Coming full circle: BearWaters Brewing opens Waynesville location

On a recent mid-May morning, Kevin Sandefur spent five hours spreading gravel in the parking lot of the brand new BearWaters Brewing location on South Main Street in Waynesville. 

Under the stream: Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail

For most people, the word “snorkeling” conjures images of blue Caribbean waters, pink coral reefs and a rainbow of tropical fish. But witnessing a world of aquatic beauty doesn’t require a flight to the Florida Keys.

On the fly: new Maggie Valley shop debuts fly fishing festival

Shannon Young has no trouble identifying the exact moment he fell in love with fly fishing. 

Survey seeks input on Ocoee Whitewater Center future

The formal process to determine the future of the Ocoee Whitewater Center after the facility was destroyed in an April 2022 fire has begun.

National outdoor economy groups to meet in Cherokee

 The fifth annual Outdoor Economy Conference in Cherokee will serve as the backdrop to a convening of the Confluence of States and the State Outdoor Business Alliance Network.

Embracing summertime

According to the calendar, summertime is still a couple weeks away, but with morning birds singing and the sun brightly shining, it certainly feels like we’ve already rolled over into the summer season. 

Snorkeling the mountains: New Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail will show off WNC’s vibrant streams

For most people, the word “snorkeling” conjures images of blue Caribbean waters, pink coral reefs and a rainbow of tropical fish. But witnessing a world of aquatic beauty doesn’t require a flight to the Florida Keys.

Macon helps fund 
Franklin Skatepark

The start date for construction of the Franklin Skatepark is approaching quickly, and now the project has all the funding it needs.

River in rebound: After mill closes, a healthier Pigeon could help Canton recover

For decades, concern about water quality has been the central tension between Canton’s paper mill and the environmental advocates monitoring it. When the plant closes this year, those issues are likely to fade with the final whistle — but even the mill’s longtime critics aren’t rejoicing.

Final forest management plan draws mixed reactions from stakeholder groups

The Pisgah and Nantahala national forests are now operating under a new management plan, ending an arduous, 11-year process to revise an existing plan implemented in 1987.

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