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Foggy Grandfather Swinging Bridge

History of Grandfather Mountain

Photo by Monty Combs Grandfather Mountain was formed by plate tectonics. The Appalachian Mountains, where Grandfather Mountain is located, were formed by the collision of two continental crusts. Erosion over hundreds of millions of years has created the landscape we see today.  The Cherokee named the mountain, "Tanawha," meaning Great Hawk or Eagle. Early

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Hooker Falls in DuPont State Forest

History of DuPont State Forest

In the modern history of the area known as DuPont State Forest, the State of North Carolina purchased the land for the recreation area in three major phases between 1995-2000. The land purchases began when the DuPont Corporation sold its industrial operation and surrounding land holdings. The Conservation Fund worked with North Carolina officials to facilitate the public purchase. The

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Late fall color dots the vista from Chimney Rock State Park

History of Chimney Rock State Park

More than 100 years ago, Dr. Lucious B. Morse fell in love with Chimney Rock. He was diagnosed with tuberculosis and came to the area looking for a more "healthful climate." In 1902, he purchased Chimney Rock and 64 surrounding acres for $5,000. Not long after, Morse and his family began building a bridge and a road to the top. A local man, Guilford Nanney, was responsible for

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A kayak situated on Lake Julian during sunset

Relive Your Summer Camp Experience in Asheville

Western North Carolina will soon take center stage with the release of  Summer Camp,  featuring a star-studded cast including Diane Keaton, Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard. The movie, filmed last year and soon to be released on May 31, offers a glowing reminder of our region's prominence as a premier destination for summer camps, anchored by a historic legacy of

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Pride flag on Asheville City Hall

LGBTQ+ Resource Guide for Asheville

In Asheville, creativity, inclusivity and respect are deeply rooted in our city's core, and we work hard to make this a welcoming place for all. Below, find a list of resources and organizations serving the LGBTQ+ community in Asheville. As LBGTQ+ visitors travel across our city, these are safe spaces and organizations that can answer questions, help with advocacy or

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Ground Level Media Latinx

Mejores Eventos de Primavera 2024 en Asheville

A medida que las temperaturas cálidas traen hermosas flores a las montañas Blue Ridge, el calendario de festivales y celebraciones de Asheville también florece. Disfrute de estos coloridos eventos que le ayudarán a dejar atrás el invierno y a sentir de nuevo la primavera. A continuación, un vistazo a los eventos primaverales en Asheville en 2024. Las

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BCHT 2

History comes alive with the Black Cultural Heritage Trail

Asheville's Black Culture Heritage Trail was unveiled in December 2023, marking a significant milestone in the growing effort to amplify and preserve Affrilachian heritage. The trail includes 14 stops and 20 panels that reach across three historic Black neighborhoods and unearths intimate and fascinating stories of dignity, struggle and resilience. The

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Jason Sellers  / plant

The future of Asheville's cuisine is rooted in Appalachian past

Southern Appalachia is a place that prides itself on self-sufficiency and resiliency – an ability to create and sustain using what’s available. The cooking practices that evolved from this mindset – canning, pickling, foraging, preserving – are deeply rooted in our history, shaped by the rugged terrain, limited access to commercial goods and an ingrained culture

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Runners starting at the starting line at the River Arts District Marathon and 10K

A 2024 Runners Race Guide for Asheville, NC

Asheville is a runner’s paradise. From urban jogging downtown to the endless forest trails that encompass the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has something to offer runners of any level. Even better, the city offers a plethora of exciting races to test yourself and local running groups that meet often to train and are always excited to add new members. So, before you lace up your

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Camp 7

Overnight Summer Camps In and Around Asheville, North Carolina

There really is nothing like camp. For generations, the laughter, friendship and memories made at summer camps in Asheville, Western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains have sparked lifelong connections to this special part of the world. The 1995 summer camp classic  Heavyweights  was filmed in this region, and soon, the Blue Ridge Mountains will once again

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