Exploration Local
107 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago -Come journey with us as we explore and highlight the people and places that make the Blue Ridge and Southern Appalachian Mountains special and unique. We explore the towns, trails, rivers, scenic byways, businesses, and people that fuel the life & adventurous spirit in these mountains. Listen in on this relaxed conversational style podcast as host Mike Andress interviews Authors, Business Owners, Photographers, Athletes, Adventurers, Travelers and Friends who have a deep connection to the outdoors and directly influence the culture of the Blue Ridge. We’ll even explore the many ways nature & the outdoors can positivity influence our health and well being.
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Episodes
Venturing Through the French Broad Paddle Trail with MountainTrue's Jack Henderson
April 26, 2024 06:00 - 51 minutes - 35.3 MBThe French Broad is home to more than 40 access points and 20 riverside campsites managed by federal, state, and local governments; non-profits; businesses and volunteers. In this episode I sit down with Jack Henderson from Mountain True and we talk in depth about the French Broad Paddle Trail. From the tranquil banks of Rosman to the distant shores of Douglas Lake, Tennessee, we unveil the geographical tale of the French Broad River. But our adventure doesn't end with geography. We delve ...
Revitalizing Canton, NC: Chestnut Mountain Park and the Future of Ecotourism, with Nick Scheuer
April 12, 2024 06:00 - 54 minutes - 37.5 MBFrom its industrial past to a future teeming with eco-tourism and innovation, Canton's story is one of resilience and transformation. In this episode, I sit down with Nick Scheuer, Canton’s Town Manager, and we delve into the captivating story of Chestnut Mountain Park, a sprawling 450-acre sanctuary helping to reshape Canton's economic and recreational landscape. We navigate the currents of Chestnut Mountain's impact on local businesses and the town's identity, illuminating how embracing o...
Boarding for Change: Jared Lee's Skating and Snowboarding Journey from Passion to Community Impact
March 19, 2024 06:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MBJared Lee's tale is a testament to the power of community and perseverance. From advocating for a skatepark at town hall meetings as a youngster to seeing the fruits of his labor in the form of a state-of-the-art facility, his journey underscores the significance of mentorship and communal effort. His influence extends beyond the skatepark; it's felt in the passion he instills in others, and in the way he champions environmental protection. It's a narrative that celebrates the collaborative ...
Mountain Biking and Cultural Reawakening with Laura Blythe, Eastern Band Cherokee Indians & 7 Moons MTB
February 29, 2024 23:00 - 52 minutes - 35.9 MBIn this episode I sit down with Laura Blythe, a citizen of the Eastern Band Cherokee Indians, as she shares her transformative experience through mountain biking. We delve into the Seven Moons Mountain Biking program, where Laura intertwines her vibrant Cherokee heritage into every pedal stroke on the Fire Mountain Trails system. Discover how this program transcends fitness, serving as a bridge between past and present, while nurturing a community that rides together and grows together. Lau...
Discovering the Joys of Southeast Skiing with Mike Doble: Innovations, Conditions, and Community
February 15, 2024 07:00 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MBIn this episode, we're hitting the trails with Mike Doble, the driving force behind SkiSoutheast.com. We'll dive into the heart of the region's ski industry, guided by Mike's passion and dedication. From the humble beginnings of his websites to their current status as community pillars, Mike's honest reporting has kept skiers and snowboarders informed with real-time conditions and live camera feeds. Hear about the growth of local resorts and the rise of local talent on the national stage lik...
From Corporate Life to Camping Innovation: Brent Nelson's Journey and the Community Fueled by Tentrax Trailers
January 31, 2024 07:00 - 56 minutes - 38.5 MBWhen Brent Nelson swapped his corporate badge for the wild call of entrepreneurship, little did he know that his family RV trip would spark the creation of Tentrax, a beacon for adventurers seeking the ultimate in compact, customizable camping trailers. His story, infused with the warmth of a community brought together by a love for the outdoors, unfolds in our latest episode. We trace his journey from structured office life to the helm of a company that's not just selling trailers, but faci...
