Blog
Supporting Our Roots: A Guide to Growth Grants and Public Resources in Ashe County
Ashe County is currently experiencing a significant wave of investment aimed at long-term resilience and community growth. For residents, business owners, and local organizers, understanding these funding streams is the first step toward participating in our county’s evolution. Here is a breakdown of the key grants currently shaping our area and what is accessible to…
The Coolest Corner: Essential Facts About Ashe County, NC
Ashe County, located in the northwestern tip of North Carolina, is often referred to as “The Coolest Corner of the State.” While its scenic beauty is well-known, its history and unique geographical features offer a deeper look into what makes this mountain region a cornerstone of Appalachian heritage. 1. A River Older Than the Mountains…
Lansing’s New Chapter: A Community on the Rise
If you haven’t visited Lansing, NC lately, you’re missing out on one of the most inspiring transformations in the High Country. From significant trail expansions to a revitalized downtown, our little town is proving that it has a very big future. The Creeper Trail Park1 Expansion One of the most exciting developments is the expansion…
The Hidden Folklore of Ashe County, NC
Tucked away in the quiet ridges of Ashe County, the mountains don’t just hold history, they hold stories and sometimes more. Not the kind you’ll always find written down. The kind that get passed along in low voices, across kitchen tables, or mentioned just enough to make you think twice before walking into the…
The Quiet Masters: Finding the Hidden Artisans of the High Country
In an age of assembly lines and mass production, there is something revolutionary about an object made by hand. In the hollers and high ridges of Ashe County, there is a community of makers whose work is rarely seen on a gallery wall or a social media feed. These are the “unknown” artists, the rustic…
Mountain masonry& Carpentry Quality Craftsmanship Built to Last
With over 30 years of experience, Randall Wooten brings expert skill and local reliability to every project. Whether you are looking for the timeless strength of custom stone and brickwork or the detailed precision of professional carpentry, we deliver results that stand the test of time. His Specialized Services Include: Why Choose Mountain Masonry? Contact…
Welcome to my World
Step on in. Set a spell.Not much here is loud or hurried. Just the steadiness of mountain life, the kind that settles into your bones and stays awhile. This is the place where stories are born: between creek rocks and early mornings, in the quiet of the holler, in the strange and beautiful corners of…
The Holler Handbook (part Two) A Dictionary of the Appalachian Language
A Book of Sayings of the Appalachian Mountains. “If his brains were dynamite, he wouldn’t have enough to blow his nose.”“She’s as fine as frog hair split four ways.” Appalachian English is not slang, it is a living, breathing, time capsule. Due to the centuries-long isolation of the mountains, the language of the Scotch-Irish settlers…