ASHEVILLE, North Carolina ( WLOS ) -- It’s peak tourism season here in western North Carolina, and Explore Asheville says tourism over the last few weeks is the highest it's been since Helene.

"I think I can speak for everyone in this area that we’re lucky and blessed to have a fantastic October," said Bruce O'Connell, the Owner of Pisgah Inn.

A great year, that’s how O'Connell is describing the current season, despite sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway being closed for most of the year.

"I think just getting the roads clear, and government doing its part, and the parks service. I think the Blue Ridge being open and being a beautiful fall season, I think it’s brought everybody here," said Susan Jowers, a Brevard resident visiting the Pisgah Inn.

The last time News 13 spoke with O’C

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