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WNC Trail Triple Crown Challenge

April is Hiking Month at Diamond Brand Outdoors, and we want you to hike, run, bike, and explore the outdoors! We’ve partnered with our friends at Asheville Trails for the WNC Trail Triple Crown Challenge.

Visit any Diamond Brand Outdoors or Frugal Backpacker location to check out the awesome new Asheville Trails kiosks with dozens of local trails. We believe the outdoors are for everyone of all abilities, so you’ll find lots of good stuff at the kiosk, like directions and insider tips on easy, moderate, and difficult hikes of varying distance. Find a trail you like, and then snap a picture of the info sheet with your phone. And then visit the Asheville Trails website to get driving directions and more trail info.

Hit any three trails from the displays during April and we’ll give you 20% off up to five items, plus a free Asheville Trails sticker! Just post a pic to Instagram while you’re on the trail, tag both @diamondbrand_outdoors and @ashevilletrails, and use the hashtag #WNC3C.

Once you’ve hiked three of the trails, return to any Diamond Brand Outdoors or Frugal Backpacker location to receive your discount. A team member will take a look a look at your tagged photos — which we’d probably like to share on our feed if you give us permission!

Discount cannot be used for gift cards, boats, or special orders. See store for any other exclusions.

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Asheville’s Urban Trail

Ask your neighbor to describe the Great Outdoors and you’ll get plenty of answers peppered with words like “trees,” “trails,” “rivers,” “sky,” and other hallmarks of untamed areas. You’re a lot less likely to get a description of downtown Asheville, but it’s home to one of the most interesting hikes you’ll ever find. It’s kind of a museum without walls – all under a beautiful skyline.

Courtesy of RomanticAsheville.com

The Urban Trail is just 1.7 miles, but it winds through vibrant city streets and tells Asheville’s history through public sculptures at 30 stops. These bronze plaques and art pieces are so familiar, they’re easy to overlook, but serve as reminders of the legends and lore that are part of the rich fabric of our little corner of the world. Mostly local artists created the vibrant bronze sculptures and other art works that are found at each station.

A small group of dedicated friends and neighbors started the Urban Trail in 1991 as a way to help revitalize downtown. They decided to divide the trail into five distinct eras, each of which has a symbol carved into pink granite blocks placed in the sidewalk along the way.

Highlights include:

The Gilded Age (1880-1930) is marked with a feather. Covering Asheville’s post-Civil War boom to the Great Depression, you’ll find the bronze pigs and turkeys in front of the Vance Monument that represents the Buncombe Turnpike, a busy dirt thoroughfare used by travelers in the early 19th century. The rails represent the arrival of the train in 1880 and the electric trolley in 1889. This section of the trail includes the giant iron in front of the 1926 Flat Iron Building, metal cats on Wall Street, and musicians and dancers in front of the U.S. Cellular Center representing the musical heritage of the Blue Ridge.

Courtesy of RomanticAsheville.com

A horseshoe marks The Frontier Period (1784-1880). With just two stops, it’s the shortest part of the trail. It recognizes Lexington Avenue’s previous life as the city’s home to produce markets and livery stables. A wide-eyed boy on stilts represents Richard Sharp Smith, supervising architect of Biltmore and designer of many downtown buildings.

No history of Asheville would be complete without a bit of attention to Thomas Wolfe, author of Look Homeward, Angel and one of Asheville’s favorite sons. The Times of Thomas Wolfe (1900-1938) is marked by a replica of the angel sold by his father. One of the most popular stops is entitled “Wolfe’s Neighborhood” and gives a panoramic view of Asheville as it would have been seen in the early 20th century. “On the Move” outside of Asheville Community Theatre is another interesting sculpture that represents the history of transportation. Spin its wheel to hear 11 different sounds ranging from trains to horse-drawn wagons.

The Era of Civic Pride (1876-1903) celebrates the role of local government. It’s marked by replica of the sixth Buncombe County Courthouse, which stood during the period. Among the five stops, you’ll find an historic bell similar to the one that hung in the 1892 City Hall and a little girl in bronze representing Childhood.

