WNC IS MADE BY MOUNTAINS

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With unmatched natural assets and a community intimately engaged in the outdoors, Western North Carolina is the outdoor industry hub of the East. Step in for a closer look at places, people and companies that are made by mountains.

Made By Mountains Stories

Lisa Cooper

It’s about the people, it’s about the community, it’s about having fun every day at the office and the store, and making a difference.

Read Lisa’s story

The AAC’s Content Creators Camp

The Appalachian Adventure Company hosts its first Content Creators Camp in Western North Carolina.

Read The AAC’s story

Adventure Nerds & Hellbender Paddleboards

WNC-based companies Adventure Nerds and Hellbender Paddleboards recently announced a new guidebook for paddling adventures in North Carolina.

Read Adventure Nerd’s story

WNC Outdoor Gift Guide

Brand Deals, Gear & Apparel, Adventures and More

Check off Your Holiday Gift List with Outdoor Products and Experiences Made in Western North Carolina!

Shop the WNC Outdoor Gift Guide

Making outdoor adventure accessible
/ SylvanSport

Thrive Here

These mountains have made dreamers and doers, tinkerers and builders, industry leaders and pioneers.

Find a Career in the Outdoor Industry

Lush forests blanket our WNC mountains / Matthew Larkin

These Mountains

Western North Carolina

Explore What Makes These Mountains Special

Join Us

Get Involved to Enhance Your Community’s Natural Assets, Grow Your Business and Partner with the MADE X MTNS Brand.

Explore Ways To Get Involved

It's #smallbusinesssaturday! The WNC Outdoor Gift

It's #smallbusinesssaturday! The WNC Outdoor Gift Guide makes it easy to shop local with all your favorite WNC outdoor brands, and to find all their Holiday deals too! Find something for everyone on your list by checking it out at http://madexmtns.com/giftguide.

#madexmtns #shoplocal #buylocal #outdoorlovers #outdoorgear #outdooradventures #wnc #wncmountains #avltoday #exploreasheville #visitnc #ncbuylocal

“Well, I like to move through the woods. I don’t care how I do it. Maybe just think of me as a mover.” - Jennifer Pharr Davis

However you're doing it, we hope you #optoutside for any amount of time today, by boat, by bike, by horse, by foot or however you like to enjoy the great outdoors.

Photo credit: @ashevillewellnesstours

#madexmtns #wnc #wncmountains #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #outside

We're thankful for you. As we head into the Holida

We're thankful for you. As we head into the Holiday Season, we're reflecting on how much we've accomplished this year, from a fantastic Spring @outdooreconomyconference, to the successful Fall launch of Building Outdoor Communities and much more. We're so grateful to you for your continued partnership as we work together to grow a strong outdoor economy and community, and we look forward to an even better 2023 ahead.

Thank you for your enthusiasm, expertise, and tireless efforts to ensure our communities continue to grow, diversify and thrive, whilst caring for the future of our natural places.

We hope you enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends, and that you spend some quality time outdoors, whether for a pre- or post-Turkey stroll, or to #optoutside on land or water this Friday.

Photo Credit: Rachel B. Pressley
#MadexMTNS

On Wednesday, we prepare. On Thursday, we feast. O

On Wednesday, we prepare. On Thursday, we feast. On Friday, we #optoutside. And, on Saturday, we support our local #outdoorindustry with a little #retail therapy to gear up for the Holidays with help from the WNC Outdoor Gift Guide!

Visit madexmtns.com/giftguide (link in our bio) for plenty of outdoor inspiration to check off everyone on your gift list.

We're hope you're gearing up for a wonderful #Thanksgiving Holiday!

#madexmtns #thanksgiving #wnc #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #ncoutdoorrec #smallbusinesssaturday #shoplocal

Shop local outdoor businesses this Holiday Season

Congratulations to @outdoorgearbuilderswnc members

Congratulations to @outdoorgearbuilderswnc members @adventurecocoon, @northcovedgc, and @kitsbow, who participated in @mtnbizworks #mountainraise2022 event last week!

Learn more about each company: https://mountainraise.org/mountain-raise-2022/presenting-companies-2022 - link in our bio!

