Are you ready to explore the hidden treasures of North Carolina's Foothills region? Join us as we recap our captivating journey to Happy Valley, where we enjoyed an immersive day of music, art, and local history. We'll share our impressions from the inaugural Coalesce Fest as well as delve into local bands, as we also take you behind the scenes of the Western North Carolina Sculpture Center and Park and historic Fort Defience - all right off of the Upper Yadkin Scenic Byway. Hot links:https://www.wncsculpture.org/https://www.wncsculpture.org/wnc-sculpture-centerhttps://www.historicfortdefiancenc.org/about-the-forthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094324192729https://www.facebook.com/andrew.massey3This program brought to you by:The Angler MagazineSunrift Adventures Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.

The Cherokee National Forest is divided into northern and southern sections by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  The 650,000-acre forest is the largest tract of public land in Tennessee and adjoins other national forests in Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia. The forest is home to 30 developed campgrounds and numerous picnic areas, over 700 miles of trails, seven whitewater rivers, two Forest Service scenic byways where you can enjoy a scenic drive through the mountains, the pursuit of wildlife, the thrill of whitewater, a night under the stars, or solitude on a backcountry trail.Hundreds of miles of lake shoreline and water await the fisherman, boating enthusiast, skier, and nature lover. South Holston Lake, a Tennessee Valley Authority reservoir covering 7,580 acres, is considered one of the top two lakes in Tennessee and among the best in the Southeast for smallmouth bass fishing and also is well known as a fly fisherman’s paradise. The lake also provides many other recreational opportunities for residents, with 60% of its shoreline bordered by the Cherokee National Forest. Bristol is known for NASCAR as it is home to one of the world’s greatest and most popular racetracks. Bristol Motor Speedway, which seats in excess of 150,000, hosts NASCAR Sprint Cup events in April and August and both draw fans from all 50 states and more than a dozen countries.Music also gives Bristol a universal appeal as the city holds the honor of being named the Birthplace of Country Music by U.S. Congress in 1998. In 1927, the legendary Bristol Sessions took place in the downtown area, giving birth to the “Big Bang” of modern country music with the likes of The Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers taking part in the historic occasion.The Twin Cities boast numerous parks, golf courses, spectacular caverns to go along with plenty of great restaurants – many of which are locally owned and operated – and wonderful shopping opportunities.Bristol is also rich in theater and arts and is home to the historic Paramount Center for the Arts, as well as Theatre Bristol. Numerous fine art galleries and studios of local artists can also be found in the downtown area.This program brought to you by:The Angler MagazineSunrift Adventures Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.

Welcome to Part 4 (Finale) of a Matt & Michele Outdoors mini-series featuring Adventures and Mis-Adventures Along the Gulf Coasts I-10 Corridor. With all sorts of twists and turns, and awesome experiences, from Destin, FL to New Orleans. Go along for the ride with Matt Mittan and Michele Scheve as they bring it all back around in this personal and encouraging Finale.  This program brought to you by:The Angler MagazineSunrift Adventures Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.

Welcome to Part 3 of a Matt & Michele Outdoors mini-series "Adventures and Mis-Adventures Along the Gulf Coasts I-10 Corridor". With all sorts of twists and turns, and awesome experiences, from Destin, FL to New Orleans. Go along for the ride with Matt Mittan and Michele Scheve.  This program brought to you by:The Angler MagazineSunrift Adventures Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.

Welcome to Part 2 of a Matt & Michele Outdoors mini-series "Adventures and Mis-Adventures Along the Gulf Coasts I-10 Corridor". With all sorts of twists and turns, and awesome experiences, from Destin, FL to New Orleans. Go along for the ride with Matt Mittan and Michele Scheve.  This program brought to you by:The Angler MagazineSunrift Adventures Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.

