Cold winter days don't mean you have to stay inside. There’s a whole new world dressed in glistening white to discover. There are winter activities for you to enjoy no matter your activity level or expertise. If you can walk, there’s something for you. So, head over to your closet and pull out those layers; we’re going to make a plan to make snow days the best days! But, you better hurry, there’s only about four or five more weeks to enjoy a good “snow day.” Read on for ways to enjoy a winter wonderland.

After nearly two years of planning and installation, the collaborative efforts of the Biltmore Estate and renowned American artist Dale Chihuly have resulted in one ambitious glass exhibit, Chihuly at Biltmore. It is the first art exhibition at Biltmore’s gardens and the first garden exhibit of Chihuly in North Carolina. See how these works complement and contrast with the remarkable layout of the grounds designed well over a century ago by revered landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, whose portrait by John Singer Sargent prominently hangs in “America’s Largest Home.” 

The mayor of Banner Elk proclaimed on the day the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad completed its route to Boone, “I can remember when the only way a person could get to Boone was to be born there.” Some 100 years later, it seems that this mountain town is a popular destination for people seeking an escape from the heat, an outdoor adventure that rivals any in the country, or a cultural experience in local Americana music. If you can only spend 24 hours in Boone, here are some recommendations that are right outside the front door of the Mast Store.

According to the MacMillan Dictionary, to be “keen” on something is to be interested in something and enjoying it, especially an activity that you do often. This year, we are keen on helping KEEN celebrate its 15th year of innovation and adventures. As a brand born to get people outdoors, KEEN started its journey by asking “Can a sandal also protect your toes?” In 2003, the answer was a resounding “yes,” and the KEEN Newport was born. Millions of adventures later, KEEN is taking its business to new heights with UNEEK options and an ever-expanding line of shoes to allow you to lead the hybrid life.

In casual conversation, when someone mentions they are going for a hike, our mind quickly envisions a narrow path winding through tall trees and rhododendron thickets. But, there can be different kinds of hikes – ones that take you through the city, around town, and even through time. Greenville, Asheville, and Waynesville are home to urban adventures that families and historians will enjoy.

Few things in life hit their mark like the Columbia Performance Fishing Gear line. These things come about as close to perfect as you can get without actually catching the fish for you.

The city of Winston-Salem is reinventing itself daily. From being a tobacco and textile mecca, the city is now a haven of arts and innovation. Many of the old tobacco factories are being reclaimed and transformed into medical research laboratories, technology hubs, and apartments for people wanting to live amongst the re-emerging downtown vibe. But what if you’re not ready to take the deep dive and move to Winston-Salem? We have recommendations on must stops for spending 24 hours in Camel City that are just a short walk or drive from the front door of the Mast Store.

Local historian John Preston Arthur wrote, “There’s a dreamy spell that hangs over this little valley.” That spell is further magnified during the month of October. With eye-popping visuals – think brightly-colored leaves, cattle quietly grazing in pastures, orange pumpkins peering out from amongst their leafy vines – the curvy road that brings you from Boone or Banner Elk is like a portal that slows time to a more relaxing, almost lazy, pace. To take in all of the activities we’re recommending for this 24 hours, you won’t be able to tarry long.

Throughout the month of May, the traditional beginning of travel season, we're sharing travel stories from our employees along with travel tips and tricks learned along the way. This week, we’re exploring the Great American Desert with Fox.

Last August, Mast Store's blogs featured our employees' stories about their favorite visit to a National Park in celebration of the National Park Service Centennial. This May, the traditional beginning of travel season, we're sharing travel stories from our employees along with travel tips and tricks learned along the way. Please join us!