Exploration Local
Come journey with us as we explore and highlight the people and places that make the Blue Ridge and Southern Appalachian Mountains special and unique. We explore the towns, trails, rivers, scenic byways, businesses, and people that fuel the life & adventurous spirit in these mountains. Listen in on this relaxed conversational style podcast as host Mike Andress interviews Authors, Business Owners, Photographers, Athletes, Adventurers, Travelers and Friends who have a deep connection to the outdoors and directly influence the culture of the Blue Ridge. We’ll even explore the many ways nature & the outdoors can positivity influence our health and well being.
- Update frequency
- every 15 days
- Average duration
- 48 minutes
- Episodes
- 109
- Years Active
- 2020 - 2025
Catawba Falls, Old Fort & Looking Towards 2021, with Mike Andress
In this episode we highlight the 3.5 mile round trip hike to the beautiful 100ft cascading waterfall; Catawba Falls where historic buildings are scattered along the trail, and remnants…
North Carolina Waterfalls & Waterfall Keepers of NC, with Kevin Adams
In this episode I sit down with Kevin Adams, a naturalist, writer, teacher, and photographer who has had a lifelong love affair with nature and the outdoors. He has authored nine books,…
Expressing Gratitude & Thanksgiving with Mike Andress
I love the Great Smoky, Blue Ridge and Southern Appalachian Mountains. I love the culture, people, beauty, and recreational opportunities. I love the small towns, each with their own un…
Find Your Way, Lose Yourself with Pisgah Map Company (Pete Kennedy & Jack Henderson)
Since 2009, Pisgah Map Company has been putting their Western North Carolina roots to work for their fellow trail bums. With a unique fusion of elegant design and trail-born intuition, …
The PERFECT Guide To The Beauty Of The Carolinas, with Ryan & Terri Watts of HD Carolina
The beauty of the Carolina's is unmatched in terms of diversity, accessibility, and the overall quality of things to do, see, and experience. In this episode, husband and wife duo, Rya…
Next-Level Destination Mountain Towns & Communities, with Eric Woolridge of Destination by Design
In this episode we sit down with Eric Woolridge, Appalachian State University Alumni & President of Destination by Design, which is an economic development firm comprised of local gover…
Blue Ridge Parkway: America's Favorite Scenic Drive, with Tubby Kubik (Executive Director, Blue Ridge Parkway Association)
In this episode I sit down with Tubby Kubik, Executive Director of the Blue Ridge Parkway Association and we chat about the history of the Parkway, the unique characteristics of the Blu…
Bed & Breakfast Inns and Cottages – A Warm & Relaxing Way To Experience Asheville, NC with Angela Harrell
In this episode we sit down with Angela Harrell. She is the Owner & Innkeeper of the Cumberland Falls Bed & Breakfast, located in the beautiful and historic Montford District of Ashevil…
Living the Dream With National & World Whitewater Kayaking Champion, Nick Troutman
In this episode we sit down with Nick Troutman who is a Professional Whitewater Kayaker, Growth Mindset Guru, and Champion Family Man! Nick paddles for Jackson Kayaks and has been a par…
Discover The Hidden Beauty Of The Southern Appalachian Mountains, with Asheville Adventures Owner - Clayton Manche
In this episode we sit down with Clayton Manche, a lifelong native of Asheville, and Owner of Asheville Adventures, a Locally-lead Adventure Tour Company that offers The Greatest Privat…
North Carolina Mountains Fall Color Map Forecast 2020
The Western North Carolina Mountains are beautiful all year, but they really show off their colors and stunning beauty in Autumn and Fall. In this episode we break down the Fall Color M…
Creating Memories In Cozy Mountain Cabins, with Mike & Cate Szabo
It is common for people who visit the western North Carolina mountains to instantly fall in love with the area. From outdoor adventure enthusiasts and waterfall explorers to anglers an…
Adventure Lover, Emmy Award-Winning Film and Video Creator, Thomas C Webb
Thomas C. Webb is an Emmy award-winning film and video creator who has dedicated his life to waking up at 3am, enduring -30-degree temperatures and climbing to spine-tingling heights to…
15 - Apple Picking - The Ultimate Fall Pastime, with Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard
When the weather begins to cool off in the Southeast it means the best season of the year is fast approaching. Apple picking, a favorite fall pastime, actually begins in early September…
14 - Mountain Towns, Hikes, Waterfalls, Scenic Drives & Mountain Biking
In this episode we highlight some of the latest places we’ve been exploring. Exploration Local Host, Mike Andress, shares some of his favorite small mountain towns, new hikes, waterfall…
13 - Capturing The Beauty Of The Linville Gorge & NC Highlands, with Leslie Restivo
Leslie Restivo lives in Boone, NC. She is very comfortable in the backcountry of the Highlands and the rugged and scenic Linville Gorge. She has been known to rappel deep into the Gorge…
12 - The Enormous Health Benefits Of Nature; Including Counteracting Depression & Anxiety
Years of careful study has proven that spending time in a forest can reduce stress, anxiety, depression and anger; strengthen the immune system, improve cardiovascular and metabolic hea…
11 - Black Folks Camp Too, with Earl B. Hunter Jr.
After a three month, 14K mile father-and-son camping trip that included 49 campgrounds,, 20 states and provinces across the USA and Canada, and visiting numerous national parks and fore…
10 - Happy Yurting! The Most Unique and Glamorous "Camping" Experience Imaginable
Are you looking to spice up your mountain getaway? Look no further than DuPont Yurts. Listen in as Sherry & Terry McCracken, owners of DuPont Yurts, talk about how an impromptu wedding…
09 - How The Outdoors Helped An Immigrant Student Live His Best Life with Yashdeep Kumar
Yashdeep Kumar immigrated to the United States from India to attend the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and pursue his Biomedical Engineering Graduate Degree. Listen in as…