That soft blue haze — the namesake smoke of the Great Smoky Mountains — is a quirk of nature that was once severely threatened by man-made pollutants. Now, the vistas are opening up again.
A Smoker Named Jezebel at Southern Smoke
The line is out the door at Southern Smoke, a tiny carryout barbecue joint in Garland with a big following. Their secret is knowing how to tend both fire and family at the same time.
When the Smoke Cleared: Growing Up in a Tobacco Town
Bittersweet memories of growing up in a tobacco town reveal the complicated relationship between a community’s main industry and the families who paid dearly for it.
17 Charlotte Restaurants Dishing Up International Fare
Our guide to the authentic (and delicious) global fare that has helped turn Charlotte into a foodie destination — no passport required.
Autumn’s Best Adventure: Cherohala Skyway
We found the season’s sweet spot — a series of them, actually, along a remote byway in far-western Graham County. The Cherohala Skyway dips and rises, curves and coasts past waterfalls, hiking trails, and mountain views that (almost) never end.
Iron & Artistry
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.
