July 15, 2024
At Foothills Digest, we constantly search for the best gear to enhance outdoor experiences. The ENO SubLink Hammock System is a standout, providing a complete, ultralight sleep system that is perfect for backpackers and campers alike. This all-inclusive set ensures you stay dry, comfortable, and bug-free on the trail. Read More by clicking the image!
July 12, 2024
July 11, 2024
wool& focuses on women's apparel, offering a range of versatile and stylish pieces designed to be both comfortable and durable. Their mission is to simplify wardrobes with pieces that can be worn repeatedly without losing their shape or freshness. This philosophy is epitomized in their popular 100 Day Dress Challenge, encouraging women to wear the same dress for 100 days straight to highlight the practicality and longevity of merino wool. Wool& dresses are known for their breathability, odor resistance, and ability to regulate temperature, making them ideal for various climates and activities. Read more by clicking the image!
July 10, 2024
In the realm of premium knives, the Satyr Blade by Artisan Cutlery stands out as a true masterpiece. Designed by Chris Ortiz at Cerberus Knives, the Satyr has quickly become one of the most highly anticipated collaborations in the knife community. Here at Foothills Digest, we had the pleasure of experiencing this exceptional knife firsthand, and it has exceeded our expectations in every way. From its impeccable design to its flawless functionality, the Satyr Blade has captured our hearts. Read More.
July 10, 2024
Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Sylvan Sport has become synonymous with innovation and adventure, crafting some of the most versatile and user-friendly camping […]
June 25, 2024
In the world of portable grilling, the Burnie Grill stands out as an innovative, eco-friendly option that promises convenience, flavor, and sustainability. Developed in Latvia using a centuries-old Nordic technique, this single-use, self-burning grill is crafted from 100% natural Alder Wood, offering a chemical-free and mess-free grilling experience. Here's a detailed look at the Burnie Grill and how it performed during our tests. Read More
June 13, 2024
A Magical Stay at Wiseman Ridge Boutique Campground Wiseman Ridge Boutique Campground, nestled in the heart of Linville Falls, North Carolina, offers a unique and magical […]
June 13, 2024
A Tranquil Retreat: My Stay at Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms Introduction Nestled in the serene countryside of Yadkinville, North Carolina, Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms […]
June 13, 2024
The DynaLock Explore poles are designed for serious adventurers who need reliable gear. These poles offer 3-section packability and the robust strength of full aluminum construction, making them versatile enough for snowshoers, mountaineers, and hikers. Whether you're on a local hike or a distant expedition, the DynaLock Explore poles are up to the task. Read more by clicking the image!
June 13, 2024
Hiking up a steep mountain trail for five miles can be a real test of endurance and gear. On a recent hike, I laced up my brand-new SCARPA Moraine Hiking Shoes straight out of the box, and to my delight, they performed exceptionally well. No blisters, no discomfort, just solid support and comfort from start to finish. Even when I accidentally took a plunge into a creek, the shoes stayed comfortable despite getting wet. This personal experience solidified my confidence in the SCARPA Moraine as an outstanding hiking shoe. Read more by clicking the image!
June 13, 2024
When we set out on our recent backpacking trip, we were excited but also a bit skeptical about trying the Platypus QuickDraw Water Filter. After all, water filters can be hit or miss. However, the QuickDraw exceeded our expectations in every possible way, making it an indispensable part of our gear. From its ease of use to the quality of the filtered water, this little gadget truly shines. Read More!
June 12, 2024
When it comes to camping, comfort and functionality are key, and the REI Co-op Wonderland 6 tent hits the mark on both fronts. After spending several nights under the stars in this tent, we can confidently say it's our favorite tent yet. With sweeping views of nature, exceptional craftsmanship, and a very cool sunroom you can buy separately, this tent has set a new standard for our camping adventures. Read more by clicking the image!
June 5, 2024
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April 19, 2024
Things to Bring to MerleFest You’ll have fun even if you arrive empty-handed, but bringing along a few specific items will improve your experience. We like […]
April 18, 2024
Tips for Attendees Maximizing your enjoyment at MerleFest involves thoughtful preparation, particularly with regards to weather considerations. Ensuring you bring essentials such as ample water, a […]
April 18, 2024
Photos provided by MerleFest MerleFest, situated amidst the picturesque landscape of Western North Carolina, where the Blue Ridge Mountains meet a rich tapestry of American musical […]
April 18, 2024
This is the heading Bob Timberlake, an icon of North Carolina’s rich artistic heritage and a pioneer in the furniture industry, is making a celebrated return […]
April 17, 2024
Sunday MerleFest Artists include Nickel Creek, Lukas Nelson & POTR, Peter Rowan, Donna the Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, New Dangerfield, Twisted Pine, the Sensational Barnes Brothers, Palmyra, […]
April 17, 2024
Saturday MerleFest Artists include The Teskey Brothers, Bela Fleck My Bluegrass Heart, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Sierra Hull, Brandy Clark, Peter Rowan, Scythian, Donna the Buffalo, […]
April 17, 2024
Thursday MerleFest Artists include Turnpike Troubadours, Larkin Poe, Jerry Douglas, Earls of Leicester, Shinyribs, Nick Shoulders, Peter Rowan, Scythian, Donna the Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, Kruger Brothers, Chatham […]
April 17, 2024
Visit the MerleFest site to learn more about the artists and the lineup!
