Higher aspirations
Why do we seek the high places? The easiest explanation for going to the mountains is for the scenery. Even…
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Reeling in Appalachia
A seemingly dead-end situation became a life-changing moment for Alex Bell. “We came back to school from a tournament and…
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Traditional Hands: Cherokee history bridged through his hands
General Grant knew from a young age he was an artist. “I was gifted, it was a gift from The…
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History comes to life through food, music and camaraderie
Standing atop the 5,000-foot Cataloochee Ranch mountain retreat in Maggie Valley, the vastness and endless beauty of Western North Carolina…
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When you’re here, you’re family
It’s about making everyone feel welcome for Lynn Stanberry. “You get a warm feeling coming in here,” she smiled. “There…
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WNC artists find new home at Mahogany House
Bouncing around her gallery like a rubber ball, the energy of Teri Siewert is contagious. “The ambiance here is something…
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Shelton House celebrates 35 years
The Shelton House, which is home to the Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts, opens for its 35th season this summer.
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Fresh from the oven: Cashiers’ Slab Town Pizza
It was time for something different. “We’ve been looking at doing something like this for years,” said Sally Peterkin. “And…
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The WNC summer concert series
From welcoming, backwoods front porches to raucous downtown stages, the music of Western North Carolina weaves together the rich history,…
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Waynesville
Undulating mountains surround the town of Waynesville, a welcoming community that is the perfect combination of nature, tourism and Appalachian…
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Canton & Clyde
For true local charm, look no further than Canton and Clyde, the neighboring towns nestled in eastern Haywood County. They…
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Maggie Valley
In the heart of the Smokies lies Maggie Valley, a mountain getaway that rolls out the welcome mat to traveling…
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Highlands & Cashiers
Highlands and Cashiers are perched on the edge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, where the mountains plunge sharply from a…
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Bryson City
Most of lands surrounding Bryson City are publicly held forest and park land, making the town a staging area of…
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The fastest way down: Cataloochee Ski Area
What started as an unsure adventure turned into a passion-filled career for Jim Rowell.
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Putting the pedal — and roots — down in the Smokies
What looked like a risk to some was a dream for Diane Cutler and Andy Zivinsky.
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Food for the soul
The feeling of a new customer walking through the door never gets old for Haley Milner.
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Magic in a bottle
If you build it, they will come. If you brew it, they will come and party.
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Showcasing the history of the open road
A loud roar echoed from the back of the building. The deafening sound is terrifying, yet exhilarating, with the smell…
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Heart of the matter
It’s the sound of the ancient mountains, the unique people and rich culture of Southern Appalachia. It’s the sound of Soldier’s…
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Family-run Christmas tree farm stakes out its roots
When Myra Sawyer looks around the Sawyer Family Farmstead, she couldn’t image living anywhere else in the world.
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Holding heritage in his hands
It was a summer job that literally molded itself into a future.
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Smoky Mountain anglers gain toehold in competitive fly fishing scene
Like New York is known for its basketball legends, and Texas is known for its football stars, Western North Carolina…
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Swingin’ for the Smokies
Craig Hartle just might have the best job in Western North Carolina. The head golf professional for High Hampton Inn…
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Head for the hills
When he was a young boy, Jason Hardin fell in love. It was a 1973 Harley-Davidson Sportster. Owned by his…
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Getting your fill in Appalachia
Strolling through downtown Bryson City, one tends to cross paths with the scent of delicious food wafting from a nearby…
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Heinzelmannchen Brewery taps into the Smokies
Dieter Kuhn was 4,500 miles from his hometown in Germany when he came across Sylva, a small community tucked away…
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Getting away from it all
David Lippy was sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic in Orlando when it hit him. “The city was so congested with vehicles,”…
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Opening up Appalachia for all
Amid the cherished traditions of Western North Carolina is the deep foundation of family and friends getting together to celebrate…
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