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The North Carolina Fraser Fir Christmas tree is the most popular Christmas tree in North America, but did you know they are shipped into every state in the U.S. as well as the Caribbean Islands, Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, Japan and other points all over the world. The cool temperatures and large amounts of rainfall in the mountains of North Carolina create the perfect climate for Fraser firs. So, it’s easy to understand how over 50 million Fraser firs are grown in North Carolina, and that the Fraser Fir has been judged the Nation’s best according to the National Christmas Tree Association.

In this episode I sit down with Dr. Jim Hamilton who works for the NC Cooperative Extension Office and serves as the Watauga County Extension Director. He’s an expert on North Carolina Christmas Tree Industry and a fulltime resident in the High Country.

We talk about why Fraser Firs grow naturally only in the southern Appalachian Mountains…and the reasons may surprise you. This is a fun episode because we peek behind the veil of the Christmas Tree Industry and what makes North Carolina one of the top places in the entire country to grow Christmas Trees, and we discover what it takes, and how long it takes, to get a Christmas from a seedling to the tree stand in your home. An episode or discussion about NC Christmas Trees would not be complete with mentioning the Choose & Cut farms that provide a wide range of experiences and a lifetime of memories as people and families countdown the days to Christmas.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
NC Cooperative Extension
NC State Extension
North Carolina Christmas Tree Associations
Where we went this year: Elk River Evergreens

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

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Although widely accepted in Europe since the 1960’s, the thought of a gap year in our western culture makes many people, especially parents, uneasy and questioning whether the experience will be fruitful. But a 2015 study at Temple University found that the gap year experience had proved fruitful and unanimously positive: 98% said their year had helped them develop as a person, 96% found it increased their self-confidence, and 93% agreed that it had increased their communications skills. Many also reported that their gap year helped them acquire skills to be successful in their careers, develop a greater understanding of other cultures, and made them see themselves as global citizens.

In this episode, I catch up with my daughter, Karsyn, who graduated this past spring and is currently spending a gap semester at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. We talk about what the gap year experience has meant to her, how she’s being challenged, and how she’s growing. We also talk about her love and passion for the outdoors, and how growing up in the Blue Ridge Mountains has helped shape her life and is impacting the things she wants to pursue in life.

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

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In this episode I sit down with Andrew Garcia, who is the Managing Partner of Outdoor Adventure Partners. His company purchased the Wilderness Cove Campground along the lower Green River last Thanksgiving, and immediately began making improvements to the property in January of this year. 

We talk in depth about the new vision for this property and their desire to be good stewards of the land and be involved in the tight knit Green River Cove community. We also talk about all of the amazing improvements made so far, as well as some of the amazing features and amenities coming to the property in the near future.

Situated at the base of the Green River Gorge, and adjacent to the Green River Game Lands, Wilderness Cove truly offers something for the whole family. And, one of the best things about this area is that it is far less crowded than many of the other popular destinations in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Wilderness Cove Campground
333 Fish Camp
Outdoor Venture Partners
Green Race

Listen to past episodes about Saluda & First Peak of The Blue Ridge

Listen to Episode 43 - First Peak of the Blue Ridge: Gateway to Mountain Charm, Adventure, Wineries, and Waterfalls.

Listen to Episode 36 - Something in the Saluda Air Fills the Heart and Soul

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

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In this episode I sit down with Mike Poggioli, who is one of these rare photographers who truly meditates on his subject before shooting, and his passion for the craft is obvious. While living in Chicago in 2015, Poggioli's love of photography grew, fueled by the city's singular architecture and its orange-hued streetlights in the rain. Winding career paths eventually led him to Asheville, North Carolina, where he found a new appreciation for landscapes entirely devoid of skyscrapers and blurry subway cars. His upcoming collection, Blue Ridge Dreaming, is the product of meticulously timed hikes, spontaneous Blue Ridge Parkway pullovers, and a true, lifelong admiration for the wild artistry of nature and the elements. 

Mike and I talk about his passion for photography, his love of the Blue Ridge Mountains, tips for taking the best shots with your phone, mindfulness and pursuing hobbies that bring us joy and balance. I think you’re going to enjoy Mike’s reflection on passion, career and pursuing life. 

CHECK OUT THESE AWESOME LINKS
Trope Publishing
Blue Ridge Dreaming - The Book
Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation
Blue Ridge Parkway - Interactive Website

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

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

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode I sit down with Emily Jackson and we unpack how her adventurous childhood created such a solid foundation for her own life, that she couldn’t comprehend a different way of life. She is an accomplished professional kayaker, mom, wife, businesswoman, co-host of The Great Family Adventure TV series, and friend to so many. 

We talk about how her most clear recollection of her family’s happiness stemmed from a decision to live fulltime in a RV to pursue life together, forged on a mission to provide experiences and not stuff. 

We talk about her own career and real life challenges and experiences of raising a family touring around the world while pursuing her and her husband Nick’s professional kayaking career. Family time is their best time, and every decision and move they make as a family has this purpose in mind. 

