Exploring the Valley

PC PRODUCTIONS
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Places & Travel

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!

  1. 5d ago

    How A Local Nonprofit Keeps A Valley Afloat

    You can learn a lot about a town by looking at how it treats people when life gets hard. We sit down with Savanna Craig, assistant director at Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry (SVCM), to talk about what community support actually looks like in Black Mountain, NC and the wider Swannanoa Valley and why it works when it’s built on relationships, consistency, and real cooperation. Savanna shares her path from Haywood County to college and divinity school, then back to the mountains, and how SVCM has grown over the past few years from a tiny staff into a stronger team powered by a huge volunteer base. We dig into the core programs that neighbors rely on: financial assistance, a clothing closet, a food pantry, an urgent home repair program, and Neighbor Care, SVCM’s free medical clinic. If you’ve ever wondered how local nonprofits decide what to offer, how they avoid wasting effort, and how they stay responsive to changing needs, this conversation gets specific. We also talk about partnerships across the valley and why avoiding duplicated services helps the whole community carry more of the load. One of the most exciting threads is the plan to expand Neighbor Care with a mobile medical unit, bringing healthcare access to people facing cost and transportation barriers. Along the way, Savannah gives practical tips for meeting people after moving to town, plus a memorable Black Mountain bear story that feels like a rite of passage. If you care about volunteering, community resources in Black Mountain NC, nonprofit collaboration, or expanding healthcare access in rural mountain towns, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a neighbor, and leave a review so more people can find the stories that keep the valley connected. Send us Fan Mail Best Buy Metals is the industry leader in long-life metal roofing and siding materials. With seven manufacturing locations, they deliver high-quality products at everyday low prices and at speeds others can’t match. But what truly sets Best Buy Metals apart is their people—a dedicated team committed to providing exceptional service for projects of any size, every single day. Support the show

  2. Sep 22

    From Gold Camp To Social House

    You can feel the moment a “normal” life stops fitting and a bigger idea starts pushing back. We sit down with Kathryn "Kat" Rudasil to trace the path from North Carolina roots to a full year of international travel and back again, where a mix of real estate grit and hospitality instinct turns into two standout destinations in Western North Carolina: a glamping camp in Marion and Perry Social House in Black Mountain. Kat walks us through the practical side of taking risks, from house hacking and learning renovations the hard way to spotting a once-in-a-lifetime listing: 11 buildings on the water at an old gold mining camp. Instead of rebuilding the same tourist routine, they reimagine the property around what modern families and couples actually want: nature, comfort, and time together. We talk glamping basics, why “easy” matters, and how to create a getaway that works for kids, grandparents, and everyone in between. Then we zoom in on Perry Social House, a coffee and cocktail bar that happens to have rooms. Kat explains the branding strategy behind that wording, how an Airbnb-style self check-in micro-hotel supports a local-first vibe, and why events like workshops and themed nights are more than marketing, they’re community infrastructure. The biggest takeaway is simple and powerful: we’re not selling stuff, we’re helping people remember how a place made them feel. If you care about small business growth, hospitality marketing, experiential travel, or the Blue Ridge Mountains tourism scene, this conversation is packed with real examples you can use. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves a good local spot, and leave a review telling us what makes you come back to a place. Send us Fan Mail Best Buy Metals is the industry leader in long-life metal roofing and siding materials. With seven manufacturing locations, they deliver high-quality products at everyday low prices and at speeds others can’t match. But what truly sets Best Buy Metals apart is their people—a dedicated team committed to providing exceptional service for projects of any size, every single day. Support the show

  3. Sep 15

    What If Your Business Succeeds Because You Notice People

    A store can be more than shelves and prices. Sometimes it’s a place where you notice who looks tired today, who’s celebrating, and who might need a little help and where you quietly know exactly who to call if you can’t be that help yourself. That’s the heart of our conversation with Danette Hopey of Hopey & Co., one of the most talked-about local grocery stores in Black Mountain, North Carolina. We trace the real origin story: selling Beacon blankets at the flea market, scrambling for the next “side hustle” when that market closed, and taking a big swing on coffee beans that became seed money. From there, customer requests reshape everything, turning a small overstock operation into a true neighborhood stop for local products, pantry basics, imported surprises, plus a beer and wine selection that draws people in from across the Asheville area. Danette also shares what makes overstock grocery shopping feel confusing at first and why it becomes fun once you learn the rhythm. Along the way we talk family and longevity: five kids, homeschooling, generational employees, and the kind of community culture that keeps people coming back for decades. We even get into travel stories, including Alaska moments where strangers recognize the store by name, and the local-history murals inside Hoppy & Company painted by an employee whose talent stunned everyone. If you love stories about small business, entrepreneurship, Black Mountain NC, and the power of community, hit play. Subscribe for more, share this with a friend who loves local shopping, and leave us a review so more listeners can find the show. Send us Fan Mail Best Buy Metals is the industry leader in long-life metal roofing and siding materials. With seven manufacturing locations, they deliver high-quality products at everyday low prices and at speeds others can’t match. But what truly sets Best Buy Metals apart is their people—a dedicated team committed to providing exceptional service for projects of any size, every single day. Support the show