Historic Tapoco Lodge: Where Adventure and Sanctuary Meet, with Valerie Frapp
December 20, 2023 07:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MBIn this episode I sit down with Valerie Frapp, General Manager of the Historic Tapoco Lodge. We delve into the rich history, timeless design, and unparalleled craftsmanship that define this haven, virtually unchanged since its establishment in 1930. The Lodge's spacious and inviting layout, featuring the Tapoco dining room, Laurel Lounge Whiskey Bar, grand fireplace, library, and riverside seating with firepits, continues to captivate visitors. Discover the fascinating evolution of the Hist...
Exploring the Allure of Fly Fishing in Western North Carolina's Lush Riverscape, with David Stelling
December 06, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 41.9 MBThe trout streams in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and Great Smoky mountains of North Carolina make North Carolina a premier fly fishing destination. In fact, North Carolina is the most popular destination in the entire Eastern United States for trout fishing boasting over 3,000 miles of streams teaming with fish. In this episode I sit down with David Stelling, the owner of High Country Guide Service, as he shares the extraordinary allure of fly fishing in North Carolina's lush riverscapes. Dav...
Exploring North Carolina's Outdoors Thoughtfully & Responsibly, with Outdoor NC's Amanda Baker
November 21, 2023 00:00 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MBWhat if you had the keys to unlock the beauty of North Carolina's outdoors responsibly? Today, I'm thrilled to take you on a journey with Amanda Baker, Partner Marketing Manager for the innovative Outdoor NC program. Together, we'll uncover the program's genesis, its three major components, and its key partnerships. The program is a trailblazer, centered around a noble cause - educating North Carolinians and visitors on the importance of responsible outdoor recreation. In partnership with ...
Breaking Down Barriers: A Conversation with Earl B Hunter Jr, Black Folks Camp Too
October 25, 2023 06:00 - 43 minutes - 30 MBWhat does it take to break barriers and invite more Black folks into the great outdoors? In this episode we unpack that, and a whole lot more as I sit down with Earl B Hunter, Jr. with Black Folks Camp Too to recap all the happenings since the last time Earl was on the show. Only this time, we go deeper. We reflect on Earl's transformational journey and how his high school football coach had a profound impact on his life. Earl's belief that 'a change gonna come' resonates powerfully with th...
Bridging the Gap: SAV Sankaran on Identity, Inclusion, and the Outdoors
October 11, 2023 06:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MBAs a person of color, SAV's experiences in the outdoor world have not just shaped him, but also profoundly transformed his outlook on life, community, and identity. His inspiring journey is a testament to the power of the outdoors in fostering a sense of belonging, and why it's essential to extend this inclusivity into the workplace. From his humble beginnings with a weekend job at Orvis, Sav Sankaran has gone on to play a pivotal role in the company's corporate landscape. His experiences n...
Diving into North Carolina's Tourism Landscape with Visit NC's Wit Tuttell
September 27, 2023 23:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MBJoin us in a captivating journey with Witt Tuttle, the Executive Director of Visit North Carolina, as we unravel the scenic beauty and cultural diversity that makes North Carolina the sixth most visited state in the country. We pry into the heart of responsible tourism marketing, focusing on how it caters not only to the visitors but also to the culture, people, and picturesque locations that define the uniqueness of North Carolina. Together with Witt, we unveil how Visit NC collaborates wit...
Exploring the WNC Outdoor Industry: A Conversation with Matt Godfrey, Executive Director of the Outdoor Business Alliance
September 06, 2023 06:00 - 50 minutes - 35 MBGet ready to get inspired! Meet our guest for today, Matt Godfrey, the Executive Director of the Outdoor Business Alliance, a man who wears many hats - advocate, business leader, educator, and much more. Matt is no stranger to the outdoor industry, he's been instrumental in shaping it from his early days as a founding board member of the Outdoor Business Alliance. Experience his journey as we walk through the different stages of his career; from his time at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly and c...
