highlands

Dec 2018

Locals, especially, can confirm Western North Carolina holds a wealth of riches. From natural wonders and cultural treasures to splurge-worthy experiences, the indulgences afforded in our mountains are, in many ways, priceless.

Oct 2018

Bird’s the Word

Source your Thanksgiving turkey from area farms and markets

Aug 2018

Last Page - Christine Kosiba

“Ravens really resonate with people. They’re complicated animals, just like us.”

Aug 2018

Perfectly in Tune

Father-daughter luthiers Wayne and Jayne Henderson make exquisite handcrafted instruments that hit all the right notes

Jun 2018

Ready to Adopt?

Find your new best friend at one of these area shelters

Jun 2018

Dog-Friendly Stays

Fur babies welcome at these area hotels

Jun 2018

Bark in the Park

Take Rover for a romp at a WNC dog park

Apr 2018

Ruffing It

Take a hike for a cause with a shelter dog

Apr 2018

Trail Guide

Yellow Mountain, Nantahala National Forest

Feb 2018

Walk on the Wild Side

A new trail guide puts mountain flower hikes into lovely focus

Dec 2017

Soak It Up

Asheville’s Shoji Spa & Lodge offers Japanese wellness without the frequent flyer miles

Dec 2017

50 Ways to Play—Winter

Chill out with outdoor activities as well as indoor fun and games

Oct 2017

Holiday Happenings

Not even Scrooge could resist the mountain area's festive offerings

Oct 2017

Restaurant Review — Library Kitchen + Bar

Offering an artistic feast for the senses

Oct 2017

Party Time

Fine cheese and charcuterie make seasonal fêtes all the merrier

Aug 2017

Hand Crafted

Local jewelry designers—each with a unique skill set and expression of style—are making one-of-a-kind adornments and wearable works of art worth treasuring forever

Apr 2017

Float On

A passion for paddling propels Fletcher-based Liquidlogic Kayaks

Apr 2017

Simply Gorge-ous!

Dive deep into the mountains’ greatest chasms

Feb 2017

Volunteer at Gorgeous Local Gardens

Even if you have no growing space of your own, you can plant community seeds with volunteer opportunities at public gardens and arboretums

Feb 2017

The Best of Western North Carolina

Celebrate our anniversary with top 10 lists of local albums, books, fishing spots, movies, restaurants, and more

Dec 2016

We Get Around

A history of transportation in the mountains offers a good ride

Dec 2016

Chocolate Indulgence

A gluten-free cake to feel good about

Oct 2016

Celebrate Good Times

Highlands Food & Wine Festival goes big for its 10th anniversary

Oct 2016

Fruits of the Vine

Embark on a tour of six distinct wine-producing regions in WNC, and find out why each of our vineyards and wineries can boast of unique and notable fruits of the vine.

Aug 2016

Apple of His Eye

Heirloom fruit inspires chef Nicholas Figel’s fall culinary creations

Jun 2016

Picnic Perfect

Sweeten the experience with a recipe for portable hand pies

Jun 2016

Grill Masters

Smart companions for your next cookout

Jun 2016

Road Trip: Lansing

Apr 2016

The Scenic Route

A new app puts tours of WNC’s beautiful byways at your fingertips

Apr 2016

Plumtree

The winding route to Plumtree through far western Avery County on U.S. 19 East is the very definition of a road trip. It’s the kind of byway most people would take only if this out-of-the-way hamlet were the destination itself. But for fans of beer and scenic beauty, a thriving brewery and a cluster of outdoor options are enticing reasons to tour the North Toe River valley’s flower-filled fields.