  4. Sep 8

    Service Above Self

    You can tell a lot about a town by what happens when you show up every week. We’re joined by Ted Rausch, this year’s Rotary president, to talk about how a life of constant moving (Army brat, preacher’s kid, Army officer) shapes your values and your need for community, and why Black Mountain, NC finally feels like a place to put down roots. We swap local favorites too, from Flat Creek and the Greenway to the Point Lookout Trail, and what it’s like to settle into mountain life after decades somewhere else.  From there, we dig into what Rotary actually is: a service-focused membership organization built on fellowship, integrity, and leadership. Ted breaks down why meetings matter, how great speakers keep people engaged, and how connection turns into action. We talk through service projects and the behind-the-scenes work of raising and distributing disaster grant funding, including support for Community High School and programs where students need real equipment and space to learn. If you’ve ever searched for “volunteer opportunities in Black Mountain” or wondered where to make a lasting impact, this is a practical look at how it happens.  We also spotlight the Black Mountain Citizens Academy and why civic education lowers the temperature on local issues by helping you understand public works, planning, and zoning. Ted shares what the board of adjustment does, why he avoids private conversations about cases, and how residents can plug in without turning everything into a fight. Plus: dogs, bear encounters, and why e-bikes are more workout than you’d think, along with the town’s push for safer biking and walking.  If you like conversations about community service, local government, and how to belong where you live, subscribe, share this with a neighbor, and leave a quick review so more people can find the show. Send us Fan Mail Best Buy Metals is the industry leader in long-life metal roofing and siding materials. With seven manufacturing locations, they deliver high-quality products at everyday low prices and at speeds others can’t match. But what truly sets Best Buy Metals apart is their people—a dedicated team committed to providing exceptional service for projects of any size, every single day. Support the show

  5. Sep 1

    What Your State Representative Actually Does

    Raleigh can feel far away right up until your road washes out, your business paperwork stalls, or disaster recovery turns into a maze. We’re joined by North Carolina State Representative Eric Ager, a Fairview native and former Navy helicopter pilot, to talk about what state-level leadership looks like when Western North Carolina needs results, not headlines. Eric shares his story from growing up on a farm to the Naval Academy and decades of service overseas, then returning home to raise a family, run parts of the farm operation, and help grow a local equine nonprofit. From there, we dig into the nuts and bolts of the North Carolina General Assembly: the part-time schedule, why the state budget is the legislature’s central obligation, and why the “representative” part of the job often means constituent services. When unemployment claims, business licenses, or agency bottlenecks hit, knowing who to call and how to escalate problems can make a real difference. We also tackle Hurricane Helene recovery and the ongoing disconnect between what mountain communities experienced and what much of the state sees today. Eric talks candidly about where relief fell short for small businesses, why loans were often the wrong answer, and what faster grant or forgivable loan programs could have changed. Then we pivot to tourism recovery in Western North Carolina: rebuilding visitor confidence, investing in North Carolina state parks, restoring key routes like Highway 9, and even the idea of trout stream designation for the Swannanoa River to support conservation funding and fishing tourism. If you found this useful, subscribe to Exploring the Valley, share this conversation with a neighbor, and leave a review so more people can find it. Send us Fan Mail Best Buy Metals is the industry leader in long-life metal roofing and siding materials. With seven manufacturing locations, they deliver high-quality products at everyday low prices and at speeds others can’t match. But what truly sets Best Buy Metals apart is their people—a dedicated team committed to providing exceptional service for projects of any size, every single day. Support the show

