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The pungent mountain plant makes its spring return

Celebrate the cold season at two regional winterfests

Sometimes, smaller is better.

Waynesville Soda Jerks brings natural local flavors to soft drinks

Hendersonville restaurant Dandelion serves up sustenance and job skills for those at risk of domestic violence

Asheville artist Matt Tommey’s sculptural baskets reflect nature’s wild creativity

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.

Three nonprofits improve lives through creative expression

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

Curtis Smalling of the High Country Audubon Society leads area bird conservation efforts

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

After an unprecedented internal health assessment, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians expands its approach to wellness

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

Kim Ellington keeps the Catawba Valley pottery tradition alive

Florence Young Thomas laid the foundation for visual artists in Ashe County

Inspired tours bring art lovers to artists where they live and work

Fletcher Valley Market offers an uncanny array of substitutes