MADE X MTNS: Building, Growing, and Amplifying the WNC Outdoor Recreation Industry w/ Amy Allison
August 16, 2023 06:00 - 58 minutes - 40.2 MBWith unmatched natural assets and a community intimately engaged in the outdoors, Western North Carolina is the outdoor industry hub of the east, and in 2021 a campaign was launched to develop a regional brand that celebrates and grows the outdoor industry across 24 counties. Today, that campaign has blossomed into a full blown partnership called MADE X MTNS (Made by Mountains). In this episode I had the privilege of sitting down with Amy Allison, Partnership Director, to talk about how MA...
Exploring North Carolina Rock Climbing with Fox Mountain Guides, Forrest Stavish
July 31, 2023 06:00 - 54 minutes - 37.7 MBNorth Carolina is undeniably home to the best traditional rock climbing in the South. From beginners' routes to multi-pitch thrillers, North Carolina has it all, including the tallest rock face on the East Coast. In this episode I sit down with one of Fox Mountin’s Guides, Forrest Stavish. He started climbing in 2004 after being introduced to bouldering at Rumbling Bald, NC, and not long after that bouldering trip, he got his first taste of exposure on Table Rock in the Linville Gorge. Sinc...
The Cabins at Sandy Mush Bald: A True Appalachian Experience, with Lisa Adler
July 12, 2023 03:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MBNestled between Little and Big Sandy Mush Balds, at an elevation of over 5,000 feet above sea level, lies one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited in the Blue Ridge Mountains; The Cabins at Sandy Mush Bald, an off-grid and authentic Appalachian experience, located on 500 private acres atop the Newfound Mountains in Western North Carolina. The Cabins at Sandy Mush started as a dream of the founder, John “Doc” Adler who longed to create a hike-in facility that provided a sense of ...
Uproar Concept: Creative Content Experts, with Nathan Jordan & Derek Diluzio
June 29, 2023 01:00 - 53 minutes - 37.1 MBSo, what do you get when a talented photographer who creates one of a kind visual content for companies like Patagonia, Land Rover, Our State, and numerous Tourism Authorities - partners with an award-winning creative director who develops designs and messages for organizations like Explore Brevard, Biltmore Estate, Earth Fare and a broad range of tourism, outdoor adventure nonprofits and cultural heritage clients? Answer: A pretty RAD company making its mark in WNC’s outdoor community. That...
Building Community & Making Memories with BRAVO (Blue Ridge Adventures Vision Optional)
June 15, 2023 06:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MBIn this episode I sit down with very special guests Layla & Stacey Hildenbran, and Jay Hardwig from BRAVO which is Blue Ridge Adventures – Vision Optional, whose mission is To provide outdoor enrichment programsto youth with blindness and low vision. This is an especially fun episode for me because I have been hearing about Layla’s story since my wife taught her in first grade six years ago. She is a super special girl who is completely blind…and pursues life full on. And it’s not by accid...
Chasing Waterfalls & Pursuing Life with Retired Pro Extreme Kayaker Pat Keller
June 02, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 44.2 MBPat Keller is known for his waterfall first descents as well as being a repeat winner of the coveted Green Race, winning the Great Falls Race and the inaugural Rey del Rio Waterfall World Championships in Mexico where he battled the world’s top boaters over three back-to-back waterfalls—a 25-footer, a 55-footer and a 35-footer. Accolades also include being a two-time Teva Mountain Games winner and the first Descents as I just mentioned including: Toxaway Falls, Linville Falls, Valser Rhein ...
O.G.R.E. (Outdoor Gear & Recreation Equipment) with CEO, Jason Bowman
May 18, 2023 02:00 - 1 hour - 46.6 MBJason Bowman grew up in the mountains of Southwestern Virginia chasing brook trout and working on trucks. Today he lives in Brevard, N.C. and still chases trout and works on trucks. The only difference today is that he’s a little bit older, LIVING with Stage 4 prostate cancer, a USMC Veteran, family man, business owner and creator in the outdoor gear space, and he spends as much time on the coast surfing as he does fishing the local rivers these days. Oh, and the trucks he works at O.G.R.E. ...
