Ideas for this magazine sometimes strike at unpredictable times, like as I glided 100 feet in the air over rainforest and riverbed in Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Forest this spring. Held by little more than cables, carabiners, and courage, I wondered what other wild ways a person could venture through the open sky. So sparked the inspiration behind our high-flying feature (“Sky-high Adventures,” page 84), in which writer Melissa Reardon outlines 50-plus bold options for getting your feet off the ground and your head in the clouds right here in Western North Carolina’s backyard.
My husband and I had planned this recent ziplining exploit as part of a quest to help our three children recognize their small but essential place in this great, big world. To me, that awareness feels most tangible on the peak of a mountain with the Earth unfurled below. But it’s also found in a quiet sunrise or the unexpected sight of an animal in its natural habitat—the sort of moments gifted to us by the talented finalists of our annual photography contest (“Images of Western North Carolina,” page 58).
You’ll also discover breathtaking vistas as golf guru Graham Averill tours some of our most stunning mountain courses in preparation for September’s Biltmore Championship (“Teed Up,” page 76). This historic event marks the first time in more than 80 years that Asheville will host the PGA Tour, offering the perfect opportunity for a look back at the golf legacy of this region.
Speaking of achievements, WNC magazine recently hit a couple worth noting. This summer, we celebrate our 20-year anniversary, a milestone most print publications never reach. And last spring, the North American Travel Journalists Association honored writer Randy Johnson with a Gold Award for his Summer 2025 feature, “Backcountry Beckons,” which braved hiking and camping through WNC’s wild frontier. You’ll find two articles by this trailblazer in our newest Guideposts section (“This Sacred Land,” page 28, and “Kuwohi Trail,” page 30).
Whether you keep closer to home or journey further afield this summer, I hope this issue inspires travels that bring you both adventure and awe!
Editor-in-Chief
Lauren B. Johnson
editor@wncmagazine.com