Making it awesome — Cherokee unveils 10-mile mountain biking system
When Ed Sutton first came to Cherokee in November to break ground on a new trail system, his directive was…
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Proof is in the pie: Dough Boys artisanal pizza
Grabbing a seat inside Mad Anthony’s Taproom in downtown Waynesville one recent evening, Benji Boessel and Alex Tinsley can’t help…
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Bryson City teen joins Olympic team
Western North Carolina teenager Evy Leibfarth will represent the United States in the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo this year…
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‘A trail for everybody’: YouTuber raises funds for Canton bike park
The first trails at Canton’s Chestnut Mountain Park will be ready to ride before the leaves drop this fall thanks…
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Drive-in music series thrives in Maggie Valley
In the late spring of 2020, Russ Keith was cruising down U.S. 19 through the heart of Maggie Valley. Soon,…
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Craft cocktails, intimate setting: Dark Moon
Crossing the threshold of the White Moon café in downtown Sylva, one is drawn in by the scent of culinary…
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Rivers, rains and runaway trains: Tim Surrett of Balsam Range
In its 14 years together, Haywood County’s own Balsam Range has risen into the upper echelon as one of the…
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Finding a better way: Cullowheegee Farms Natural Soaps & Crafts
About three years ago, Sarah and Eric Rehmann uprooted their lives in Raleigh and headed for Western North Carolina.
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Staying true to your roots: Lazy Hiker Brewing
On most days, the patio at Lazy Hiker Brewing in downtown Franklin is filled with locals and visitors alike, each…
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Coast to Coast and Carolina, too: The Rivers & Rails Tavern
Sitting in the dining room of The Rivers & Rails Tavern in Dillsboro, Craig Szymanski looked out the window and…
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From bean to table: Steamline Coffee Co.
Friday morning in downtown Waynesville and Orchard Coffee is bustling. There are those entering and waiting patiently for strong coffee…
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Patience, passion and pork: Big Nick’s Barbecue
Coming off Exit 85 on the Great Smoky Mountains Expressway, a funny thing happens to drivers when they’re about halfway…
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On your plate, on the plateau: Chef Ken Naron of Canyon Kitchen
Though the culinary and agricultural history of Southern Appalachia is as vast and robust as the tall and rigorous mountains…
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A closer look at WNC festivals
The proud communities that make up Western North Carolina were once mountain towns that played host to several successful blue-collar…
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Four rides for two wheels
Blue Ridge Parkway The famed scenic motorway winds through the best scenery the mountains have to offer, studded with overlooks…
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The art of togetherness
Five years ago, Michelle and Robby Railey had one question in mind. “How do we get to the next level?”…
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For the love of the arts: Macon County Art Association
Following the passing of her husband last year, after a lengthy illness, Betsey Sloan was looking for an outlet, something…
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The beauty of simplicity: Bird in Hand & Ivory Hollow Farmstead
These days, Megan and Bryan Thurman call a 31-foot Airstream home. The iconic silver travel trailer is currently parked on…
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Coming down the mountain: Whiteside Brewing impacts Cashiers culture
It’s just after 5 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. 64 and N.C. 107 in the village of Cashiers. Otherwise…
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Espresso yourself: Orchard Coffee opens in Waynesville
Halfway up a steep hill in downtown Waynesville, and just a stone’s throw from the Haywood County Historic Courthouse, sits…
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Bryson City builds on fishing tourism with new aquarium
With fly-fishing tourism on the rise in Western North Carolina, a new attraction in Bryson City will bring visitors up-close…
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A.T. hikers share their stories
From flip-flops to overnights to the quintessential northbound thru-hike, there are many different ways to experience the Appalachian Trail on…
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Can’t keep a good man down: Banjo legend Raymond Fairchild on turning 80, a life in music
Though his fingers seemingly wrap around a walking cane more than his trusty banjo these days, Raymond Fairchild remains one…
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Brewing success: Two WNC craft breweries win national medals
With sunshine spilling into the taproom of Currahee Brewing Company in Franklin one recent afternoon, brewmaster Taylor Yates is all…
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Sharing the craft: Jo Ridge Kelley Fine Art
