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Welcome to Part 2 of the Exploring North Carolina Lookout Towers with Peter Barr. If you missed Part 1, I really encourage you to check out that episode where Peter and I discuss the history and backstory of Forest Service lookout towers and how a lifechanging trip on the AT and sketchy climb up his first lookout tower completely changed the trajectory of Peter’s life. We talk about a lot of other cool things too, but I won’t spoil that for you. You’ll definitely want to check out that episode.

In Part 2 we go in depth with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which led to the complete restoration of most of the US Forest Service towers in North Carolina and we talk about how the draw to the mountains led to a thru-hike of the AT and ultimately a career in and for the mountains. In this episode we pick right up where we left off talking about the specific towers that were preserved thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Buy The Book: https://nclookouts.com
The Author: https://nclookouts.com/author/
The Photographer: https://www.kadamsphoto.com

Awesome Maps Provided By Jack Henderson, Pisgah Map Company
https://www.pisgahmapcompany.com

Conserving Carolina: https://conservingcarolina.org

Mike Andress, Host
Exploration Local Podcast
Email: [email protected]

Website: https://explorationlocal.com/
Instagram: explorationlocal
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/explorationlocal/

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

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Instagram: explorationlocal

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In the early 20th century, forestry agencies constructed dozens of lookout structures atop western North Carolina’s mountains as the backbone of a fire detection system. Many of these lookouts survive in North Carolina today, and they represent some of the most scenic destinations for hikers who want to see the incredible vistas of the southern Appalachian Mountains.

In this episode, I sit down with Peter Barr, Author of Exploring North Carolina’s Lookout Towers, an incredible book that leads outdoor enthusiasts to the spellbinding panoramic vistas from 28 of western North Carolina’s still-standing historic fire towers. Part hiking guide, historical anthology, and part photography collection, this book contains fascinating stories about the history and folklore of the lookouts & their fire lookout inhabitants, a detailed guide of hikes and drives to each, and details about the views from the top.

Peter is also an accomplished hiker and peakbagger, land conservationist, trail builder…and in this episode we’ll reveal his newest adventure and undertaking.

Buy The Book: https://nclookouts.com
The Author: https://nclookouts.com/author/
The Photographer: https://www.kadamsphoto.com

Awesome Maps Provided By Jack Henderson, Pisgah Map Company
https://www.pisgahmapcompany.com

Conserving Carolina: https://conservingcarolina.org

Mike Andress, Host
Exploration Local Podcast
Email: [email protected]

Website: https://explorationlocal.com/
Instagram: explorationlocal
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/explorationlocal/

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

Podcast Website
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Instagram: explorationlocal

Send us Fan Mail

French Broad Adventures is the closest Asheville zipline /canopy tour and rafting package to Asheville, Johnson City and Greenville SC. The whitewater rafting section of the French Broad River is only 24 miles away from Asheville, and the ten-line canopy zipline tour is on property at the Marshall Outpost which is short 30 drive from downtown Asheville. Whether it's the adventure and excitement of whitewater rafting or the ease and relaxation of a calm water trip you’re looking for, French Broad Adventures is the outfitter for you, your family, or your group. And, one of the newer adventures offered by French Broad Adventures, canyoneering, allows guests to experience up close and first-hand the waterfalls and river canyons that make this area so spectacular.

In this episode, I go onsite to the Marshall outpost and sit down with staff and owners to talk about what makes this family owned & operated outfitter the number one choice when you want to experience whitewater rafting, canopy ziplining, or repelling down a waterfall…AND still make it back in time to explore Downtown Asheville’s great restaurants and breweries.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
French Broad Adventures
Town of Marshall, NC
Hot Springs, NC
Madison County, NC
Mad Co Brew House

Mike Andress, Host
Exploration Local Podcast
Email: [email protected]

Website: https://explorationlocal.com/
Instagram: explorationlocal
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/explorationlocal/

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

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

Send us Fan Mail

When people think of the western North Carolina mountains they tend to think of natural resources like waterfalls, amazing vistas, world class mountain biking, climbing, and fishing, quaint adventure towns, thousands of miles of trails for hiking and backpacking and epic southeastern whitewater. Now, those are definitely accurate depictions of what the western North Carolina mountains have to offer, but what you might not realize is the extent to which these mountains have impacted an entire outdoor industry. These mountains have inspired a community of gear makers, professional guides, outfitters and retailers. The result…WNC boasts the largest concentration of outdoor companies east of the Rockies. Gear is inspired here, built here, tested here, refined here.

