We stayed next to this river in a yurt at Brown Beach Mountain Resort. The owners lost their home during Helene but have to keep the business running to support themselves and their staff. They also hold weddings in this event space on the property in case anyone is interested!

This was the first year we drove to WNC to get our Christmas tree. We went to Red Barn Tree Farm in Avery County (which is conveniently located next to Linville Falls Winery). Luckily it was safe to drive up there — even in our sedan — and support local businesses.

5) Being realistic about drug use. These are people who have needs and may or may not ever stop using drugs. But helping them live their best lives and participate in society is the goal of these programs. www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2019/01/21/s...

4) Safe places for people who use drugs to sleep, eat, shower, do laundry, get supplies and medical and psychiatric help.

3) Free access to street drug checking and publication of the results embedded in harm reduction centers and places where people get medications for opioid use disorder. www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2019/02/11/t...

2) Easy access to addiction meds and access to pure morphine and heroin for those who meet criteria. It's controversial, but by it takes the wind out of the sails of the street drug market when safe institutions control the supply. Read more: www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2019/01/28/s...

1) Easy access to sterile drug use supplies (prevents infections) and safe places to use street drugs (prevents overdose deaths) www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2019/02/04/t...