History

Commemorating the 450th anniversary of Juan Pardo’s exploration of the Carolinas

Seven ghoulishly good ways to celebrate Halloween’s chills and thrills

Test your knowledge of WNC's nationally designated and protected areas under the National Park System.

Even a century later, the Great Flood of 1916’s watery depths haunt Western North Carolina

An expansive account of Grandfather Mountain’s unique history and offerings

New Belgium welcomes beer lovers to its East Coast outpost in Asheville

The scoop on WNC’s latest dining destinations

A new history of Asheville’s Jewish community

One tribal member expands efforts to teach the Cherokee’s traditional tongue

A new series of signs highlights the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area’s cultural cornerstones

A new book by Steve Inskeep illuminates the personalities behind a tragedy for the Cherokee

Appalachian State University launches an exchange program in Havana

Throughout Western North Carolina sit dozens of public schools abandoned by time, consolidation, and changing demographics. In their heyday, they were community epicenters and veritable second homes for thousands of students. Today, some are boarded up, while others await imminent demolition and replacement by new state-of-the-art facilities. But there are also a handful of old schoolhouses tucked away in various corners of the mountains that have found new purpose as community centers, concert venues, historical beacons, and artists’ studios. Here’s a look at the past and present of eight of them.

Lend a hand to the arts this summer

Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center welcomes its first official director

Set out on footpaths that offer big exploration for small people

Field School allows the curious to explore an ancient site in Morganton where the New and Old Worlds collided

Head to Charleston this spring to tour grand estates and prize-worthy gardens

Built on 100 years of history and small town charm, West Jefferson celebrates a major milestone