April 17, 2024
The Graceful Geese Mercantile The Graceful Geese Mercantile has swiftly become a beacon for antique aficionados and artisan craft lovers alike. Since its grand opening on […]
March 27, 2024
The Flowering Bridge of Lake Lure (As shared in the Spooky Issue of Foothills Digest) Like many communities, the people of Lake Lure have a knack […]
March 21, 2024
Catawba Valley Pottery Festival-This Weekend!! This weekend is the Catawba Valley Pottery Festival. Foothills Digest is a proud sponsor, and publisher Carmen Eckard is also on […]
March 18, 2024
Murder at Brightleaf Inn: Chapter Twelve Take Him Away Sheriff Caldwell, a steadfast figure of law and order in the small town surrounding Whispering Pines Inn, […]
March 18, 2024
Murder at Brightleaf Inn: Chapter Eleven The shock of Witherspoon’s sudden appearance, blocking their only exit, sent a jolt of adrenaline through Margaret and Langley. Witherspoon’s […]
March 17, 2024
The Trap is Set The breakfast room of Whispering Pines Inn, usually a haven of morning tranquility, was abuzz with an undercurrent of anticipation and hushed […]
March 17, 2024
Murder at Brightleaf Inn: Chapter Nine Dr. Langston’s Discovery In the quiet, early hours of the morning, within the confines of Whispering Pines Inn’s stately library, […]
March 16, 2024
Confronting the Ill Hiker The chill of the evening air at Whispering Pines Inn carried a silent unease as Margaret Holloway and Detective Arthur Langley made […]
March 15, 2024
Murder at Brightleaf Inn: Chapter Seven As twilight descended upon Whispering Pines Inn, a subtle transformation unfolded, reminiscent of the eerie calm that often precedes a […]
March 14, 2024
Murder at Brightleaf Inn: Chapter Six The Unseen Observer Under the cloak of an ordinary afternoon at Whispering Pines Inn, amidst the gentle hubbub of guests […]
March 13, 2024
Murder at Brightleaf Inn: Chapter Five Gathering Clues Under the somber glow of lamplight, Langley poured over his notes, the details of the locked room conundrum […]
March 13, 2024
Murder at Brightleaf Inn: Chapter 4 In the dim light of early morning, Detective Langley and the local sheriff, a stout man named Sheriff Caldwell, revisited […]
March 12, 2024
Murder at Brightleaf Inn: Chapter Three The Discovery The breakfast room on this new morning buzzed with a subdued energy, a collective undercurrent of apprehension and […]
March 12, 2024
Murder at Brightleaf Inn: Chapter Two Margaret retreated to her room with the echoes of the night’s events replaying in her mind. The image of Harold […]
March 12, 2024
Murder at Brightleaf inn: Chapter One Whispering Pines Inn Margaret stepped out of the cab, her gaze immediately drawn to the Whispering Pines Inn’s majestic outline […]
March 12, 2024
Catawba Valley Pottery Festival BUY TICKETS Catawba Valley Pottery Festival: A Cultural Heritage Event The Foothills Digest is delighted to present a feature on the upcoming […]
March 11, 2024
Egg Hunts in the Foothills In the rich tapestry of Southern traditions, Easter stands out as a vibrant celebration of renewal and community spirit. The history […]
March 10, 2024
Ever since I was a child, Bob Timberlake’s art has been a window through which I viewed the world. His canvases, rich with the vibrancy of […]
March 10, 2024
Carolina ‘Cue You’d be hard pressed to find a food North Carolinians are more passionate about. Here, barbecue is king. Renowned journalist Fiona Barton had it […]
March 3, 2024
MerleFest One of the largest music festivals in the nation is right in our backyard. MerleFest is called a “Traditional Plus” festival, highlighting the traditional music […]
March 1, 2024
Hike Bakers Mountain Bakers Mountain, located in Catawba County, offers an enriching hiking experience that combines the tranquility of nature with the challenge of elevation. As […]
March 1, 2024
Hike McGalliard Falls Tucked away in Valdese, North Carolina, the McGalliard Falls Trail is a gem for nature lovers, featuring a picturesque path that guides visitors […]
February 28, 2024
February 28, 2024
Hike Table Rock Table Rock Mountain, located along the eastern rim of Linville Gorge in Western North Carolina, offers a hiking experience that epitomizes the rugged […]
February 28, 2024
Hike Grandfather Mountain and the Swinging Bridge The Mile High Swinging Bridge, located in Grandfather Mountain State Park, stands as an essential visit for those exploring […]
February 27, 2024
Shortoff Mountain Hike Shortoff Mountain, located in Linville Gorge, North Carolina, offers a hiking experience that is both accessible and rewarding for families and individuals alike. […]
February 27, 2024
Our Stories, Told by Women: Interesting Reads Set in our Hills In the rolling, verdant landscapes of North Carolina, where the hills whisper tales of […]
February 27, 2024
