Buncombe County, which includes popular Asheville, is expanding its economic base from a heavy reliance on tourist dollars to a balance of manufacturing, trade, transportation, utilities, and services.
First settled in 1784, Buncombe County became more accessible to outsiders with the opening of US Highway 70. Sustained via tourism, agriculture, and industry, Buncombe residents enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city of Asheville, as well as the world-famous Biltmore Estate.
Abernethy writes that some people are of the opinion that the city of Asheville is the only interesting place in Buncombe County. He describes a trip around the county that he feels will change peoples' minds.
Asheville's music scene is eclectic and like the city itself, does not conform to labels. The city is home to six different stages where live performances of varying kinds occur.
The mountains of western North Carolina offer hundreds of opportunities to rock climb for beginners and experienced climbers alike. Asheville's location provides easy access to a number of these locations.
The Pinball Museum in Asheville is not a traditional museum, but more comparable to an arcade where visitors can play 30 different pinball machines as long as they like. Those looking for nostalgia or desiring to expose their children to older forms of entertainment frequent the museum.
The author presents things to do in downtown Asheville once the sun goes down, such as Pritchard Park. The author focuses mostly on the best areas to take photographs of late-night activities in downtown.
The law that created and protected wilderness areas in Western North Carolina, such as Linville Gorge Wilderness and Shining Rock, is close to its 50-year anniversary. The author discusses how the law came to fruition and its positive impact on the area.
The new Sunshine Chevy location in Arden, North Carolina makes use of eco-friendly designs in its building, such as an energy-controlling roof and walls, and windows that prevent heat loss.
Steve Atkins of Fox Cove Photography joined other birders in Western North Carolina after news of a snowy owl in the area spread like wildfire. The owl had just migrated from the arctic and was weak as a result. A bird rehabilitator captured the bird and is caring for the animal until it is well enough to be released.
Jack Fisher sought out 756 acres in Madison County in order to create a riverside retreat. This area became French Broad Crossing, which is monitored by the Southeast Regional Conservancy.
The author presents the various ways artists over a span of 200 years in Western North Carolina have used the medium to inspire others to protect the wilderness in order to instill a sense of place, home, and community in the region.
Navitat Canopy Adventures in Barnardsville, North Carolina offers visitors two-hour canopy tours over the wilderness of Buncombe County. The zip line-based tours provide spectacular views of the Blue Ridge and thrills for the adventurer.