By Jon Tharp, Broker · June 29, 2026
At a Glance
"An Appalachian Evening" is the summer bluegrass and old-time music series at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center in Robbinsville, Graham County, about 90 minutes west of Waynesville. The 2026 season runs eight Saturday nights …
By Jon Tharp, Broker · June 29, 2026
At a Glance
At the 1780 Battle of Kings Mountain, 16-year-old Overmountain soldier Hugh Rogers fell for Nancy Thornton, a colonel's daughter handing water to exhausted troops. He returned years later to court her, married her in 1789, …
By Jon Tharp, Broker · June 29, 2026
At a Glance
The Stecoah Arts & Crafts Drive-About is a free, self-guided driving tour of working artists' studios across Graham and Swain counties in North Carolina. Held twice a year, in late June and around Thanksgiving, it …
By Jon Tharp, Broker · June 23, 2026
At a Glance
Duke Energy Carolinas lowered its proposed residential rate increase from 18% to 11.6% after objections from NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson, state regulators, and residents. The North Carolina Utilities Commission still must approve, reduce, or …
By Jon Tharp, Broker · June 23, 2026
At a Glance
Books & Bites brings #1 New York Times bestselling author Ruta Sepetys to Highlands, North Carolina, in Macon County. Hosted by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce, the literary event pairs an author talk with food …
By Jon Tharp, Broker · June 23, 2026
At a Glance
North Carolina ranked ninth nationally on WalletHub's 2026 Best States for Summer Road Trips list, published June 22, and third on a separate budget-focused study from Dunhill Travel Deals. The state scored especially high for …
By Jon Tharp, Broker · June 22, 2026
At a Glance
WorldAtlas named 11 of North Carolina's most hospitable towns, and Western NC communities consistently appear on these rankings. Mountain towns like Brevard, Highlands, Waynesville, and Franklin earn the recognition through walkable downtowns, locally owned shops …
By Jon Tharp, Broker · June 22, 2026
At a Glance
A 1925 North Carolina county building gave up a string of small mysteries during renovation, from layers of old finishes to forgotten construction choices hidden behind the walls. County crews documented each one as they …
By Jon Tharp, Broker · June 22, 2026
At a Glance
One World Brewing West celebrated its 8th anniversary on Sunday, June 21, 2026, with a Summer Solstice Pickin' Party at its 520 Haywood Road beer garden in West Asheville. The all-day event ran from 2 …
By Jon Tharp, Broker · June 21, 2026
At a Glance
Cultivate Climbing runs summer day camps for kids ages 6-14 at its Foundy Street bouldering gym in Asheville's River Arts District. Campers spend full weeks on climbing instruction, games, and coach-led challenges with a 1:6 …