Discovering the Magic of Appalachia: The World of Author Shannon Hitchcock Shannon Hitchcock’s Story Quilts: Appalachian Women Speak cuts directly to the heart of what it […]
February 22, 2024
In the eighteenth century, North Carolina’s population was exploding. In 1730, there were 65,000 people in the colony, and they were mostly established in the coastal […]
February 20, 2024
We are working on the next issue of Foothills Digest. It’s time for us to talk about advertising, so if your business could use some promotion, […]
February 14, 2024
Barbara Allen: A Traditional English Ballad Thriving in Appalachia Barbara Allen stands as a monumental piece of musical heritage, being the oldest known song in the […]
February 7, 2024
Brown Mountain Lights The Appalachian range, known for its lush greenery and striking peaks, also hosts one of the most intriguing and enduring mysteries of North […]
February 6, 2024
I reckon I’m getting old. That’s why I’ve decided to write all this down. I was writing my Last Will and Testament (not that I have […]
February 5, 2024
Rosemary and Rue I reckon I’m getting old. That’s why I’ve decided to write all this down. I was writing my Last Will and Testament (not […]
February 5, 2024
Rosemary’s Remembrances I reckon I’m getting old. That’s why I’ve decided to write all this down. I was writing my Last Will and Testament (not that […]
February 4, 2024
B Scrapbook of Bascom Lamar Lunsford Photos Courtesy of Bascom Lamar Lunsford Scrapbook, Southern Appalachian Archives, Mars Hill University Bascom Lamar Lunsford was affectionately known as […]
February 4, 2024
It’s probable that when you read “Appalachian Music,” your mind goes straight to Bluegrass. And you wouldn’t be wrong. Bluegrass is an essential part of the […]
February 3, 2024
Restaurants of the Foothills The foothills of North Carolina are stuffed full of excellent restaurants. There are a few, however, that we feel do an excellent […]
February 2, 2024
Groundhog kilns are a type of oven traditionally used by potters, notable in regions like the Catawba Valley, Seagrove, and Edgefield along the eastern Appalachians. These […]
January 31, 2024
January 30, 2024
Wine, an enchanting and sophisticated beverage, has captivated the palates of connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. Its diversity, stemming from an array of grape varieties, regions, […]
January 26, 2024
Smoked cocktails are an exciting new offering at high-end bars. The smoky flavors blend with the tastes of the cocktail to create a sensory-rich experience that […]
January 24, 2024
North Carolina is full of exceptional potters. We couldn’t possibly list them all, but the following potters stand out to us as excellent. You can click […]
January 24, 2024
Cooking with Venison Even if you’ve never hunted a day in your life, living in western North Carolina means that someone neighborly soul might bring you […]
January 24, 2024
This drink was created by Derek Brown for the National Archives, and it is named for Washington’s orders to provide his troops with rum and whiskey. […]
January 23, 2024
A well-stocked liquor cabinet is a thing of beauty, but making all of your selections can be daunting. We love North Carolina, and there are some […]
January 23, 2024
Make excellent pimiento cheese!
January 22, 2024
January 20, 2024
Hanging art prints in your home, especially those created by photographer Jon Eckard and featured in Foothills Digest, offers a unique blend of aesthetic appeal and […]
January 19, 2024
As we were researching for this magazine, we discovered a wealth of excellent books on the subject of North Carolina pottery. Here are a few of […]
January 8, 2024
From Clay to Pots Across the rolling landscapes of North Carolina, where the Blue Ridge Mountains give way to the gentle plains, there unfolds a narrative […]
January 8, 2024
The beautiful expanse of North Carolina, teeming with vibrant flora and kissed by the gentle waves of the Blue Ridge Mountains, has been home to the […]
January 8, 2024
By Steve Abee-Catawba Valley Potter I fire my groundhog kiln three times a year, and each time is exciting. From the loading, to the hours of […]
January 8, 2024
The Lake Lure Inn stands as a beacon of relaxation and history. Established in 1927, the Lake Lure Inn is more than just a hotel; it’s […]
January 8, 2024
As the sun sets on the beautiful Boone, NC, campus of Appalachian State University the red brick of East Hall assumes a quiet, enigmatic demeanor. This […]
January 7, 2024
Appalachia: ancient bones, older than eras when dinosaurs roamed untraveled spaces. Cradle of the Earth, life’s genesis, Nature’s cot, green-kissed, nestling between the granite jaws of […]
January 7, 2024
Dolly Parton is an American icon, an incredibly talented singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman, but she is also a philanthropist, a champion of education, and a […]