Here’s the beauty of this episode. It's super relatable to everyone with a heart beat. Regardless of whether you live in a RV full time, host an adventure TV show,  have kids, or are planning to have kids. If you truly want to live your best life, there is something for everyone in this episode.

Mentioned In This Episode
The Great Family Adventure
Jackson Kayak
Great Family Adventure You Tube Channel

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

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

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

Send us Fan Mail

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

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode I sit down with Lee Trebotich, aka “Natty”. He created Food For Adventures for the outdoor athletes and weekend warriors who seek adventure, and to share the stoke of eating well in the outdoors. We talk about the long line of cooks he comes from, and how he grew up helping his mom in the kitchen where he learned how to cook exclusively with cast-iron. 

Besides being an amazing Outdoor Chef, Natty is just an all around awesome guy to be around. He’s the type of person that just makes the world a better place. Everyone needs a Natty in their life, and I am so stoked to introduce you to him.

Whether you are hosting an outdoor festival, mountaintop wedding or an adventurous corporate retreat, Food for Adventures has you covered. They’ll dial in the menu with items such as Steak Tacos, Baked Ziti with salad, beignets & coffee, shrimp gumbo, sausage jambalaya, backcountry breakfast burritos, and so much more.  Food for Adventures will handle all of the logistics so you can fully enjoy your EVENT.

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

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In this episode, I sit down with Steven Reinhold, The Appalachian Adventure Company Co-Founder + Steward of the Stoke, who has been a force in the outdoor industry for many years. He is an avid explorer and adventure philanthropist who has been fortunate to pursue his passions around the globe. After climbing several of North America's most iconic peaks with the industry's leading guide services, Steven determined that mountain guides were the coolest people on the planet. One of the greatest outcomes of all of these experiences - he realized he truly found his best self while climbing mountains.

Steven felt compelled to bring those types of skills & experiences home to his roots in Appalachia. He wanted to create a company that represented his roots and celebrated the hills and hollers he called home. So he formed The Appalachian Adventure Company in 2014 to share the stoke of adventure with everyone. 

In 2022, the Company underwent a serious rebranding effort and refocused their energy to further pursue positivity through our endeavors. What you’ll hear in this episode is the heart and creation of their now renowned Content Creators Camps, as well as other out-of-the-box type experiences at the heart and core of The Appalachian Adventure Company. What started as a passion project for one adventurer has transformed into a force for good within the outdoor industry and beyond!


MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Big City Mountaineers
 Leave No Trace
Black Folks Camp Too
 #trashtag
 National Cleanup Day
 All Hands and Hearts
Backpacker Magazine
 Hikes for Healing
 MADE X MTNS
Mountain Bizworks 

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

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This is a special episode because it is a story of a remarkable place and fascinating history, told through the eyes of third generation resident, John Nichols III, whose grandfather helped restore Lake Toxaway to its former glory in the early 1960s. We talk about John’s earliest recollections of growing up in Lake Toxaway, living in what is now known as the Greystone, warm days summer & cool nights, lightning bugs, the sounds of nature, and a simpler way of life. There is an atmosphere surrounding Lake Toxaway that in John’s words, is nearly indescribable. 

We also talk about the surrounding communities of Brevard & Cashiers, Gorges State Park, and Panthertown Valley, and how in many ways, the things that drew people to the area in the 1900’s like hunting, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and touring waterfalls, are the same things that attract people to the area today. 

It’s so rare to meet someone who has a direct & deep connection to an area dating back three generations. When you do, especially in these beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, you make time to visit & listen…and that’s what I did.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
The Grande Olde Station
Historic Lake Toxaway
Heart of Brevard
Gorges State Park
Panthertown Valley

Mike Andress
Producer & Host
828-551-9065
[email protected]

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

Podcast Website
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Instagram: explorationlocal

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In this episode, Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins owners Joe Balcken and Shelton Steele dropped by the studio to hang out and talk about their love and vision for Wrong Way, the transformational qualities of the outdoors, and the intentionality of creating a sense of place. Both are former whitewater raft guides turned trailblazing entrepreneurs. They came up with the idea for Wrong Way over the shared desire to get back on the river and encourage others to connect with the outdoors, have inspiring experiences, and experience a little local culture.

Wrong Way is joining the vibrant outdoor scene along the French Broad River Greenway where guests will be able to walk out their cabin front door to experience the river and greenway just across the street, as well as walk to rock climbing facilities and several recreation parks. The location is also within easy biking to retail shops, artist studios, restaurants, the pubs of Haywood Road, the River Arts District (RAD), and downtown Asheville.

Collaborators:
- Partner Nonprofits: Mountain True, Asheville on Bikes, RiverLink,
Asheville Greenworks
- Architect: BCA Architecture
- Interior Designer: Katherine Winkel, BCA Architecture
- Land Planning & Design: Fusco Land Planning & Design
- Construction: Griffin Builders
- Local craftsmen & artisans

Also mentioned in this episode:
Camp Grier

Fishes of The French Broad, Cooked Creek Holler & Eric Hinkley
https://crookedcreekholler.com/

Julian Harris , Foundation Studios

https://www.jamesbeard.org

Chefs Ashley Capps/Travis Schultz

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

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal