Randy Johnson
Randy Johnson
Nov 2023
Western North Carolina’s clear skies offer plenty of sites to catch an amazing, unpolluted view of the cosmos. Check out these epic locations to view the night sky, along with tips and resources for stargazing hobbyists.
Sep 2023
The life and legacy of celebrated bluegrass musician Earl Scruggs gets a standing ovation in his native Shelby
Dec 2022
The reimagined and revitalized Southern metropolis of our northern neighbor
Aug 2022
Elk Knob is a towering, meadow-topped peak more than a mile high and conveniently close to Boone
May 2022
Grandfather Mountain touts newest enhancement to environmental education
Dec 2021
Even in the depths of the cold season, these lower-elevation routes keep the wheels turning
Aug 2021
Banner Elk’s LP on Main rebrands and expands its enduring reputation in a new location
Dec 2020
Indoors and out, there’s no shortage of options for family fun in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
Dec 2020
Find great shopping, dining, and family-friendly skiing in the quaint village of Blowing Rock
Apr 2019
A visionary effort to create a statewide trail has been 40 years in the making. With the path now finished in Western North Carolina and a groundswell of support rising in the East, the completion of North Carolina’s most monumental natural treasure is on the horizon.
Dec 2017
Asheville’s Shoji Spa & Lodge offers Japanese wellness without the frequent flyer miles
Dec 2017
Adventure seekers, nature lovers, kids, adults, grandparents: We’ve got your ultimate guide to seasonal fun in the mountains
Jun 2017
Distance: 7.6 miles round-trip; Difficulty: Strenuous
Jun 2017
Tweetsie Railroad celebrates 60 years as a kingpin of mountain family tourism
Apr 2016
After a century of state parks, Western North Carolina’s are more popular than ever
Apr 2016
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.