Features
We need to do more than talk about diversity. The word diversity GETS USED A LOT THESE DAYS, especially in the outdoor community. You may have seen the latest media campaigns focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Actually, I’m sure you’ve seen them—diversity is sexy, trendy, and the IN thing in the outdoors. If you…
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The Blue Ridge is already known for its moonshine and microbreweries, but a new crop of flavorful and innovative beverages have been brewing (or fermenting) in these mountains lately. From sake to cider and soda to juice, we’re taking a look at the family-owned businesses that are bringing innovative new twists to the beverage industry…
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Mothman and the Flatwoods Monster. Bigfoot, Brown Mountain Lights, and the Bell Witch. Are these mysteries folklore or fact? It’s not surprising that a 480-million-year-old mountain range would inspire legends of unexplained animals darting through the darkened forest or strange and ghostly apparitions appearing in the night sky. For generations, myths and superstitions have been…
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Cities these days are more than just skyscraper skylines. With rivers, trails, and open space strategically incorporated into urban development plans, these 12 destinations are keeping the adventure within city limits. Washington, D.C. (Featured) Population: 693,972 Fun fact: The Washington Canoe Club was founded on the banks of the Potomac River in 1904 and has…
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An hour and a half west of our nation’s capital is the rural community of Berryville, Va., population 4,304. A seemingly idyllic oasis among the northern Virginia sprawl, Berryville has all of the ingredients to be an outdoor recreation hub—the Appalachian Trail and Shenandoah River are both just minutes from downtown. So what’s missing? I…
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Twenty years ago, the biggest manhunt in history took place in Western North Carolina for the Olympic Park and abortion clinic bomber. On July 27, 1996, Eric Rudolph bombed the summer Olympics in Atlanta. Over the next eighteen months a string of other bombings followed. Authorities finally closed in on Rudolph, but before they could…
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For 100 years, summer camps have been a mainstay of western North Carolina’s culture. There are over 50 residential summer camps spread among four counties—Transylvania, Henderson, Buncombe, and Jackson—making western North Carolina the most concentrated summer camp area in the world. So what impact have summer camps had on the region? We asked some of…
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Last year I had the pleasure of meeting Bill Zimmer, co-owner of Ecusta Brewing Company, through a mutual friend who was playing a show at the brewery. There were great tunes, bbq, guys dancing in unicorn costumes, and of course, delicious brews. After a couple beers, we started talking about a new idea they were…
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On the surface Asheville Greenworks is a environmental nonprofit located in Western North Carolina that works to inspire, equip and mobilize local communities to care for the places they live in. But what most people do not know is that they operate with only seven paid employees and that these paid staff members plan and execute over 250 events each year with the help of over 3,400 volunteers.
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There were zero male loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings found at test beaches on Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, according to a study by Dr. Jeanette Wyneken, a biological sciences professor at Florida Atlantic University. The phenomenon is similar across other sea turtle species in the state as well. Leatherbacks and green sea turtles are also predominantly female.…
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Every once in a while, Creature Comforts, the Athens, Georgia-based brewery that has given the wonderful Tropicalia IPA, releases a different version of Athena, their take on the Berliner Weisse style. Back in the day, the Berliner Weisse was often served with a shot of fruit syrup to even out the tart notes. Creature Comforts…
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In May of 1996, Julianne “Julie” Williams and Laura “Lollie” Winans walked into the woods and never came out alive. Their double-murder sparked shock and fear within Shenandoah National Park, where they were murdered at their backcountry campsite, and far beyond, prompting a nation-wide search for their killer. I was in high school when Julie…
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Dirtbag or drifter? Endurance geek or yogi? Urbanite or survivalist? Our 17-question quiz will reveal which outdoor personality you most resemble.
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