Exploration Local

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In this episode I sit down with Tubby Kubik, Executive Director of the Blue Ridge Parkway Association and we chat about the history of the Parkway, the unique characteristics of the Blue Ridge Mountains, resources to make your visit and exploration of the Parkway and Southern Appalachian towns as enjoyable as possible, and some secrets for escaping the crowds while still seeing amazing Fall Color.

MEET THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY: The Blue Ridge Parkway, affectionately known as America's Favorite Scenic Drive, is a 469-mile road that runs mostly along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountain connecting Shenandoah National Park in (Virginia) and Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the south. This iconic scenic byway passes through some of the Some of the oldest mountains in the world, The highest mountain peak in the eastern United States (Mount Mitchell), The oldest river in North America (New River), The deepest gorge east of the Grand Canyon (Linville Gorge) – The highest waterfall east of the Rockies (Whitewater Falls).

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
[email protected]

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In this episode we sit down with Angela Harrell. She is the Owner & Innkeeper of the Cumberland Falls Bed & Breakfast, located in the beautiful and historic Montford District of Asheville. Angela is also a member of the Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association which is an association of diverse inns located in Asheville, North Carolina and the surrounding area including historic homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places, quaint cottages in the city and cabins in the mountains, rustic country lodges with sunrises and sunsets, and unique group accommodations in boutique hotels.

Innkeepers offer insider tips on making the most of your visit. With their knowledge of the area, they can make recommendations for local dining and craft beer, tours, and outdoor adventures. Make the most of Asheville’s art and music scene or tour the Biltmore Estate....and let’s not forget the fabulous breakfast you will experience each morning or the quiet oasis that awaits your return each day.

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
[email protected]

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In this episode we sit down with Nick Troutman who is a Professional Whitewater Kayaker, Growth Mindset Guru, and Champion Family Man! Nick paddles for Jackson Kayaks and has been a part of the Jackson family heritage for over a decade. Originally from Ottawa, Canada, Nick started kayaking at the age of 13 and his career was catapulted after high school as he toured the country with the Jackson family under the direct mentorship of none other than legendary Eric Jackson (EJ), who is a World-Champion freestyle kayaker, kayak designer, slalom kayaker, and founder of Jackson Kayak. Since turning pro at 18, Troutman has traveled the globe, and has become a Freestyle Kayak World Champion, 8x National Champion, GoPro Athlete, GMC sponsored athlete, and Entrepreneur. He is also the host of The Art of Awesome Podcast (which you MUST listen to).

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
[email protected]

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In this episode we sit down with Clayton Manche, a lifelong native of Asheville, and Owner of Asheville Adventures, a Locally-lead Adventure Tour Company that offers The Greatest Private Hiking Tours in Asheville. Receiving all 5-star excellent ratings at Trip Advisor, Clayton and his staff of guides at Asheville Adventures have created an incredibly unique and high personalized adventure tour guide service. No two trips are the same, and each is completely customized to match the ability and interests of the private group. If you’re interested in breaking away from the crowds and experiencing these mountains like never before, you’re going to LOVE this episode.

Asheville Adventures
Grand Canyon
Dynamite Coffee
Southern Appalachian Mountains
Wipe Every Tear

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
[email protected]

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The Western North Carolina Mountains are beautiful all year, but they really show off their colors and stunning beauty in Autumn and Fall. In this episode we break down the Fall Color Map for North Carolina by Appalachian State University's Howard Neufeld (Affectionately known as the Fall Color Guy) and Michael Denslow. We also talk about how weather affects fall color and how this year’s weather is shaping up. We’ll break down the timeline of the map by elevation and share some killer spots for leaf color viewing at each elevation. And lastly, I’ll share a few tips to help make this an epic year for fall color viewing

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Fall Color Map
Fall Color Guy on Facebook
The Leaf-Peeper’s Guide to the North Carolina Mountains
Romantic Asheville Fall Color Guide
Southern Sixers Map

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
[email protected]

