Graceful, playful and always curious, the American river otter is a crowd pleaser at zoos and nature centers. But this semi-aquatic species also represents one of our region’s most successful conservation comeback stories.
Our Newest Stories
Southern Highland Craft Guild Permanently Establishes Emerging Artist Program
The Southern Highland Craft Guild has announced its third cohort of the Emerging Artist Program (EAP), the Guild’s now-permanent initiative to bring early-career makers into the orbit of one of Appalachia’s oldest, distinguished craft institutions.
Veteran Artists Featured at Twigs and Leaves Gallery During Waynesville’s First Friday
As communities across the country mark America’s 250th anniversary, Twigs & Leaves Gallery will honor three veteran artists during downtown Waynesville’s First Friday on July 3, from 5–8 p.m. The gallery is managed by Marine Corps veteran Tiffani Watts.
The Grapevine: Hidden Heroes ~ The Ladybug
When my daughter was little, she loved the book The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle. She had me read it to her every night before bed. I got so sick of that book that I secretly donated it to the public library and claimed ignorance when she asked where it was.
Screenings of Award-Winning Film Tiny Movements to Be Held in Mars Hill and Asheville in June
In late June, Trillium Arts presents film screenings, panel discussions and a workshop for the award-winning short documentary Tiny Movements, the story of Asheville native Jenn Green’s embrace of dance as a way to heal after surviving domestic sexual assault.
The Farmer’s Table: Feast on the Native Tree Berries of June
May marked the beginning of berry season with strawberries—necessitating a crouch, a crawl or at the very least a hinge at the hips to gather the ground-dwelling berries. As May transitions to June, we look upwards in our picking to the berry-bearing trees: mulberry and juneberry.
Outdoors: The Taste of Scotland Celtic Festival and Highland Games Set For Father’s Day Weekend
The Taste of Scotland Celtic Festival and Highland Games will take place Father’s Day weekend, Friday, June 19, through Sunday, June 21, in Franklin. “We have been putting on the Taste of Scotland Festival for almost 30 years,” says organizer Lloyd Swift.
Book Feature: Eating on a Mountain at the End of the World: How I Found Love, Humor, and Beauty in My Quest for Ethical Food
When Zackary Vernon moved to Boone to begin teaching at Appalachian State University, he took on the personal challenge of trying to make ethical food choices: gardening, raising chickens, buying food from local farmers and volunteering at a certified organic farm.
Music on Main Fills Downtown Weaverville With Cajun Rhythms, Blues and Southern Rock
La Vie en Rosé Brings Three Days of Art, Fashion and Music to Marked Tree Vineyard
Blue Ridge Craft Trails Invitational 2026 Showcases Work by WNC Artists in June, July
Estes-Winn Museum at Grovewood Village Marks 60 Years of Preserving Asheville’s Automotive Story
Blue Ridge Orchestra’s Summer Soirée: An Evening of Enchantment on June 12
Book Feature: She’ll Be KILLING ‘Round the Mountain
A Bird’s Note: Painted Bunting
The Observant Gardener: Create a Glorious Garden with Colorful Hydrangeas
American Folk Art & Framing Welcomes Visiting Artist Trés Taylor for First Friday
Brevard Music Center Summer Season Celebrates 90 Years, America’s Birthday
Feature Artist: Janie Packer
Kevin Andrew Explores Self-Care and Collective Healing in The Ghosts of Sanity
Wildflowers Exhibition Honors Artist Bee Sieburg
Exploring the Wide World of Sketching
Wortham Center Partners with ArtSpace Charter to Design Creative Arts Summer Camps
In Bloom: Prickly Pear
Cover Artist: Taro Takizawa
Waynesville’s QuickDraw Promises Excitement for All While Raising Money for Local Art Programs
From the Editor: June 2026
An Exhibition of Art, Poetry at Asheville Gallery of Art
The Wild Truth: From Princeton to Pastures: Living with Goats
The Laurel of Asheville is available in both