2023 NC Year of the Trail
December 19, 2022 07:00 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MBThe NC Year of the Trail celebrates North Carolina’s vast and diverse collection of trails, greenways, and blueways which showcase its diverse landscapes – grand mountain vistas, quiet rivers, vibrant urban greenways, coastal forests, and the rolling hills of the piedmont. These trails not only help make NC a healthier, more accessible, and fun place to live, they also strengthen the economy in a big way. You see, the outdoor recreation industry in NC has an economic impact of over 28 billi...
North Carolina: Home of North America's Most Popular Christmas Tree with Dr. Jim Hamilton
December 02, 2022 07:00 - 49 minutes - 34 MBThe North Carolina Fraser Fir Christmas tree is the most popular Christmas tree in North America, but did you know they are shipped into every state in the U.S. as well as the Caribbean Islands, Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, Japan and other points all over the world. The cool temperatures and large amounts of rainfall in the mountains of North Carolina create the perfect climate for Fraser firs. So, it’s easy to understand how over 50 million Fraser firs are grown in North Carolina, and that the ...
Finding Clarity & Purpose In A Colorado Gap Semester, with Karsyn Andress
November 16, 2022 07:00 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MBAlthough widely accepted in Europe since the 1960’s, the thought of a gap year in our western culture makes many people, especially parents, uneasy and questioning whether the experience will be fruitful. But a 2015 study at Temple University found that the gap year experience had proved fruitful and unanimously positive: 98% said their year had helped them develop as a person, 96% found it increased their self-confidence, and 93% agreed that it had increased their communications skills. Man...
Wilderness Cove Campground: Transforming An Outdoor Adventure Retreat, with Andrew Garcia
October 31, 2022 06:00 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MBIn this episode I sit down with Andrew Garcia, who is the Managing Partner of Outdoor Adventure Partners. His company purchased the Wilderness Cove Campground along the lower Green River last Thanksgiving, and immediately began making improvements to the property in January of this year. We talk in depth about the new vision for this property and their desire to be good stewards of the land and be involved in the tight knit Green River Cove community. We also talk about all of the amazing ...
Blue Ridge Dreaming, with Mike Poggioli
October 12, 2022 06:00 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MBIn this episode I sit down with Mike Poggioli, who is one of these rare photographers who truly meditates on his subject before shooting, and his passion for the craft is obvious. While living in Chicago in 2015, Poggioli's love of photography grew, fueled by the city's singular architecture and its orange-hued streetlights in the rain. Winding career paths eventually led him to Asheville, North Carolina, where he found a new appreciation for landscapes entirely devoid of skyscrapers and blu...
Why Stories & Experiences Are Better Than Stuff: Emily Jackson, Co-Host The Great Family Adventure
September 29, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 49.1 MBIn this episode I sit down with Emily Jackson and we unpack how her adventurous childhood created such a solid foundation for her own life, that she couldn’t comprehend a different way of life. She is an accomplished professional kayaker, mom, wife, businesswoman, co-host of The Great Family Adventure TV series, and friend to so many. We talk about how her most clear recollection of her family’s happiness stemmed from a decision to live fulltime in a RV to pursue life together, forged on a...
Staples InTents: Helping People of Color Experience Life-Changing Effects of The Outdoors
September 14, 2022 06:00 - 56 minutes - 39.2 MBSonya and Necota Staples started their camping journey just a few short years ago and it quickly snowballed into off-roading and overlanding. With their newfound love of glamping, they wanted to share it with their friends and family, but no one understood why they wanted to “rough it” outside. So they started making YouTube videos to educate and encourage friends, family, and the Black and Brown community to experience the life-changing effect of the outdoors. Their newfound love and passio...
Fueling Adventures One Bite At A Time, with Lee “Natty” Trebotitch
September 01, 2022 02:00 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MBIn this episode I sit down with Lee Trebotich, aka “Natty”. He created Food For Adventures for the outdoor athletes and weekend warriors who seek adventure, and to share the stoke of eating well in the outdoors. We talk about the long line of cooks he comes from, and how he grew up helping his mom in the kitchen where he learned how to cook exclusively with cast-iron. Besides being an amazing Outdoor Chef, Natty is just an all around awesome guy to be around. He’s the type of person that j...