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It is common for people who visit the western North Carolina mountains to instantly fall in love with the area.  From outdoor adventure enthusiasts and waterfall explorers to anglers and scenic byway drivers, those who love these mountains are drawn to its beauty and serenity. For Mike & Cate Szabo, owners of Cabin Hosts Vacation Rentals, their love affair with the Blue Ridge Mountains started with a trip to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the fall foliage in 2012. The mountains captured their hearts and they made it their goal to find a way to put down roots. In 2016, they purchased their very own cabin in Chimney Rock, NC with the idea of creating a peaceful, relaxing space for a retreat in the mountains. Two years later, they built a log cabin in nearby Lake Lure. They put their heart and soul into the cabins, and it is their mission to ensure their guests trust them to provide a clean, comfortable space for their holiday. They've had the great fortune of hosting wonderful guests who share stories of engagements, anniversaries, birthday celebrations, etc. all celebrated at the cabins. Listen in as Mike and Cate talk about their journey from visitor to local cabin hosts who provide a place for people to create spectacular lifelong memories!

MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST
Chimney Rock Village
Chimney Rock State Park
Lake Lure
Lake Lure Adventure Company
Medina's Village Bistro
Hickory Nut Gorge Brewery
Party Rock
Rumbling Bald Trail
Point Lookout Winery
Burntshirt Winery
Hickory Nut Falls
Hendersonville, NC
Black Mountain, NC
Asheville, NC

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
[email protected]

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Thomas C. Webb is an Emmy award-winning film and video creator who has dedicated his life to waking up at 3am, enduring -30-degree temperatures and climbing to spine-tingling heights to capture the perfect shot. Bringing the client’s vision to life and telling their story in a unique, engaging way is what drives Thomas to wake up well before the sun. For over a decade, Thomas has been traveling across the world telling impactful stories with professional and creative video production services. Currently residing just outside of Asheville with his two kids and wife, Thomas is happy to call western North Carolina his home.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Ogre Outdoors
Rivetr
Werner Herzog
Ken Burns
Brevard
Pisgah Forest
Camp4Collective
Adventure Collective
Our State
BBC World News
Food & Wine

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
[email protected]

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When the weather begins to cool off in the Southeast it means the best season of the year is fast approaching. Apple picking, a favorite fall pastime, actually begins in early September in western North Carolina. And, no apple tastes better than the ones you pick yourself - fresh off the tree. This autumn/fall activity is definitely one to have on your family bucket list. In this episode I sit down with Farmer Mike Stepp, a third generation apple farmer, who owns Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard, a beautiful 105 acre farm in a country setting on the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina. Mike has a passion for growing apples and he enjoys sharing the farm with the many visitors every year. With the help of his family (wife, daughter's, son-in-law, and grandchildren) they've added pick your own pumpkins, grapes, and sunflowers. Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard has been Harvesting Family Memories For Generations.

Apple Ripening Schedule

** Henderson County leads North Carolina in apple production and is 7th nationwide **

Spend the Day at the Farm!
Apple Cider Donuts
Pumpkins & Jack O’Lanterns
5-Acre Corn Maze
Apple Cannon (Weekends Only)
Jump Pad (Weekends Only)
Weekend Wagon Rides
U-Pick Grapes
Pick Your Own Sunflowers and Zinnias
Covered Picnic Area
Bring Your Camera & Take Some Pictures
Educational Nature Trail

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
[email protected]

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In this episode we highlight some of the latest places we’ve been exploring. Exploration Local Host, Mike Andress, shares some of his favorite small mountain towns, new hikes, waterfalls, scenic drives & mountain biking trails that he's being enjoying with his family. With a little drop in temps here in WNC, the apple farms opening up for the season, and kids returning to school, the popular fall leaf season in the mountains is just around the corner. Listen in to hear about places to check out on your Western North Carolina Mountain Adventure this Fall.

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
[email protected]

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Instagram: explorationlocal

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Leslie Restivo lives in Boone, NC. She is very comfortable in the backcountry of the Highlands and the rugged and scenic Linville Gorge. She has been known to rappel deep into the Gorge to grab the perfect shot. She is a Brand Ambassador at Great Outdoor Provision Co, 2020 Grand Prize winner of the Peering into Pisgah Photo Contest, Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine Photographer of 2020, Admin at North Carolina Nature Lovers on Facebook, and Admin at Roam Outdoors and Appalachian Explorers on Instagram. She is also an avid supporter of Astral. Using photography as a way to express her emotions & feelings, she has a brilliant way of giving texture and details and helping people to not only see the moment in her work but to feel the moment as well.

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
[email protected]

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal