There’s been a quiet revolution happening in Asheville — not in a meeting room downtown, but all around, along ridge lines, on old dirt roads, in our neighborhoods. Country living and fun are coming back.
For years we heard people talk about “the Good Ole Days — back when…” And in many ways, those days were real: folks knew each other, workers were respected, neighbors looked out for one another, and life had a rhythm rooted in place and purpose. Then, over time, Asheville shifted its narrative. We rallied for progression, invited global cuisine, encouraged fusion culture — and in many ways that worked. We became a destination for innovation, food, craft, and change. But somewhere along the way, we also lost something that started it all: our country vibe.
Between politics, movements, and profit‑driven tourism, one of the things that made this area special—genuine southern hospitality, neighborly respect, living with land, living with community—began to fade. I remember sitting in downtown Asheville years ago, grabbing coffee with a tech leader who told the barista to put it on his tab. The barista replied: “You don’t have a tab here anymore,” then created a scene—in the middle of our business meeting. His office had not promptly paid their company tab which was due the day before. He laughed and said, “That’s why I frequent downtown Asheville and support local business… so I can overpay, and get mistreated at the same time.” We laughed then walked away. But we both knew the truth: simple respect, communication, and hospitality were gone.
As tourism and visitor spending soared, the profits flowed to a few. Working‑class folks, service industry teams, everyday neighbors—they struggled. A good life in Asheville was becoming harder to maintain. And so now, we’re seeing the turn. The newly formed “good ole boy” system of today, the selfish networks, the gate‑kept growth — it’s no longer working.
This is why Asheville is bringing country back.
Because country doesn’t mean simplistic or exclusive — it means roots, responsibility, respect, and community. It means:
-
Leaders step down from thrones and sit at round tables; they invite everyone.
-
Workers are paid fairly and treated as human beings, not cogs.
-
Visitors arrive and are welcomed for who they are, not judged for where they come from, what they believe, or how much they spend.
-
Our neighbors aren’t puppeted or divided by chatter, gossip, trauma‑bait or “us vs them.”
-
Media and marketing don’t divide our story for clicks—they reflect our story for understanding.
What does it mean to build community stronger than ever?
Academic research on “sense of community” shows that three elements matter deeply:
-
Membership — people feel they belong.
-
Influence — people believe they matter and have voice.
-
Shared emotional connection — people have history together, shared events, and a common bond.
When these are present, communities heal, grow, and thrive—not weaken or collapse.
Here are ten positive lessons we can learn from simple southern, country‑style community living:
-
Everyone helps: In a country community, you don’t wait for a committee—you show up with a ladder, a dish, sweat.
-
Work is honorable: Whether farming, service, craft, or trade—doing well means doing right.
-
Hospitality isn’t a marketing ploy: It’s real. You hold doors. You smile. You treat strangers like friends.
-
Respect for land and place: Mountains, rivers, trails—these aren’t just backdrops, they’re the roots of living.
-
Music, story, tradition matter: Country music, porch music, songs that tell truth—these remind us of who we are.
-
Pride in self and others: If someone else wins, you cheer. If someone else struggles, you offer help.
-
Life is seasonal and sustainable: You plant, you harvest, you rest. You don’t hustle until you burn out.
-
Community over competition: Folks gather at church, barn dances, local festivals—more bonding than rivaling.
-
Values matter more than flash: You don’t show off for Instagram—you live rich with purpose.
-
Legacy > immediate gain: You build not just for yourself, but for kids, grandkids, your town, your mountain.
Now let’s get back to country. Folks that take care of themselves, each other, and contribute great things in all our communities. It’s time for Asheville to reclaim that real‐life tone, that living story of honest work, genuine welcome, shared joy.
Our city is shifting. Be part of it. Dig in. Connect. Build. Grow. And let’s do it together—from the ridge lines to downtown, from west Asheville to the hollers beyond. The country is back—and Asheville is ready.
Boost your brand with G Social Media — Asheville’s creative media team for websites, PR, videos, photos, and social media. We craft powerful stories, stunning visuals, and digital strategies that drive results. From local startups to established brands, we help you stand out and grow. Let’s build your buzz! 🚀
