In a shop outside of Morganton, a modern blacksmith and his wife turn elemental materials — metal and wood — into elegant works that can be found all over town, and beyond.
How to Find the Most Magnificent Views of Linville Gorge
When it comes to mountain vistas, nothing compares to the magnificence of Linville Gorge. From gentle strolls to near-vertical climbs, there’s a path for everyone who wants to enjoy some of the state’s most stunning scenery.
Living Cliffside
A retired biology professor at Appalachian State University studies the new species, the rare species, and the really old species that grow on Linville Gorge cliffs.
Fonta Flora’s Legendary Brew
On a curvy road in the shadow of Shortoff Mountain, a farm-to-pint brewery embraces the legend of Fonta Flora and its long-lost agrarian community.
Appalachian Atlantis: The Lost Mountain Utopia of Fonta Flora
Legend has it that beneath Lake James rests the lost mountain utopia of Fonta Flora, a diverse community that farmed fertile land and lived in harmony. Getting to the truth behind the lore involves following family history, old maps, and really good beer.
The Godfather of Linville Gorge Climbing
Joey Henson found that the best way to protect this wild and vital landscape is to conquer it.
The Long Way Back to The Sphinx
Three years after a devastating fall from the side of a mountain in the rocky wilderness of Linville Gorge, an avid hiker returned to the scene to find acceptance and renewal.
Good Times at the Old Hampton Store
In an old trading post and gristmill near Grandfather Mountain, an artist has created a community of locals and tourists who come together over pulled pork and fried pickles, High Country cocktails, and traditional Appalachian art and music.
The Heart of Morganton
Merchants and their regulars in this Burke County town have banded together like family, uplifting and reinventing a community rich in nature, compassion, and creativity.
