Small towns & local discoveries
Why People Are Discovering Ashe County
Art-filled West Jefferson, Christmas tree country, and the quiet river valleys that invite a closer look.
Explore the Ashe County story »Stories, traditions & a little mountain magic
Life in the High Country
For the people who love the mountains, miss the mountains, or haven't quite discovered why they love them yet.
There's more to this corner of North Carolina than beautiful homes. It's the little towns, the winding roads, the history you didn't expect, and the moments that make you wish you could stay another day.
We're Marc and Kathie Childers. These are the places, discoveries, and everyday joys we love sharing from Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, West Jefferson, and beyond.
The latest discoveries
Come for the scenery. Stay for the stories.
A great mountain day doesn't always need much of a plan. Sometimes all it takes is a little curiosity.
Featured story | Autumn adventures
A Perfect Fall Day Around Sugar Mountain
A crisp morning, a wander through Banner Elk, beautiful views, and a mountain coaster you might not have expected. Here's one way to enjoy a High Country day without overplanning a minute of it.
Sugar Mountain view photographed by Kathie Childers.
Quiet roads & river country
The Quieter Side of the High Country
Vilas, Valle Crucis, Sugar Grove and those places where the drive itself is part of the experience.
Take the quieter road »From our mountain notebook
Little things worth knowing.
Local traditions, unexpected attractions, seasonal favorites, and the stories that tend to get lost between the big headlines.
Did you know?There's an alpine coaster near Sugar Mountain.
It's one of those surprises that makes a mountain weekend even more memorable.
Find it in our Sugar Mountain day trip »Mountain town spotlightBanner Elk is more than a ski-season stop.
From festival traditions to summer patios, there's a different rhythm to every season.
Explore Banner Elk through the seasons »The changing seasonsThere's always another reason to come back.
Browse more stories about High Country experiences and the places that make them special.
See High Country lifestyle articles »A little mountain inspiration every Wednesday
Wish you were here?
Our weekly High Country note is a little of what we love about living here: upcoming happenings, local discoveries, curious bits of history, and our Mountain Moment. No hard sell. Just a reason to keep coming back.
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