“As Appalachian As It Gets” with Steven Reinhold, The Appalachian Adventure Company
August 17, 2022 23:00 - 58 minutes - 40.4 MBIn this episode, I sit down with Steven Reinhold, The Appalachian Adventure Company Co-Founder + Steward of the Stoke, who has been a force in the outdoor industry for many years. He is an avid explorer and adventure philanthropist who has been fortunate to pursue his passions around the globe. After climbing several of North America's most iconic peaks with the industry's leading guide services, Steven determined that mountain guides were the coolest people on the planet. One of the greates...
Lake Toxaway: Rich History & A Story Of A Mountain Lake’s Resurrection, with John Nichols III
August 03, 2022 06:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MBThis is a special episode because it is a story of a remarkable place and fascinating history, told through the eyes of third generation resident, John Nichols III, whose grandfather helped restore Lake Toxaway to its former glory in the early 1960s. We talk about John’s earliest recollections of growing up in Lake Toxaway, living in what is now known as the Greystone, warm days summer & cool nights, lightning bugs, the sounds of nature, and a simpler way of life. There is an atmosphere surr...
Wrong Way Lodge & Cabin Campground: Connecting Guests With The Transformational Qualities Of The Outdoors
July 13, 2022 06:00 - 1 hour - 42.6 MBIn this episode, Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins owners Joe Balcken and Shelton Steele dropped by the studio to hang out and talk about their love and vision for Wrong Way, the transformational qualities of the outdoors, and the intentionality of creating a sense of place. Both are former whitewater raft guides turned trailblazing entrepreneurs. They came up with the idea for Wrong Way over the shared desire to get back on the river and encourage others to connect with the outdoors, have insp...
WACKO: How One Local Kayaking Group Is Building Community & Giving Back with Crom Carey
June 01, 2022 02:00 - 51 minutes - 35.7 MBThe word community is, without question, central to the human experience. It conveys a sense of togetherness and positivity. Being a part of a community can make us feel as though we are a part of something greater than ourselves. And in some outdoor pursuits, community is key for a safe and enjoyable experience. That is definitely true when it comes to whitewater kayaking. In this episode I travel down to the Green River Ranch to take part in the Inaugural GRASS Festival, and I sit down wi...
WNC Kayaking Group Holds Inaugural Festival To Build Community & Give Back, with Crom Carey - Co-founder of WACKO
June 01, 2022 02:00 - 51 minutes - 35.7 MBThe word community is, without question, central to the human experience. It conveys a sense of togetherness and positivity. Being a part of a community can make us feel as though we are a part of something greater than ourselves. And in some outdoor pursuits, community is key for a safe and enjoyable experience. That is definitely true when it comes to whitewater kayaking. In this episode I travel down to the Green River Ranch to take part in the Inaugural GRASS Festival, and I sit down wi...
Damascus, Virginia: Trail Town USA, Friendliest Town on the Appalachian Trail & Home of the Virginia Creeper Trail
May 11, 2022 11:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MBDamascus is a small town with a big claim to fame: Seven nationally known trails, including the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail intersect within the town’s borders. The Damascus lifestyle is adventurous and creative, yet laid-back and well-paced. It’s a place where you can be super-active, or where you can reconnect with nature, rejuvenate, and find your inner peace. Damascus is also a gateway town to Mount Rogers, the highest point in the state of Virginia with a summit ...
Ensuring A Vibrant Future For The Outdoor Economy & Communities w/ Gayle Conelly Manchin & D. Reid Wilson
April 27, 2022 06:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MBI recently had the privilege of attending the 4th Annual Outdoor Economy Conference in Cherokee, North Carolina, where 600 outdoor industry businesses, conservationists, public land managers, development experts, nonprofit & government leaders, and entrepreneurs are looking to grow the outdoor industry in their communities and craft an economy that’s intimately tied to the quality and health of their places. I had the distinct honor of sitting down with D. Reid Wilson, Secretary of the Nort...
