Patterned after traditional heirloom blankets yet displayed like bright rural billboards, quilt blocks bring color, symbolism, and visitors to our mountains. See these pieces of American folk art as we wind past the barns and buildings of the Carolina countryside.
ashe county
A Pole Bean Revival in Ashe County
An NC Cooperative Extension agent and several optimistic farmers are helping bring back a crop that was thought to be extinct.
The High Country: Nature’s Art
The spectacular views in North Carolina’s High Country aren’t just inspiration for writers, painters, and sculptors. Those landscapes — the rugged gray face of Grandfather Mountain, the vibrant fall leaves, the deep green meadows — are brushstrokes on Earth’s own canvas.
The Joys of West Jefferson
In this artsy Ashe County town, discover dozens of colorful murals and local galleries, try famous “squeaky cheese,” float down the New River, and more.
A Guide to Downtown West Jefferson
This charming mountain town was built around a railroad; now an energetic community of artists and entrepreneurs help it flourish.
One of the Southernmost Maple Syrup Farmers
In Ashe County, a farming family transforms sap into sweet Appalachian maple syrup — and has turned threatened woodlands into a protected forest for future generations.
The Salamander Safari
They’re called a lot of uncharitable names — snot otters, devil dogs, hellbenders — but the ancient aquatic creatures of Appalachia are a prime indicator of the health of our waterways.
Enjoy Tranquility at the River House Inn in Ashe County
After more than 20 years in New York City, a 10th-generation Ashe County native came home to slow down — but only a little bit.
Big Horse Creek Farm in Lansing
High in Ashe County, Ron and Suzanne Joyner are bringing back hundreds of varieties of forgotten fruit.