WNC Kayaking Group Holds Inaugural Festival To Build Community & Give Back, with Crom Carey – Co-founder of WACKO

Posted on By Exploration Local
Community, Festival, Kayaking, Whitewater

The 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 … Read More “WNC Kayaking Group Holds Inaugural Festival To Build Community & Give Back, with Crom Carey – Co-founder of WACKO” »

Damascus, Virginia: Trail Town USA, Friendliest Town on the Appalachian Trail & Home of the Virginia Creeper Trail

Posted on By Exploration Local
Adventure, Appalachian Trail, Hiking, Mountain Town

Damascus 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, … Read More “Damascus, Virginia: Trail Town USA, Friendliest Town on the Appalachian Trail & Home of the Virginia Creeper Trail” »

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

Posted on By Exploration Local
Adventure, Conservation, Land Management, Mental Health & Well-Being, Mountains, Outdoor Gear, Outdoor Industry Economy, Tourism

Outdoor Economy Conference I 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 … Read More “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” »

Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail: A Magnificent Jewel in Western North Carolina, with Peter Barr

Posted on By Exploration Local
Adventure, Chimney Rock Village, Conservation, Hiking, Lake Lure, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing

The 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 … Read More “Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail: A Magnificent Jewel in Western North Carolina, with Peter Barr” »

Full-time RV Living: A WNC Couple Creating A Lifetime of Memories & Shared Experiences

Posted on By Exploration Local
Adventure, Camping, Digital Nomad, Mountains, RV Life

Nearly 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 … Read More “Full-time RV Living: A WNC Couple Creating A Lifetime of Memories & Shared Experiences” »