Important Perspectives On Working Together To Ensure A Vibrant Future For The Outdoor Economy And Our Outdoor Communities w/ Gayle Conelly Manchin & D. Reid Wilson
April 27, 2022 06:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MBI recently had the privilege of attending the 4th Annual Outdoor Economy Conference in Cherokee, North Carolina, where 600 outdoor industry businesses, conservationists, public land managers, development experts, nonprofit & government leaders, and entrepreneurs are looking to grow the outdoor industry in their communities and craft an economy that’s intimately tied to the quality and health of their places. I had the distinct honor of sitting down with D. Reid Wilson, Secretary of the Nort...
Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail: A Magnificent Jewel in Western North Carolina, with Peter Barr
March 30, 2022 06:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MBThe Hickory Nut Gorge is a magnificent jewel in the mountains of Western North Carolina. This 14-mile-long canyon cuts a picturesque pass exposing spectacular sheer granite cliffs, and contains an abundance of undisturbed forests. In this episode, I sit down with Peter Barr who led the development of more than 20 miles of new sustainable trails as well as the legislative authorization of the planned 130-mile Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail network. He is a two-time national award-winning trai...
Full-time RV Living: A WNC Couple Creating A Lifetime of Memories & Shared Experiences
March 14, 2022 06:00 - 59 minutes - 40.8 MBNearly 10.2 million Americans today consider themselves digital nomads—people who travel and explore while working—and that number is only expected to go up. In fact, when COVID started to wreak havoc in 2020, the number of digital nomads in the US increased by nearly 50% from 2019. In the case of fulltime RV’ers Peter and Allison Barr, they started making plans for a 5-year journey around the United States long before the COVID Crisis. Drawing on years of extended summer excursions, spring ...
Foot Rx Running: A Mission Minded Small Business Providing Healthy Footwear from Ultra Runners to Casual Walkers
February 28, 2022 14:00 - 54 minutes - 37.3 MBIt’s no surprise the last couple of years have been a challenge for small businesses. And it’s likely that we all know someone whose life and business has been adversely affected by the pandemic. We’ve seen longtime businesses struggle, companies pivot, bankruptcies filed, and doors closed. But thankfully there are also positive stories and good that has come about because of the pandemic too. There are stories of communities rallying to support local business, people looking to the outdoors...
Mast General Store: Still Serving Communities The Down-Home Way
February 14, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 43.2 MBIn this episode, I head to Banner Elk, NC to visit with Tracy Tilley & Sheri Moretz for a behind the scenes look at the iconic Mast General Store. We take a trip back in time and learn how the Mast's down-home way of doing business is still alive today. Drawing on it's own story of resurgence, its no surprise that part of what adds to the nostalgic charm of the Mast General Store experience is their intentional alignment with areas undergoing revitalization. Buildings at every Mast location ...
Mountain True: Championing resilient forests, clean waters, and healthy communities, with Josh Kelly
January 31, 2022 07:00 - 53 minutes - 36.7 MBOur public lands are among the most visited in the Southern Blue Ridge. The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests receive over 10 million visitors annually, and the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are in the top 3 most visited parks in the Country. DuPont State Recreational Forest had its most crowded year ever last year, recording 1.3 million visitors. People love coming here and we can’t blame them. But declining budgets have stressed the U.S. Forest Service and ...
Conserving Carolina: Protecting Wonderful Places For Nature And People
January 17, 2022 23:00 - 53 minutes - 36.5 MBIn this episode, I sit down with Kieran Roe, Executive Director of Conserving Carolina and we talk about how this organization works to protect & restore natural resources, as well as inspire others to love and care for our natural world. We talk about some of the areas that make up the 46,000 acres Conserving Carolina has helped to protect like Chimney Rock State Park, DuPont State Recreational Forest, Headwaters State Forest, as well as additions to the Green River Game Land and Pisgah N...
Tribute To Our Top 5 Episodes Of 2021
December 31, 2021 07:00 - 51 minutes - 35.1 MBWe have a special episode in store for you today as we focus in on our Top 5 Most Listened To Episodes of 2021…but with a little different twist. This year I hit rewind and invited our guests back on to bring us up to speed with anything new they have going on. You are DEFINITELY going to want to listen in because there are some pretty RAD things happening here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This episode is going to mark the end of 2021, but I’ll be back in late January to kick off 2022. I can...
