The world often tells us vacations are for couples, families, or groups of friends. But what if your soul is craving something different? What if you're yearning for an adventure that's solely yours – a "bravecation" where you step outside your comfo...

While the news of Brian Wilson's passing yesterday, June 11, 2025, at the age of 82, brings a bittersweet note, it's truly a moment to turn up the volume and bask in the incredible, sun-drenched legacy he leaves behind. Brian Wilson wasn't just a mus...

It's Memorial Day, and for many of us, that means firing up the grill, maybe hitting the lake, or just enjoying an extra day off. And honestly, there's nothing wrong with that! We all deserve a break. But as I sit here, thinking about the holiday, I ...

Extreme heat isn't just uncomfortable; it places immense strain on your body's ability to cool itself. When sweating isn't enough, your core temperature rises, leading to potentially dangerous conditions like heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and the mos...

Endangered Species Day, observed on May 16, 2025, is a day to raise awareness of endangered and threatened species and the vital work being done to protect them. Being a part of the conservation tale of the bog turtle, one of the most endangered and ...

Some musicians' songs have the sensation of a dialogue with a witty, witty, and brutally honest friend. Without a doubt, Jill Sobule was one of them. It just hits you differently when you learn that she died in a house fire in Woodbury, Minnesota, on...

The past wasn't just about "cool" fashion choices; it was also filled with awesome music and everyday objects that people used, relied on, and couldn't imagine living without. But to your modern eyes? They might look like alien artifacts, weird ...

Ready to rally the troops? Here are some Friendcation activity ideas adaptable to your corner of Western NC, tailored for different vibes and age groups, all designed for a 2-to-5-day getaway within about 50 miles of your home base:The Energetic Expl...

Can't think of anything braver that a staycation

 "Bravecations"—getting out and exploring the incredible resilience and beauty of Western North Carolina post-Hurricane Helene, even on a budget. But sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is slow down, switch off, and rediscover the joy right w...

Ever wonder how the books end up on the shelves in your kid's school library? Usually, it involves trained librarians and teachers picking books they think fit the curriculum and are right for different age groups, following rules set by the local sc...

After the challenges brought by Hurricane Helene, Western North Carolina's communities and local businesses are eager to welcome residents and visitors alike. Now is the perfect time to embark on a "Bravecation"—a bold staycation that encourages you ...

“Through the smoke, the sun still rises—same as us.”

Because in These Hills, You Can Laugh, Cry, and Rebuild—All in a DayThe air's been thick lately in alot of places —with smoke, yes, but also grit and grace.We've been through it: Hurricane Helene left her mark, and now wildfires edge closer than...

Less is Now: Spring Cleaning with Purpose (And Sanity)

Inspired by The Minimalists and that nagging pile of stuff you keep ignoring If you've watched The Minimalists: Less Is Now on Netflix, you know exactly where I'm going with this. Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus remind us that our stuff — t...

Speaking Out, Is Anyone Listening?

A Town Hall Marked by Engagement and FrustrationTensions ran high at U.S. Representative Chuck Edwards' (R-NC) town hall in Asheville on March 13, where hundreds of constituents gathered to voice their concerns. Hosted at Asheville-Buncombe Technical...

Western North Carolina is still rebuiding after Hurricane Helene swept through in September 2024, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Trees—nature's best defense against flooding, erosion, and extreme weather—were lost in staggering numb...

Alright, folks, it's that time of year again—when we collectively lose an hour of sleep but gain an hour of evening sunshine. Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2025, so before you hit the hay tonight, set those clocks ah...

Tens of millions of federal grants recently canceled by the Trump adminstration directly support programs for teacher retention andtraining across North Carolina. Practically speaking, this implies that previously used vital financial suppo...

Long regarded as one of the most dog-friendly communities in the United States is Asheville, North Carolina. After Hurricane Helene in September 2024, the city struggled greatly with infrastructural destruction and severe flooding. Still, the strong ...

In a move that has sparked nationwide debate,  President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on February 9, 2025, to announce that he has directed the U.S. Treasury Department to halt the production of new pennies. In his post, Trump stated: ...

The Trump administration is taking steps to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, a move that would drastically change the landscape of public schooling in America. One of the biggest consequences? The loss of Title I funding—the $18 billion fe...