With the traffic and noise of a busy Main Street in downtown Waynesville zooming by outside her window, Jo Ridge…
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Backyard trails: Local mountain bike trails surge to popularity
In 2013, Western Carolina University cut the ribbon on 7-mile trail system zig-zagging an otherwise unbuildable piece of university property. …
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Blue Collar Dreams: A decade in, Balsam Range looks ahead
Ten years into his tenure with Balsam Range, Tim Surrett can only shake his head. “The most amazing factor is…
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Aw, shucks: Haywood County crafter keeps heritage craft alive, vibrant
You’ve probably driven by the Red Barn Greenhouse & Garden Center on Dellwood Road between Maggie Valley and Waynesville. But,…
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Pouring passion: Andrews welcomes second brewery
Turning onto 2nd Street from the hectic U.S. 19/74 highway, you find yourself cruising through downtown Andrews. It’s Saturday afternoon,…
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Bryson City’s Nantahala Brewing launches restaurant, open-air taproom
Surrounded by piles of debris, old wood and gravel, Joe Rowland sees opportunity. “This is the inevitable next step for…
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Creating a community: Haywood Arts celebrates 40 years
In her short tenure, Executive Director Lindsey Solomon has righted the unknown direction of the ship that is the Haywood…
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Under the Bright Lights: Smoky Mountain Community Theatre
It’s the heartbeat of a town. Coming into its 37th year, the Smoky Mountain Community Theatre has become a beacon…
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The American Museum of The House Cat
It took over 30 years, but Harold Sims can now show the world. “It’s been very rewarding,” he said. “I…
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Hop, skip and a pour away: Waynesville’s Leap Frog Tours
Stepping out of a large passenger van into the sunshine last Saturday afternoon, a group of around 10 people entered…
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The Waynesville Inn, Golf Resort & Spa
When asked why he loves Western North Carolina, Travis Smith had to pause for a moment. “Well, that’s a good question,”…
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Over the hills and far away
Taking a left off U.S. 64 onto Settawig Road in rural Clay County, the busy commercial thoroughfare transforms into lush…
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A brush with fate
Just mere feet from a bustling South Main Street in Waynesville resides a cocoon of creativity. With a steady stream of…
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Crafting the future — Dillsboro
Amid the numerous businesses in Dillsboro, its cultural and economic heart lies in the plentiful art galleries and studios. From…
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Tapping your dreams — Andrews Brewing Company
Sitting on the porch of the Andrews Brewing Company, co-owner Eric Carlson looks out onto his property. With bluebird skies…
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From the farm to your plate — The Chef’s Table
What started as a job while in high school turned itself into a lifelong career and passion for Josh Monroe.…
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Closest thing to flying: Cataloochee Ski Area helped Calhoun reach pinnacle of racing
Watching the 1960 Olympics on television, a young Keith Calhoun saw something that would forever change the course of his…
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Country crossroads: Boiling down the essence of humanity
Heading west out of Bryson City, just before the highway narrows into a twisting two-lane road, a small, ramshackle hut…
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Tasting local
Eating with integrity, living with gratitude. When family, friends and the curious alike wander into the Cork & Bean in…
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The heartbeat of a community
It never ceases to amaze Lorraine Conard. “It’s a little bit magical,” she said. “You walk in and there’s this…
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So funky you can smell it
Who the heck are those guys? It’s a question constantly asked about Porch 40, a Sylva-based funk/rock outfit barreling out…
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Fire on the mountain: Jam sessions attract eclectic group of musicians
Monday is the new Saturday. Heading down Frazier Street in Waynesville to BearWaters Brewing Company, one can barely find a…
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Tapping into Appalachia
Dale Heinlein never thought he’d set roots down in his hometown of Highlands. “Living in Atlanta, in suburbia, with the…
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Crafting a community: Dillsboro celebrates its artistic roots
Joe Frank McKee knows what Dillsboro is capable of. “It’s a fighting town,” he said. “There are more craftsmen involved…
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Rolling down the river
Shane Williams knows exactly when he’s reached the essence of a river. “For me, it’s all about the glide,” he…
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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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