Welcome to Part 1 of a Matt & Michele Outdoors mini-series "Adventures and Mis-Adventures Along the Gulf Coasts I-10 Corridor". With all sorts of twists and turns, and awesome experiences, from Destin, FL to New Orleans. Go along for the ride with Matt Mittan and Michele Scheve.  This program brought to you by:The Angler MagazineSunrift Adventures Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.

In case you missed it, Matt & Michele were on location for BizRadio.US for the 2023 Get In Gear Fest, put on by The Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC, Prestige Subaru and more sponsors (including BizRadio). For more information about the outstanding organization and to stay in touch for exciting things happening surround the Outdoor Economy of the Southern Appalachians, visit https://www.outdoorgearbuilders.com/This program brought to you by:The Angler MagazineSunrift Adventures Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.

In this special episode, Matt & Michele have an open and personal conversation about loss, greiving, healing and hope. They share the impacts and importance that nature plays in their lives and they offer up some insights and observations about how nature fits into making our lives better each and every day, as individuals and as a society. It's worth taking a few minutes, in a quiet place, to join our hosts for this vulnerable and honest discussion.If you are struggling and need to talk to someone, contact the NAMI helpline by visiting https://www.nami.org/help. You don't have to go through it alone. This program brought to you by:The Angler MagazineSunrift Adventures Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.

Why do one Festival in a weekend when you can do two? That's just what we did in Wilkesboro, NC recently. (Actually, it was three festivals but we couldn't fit them all into one episode. - See the "Whippoorwill Academy and Village" episdoe for our day at the Tom Dooley & Appalachian Culture Festival in nearby Ferguson, NC. That was on the same weekend trip!)For infomation about the Carolina In The Fall Festival:https://carolinainthefall.org/For  infomation about the Prohibition Hot Rod and Moonshine Festival:https://www.prohibitionfestival.net/homeFor visiting Wilkesboro, NC:https://www.wilkescountytourism.com/This program brought to you by:The Angler MagazineSunrift Adventures Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.

Whippoorwill Academy and Village is a collection of old North Carolina buildings that have been saved, moved, and restored. The Whippoorwill Academy building was the actual old school house in the Ferguson community. North Carolina Poet Laurete James Larkin Pearson attended Whippoorwill while growing up in Ferguson. We recently spent the day at this wonderful property and organization for the 2022 Tom Dooley & Appalachian Culture Day. We loved it!For more information, visit http://www.whippoorwillacademy.com/This program brought to you by:The Angler MagazineSunrift Adventures Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.

A beloved retreat center in the Western North Carolina mountainsRecharge and renew at Lake Junaluska. Come for a personal getaway or family vacation. Host your next conference, wedding, reunion or other gathering. Take part in a retreat, attend a concert or just come for a peaceful walk on our lakeside trail.You can relax and enjoy the lakeside hotel, historic inn, vacation rentals, walking trails, gardens, lake cruises, wildlife viewing, panoramic vistas, golf course and more. A place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind and body, Lake Junaluska invites you to recharge and renew.For more information or for booking options, visit https://lakejunaluska.com/This program brought to you by:The Angler MagazineSunrift Adventures Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.

Getting from Point A to Point B in the quickest manner is often the way we approach travelling. Not anymore. On this episode, we share the stories and insights we gained by switching up our travel routines a bit and decide to get off the main roads and see what lies behind yonder ridge lines and through small towns down the Eastern US.This program brought to you by:The Angler MagazineSunrift Adventures Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.

In this special "Homecoming" episode of Matt & Michele Outdoors, Matt highlights stories spending his Summer's growing up at his familes 170 year old homestead near Acadia National Park as well as inside tips for the best places you know about - and some off the beaten path - for an exceptional visit to coastal Downeast Maine.For general information, reservations and car passes to Acadia National Park, visit https://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htmFor "Scoodic Woods" Camping information: https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/schoodic-woods-campground.htmFor Cadillac Mountain summit road vehicle registration:https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/vehicle_reservations.htmFor visiting Bar Harbor, Maine:https://www.visitbarharbor.com/For visiting Winter Harbor, Maine:https://winterharbortown.com/Recommendation: We strongly suggest purchasing your Acadia National Park Car Passes Online, in advance. Note: You must print out and display your pass in your car. There are may areas without cel service, so accessing infomation on, or purchasing via, your phone on site is not realistic.  Taking this extra step ahead of time will save you a LOT of time, avoiding long car lines, or technical issues.This program brought to you by:The Angler MagazineSunrift Adventures Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.

