An Asheville local’s 2026 Western North Carolina bucket list, featuring must-do hikes, weekend trips, food tours, and Blue Ridge experiences.
Tag: travel
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 … More
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.
The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same
A stream-of-conscious reflection on one year since Hurricane Helene.
Asheville Is Healing
Two big post-Helene reopenings this past weekend in Asheville: Zillicoah Brewing and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Changing for the Better…
Sometimes, I think it’s best to just think things, and not necessarily post them…
I Woke Up Early to Catch a Smoky Mountain Sunrise, and All I Got Was This Gloomy Photo
I woke up to see a gorgeous Smoky Mountains sunrise, but nature had other plans.
AshevilleExplorer 