Handicrafts in Western North Carolina are a 200 million dollar force in the region's economy. The author examines artists and how they contribute to the economy and tourism industry.
Art Loeb's love for hiking in Western North Carolina was the driving force behind the dedication of a 30 mile footpath bisected by the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Art Loeb Trail.
Valle Crucis' Mast General Store was reopened by John Cooper in 1980. The store in Valle Crucis was originally opened in 1883 and is a historical icon in the town.
Mountain bike trails surrounding W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in Wilkes County were designed by bikers for bikers. Locals and tourists alike can enjoy more than 20 miles of trails just outside of Wilkesboro.
In the early 1900s, George Masa (1881-1933) braved the wild to photograph the pristine Appalachian Mountains. As a result of his actions, much of the mountains have been protected for generations to come.