In this episode we sit down with Andy Williamson, the Executive Director of the Outdoor Gear Builders, to talk about the $28 Billion Dollar Outdoor economy in the state of North Carolina, and how these mountains have made industry leaders…people who have made tools and equipment to perform in the wild, people who have rethought their purpose, and people whose dreams of starting their own outdoor gear company, outfitter, and guide service have been brought to life, as well as  communities of people who work hard to develop and protect WNC’s natural assets.

https://www.outdoorgearbuilders.com
https://www.outdoorgearbuilders.com/members
https://outdoorswnc.com/partners/
https://www.madexmtns.com
https://www.mountainbizworks.org
http://wncoutdoorcollective.com
https://www.outdoorgearbuilders.com/get-in-gear-fest-2021
https://edpnc.com
https://outdooreconomy.org

Mike Andress, Host
Exploration Local Podcast
[email protected]

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

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Pete Ripmaster has always considered himself an athlete, but it wasn’t until much later in his life that he discovered running. When his mom passed away, Pete was in a real bad place personally, so he packed up everything he owned and knew, and headed into the Alaskan wilderness to find himself. After his soul searching experience, Pete returned to the lower 48 and found himself in Telluride Colorado.

Soon after, he decided to make good on a promise to his mom to do great things, and honored her legacy by running 50 marathons in 50 states and raising over $62,000 for cancer research in the process. This experience fueled his hunger to accomplish even more and served as a springboard for his cause-driven running journey.

After having overcome numerous setbacks and challenges, five attempts, and a near death experience, Pete became the 2018 champion of the Iditarod Trail Invitational. Now, you’ve likely heard of the Iditarod before, and it probably conjures up thoughts of a dog drawn sled making its way through the Alaskan wilderness in sub-zero temperatures. Keep that mental picture, but now image a grueling 26 day, 1000-mile self-supported foot race through the harsh winter conditions of the Alaskan wilderness, and you have the backdrop for this inspiring story of adventure, redemption, and a life well lived.

In this episode Pete shares his unbelievable story of persistence and change. While his mountaintop moments are worth celebrating, Pete is quick to tell you that lessons are learned the valleys of his life, too. Through his struggles with depression, Pete has become a passionate advocate for mental health and the practice of mindfulness. He believes everyone deserves the opportunity to live a life of hope.

Episode Links
https://peteripmaster.com
https://www.iditarodtrailinvitational.com
http://wncoutdoorcollective.com
https://www.exploreblackmountain.com

Mental Health
Public Speaking - Pete Ripmaster

Exploration Local
Mike Andress, Host
[email protected]
https://explorationlocal.com
828-551-9065

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

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Instagram: explorationlocal

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You know that feeling you get when you’re traveling to the mountains for vacation or a weekend excursion, and you get your first glimpse of the peaks and ridges…The awe of the beauty of the mountains, the building anticipation as you look forward to slowing down, unplugging & taking it easy. Well, you’re in good company. Tourists have been flocking to the mountain towns in western North Carolina since the late 1800’s.

In this episode, we sit down with Michele Fleming, Chair of Explore Tryon Tourism Development Authority, to talk about how the Town of Tryon quickly grew as a resort town, bringing tourists to the area to enjoy the mountain views and good climate. Many artists, writers and crafters chose to stay – at least for a while – including the stage actor William Gillette, most famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. 

The equestrian roots run deep in this community thanks to Carter Brown, who organized the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club and the first Blockhouse Steeplechase in the 1940s. And, Tryon was even once well known for its table and wine grapes. Due to prohibition, these family businesses dried up over time, but beginning in the early 1990s, this interesting part of Tryon’s history was revived. About a dozen vineyards now lie about 10 miles to the east in the Tryon foothills. 

Many of the historic buildings on Trade Street, as we know it today, were in place by 1900, and have contributed to Tryon receiving the designation of historic district by the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, Downtown Tryon has a nice selection shops, art galleries and restaurants along Trade Street. It’s a vibrant town, and you’ll soon understand how Tryon lives up to its name as the “Friendliest Town in The South”

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Explore Tryon
First Peak Of The Blue Ridge
Tryon International Equestrian Center
Wineries & Vinyards
Tryon Riding & Hunt Club
Harmon Field

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

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Saluda, North Carolina, a tiny town of a little over 500 fulltime residents, is a mountain oasis with a Historic Downtown surrounded by rugged and accessible wilderness. The 18,000 acres of the Green River Game Lands and the Greenville Watershed have served as natural buffers, helping to preserve and protect the authentic character of this mountain town.

But don’t let Saluda’s size fool you. Saluda has a bustling downtown with fabulous restaurants, unique shops, a vibrant art and music scene, and a hub for outdoor adventure. The one-street downtown hasn’t changed much over the years, and that’s a good thing! Most buildings on Main Street were added to the National Register of Historic places in 1996, and the pride that long-time residents and decedents of Saluda have for this place runs deep. 