From the company:Ted and Carrie here, creators of the family-owned and Made in America Tarpestry!What drives Tarpestry is the raw majesty of the outdoors and the pleasure of being in it. What does not?  A soggy bottom and sunburn. That is why we create products that widen comfort zones – providing a buffer from the occasional unpleasantries in nature. Fun, funky and most of all functional, Tarpestry provides protections with the beloved outdoors so that all may enjoy nature with ease. Alongside taking pleasure in the environment there have to be provisions to protect it. That is why we are dedicated to incorporating sustainable components into all aspects of our business and lives. The unique and one-of-a-kind Tarpestry combines the functions of a tarp and the beauty, design and softness offered by the fabric of a tapestry. The Tarpestry is a soft and durable weather-resistant picnic blanket that provides protections from the beloved outdoors so that all may enjoy the outdoors with ease. Connect with Tarpestry by visiting https://tarpestry.com/This program brought to you by:The Angler MagazineSunrift Adventures Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.

From the company:French Broad Outfitters is Asheville’s full-service river outfitter.  Celebrating 10 years in the business in 2022, come join us down by the French Broad!  Our retail store has the largest selection of paddling gear in Western North Carolina, including boats, paddle boards, rafts, tubes and everything else water based.  If you’re looking to fix an existing vessel or need some repair necessities – we got you.  From fiberglass and resins to welding rods and Aqua Seal, we try to stock everything you would need to make your repair.FBO OutpostOur Hominy Creek location in West Asheville is the home base for outdoor fun.  2 acres at the confluence of Hominy Creek and the French Broad; everyone who does a kayak trip will put in, take out, or pass by.  The outdoor stage is rocking on Friday, Saturday and Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.  Food truck on site Wednesday through Sundays in addition to our 40 foot shipping container bar open daily from April 15 to October 15.  Choose from a wide selection of all local beers, ciders, spritzers and wine, plenty of space to spread out, social distance, and let the kids splash on Asheville’s only beach.Disc GolfLocated at the bottom of the hill from WNC’s best disc golf course, Richmond Hill, we also carry everything disc golf.  The sport has exploded both locally and globally, come talk to some of our experts about what you need to round out your bag or get a new cart.Bike Rentals2022 is going to be the year of the RAD greenway!  While we anticipate the last phase of the new River Arts District greenway will be completed in the summer of 2022, we’re excited for the new portion that is finally complete!  Beginning in late April, rent a pedal or e bike from our outpost at the new Hi Wire RAD location to cruise up or down or all around.  Or check out our boat and bike combo from our Hominy Creek location, the best of both worlds!Get more information or make your reservations at https://www.frenchbroadoutfitters.com/This program brought to you by:The Angler MagazineSunrift Adventures Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.

(We take a behind the scenes look with studio guest: Jamie Ager, Owner)From the company:Hickory Nut Gap has a rich legacy of food, family, and community on a fifth generation family farm that has been in the same family since 1916. Today, we are proudly helping cultivate a new Appalachian movement. One that combines the richness of our unique Appalachian terroir (soil, water, micro-climate, pasture & forest) with the historic craft-maker culture of the region. We respect nature and humans and the interconnectedness of life. We operate our farms with respect for our land, our animals and the farmer communities who raise them. We respect the relationships we have with partners across the entire farm-to-home journey – and for our customers who seek our brand promise with intention.Connect with Hickory Nut Gap at https://www.hickorynutgap.com/ To schedule a group tour of the Farm in Fairview visit https://www.hickorynutgap.com/group-tours/This program brought to you by:The Angler MagazineSunrift Adventures Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.

