I lived in Asheville for many years before recently moving to
Arkansas. WNC is certainly a hub for the
sustainable farming movement and your find lots of like-minded people there. The first thing that comes to mind is the Herb Festival weekend that will take place sometime this spring at the WNC Farmer's market, (the big, year-round one just off I-40.) You'll meet lots of friendly,
local growers, many who are selling obscure, rare plants starts in addition to normal herbs and vegetable plants.
https://asapconnections.org/ Check out ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture
Project) to see what they offer. They publish a little booklet a few times a year that you'll find scattered about with the free tourist magazines. They'll have one this spring listing many of the farms and growers in the area. Check the locations to see who your neighbors are then go meet them. Good luck!
And, Sena, you are right. I suspect there are a few WNC folks lurking about on permies. :)