In this episode we’ll discover how Saluda’s unique history begins with the downtown district, perched at the top of the steepest standard-gauge mainline railroad grade in the United States, and how the lush mountains and forests, mountain streams and rivers, and breath-taking views, provided solace for people trying to escape sweltering summer heat. And, we’ll learn about world famous whitewater, amazing fly fishing, hiking in luscious forests, and stunning waterfalls that are within striking distance of downtown Saluda.

Mentioned In This Episode
Saluda Visitors Center
Historic Saluda
Visit Saluda
Saluda Outfitters
Pearson's Falls & Glen
Green River Adventures
The Gorge Zipline
Green River Cove Tubing
Pisgah Map Company (Green River Gamelands)

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

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It’s no surprise to many people who are looking for a southeastern mountain getaway…that Asheville, and really all of western North Carolina, is full of things to do and places to see. From scenic drives, summit hikes, small towns, festivals, family and dog friendly adventures, and top picnic spots…there is something for everyone to enjoy in these mountains.  But…with so many options, deciding just what to do and where to go can be…well, overwhelming to say the least. That’s where Romantic Asheville comes in. 

In this episode we sit down with Jennifer Rose, Managing Editor, of RomanticAsheville.com, an online travel guide that receives over 6 million visits each year from readers in 219 countries. We'll discover why this is the most complete and authoritative guide to plan your next visit or adventure to Asheville and western North Carolina. And the best part, the RomanticAsheville.com online Travel Guide is locally-owned, and the staff have been adventuring in western North Carolina for 18 years. So, you can be certain you’re getting the most up to date information and suggestions from people who live, work, and play in these mountains. 

Whether you’re an out-of-town visitor, or have lived here your whole life, with over 900 pages of detailed information covering national treasures, award-winning restaurants, museums, shopping, music, galleries…and national forests & parks filled with hiking trails, rivers, waterfalls and spectacular mountain views…you are bound to find something new and excited to discover.

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

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In this episode we sit down with Lincoln Walters. He is the visionary for WNC Outdoor Collective, and owner of Black Mountain Adventure Apparel, a company that provides well-crafted, versatile apparel that inspires a mountain-town lifestyle of adventure. Join us as we discover how Lincoln’s vision for producing apparel inspired by Black Mountain and the Blue Ridge Mountains, quickly expanded to the creation of a gathering place for local & regional outdoor gear makers, retailers, enthusiasts, and adventurers. The result, a unique destination hub where consumers can have direct access to numerous local gear builders in one place, and a meet up where people can grab a coffee or shot block before their group ride or run and enjoy a nice craft beer after their adventure.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
WNC Outdoor Collective http://wncoutdoorcollective.com
Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC https://www.outdoorgearbuilders.com
Black Mountain, NC https://www.exploreblackmountain.com
The Milk & Honey Co https://themilkandhoneyco.com
Misty Mountain https://www.outdoorgearbuilders.com/misty-mountain
Lucky Sheep https://www.woolsleepingbag.com
Blyss https://www.blyssrunning.com
Astral https://www.astraldesigns.com
Eno https://eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com
Cane Creek https://canecreek.com
Pisgah Map Company https://www.pisgahmapcompany.com

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

Podcast Website
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Located in a beautiful and easily accessible region of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and cradled atop a scenic mountain plateau sitting at 2,200 feet in elevation, Hendersonville, NC has become a place where people love to visit, parents want to raise their children, and retired folks want to enjoy their non-working days. 

In this episode we discover how a forward-thinking City Council recognized that Main Street needed to be a destination experience for residents and visitors. We’ll explore the efforts that led to Historic Downtown Hendersonville being entered into the National Register for Historic Places, and earning designation as a 2020 Accredited Main Street America™ program. 

We’ll also discover how the close proximity to so many natural resources attracts adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, and why Visitors to Hendersonville enjoy this vibrant town that’s an ideal spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

And…no discussion about Hendersonville would be complete with talking about Agritourism. Henderson County is the largest apple-producing county in North Carolina and ranks in the top 20 nationally. It is the reason thousands of people flock to this area in the fall to experience the time-honored tradition of fall apple picking.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Hendersonville Visitors Center
Ride Kanuga
Dupont State Forest
Dupont Yurts
Pisgah Map Company
Ed Holmes Educational Forest
Green River Gorge
Carl Sandburg Home
Main Street America Program
North Mills River Recreation Area
Orchard Trail Guide
Cheers Trail Guide
NC Scenic Byways
Historic Flat Rock Scenic Byway

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

Podcast Website
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Instagram: explorationlocal