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Asheville is a good choice for gay people - but expensive and competitive as far as a business niche is conderned. There are gays in Highlands, but you'd better be well-funded - it's very expensive relative to the rest of the area - and there is NO nightlife that isn't geared to the up-market, white-bread crowd. My son has worked for Highland's largest employer (Old Edwards) for almost seven years, and I've had a chance to become acquainted with the town.
Much more economical is Sylva, in Jackson County, in my opinion. I know a number of gay business people in the area, who, by all I can see, are well-respected and successful. Cullowhee (originally an important Cherokee indian village) is a spot in the road with a college superimposed upon it. Businesses (such as they are) are of the college town variety. Sylva is a progressive little enclave with a mix of Old South, New South, Ancient Families, and upstarts. It's interesting.
I think (and I could be wrong) that the better term is 'tolerance' not 'acceptance' from the non-gay population.
Most people don't care about your beliefs, ideology, accents, gender preference, none of it. They probably (less sure on this one) may not care about your politics. As long as you don't push it on them, they are live and let live.
Hence I say tolerance. They will think well of you if you do your job well, they will shop at your store, they will like you, they will speak to you, they will help you change a flat tire, all the things of life and not care once about your sexual preference. That is your business.
But that doesn't necessarily mean they agree and accept. Now with so many gays in the area, you might find acceptance amongst that group if that is what you are seeking.
please let me add i just reread the OP title and it said towns, plural. I can't speak for all mountain towns so read my last post as it may be in regard to the Asheville area. Just where I lived. Can't speak for other states, towns, and areas.
I love the area and moved here Because of her Mountain's and Beauty etc. etc...., that's removed from Overpopulated areas like South FL/West FL/Central FL's gettin' to be these days. It's Out of Hand and in my opinion this area remains a Space to Breathe and Be Me...So yes, I miss some Customer's and Friend's of my 33 Years in the Food & Beverage Biz, but I don't miss the Flat/Hot/No Season Change, same ole same ole...Here...It's Forever Changing and that's an Amazing Feeling to Experience First Hand. I love all of the areas of which everyone speaks. Jackson County to me is the Eastern Vortex to Sedona's West Vortex. It's just a Feeling that you get... Anyhow...Cullowhee is expanding like I can't believe and taking on a whole new feel. With the Campus buying almost 400 Acres on the West side of 107, everything's in High Swing w/'Thought out' ideas and plans...The Campus reached 10,000 Student's this year. I've seen Business Boom this year in many fields throughout the area. So...I believe w/just the right business at the right location w/a mesh w/who and what's here can only start to 'Add' to the Community that's already in place here. Hoping you choose what makes you Happy. Wado, Redbird ~~~~ :8 ^ ) Peace in the Whee.....
We've found that the farther away you get from Asheville, the less "acceptance" there is, particularly among the locals and not from transplants. The homophobia isn't as blatant since neither of us are flambuoyant. I've found that my being Asian American has been more of an issue since I can't disguise that fact. I've received complaints from people in Sylva and Marion for being a "foreigner" (despite being born and raised in the U.S.) and once called an "Arab."
There is a very active and prevalent gay community in Blowing Rock. However, there have been a couple incidents in Boone of people being physically attacked because they were gay. For the most part, I feel like BR is ok, but there is definitely the churchy thing happening here. Should mention there is also a very gay-friendly church in BR, along with many shops owned by gay people, as well.
Clyde....sorry you have experienced discrimination for either gay or Asian. Sad commentary because people are people and treat them the way you want to be treated.
There is a very active and prevalent gay community in Blowing Rock. However, there have been a couple incidents in Boone of people being physically attacked because they were gay. For the most part, I feel like BR is ok, but there is definitely the churchy thing happening here. Should mention there is also a very gay-friendly church in BR, along with many shops owned by gay people, as well.
As far as I know, there was a recent incident and the perpetrator was from Hickory. I know one of the victims and she found the outpouring of support from ASU and the community to be incredible.
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