  6. Aug 25

    How Tourism, History, And Volunteers Keep Black Mountain Thriving

    You can learn a lot about a place by listening to someone who has loved it for decades, then chose to serve it on purpose. We’re joined by Glenn Cox, a Swannanoa Valley local with deep family roots and a lifetime of stories that stretch from Atlanta summers to a full-time home in the mountains, complete with a reservoir view toward Craggy and the Blue Ridge Parkway that still feels unreal.  We also get practical about how a town like Black Mountain gets supported and seen. Glenn walks us through his nonprofit management journey, from Handmade in America to his operational role at Explore Asheville, and what it takes to build systems, separate organizations, and keep the work steady even when politics and funding shift. If you’ve ever wondered whether “Explore Asheville” includes smaller communities, we talk honestly about what gets done, how relationships matter, and why showing up changes outcomes.  Then we dig into the Tourism Development Authority: what it is, how occupancy tax funding works, and why grants and marketing support don’t appear by magic. We connect that to real results like the Sourwood Festival’s demand, and to the community side of the valley: the Swannanoa Valley Museum and History Center, exhibits that hold hard memories like Helene, and hiking programs that turn neighbors into friends.  If you care about Western North Carolina travel, local history, community development, or simply what makes a small mountain town function, this one is for you. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves Black Mountain, and leave a review telling us what topic you want us to explore next. Send us Fan Mail Best Buy Metals is the industry leader in long-life metal roofing and siding materials. With seven manufacturing locations, they deliver high-quality products at everyday low prices and at speeds others can’t match. But what truly sets Best Buy Metals apart is their people—a dedicated team committed to providing exceptional service for projects of any size, every single day. Support the show

  7. Aug 18

    Why Painting A Flood High Water Mark Matters

    A local business owner pulls you aside at dinner and says, “We want you to take ownership.” That’s the moment Jessica Gruver and her now-husband Nathan step into a life-changing decision: buying Black Mountain Handyman and leading a team that homeowners across Black Mountain, Montreat, and Swannanoa already trust with their houses and their to-do lists.  We talk with Jessica about the real mechanics of a small business acquisition, why an 11 month transition can feel like having a baby, and what it means when a founder hands you the keys early and says, “Treat it like it’s yours.” We also get specific about what “handyman” can mean at a professional level, from helping an elderly neighbor change a light bulb to managing full renovations through Black Mountain Renovation and Design, backed by licensed general contractors and a team culture shaped by Montreat College ties and Eagle Scout values.  Then the conversation turns to Hurricane Helene and the kind of resilience you can’t fake. Jessica shares how 37 inches of water hit their building, what they lost in vehicles and tools, and how they rebuilt the space. One of the most powerful details is the painted high water mark on the exterior, a clean line with a date that quietly says: it happened here, and we kept going.  You’ll also hear how they show up for the community through Hammer and Heart and the Valley Hope Foundation, including donated labor that turns skills into real help. Subscribe for more stories from the Swannanoa Valley, share this with a neighbor who loves local businesses, and leave a review with your favorite takeaway. Send us Fan Mail Best Buy Metals is the industry leader in long-life metal roofing and siding materials. With seven manufacturing locations, they deliver high-quality products at everyday low prices and at speeds others can’t match. But what truly sets Best Buy Metals apart is their people—a dedicated team committed to providing exceptional service for projects of any size, every single day. Support the show

  8. Aug 11

    From Rory Gilmore To Chamber Pro

    She packed up her life, moved to the mountains days after graduation, and jumped into a Chamber of Commerce job that didn’t even come with a neat little job description. That’s the kind of real world leap we love, and it’s why our conversation with Sophie Sullivan feels so relatable for anyone starting over in a new place. We talk with Sophie about growing up in a tiny farming town in northwest Indiana, living in the Tampa area, and then choosing Swannanoa and the Black Mountain NC community as her new home. She shares how meeting her fiancé changed her timeline, what it’s like building a life near family, and the everyday joys that make Western North Carolina stick, including hiking with their puppy, chasing country music concerts, and the very real puzzle of wedding planning. If you’re searching for wedding venues near Black Mountain, Lake Eden and Hidden River come up as memorable options, especially for out of town guests who need cabins and an easy place to gather. On the work side, we get into what a chamber assistant actually does: social media, administrative support, Canva design, and the kind of careful proofreading that keeps community communication clear and trustworthy. Sophie’s journalism background shines as we talk about learning from volunteers in the visitor center and how one simple question, “Where are you from?” can turn a quick stop into a genuine connection. We also pull back the curtain on Sourwood Festival preparation, from signage and parking passes to handling calls from lost vendors and learning street names on the fly. If you care about local business, community events, and what makes the Black Mountain Swannanoa area feel like home, you’ll find a lot to love here. Subscribe to Exploring the Valley, share this with a friend who’s new to town, and leave us a review so more people can discover the pride of our community. Send us Fan Mail Best Buy Metals is the industry leader in long-life metal roofing and siding materials. With seven manufacturing locations, they deliver high-quality products at everyday low prices and at speeds others can’t match. But what truly sets Best Buy Metals apart is their people—a dedicated team committed to providing exceptional service for projects of any size, every single day. Support the show

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About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    PC PRODUCTIONS
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Exploring the Valley
  • Show Website
    Exploring the Valley