mountain

A fledging climber’s ascent of Looking Glass brings reverence for the iconic rock’s first summit, 50 years ago

Distance: 2.5 miles round-trip, Difficulty: Easy to moderate

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.

Harvest season brings an Asian staple to the foothills

Wilma Dykeman’s posthumously published memoir revisits her mountain upbringing

Heirloom fruit inspires chef Nicholas Figel’s fall culinary creations

20 Ways to Explore the City's Exploding Music Scene

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

Kehren Barbour and Michael Luchtan’s Post Piano Project explores sustainability through art and music

As tourism continues to rise, local college students size up the economic impact

Enjoy sips and swirls at regional tasting events

After a century of state parks, Western North Carolina’s are more popular than ever

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.

Distance: 5.6 miles round-trip Difficulty: Strenuous

An outdoors hub in Transylvania County picks up the pace

The pungent mountain plant makes its spring return

Tracing the origin of WNC’s preeminent marketing phrase, Land of the Sky