When the Water Comes: Decoration Day

Every year, an old family cemetery tucked in the woods on the northern shore of Fontana Lake becomes a gathering place. One woman, whose parents and grandparents worked this land, returns to ensure that a Southern mountain tradition carries on — rain or shine.

Like a Local: Forest City & Bostic

Like a Local: Forest City & Bostic

In these small-town, foothills communities, businesses are run by the people, for the people. From handmade doughnuts to craft distilled malt whisky, these towns thrive on both tradition and originality.

City Portrait: Brevard

City Portrait: Brevard

Pisgah National Forest is the ideal amphitheater for nature’s music. But come summer, the historic hamlet next door erupts in symphonies as gorgeous as waterfalls, and old-time jams as rousing as mountain trails.