Winter 2026

Winter 2026

2026 Gift Guide: 173 local products for everyone on your list

Find regional goods for guys and gals, foodies, lovers of all things handcrafted, and more.

Spirits of the Southern Appalachians

From bootleggers to modern distillers, our craft beverage scene continues to evolve

Head South to Ski: People go “North” to ski. One of those ski spots has “Carolina” after it!

A look backward and forward at one of our region's leading industries

Bulldog’s Overmountain Men Looking back at Rendezvous Mountain’s Revolutionary War history

Experimental Fusion

Asheville artist Casey Engel transforms emotion into physical form

Must See: New exhibit at Blowing Rock Art & History Museum

Prehistoric Pedagogy : An imaginative new book explores Cherokee education from cradle to community

Land, Language, and Women: A Cherokee and American Educational History by Julie L. Reed

Tourism in WNC

How Helene has shaped one of our region’s largest industries

Cabin Keepers: A High Country foundation is protecting historic log structures for future generations

Hart Square Foundation's generational efforts

A Record of Love: New release from WNC singer-songwriter Melanie Ida Chopko

Never Had A Love Like This is a folk record that reflects on modern dating and human connection after the pandemic

A Mountain Hideaway: Built from the ground up, a family retreat in Maggie Valley showcases a rustic industrial style

A Waynesville Winter Dream: Our favorite ways to explore Haywood County in the cold-weather months

Our recommendations for hitting the slopes, catching a show, and finding the right place to stay

New Culture

In Asheville, Darë Vegan Cheese is creating delicious plant-based alternatives

Field to Table: Cabbage recipes from Plant's Chef Jason Sellers

Inventive, delicious meals made with a WNC staple

Made with Love: Uncomplicated Kitchen is promoting food literacy through community

Winter Gardening: Get ready for a yearlong harvest this season

Ground Local

Five coffee roasters to sample this winter

Posidonia by Amy Putansu