In our fast-paced world, we often forget the things that can be done without the assistance of a computer, tablet, phone, or other electronic devices. Doing things by hand helps keep your brain sharp.
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June 11, 20258 minute READ
The Open Sign is Out for Valle Crucis
A couple of weeks ago, many chambers of commerce and tourism groups held a ceremonial ribbon-cutting to signify that Western North Carolina is open and awaiting your visit. Valle Crucis is open, too, and welcomes a new restaurant and a revamped trail to its offerings. We hope you’ll visit soon.
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Local Flavor | Travel
Annex - Valle Crucis | Boone | Original - Valle Crucis
June 5, 20253 minute READ
Mast Store Roanoke Celebrates Five Years
The Roanoke Mast General Store celebrates its five-year anniversary on Tuesday, June 17. While Mast Store’s history in this city is still young, that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been eventful.
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In the days after September 27, 2024, highway information signs were emblazoned with a message... Do Not Travel in Western North Carolina. That sounds ominous, but its message was not overstated. Because of the tireless work by state and federal employees, local folks, and thousands and thousands of volunteers, the mountains are OPEN – including two lanes of Interstate 40 – and we invite you to vacation... And volunteer!
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Inspiration | Local Flavor | Travel
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November 30, 202310 minute READ
It Just Would Not Be the Holidays Without
... Our favorite foods! Food is universal because everybody’s got ta eat! And the last two months of the year are filled with more than their fair share of family meals, work gatherings, special outings to favorite restaurants, tins filled with homemade cookies and fudge, and the anticipation of food traditions handed down from generation to generation
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At Home | Recipes
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May 26, 20237 minute READ
John and Faye Cooper: Why We Support Land Trusts
Even before we bought the Mast General Store, we were taken by the beauty of Valle Crucis. We’ve heard people describe the drive out Broadstone Road as traveling through a time portal. In the 1970s, fields in the river bottoms would be filled with tobacco, cabbage, or high with hay to feed cattle that were grazing in the summer pasture.
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