Beech Mountain Resort: A Premier Multi-Season Resort & The Highest Ski Resort In The East
December 13, 2021 07:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MBThe mountains of North Carolina offer some unexpected treats for skiers and snowboarders. Snowmaking capabilities are outstanding and allow for a constant supply of fresh snow and great conditions. They emphasize family skiing, with a good mix of beginner runs to get first timers interested in the sport, and more advanced trails and surprisingly good vertical to provide ample stoke for even the most experienced skiers and riders. In this episode I turn my attention to Beech Mountain Ski Res...
Virginia's Blue Ridge: A Premier Destination For Outdoor Recreation, Unique Attractions, Diverse Culture & Culinary Experiences
November 29, 2021 07:00 - 53 minutes - 37.1 MBVirginia’s Blue Ridge is made up of the City of Roanoke at its heart and surrounding communities within an hour radius, including the City of Salem, Botetourt County, Franklin County, and Roanoke County. The region offers a refined, authentic, Metro Mountain adventure nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a premier destination for outdoor recreation offering over 1,000 miles of trails for adventure. Roanoke is the largest city along the Appalachian Trail, and the region is home to the V...
Gorges State Park with Kevin Bischof, Park Superintendent
November 15, 2021 07:00 - 58 minutes - 40.2 MBGorges State Park, located about halfway between Cashiers and Brevard, is set in the midst of plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges, sheer rock walls and a high concentration of rare species. The Park receives over 80 inches of rain each year which is enough rain to qualify the area as a temperate rain forest. Most people are drawn to the park to explore Rainbow Falls, and Turtle Back Falls which lies just upstream, as well as Bearwallow Falls which lies in the northern section of the Par...
Kitsbow: On A Mission To Make Riding Better, And To Make The Apparel Industry Better (Made In The USA)
November 01, 2021 06:00 - 1 hour - 48.2 MBIn 1975, 80% of the clothes Americans purchased were made in the USA, but in the 1980’s, the decline in American made apparel began. By the 1990’s almost no apparel was manufactured in the USA. Western North Carolina fell victim to this overseas manufacturing trend. In the ’70s, there were five manufacturers operating within the limits of Old Fort. They made furniture and clothes and car parts, but they started closing in the ’80s, when the Old Fort Finishing Plant, a textile company, shut...
Canon EOL, Chas Glatzer Muses About Teaching Wildlife Photography, Blue Ridge Mountains, And His Love for WNC
October 11, 2021 06:00 - 1 hour - 47.2 MBThe Blue Ridge Mountains are synonymous with beauty, adventure, ruggedness, exploration, & discovery. They are filled with iconic trails and highways, and home to a rich biodiversity. They contain the most incredible waterfalls & wildlife, trails, and rivers, hunting and fishing…and our quaint, throw-back mountain towns are growing increasingly popular as people look to escape urban spaces. These are precisely many of the reasons that international wildlife photographer & Canon Explorer of L...
Canon EOL, Chas Glatzer Muses About Teaching Wildlife Photography, Blue Ridge Mountains, And His Love for WNC
October 11, 2021 06:00 - 1 hour - 47.2 MBThe Blue Ridge Mountains are synonymous with beauty, adventure, ruggedness, exploration, & discovery. They are filled with iconic trails and highways, and home to a rich biodiversity. They contain the most incredible waterfalls & wildlife, trails, and rivers, hunting and fishing…and our quaint, throw-back mountain towns are growing increasingly popular as people look to escape urban spaces. These are precisely many of the reasons that international wildlife photographer & Canon Explorer of L...
Green Race & Big Adventure in the Green River Game Lands, with John Grace
September 27, 2021 06:00 - 1 hour - 45.4 MBThe Green River Game Lands contains just over 18,000 acres of wilderness and lies along the Blue Ridge Escarpment in Henderson and Polk counties. It is home to the Green River which cuts a rugged chasm as it descends the Blue Ridge escarpment providing numerous whitewater sports opportunities like kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and fishing in wild trout waters. At its most impressive point, the Green River drops 400 feet in just over 1.5 miles running through a crevice known as the Narrows, whi...