📸: @molina.vm

#madexmtns #outdoorgearbuilderswnc #mountainraise #mtnbizworks #ncoutdoors #wncoutdoors #outdoorindustry #wnc #wncmountains #wncsmallbusiness #smallbusiness #crowdfund

WNC: MADE X MTNS Story - Lisa Cooper, President, @

WNC: MADE X MTNS Story - Lisa Cooper, President, @mastgeneralstore (Part 3: On Nurturing the Outdoor Connection and Being Made by Mountains)

"Many people who vacation in the area have their first experience with snow or putting their feet in the creek here. That’s why it’s important for us, as a store and as individuals, to be active with preservation and conservation of the beauty and resources around us.

As a general store, we’ve been able to introduce so many people to the outdoors in a comfortable way. You can grab your candy and go outside, literally in our backyard in Valle Crucis, we have this beautiful space. I’ve seen kids put their toes in a stream for the first time right behind the store.

Back in 1980 when my parents dragged me to the mountains, I had no idea how life changing that would be. I raised my children here. I’m staying here. I love it here. It’s phenomenal.

I’m so blessed to be able to live in a place where people want to come visit and I have the opportunity to do it every day. There’s something in the water here."

Read Lisa's MADE X MTNS Story and See the Full Video: https://madexmtns.com/story/lisa-cooper — link in our bio!

*Historical Photo Provided by Mast General Store.

#madexmtns #wnc #mastgeneralstore #wncmountains #highcountrync #westernnc #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #visitnc #explorewnc #outdoorretail #outdoorgear #outdoorindustry #buylocal #local #community #familybusiness #ncsmallbusiness #ncbusiness #wncstories

WNC: MADE X MTNS Story - Lisa Cooper, President, @

WNC: MADE X MTNS Story - Lisa Cooper, President, @

WNC: MADE X MTNS Story - Lisa Cooper, President, @mastgeneralstore (Part 1: On Moving to Valle Crucis, Running a Family Business, and Becoming Part of the Community)

"My family came up on winter ski vacations and fell in love with the store and the area. My dad in particular loved the historic nature of the store. They literally drug me to the mountains and I had no idea how life-changing that would be.

My parents wanted to leave the rat race and run a small family store. I joke that they just created another rat race at an old general store in the middle of nowhere, where we lived on the top two floors for four years.

The store was a disaster, because it was closed for a couple of years. We had to build it back from scratch. It was old merchandise, spoiled food, the post office had been closed for a couple of years…I started working in the store from day one when moved up here. I was 11.

As I take on the leadership for Mast Store, I have been blessed with the idea of carrying my parents’ vision forward with this store. It’s about the people, it’s about the community, it’s about having fun every day at the office and the store, and making a difference. At the end of the day, when I can go home and say I helped someone else. That’s what fills my bucket.

Watching how my parents interacted with the community, they set the bar high. The community was so excited that Mast Store had reopened. They came in and gave input and embraced us as the owners, even though we weren’t locals. One of the first successes my parents had was getting the zip code to Valle Crucis back and reopening the post office. And, it’s still open. It’s an honor for us that people come here and get their mail and a nickel cup of coffee."

Read Lisa's MADE X MTNS Story and See the Full Video at http://madexmtns.com/story/lisa-cooper — link in our bio!

*Historical photo provided by Mast General Store

#madexmtns #wnc #wncmountains #mastgeneralstore #mastgeneralstorevallecrucis #wncstories #visitnc #vallecrucisnc #vallecrucis #wataugacounty #wataugacountync #northcarolina #stories #outdoors #ncoutdoors #wncoutdoors #generalstore #wnchistory #highcountrync #highcountryhistory

WNC: MADE X MTNS Story — Lisa Cooper, President,

WNC: MADE X MTNS Story — Lisa Cooper, President, @mastgeneralstore

“I started working in the store from day one when we moved up here. I was 11. As I take on the leadership for Mast Store, I have been blessed with the idea of carrying my parents’ vision forward with this store. It’s about the people, it’s about the community, it’s about having fun every day at the office and the store, and making a difference. At the end of the day, when I can go home and say I helped someone else, that’s what fills my bucket.” - Lisa Cooper

Lisa Cooper, daughter of John and Faye Cooper, is President of Mast General Store. We take a look at Mast Store’s rich history in the High Country community of Valle Crucis and across Western North Carolina, how it became an employee-owned company, and why when you work at Mast Store, you become a valued part of its family.

See the full story at madexmtns.com/story/lisa-cooper — link in our bio!

Thank you to Lisa Cooper, Suzy Greene and Sheri Moretz at Mast General Store for their time and help creating this MADE X MTNS Story, and for providing historical photos of the Valle Crucis and Annex stores. Thanks to writer Graham Averill (@daddrinks), to interviewer Amy Allison, and Videographer Robb Leahy (@robb_leahy).

