made by mountains,
loved by locals
community
The ‘Made by Mountains, Loved by Locals’ campaign amplifies the collective voice of our vibrant outdoor community and shines a spotlight on the incredible local outdoor gear makers and retail gear shops that make our region thrive. From innovative designs crafted with passion and purpose to unwavering commitment to sustainability, our local businesses embody the spirit of our mountains. Together, we’re putting WNC on the map as the ultimate Outdoor Hub of the East!
Collaboration
This groundbreaking campaign celebrates the quality and unique identity of local WNC gear brands, and the interconnectedness and support among them. It isn’t just about showcasing products; it’s about fostering community, driving business growth, and amplifying brand awareness. Collectively we are sharing stories, supporting entrepreneurship, and inviting adventurers to shop local and discover the natural beauty of our Western North Carolina mountains.
Dive in to discover local gear brands and retailers — where to find gear and where to test it outdoors — and get to know the passionate folks behind our vibrant outdoor industry!
Meet the makers
We spent this exciting day lakeside with the Trebotich family, the creative minds fueling the outdoor adventure guide company, Food for Adventures. Meet Lee “Natty” and Megan, the Food for Adventures founders, and their spirited daughter Ziggy, who serves as the company’s fearless CEO of Fun. Our basecamp for this shoot was Camp Grier based in Old Fort, NC, home to Pisgah National Forests Gateway Trail System. Click the button below to discover the local gear brands pictured!
On this adrenaline-fueled adventure we brought together leading local innovators in mountain biking components, electric bikes, bike packing gear, and cutting-edge bike apparel to shred the trails at Cold Spring Basecamp in Zirconia, NC. Discover the latest in outdoor technology and gear that’s propelling the biking industry forward. Click the button below to see more images and discover exceptional bike components and apparel from WNC!
On this scenic trip, we ventured to Linville Gorge Wilderness in Burke County, NC, to experience overland vehicle camping and hunting bow practice with Tentrax owner, Brent Nelson, and his adventurous daughter, Charlie. Click below to discover more breathtaking images and dive deeper into the overlanding and rugged backcountry gear that outfits an expedition into the gorge.
This adventure took us to one of WNC’s most stunning panoramic views at over 5,000 ft – The Cabins at Sandy Mush Bald. This magical mountain retreat is located on 500 privately owned acres atop the Newfound Mountains, and is accessible to overnight visitors via reservation on Hipcamp. Click the button below to see more images and discover hiking and backpacking gear brands in WNC!
We ventured out to the Green River Narrows with some of WNC’s elite women athlete paddlers to see them in action on this world-class steep whitewater creek, known as a Holy Grail for paddlers worldwide. Click the button below to see more images and meet WNC’s paddling gear makers!
