Discover how an Instagram scroll led me to the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s Winter Hiking Challenge 2026—and why I’m committing to 60 miles of winter hiking in the North Carolina mountains and Southern Appalachian trails.
Overheard in the Asheville Saunas: Part Two
Part two of the ridiculous things you hear Ashevillians say in the various saunas of Asheville.
A Blessed Turn of Events at the Asheville Trader Joe’s
A strange interaction at the Asheville Trader Joe’s restored my faith in humanity…for now.
An Unemployed Asheville December Bucket List
As I’ve previously shared, I’m currently experiencing what a more annoying sect of the internet that obviously doesn’t have to…
Performative Tech Bro-ness at the Sauna House
A very specific (very meta) type of performative masculinity was overheard at Asheville’s Sauna House recently.
A Shortoff Mountain Sunset Hike Was Almost as Chaotic as Black Balsam Knob
A local compares Black Balsam and Shortoff Mountain sunsets—two iconic WNC hikes with unexpectedly chaotic vibes, weddings, parties, and unforgettable views.
Lessons From My First Full-Moon Hike in Western North Carolina
I finally checked “full moon hike” off my Western North Carolina bucket list with a nighttime trek up Black Balsam. Here’s what I learned about timing, trails, and how to make a full moon hike actually magical.
A Sunrise at Mt LeConte
After getting laid off at a Virginia rest stop, I hiked to watch the sunrise at Mt. LeConte. Reflections on layoffs, friendship, and the kind of clarity only the Smokies can give you.
New Series: Overheard in the Asheville Saunas
You hear some wild conversations in the saunas of Asheville.
How Soon is Too Soon to Reflect on a Tragedy (or…Anything)?
How soon is too soon to reflect and learn from a tragedy? Or anything?
AshevilleExplorer 