organic

You are now leaving WNC. Don’t call us traitors for straying from our beloved natural wonderland. Sometimes you just have to play outside the lines. After all, much of what we love here—lofty peaks, wild rivers, picturesque lakes, and awe-inspiring trails—spills over into Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Summer is the season to grab your gear, whether it be a life jacket, fishing rod, hiking boots, or mountain bike, and head for great escapes just across the border.

With the demise of chestnut trees, so went the reign of bark architecture in the mountains. Today, Chris and Marty McCurry are leading a revival of the historic style. Using poplar bark and sustainable practices, they’re ensuring a lasting connect between home and nature

Winter Green proves you don’t need to say goodbye to local produce at the first frost

A family dinner at mast farm inn celebrates the simple life and local food

Winter Sun Farms keeps summer and fall’s flavors on hand

The capital of the Southeast is bigger, bolder, and better than ever

Nurture a green thumb

A husband and wife team are planting the seeds of a movement to feed the hungry

Check in to some of WNC’s eco-friendly accommodations

Go beyond fruits and vegetables at your local tailgate markets

Orient Expressed: Judith Duff creates her own translation of Japanese pottery

Peter Waskiewicz’s seed revolution takes its cues from history

Regional coffee roasters work hard to stand out

Move over, milk: Meet the raw, delicate, down-to-earth chèvre

A young couple’s adventure in Costa Rica leads to meaningful pairings of Family, friends, cacao, and chili peppers

For Three young philanthropists, helping your neighbor sometimes means traveling thousands of miles from home

Local moms deliver with chic threads and artful toys