Several of the winners listed among our 2024 Finest were directly impacted by Helene. Others have mobilized to help. All remain open for business, finding new ways to serve communities in need. Times like these show the strength of our state, proving we are all among “Carolina’s Finest.”

As this year’s winning Finest Downtown, West Jefferson, put it in a social media post following the storm: “In the face of such loss, we find hope in the kindness of those who step up, lending a hand and supporting each other. Neighbors helping neighbors, strangers becoming friends — this is the strength of our community.”