(Studio Guest: Lauren Pyle)From the EEofNC:Our organization grew  from the desire of environmental educators across North Carolina to meet and share their experiences, aspirations, and tools.  Since its inception in 1990, EENC has grown into something much greater.  Our organization represents a network of outstanding environmental educators, individuals, and organizations who work together to accomplish our core mission: to build connections, provide professional development, and promote excellence in environmental education.   Learn more about the amazing organizations in their network HERE.This program brought to you by:The Angler MagazineSunrift Adventures Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.

On April 22, 2002, Jason Bowman, a military veteran, took the 3,000 bucks he had in his wallet, and his toolbox, and took a chance on an empty building on the banks of the New River in Radford , Va. 20 years later , he's still turning wrenches on some badass rigs in his Pisgah Forest, NC shop. To find out more about OGRE Outdoors or to book a consult visit https://www.ogreoutdoors.com/ Follow them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ogre_outdoors/This program brought to you by:The Angler MagazineSunrift Adventures Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.

Matt & Michele broadcast Live from the 7th Annual GiG Fest at the famous Camp Rockmont in Black Mountain, NC. The big event is organized by The Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC.Special Guests include:- Eli from ENO (Eagle Nest Outfitters) https://eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/- David Huff, Renowned Outdoor Photographer and Trail Master https://www.davidhuffcreative.com/- Kevin Yunt from Appalachian Riverboard Company https://www.facebook.com/Appalachian-Riverboard-Company-108304878628/Find out more about The Outdoor Builders of WNC by visiting https://www.outdoorgearbuilders.com/This program brought to you by:The Angler MagazineSunrift Adventures Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.

Earl B. Hunter, Jr is an experienced business leader across multiple industries. He has been widely recognized for his ebullient personality, hard work ethic and non-traditional approach to building relationships and closing deals. Mr. Hunter is driven by success and he always plays to win at whatever challenge is presented to him. Mr. Hunter is the Founder and President of Black Folks Camp Too — a marketing-driven business whose mission is to increase diversity in the out-door industry by making it easier, more interesting and more fun for Black folks to go camping. Black Folks Camp Too is a business that combines all of Mr. Hunter’s previous sales leadership roles, but especially his most recent position as Vice President of Sales at Sylvansport. While at Sylvansport, Mr. Hunter grew the business from $1 million to $17.5 million in sales in 4 years, primarily by going on the road to build a network of over 100 RV dealers locations. In doing so, he put over 400,000 miles on the road across North America to work personally with dealership owners and sales teams at their outdoor/ RV events to “drive the business.” Mr. Hunter also developed a national sales relationship with Gander Outdoors/Camping World that helped establish a significant retail presence for the brand. The idea for Black Folks Camp Too began when Mr. Hunter was introduced to camping for the first time in 2015 while serving as Vice President of Sales for Sylvansport, one of the world’s most innovative outdoor industry companies. The idea didn’t fully form, however, until Mr. Hunter and his son, Dillon, went on an epic camping road trip across the USA and Canada. They traveled for 3 months visiting 49 campgrounds in 20 states/provinces and saw precisely ONE other Black family camping. At that moment, Mr. Hunter was on a mission. He began sharing stories of camping ad-ventures across his network of friends, family and followers — quickly becoming a top influencer for Black folks looking to give camping a try. KOA Campgrounds was so in-spired by the Hunters’ trip, they invited Mr. Hunter and his son to the KOA headquarters in Billings, MT and wrote an article called A BUCKET LIST FATHER-SON ROAD TRIP which was posted on the KOA website. Mr. Hunter was also featured in a recent Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) article as an outdoor leader who is “Shaking Up the RV Industry” — highlighting Mr. Hunter’s ideas for expanding marketing efforts to be more inclusive of the African-American community.Find our more information, and get involved, by visiting https://www.blackfolkscamptoo.com/This program brought to you by:The Angler MagazineSunrift Adventures Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.