#madexmtns #mastgeneralstore @vallecrucispark #vallecrucis #vallecrucisnc @highcountry_nc @exploreboone #wnc #wncmountains #wncstories #ncoutdoors #ncbusiness #highcountrync #highcountry #vallecrucis #exploreboone #inspiringawe @visitnc #visitnc #northcarolina

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Econ

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (@usbeagov) has released economic data for 2021 demonstrating outdoor recreation’s powerful and positive economic impact on the U.S. economy. Despite less than ideal conditions surrounding inflation, workforce, and global supply chains, North Carolina's outdoor recreation economy showed strong growth in 2021, with a 22.6% increase in total outdoor recreation spending that outpaced the national average of 21.7%, according to the BEA Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account. This year’s report shows that, by BEA measured metrics, outdoor recreation creates $11.8 billion in value added for North Carolina, accounts for 1.8% of its GDP, and supports over 130,000 jobs.

“This new data shows that the outdoor recreation sector continues to be a powerful economic force in North Carolina,” said Amy Allison, director of the MADE X MTNS (Made By Mountains) Partnership. “By investing in public lands and infrastructure, building outdoor-centric communities, and supporting outdoor recreation businesses and entrepreneurs, we continue to advance North Carolina’s status as the Outdoor Industry Capital of the East!”

Tap the link in our bio to read more!

#madexmtns @orroundtable #ncoutdoors #wnc #wncmountains #northcarolina #outdoorindustry #outdoorgearbuilderswnc #outdooreconomy #outdoors #nceconomy #economy #outdoorrec #ncoutdoorrec #outdoorrecreation

We recently had the fortune to join @appalachian_a

We recently had the fortune to join @appalachian_adventure_company, @visitncsmokies, and @food_for_adventures to celebrate #Fall at the stunning @cabins_sandymushbald. Words don't do justice to describe the beauty of this incredible place in Western North Carolina. As we packed our blankets and beverages, and made the hike to the summit for sunset, nature put on its brilliant show. A thick blanket of fog led us back to a hearty meal and spectacular campfire evening, and as we each drifted toward the promise of sleep in a warm sleeping bag, we thought for sure that we would miss the illumination of sunrise...needless to say, we were wrong about that! Here are a few of our favorite photos to celebrate a beautiful Fall season in the splendor of #HaywoodCounty. Look for the Cabins' Hipcamp to open back up for the Spring season, next May!

#madexmtns #visitnc #visitncsmokies #haynown #haywoodcountync #wnc #wncfall #wncmountains

It’s #iconseason for our #buildingoutdoorcommuni

It’s #iconseason for our #buildingoutdoorcommunities specialist, Brad Spiegel! We’re fortunate to have high quality #local #outdoorgear and #outdoorapparel brands like @kitsbow in Western North Carolina so we can build it, test it and live it here in these mountains.

📸: @oldfortridehouse

#madexmtns #kitsbow #outdoors #outdooreconomy #oldfortnc #wnc #wncoutdoors #outdoorgearbuilderswnc #ncoutdoors #madeinnc #northcarolina

Thanks to the @uscapitolchristmastree and @u.s.for

Thanks to the @uscapitolchristmastree and @u.s.forestservice for having us at the Harvest Celebration this weekend! We’re proud that Ruby the tree will head to Washington D.C. to represent the beauty of #pisgahnationalforest and all #nationalforests in #northcarolina.

#madexmtns @visitnc #visitnc #wnc #westernnc #uscapitoltree #pisgahforest #usfs #usforestservice #avlevents #uscapitol #christmastree

The soggiest show in sports. 🤣🤘 Congratulati

The soggiest show in sports. 🤣🤘 Congratulations @greenrivernarrowsrace racers! Hope everyone —
boaters and hikers — stayed safe out there today! Thanks to all the incredibly dedicated folks who put this annual event on, and to all the safety and rescue crew working hard out there in less than ideal conditions today.

#madexmtns @liquidlogickayaks #greenrivernarrows #greenrace2022 #greenrace

We kicked off the 4th Waypoint Accelerator Cohort

We kicked off the 4th Waypoint Accelerator Cohort with introductions, a focus on mission statements and core values with insight from the @sbtdc_wnc, and a celebration at former cohort participant, the @wncoutdoorcollective, with a benefit for the @wildernesseducationassociation. It was an inspiring day, and we can’t wait to see each of these awesome outdoor businesses embark on their growth journey! Welcome to @mtnbizworks, @madexmtns and the @outdoorgearbuilderswnc!

