear from all over the country, young people starting families or those looking to slow down or retire, and artists and craftsman who love the peaceful beauty of the valleys and peaks, rivers and lakes.
Options for weekend excursions are plentiful, including many activities in your own backyard - Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, the Nantahala River (and several others), the Appalachian Trail, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The five most western counties of NC have the benefit of offering relaxed, rural living but are each within driving distance of larger towns, cities, and airports. For example Hayesville in Clay County, as just across the Georgia border and is only and hour and a half drive to the outskirts of Atlanta. Bryson City in Swain County is about a 75 minute drive to Asheville, which offers all the luxuries of a small city including cultural events, concerts, galleries, UNCA, minor league baseball and basketball, fabulous restaurants, the Biltmore Estate, and shopping at the mall as well as the many unique stores downtown. Other surrounding cities of interest are Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge TN, Knoxville TN, and Greenville, SC all within 2-3 hours. Don't forget, the beautiful Carolina Coast and Atlantic Ocean are merely a half-day's drive away.
Another important note is the beautiful mountain weather. WNC weather is mild in every season. Spring and Fall are a delight because of the cool temperatures and breathtaking views. The summer is warm during the day (unusual to get into or stay in the 90's much) but cool and pleasant at night (in the 60's typically. During the winter, the temperature does not fall or remain below freezing often. Overall, precipitation of all kinds is also mild. Snow is actually not that frequent (except at the high elevations) and typically does not accumulate more than a few inches (there are exceptions of course!) Snow skiing is available in NC and West Virginia.
|
