Living in an Eco-Village in Western North Carolina

16 Jun Living in an Eco-Village in Western North Carolina

One of the best-kept secrets in Western North Carolina is the quaint mountain village of Gerton, tucked high in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge. The setting takes one back in time, having managed to stay relatively untouched in the midst of Western North Carolina’s rapid growth. Above this hamlet soars Bearwallow Mountain with breath-taking rocky cliffs. Through the main valley cascades the boulder-strewn Hickory Nut Creek with its many tumbling waterfalls.

What is Gerton like today? – the local social “Ecosystem”
Living in Hickory Nut Forest and in Gerton offers many diverse opportunities for recreation, entertainment and enjoyment of the outdoors. There are tennis courts, many miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, bird watching, fishing, picnicking, boating, over a dozen golf courses in the area, biking, gardening, and community social events. Amenities are within walking distance: Nita’s Grocery/General Store, the Post Office, Gerton Fire Department, the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Community Center.

Hickory Nut Forest is just the beginning of what is possible for Gerton.
Village RenderingWhat would be worse than simply watching sprawling growth absorb this special place?

Let’s envision a different future for Gerton. You can be part of creating the hub of an eco-village that retains the authentic, rustic feeling of the community and serves the needs of all its residents. Your ideas might include a village center with an old-time general store stocked with basic supplies for the village, small shops, a natural foods café and juice bar, fresh local produce stand, coffee shop, pub with local musicians, and a bed and breakfast. It could include work spaces for entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals. It could be an entirely “net zero renewable energy eco village” where people could live as well as work. It could include cohousing, seniors housing and neighborhoods for families and children.