@food_for_adventures, @pivotpointwnc, @consciousgear1, @adventure.living.conversions, @nsoequipped, @appalachian_riverboard_company, @adventurecocoon, @flyingbiketours, @stringbean_bags, @getswamie

#madexmtns #mtnbizworks #waypointaccelerator #wnc #outdoorindustry #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #outdoorgear #outside #outdoorbusiness #smallbusiness #businesscoaching

We’re looking forward to this year’s @mtnbizwo

We’re looking forward to this year’s @mtnbizworks Mountain Raise! Join us November 17th at @plebavl to learn how you can invest in a bright future for local businesses doing incredible things in our WNC communities. We’re particularly excited to see so many WNC outdoor industry companies making their pitches!
Get your tickets at: mountainraise.org

#madexmtns #mountainbizworks #mtnbizworks #mountainraise2022 #asheville #avlbiz #avlevents #wnc #invest #communityinvestment #investing #pitchevent

The WNC-based @appalachian_adventure_company paire

The WNC-based @appalachian_adventure_company paired up with former Backpacker and Climbing Magazines Editor-in-Chief, @davisshannon to host their first Content Creators Camp in WNC, July 8-11, 2022. The camp provided a masterclass-level experience in outdoor content creation, with an overnight backpacking trip on the #mountainstoseatrail, followed by a two night stay at the rustic @cabins_sandymushbald.

Under the guidance of @davisshannon and The AAC founder @ramblin_reinhold, Participants had the opportunity to hone their skills around creating outdoor product photography and telling an authentic story, with opportunity to practice their new skills on #madexmtns and @enohammocks gear.

@food_for_adventures was on hand to add culinary expertise to the experience.

Check out @davisshannon’s reminiscing on the impact of this camp, and how guiding a new generation of outdoor #contentcreators means stoking their passion to support local brands and be conscious stewards of the natural places that set the scene for their best content. See the link in our bio for the full story!

All 📸 by @appalachian_adventure_company / @ramblin_reinhold

#madexmtns #theaac #shannondavis #contentcreators #contentcreator #outdoorcontent #outdoorcontentcreator #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #visitnc #visitwnc #contentcreatorscamp #outdoors #storytellers #storyteller #story

A spooooky sunrise greeted us this weekend at @cab

A spooooky sunrise greeted us this weekend at @cabins_sandymushbald with @appalachian_adventure_company, @food_for_adventures & @visitncsmokies. Who knows what dark magic lurks in the early morning mist…the Boojum, perhaps?

We can’t wait to share the rest of our adventure…But until then, Happy Halloween…stay safe in the fog, and hold on to your gems out there…

#madexmtns #happyhalloween #wnc #wncoutdoors #wncmountains #theaac #visitnc #visitncsmokies

Join us in sharing congratulations and welcoming t

Join us in sharing congratulations and welcoming to the 4th Cohort of the Waypoint Accelerator Program: @adventurecocoon, @flyingbiketours,@getswamie, @woolsleepingbag, @consciousgear1, @appalachian_riverboard_company, @nsoequipped, @stringbean_bags, @food_for_adventures, @adventure.living.conversions, and @pivotpointwnc.

Since 2019, the Waypoint Accelerator Program has helped nearly 30 participating companies grow their revenues, expand their teams, accomplish huge projects, and realize big dreams. Through a collaborative network of peers and mentors, in-depth training and coaching, access to growth capital, and dedicated time set aside to focus on the future of the business, Waypoint provides companies with the support, knowledge, clear vision, and resources needed to thrive.

The companies that comprise Waypoint’s 4th Cohort were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants. Reflecting the growing diversity of the outdoor sector, two of the selected companies are owned by entrepreneurs of color, three are woman-owned, and two are rural-based.

The Waypoint Accelerator is powered by a collaboration between @mtnbizworks, @outdoorgearbuilderswnc, and @sbtdc_wnc, and is part of the WNC MADE X MTNS Partnership. The program launches with a celebration at the @wncoutdoorcollective in Black Mountain from 5:30-8pm on November 3rd, 2022 and continues with weekly curriculum through March, 2023.

Learn more about Waypoint and the businesses in the 4th Cohort at the announcement link in our bio!

#wnc #madexmtns #mtnbizworks #waypointaccelerator #ncoutdoors #outdoorindustry #outdoorgear #outdoorbusiness #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #businesssupport #businesscommunity #ncsmallbusiness

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