Exploring the Valley
Discover the hidden gems, local legends, and can’t-miss experiences in Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley as we dive into the perks of Chamber membership and uncover what makes this mountain town a must-visit destination. Whether you're a local business or just passing through, there's something cool waiting for you!
Exploring the Valley
Where Neighbors Become Storytellers
Cheryl Hyde, director of the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce, introduces "Exploring the Valley" podcast dedicated to sharing the people, places, and stories that make the Swannanoa Valley special. This new show aims to highlight local businesses, hidden gems, and community stories while fostering collaboration over competition.
• Podcast will feature local businesses, entrepreneurs, and the people who keep the economy strong
• Hidden trails, attractions, and natural treasures will be uncovered for both residents and visitors
• Arts, culture, and heritage stories that shape the community's character will be celebrated
• Behind-the-scenes looks at festivals, events, and seasonal celebrations throughout the valley
• Focus on building collaboration over competition among valley businesses and organizations
• Future episodes will cover topics like the Sourwood Festival, best hiking trails, iconic businesses, and seasonal highlights
Subscribe to Exploring the Valley and follow the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce online for the latest updates. Send us your questions, suggestions, or local stories you'd like to hear featured - your voice is part of the adventure! Thanks to our platinum sponsors: Givens Highland Farms, the Town of Black Mountain, and PC Productions. We're always looking for more partners to keep the podcast going, so reach out if you'd like to get involved.
Welcome to Exploring the Valley. This is Cheryl Hyde. I'm the director of the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce and the Black Mountain Visitor Center. On this podcast, I'll be your guide to the people, places and stories that make our community special. Each episode will share the heart of the Swannanoa Valley, from local businesses and hidden trails to festivals, history and the voices of our neighbors. Whether you're a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, you'll find the pride of our community and the magic of the mountains right here. You're listening to Exploring the Valley, where local pride meets lasting magic. You're in for a ride, so buckle up. I'm Cheryl Hyde, with the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Black Mountain Visitor Center, and I'm excited to welcome you to Exploring the Valley. The name of this podcast goes hand-in-hand with the spirit of both the Chamber and the Visitor Center. We invite people in, we celebrate what makes us unique and we connect our community with the visitors.
Speaker 1:The purpose of this show is simple to highlight the people, places and experiences that make the Swannanoa Valley so special. Our valley includes Ridgecrest, montreat, black Mountain, swannanoa and other mountain communities that together create a vibrant welcoming place. Through this podcast, I want to share the pride and magic of the community with everyone who will listen. Each episode will feature the people, places and traditions that give our valley its character. We'll highlight local businesses and entrepreneurs. Those are the folks that keep our economy strong. We'll uncover hidden gems, trails and attractions. Those are the treasures that are tucked away in the mountains and the streams. We'll celebrate the arts, culture and heritage. These are the stories that shape the character of our community. But we'll also bring you along to festivals, events and seasonal celebrations, because, from parades and festivals to live music and mountain traditions, we know how to throw a party and everyone's invited.
Speaker 1:Every day I walk the streets, trails of this area. I talk to the people who built it and those who are adding to its story today. I live, work and play here, in the heart of the Swannanoa Valley, and I can't wait to share a glimpse of its richness with you. My role at the Chamber of Commerce is to connect people, support local businesses and help tell the story of our region. That's why we created this podcast. It's another way to shine a light on the people, places and events that define the Swannanoa Valley. We want to give our neighbors a deeper sense of pride in where they live and invite visitors to discover the lasting magic that's waiting for them here.
Speaker 1:One of the things you'll hear me say often is that we're on a quest to build a spirit of collaboration over competition. Me say often is that we're on a quest to build a spirit of collaboration over competition. This show is part of that mission. We'll bring in all kinds of people business owners, artists, community leaders and neighbors. We want them to share their perspectives because when we lift each other up, the whole valley grows stronger. I don't know that I'll bring all the answers to the show, but what I do hope to bring are the stories that reveal the heart of the valley, stories like what it's really like to put on the Sourwood Festival or where to find the best hiking trails and the outdoor adventures. We'll spotlight both the iconic businesses that have shaped the valley and the new startups that are bringing fresh energy. We'll uncover the hidden history, from trains and textiles to the traditions that make us who we are. And, of course, we'll share the seasonal highlights, from fall leaf peeping season and holly jolly to summer music in the mountains. That's what we want to capture and share with you If you're looking forward to future episodes of Exploring the Valley.
Speaker 1:Be sure to subscribe and share it with your friends so they can join the journey too. Follow the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce online for the latest news and event updates and send us your questions, suggestions or local stories that you'd like to hear featured. Your voice is part of the adventure. Let's keep exploring the valley, one story at a time. A quick thank you to Givens Highland Farms, the Town of Black Mountain and PC Productions. They are the Chamber's platinum sponsors and supporters of Exploring the Valley. We're always looking for more partners to keep the podcast going, so reach out if you'd like to get involved. Thanks for joining us on Exploring the Valley. Until next time, keep celebrating the pride of our community and discovering the magic of the mountains. In the meantime, you're free to move about the valley.