Courtesy of Asheville.com

The final leg of the hike is The Age of Diversity and is marked by an eagle, a nod to the historic significance of Eagle Street as the center of Asheville’s early African-American community. Markers commemorate craftsman James Vester Miller, “The Block,” and grand The Eagle Hotel that once stood near the stagecoach stop.

The self-guided tour begins and ends at Pack Square Park and takes about two hours to complete in its entirety. It can be made shorter by covering just part of the trail, but it’s you’ll find it hard not to be inspired to visit all time periods. It’s hard not to be taken in by the many tempting distractions of downtown, too, which prove adventure is where you find it whether you’re on the trail or on the town.

Grab a map at Diamond Brand Outdoors in the Aloft Hotel on 53 Biltmore Avenue or download one from the City of Asheville’s website.

For more information, visit RomanticAsheville.com.

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Asheville GreenWorks Receives Columbia/Grassroots Belay Grant

We’re excited to announce our support of Asheville GreenWorks‘ Youth Environmental Leadership Program (YELP) with a grant for $6,000 through a partnership with Columbia Sportswear and Grassroots Outdoor Alliance. Connecting teens with their local environment ensures the next generation in our community is active, engaged, and productive. It also reinforces the role of mountains, streams, and trails as accessible to all.

An award ceremony will take place on March 18 at noon during Campapalooza at our flagship store on 1378 Hendersonville Road in Asheville. We’ll also present awards to three other nonprofit organizations providing high-quality outdoor experiences for local youth.

YELP engages young adults ages 16-19 living in low-income neighborhoods in work experiences that emphasize the importance of caring for our natural environment. Through partnerships with the National Park Service and the US Forest Service, interns work alongside rangers and research scientists on issues such as climate change, reforestation, and wildlife conservation in our national parks and forests. The paid interns take several trips to national parks and forests during their internship to conduct research and learn more about the natural environment firsthand.

Additionally, interns receive leadership training through community outreach, service projects and public speaking. Last year, Asheville GreenWorks also added a focus on riparian zone restoration through invasive species removal, live staking, and storm water management. Knowledge and skills gained are unique and beneficial for school and resume building.

YELP interns also complete a 15-hour “externship” with environmental professionals from local partner organizations and businesses, learning alongside local conservation leaders while building employability skills and exploring potential career opportunities in environmental sustainability.

Diamond Brand Outdoors sponsored Asheville GreenWorks and provides additional funds as part of the Belay Grant Program. Columbia and the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance award annual grants to support local conservation and outdoor education projects across the country. Since 2012, this program has provided over $500,000 in funding and product support to projects across the U.S. nominated by Grassroots retail members.

“We’re proud to support local outdoor conservation and education projects through the Belay Grant Program,” said Scott Welch, Global Corporate Relations Manager at Columbia Sportswear Company. “Collaborating with the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance and Diamond Brand Outdoors allows us to identify projects and organizations that best serve the community.”

In addition to sponsorship funds, the grant includes tools, planting materials, a kayak and supplies, and innovative outdoor products from Columbia including quick drying shorts or pants, boots or water shoes, and wicking socks or sun hat.

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Hammock Camping

Western North Carolina has been ahead of the curve when it comes to hammocks, most likely thanks to ENO’s headquarters being located in Asheville. You’ve probably got friends who leave their hammock up year round on their porch or backyard. You’ve most likely experienced the frustration of losing out on the last available tree at an open field music festival. If you’re a personal hammock owner, you may have already ditched the tent for a hammock. Lots of people are doing the same thing.

Hammock camping isn’t about roughing it or sacrificing comfort for the sake of a lighter load, though that’s a bonus. It’s about increased comfort, easier setup and takedown, and an enjoyable time. If you haven’t been in a hammock in awhile, you’ll be surprised by how comfortable they are these days. Gone are the pinching cords of rope and uneven hang. Today’s hammocks are made of breathable nylon. ENO’s hammocks also utilize a “tree saver” suspension system (no nails or hooks) so you leave less of a footprint in the great outdoors. Hammocks generally offer all the features of a tent including gear lofts and privacy tarps for changing your clothes while standing (take that, tent!).

Sleeping pads and other camping comforts have come a long way, but can be a pricey investment for a family or someone just getting started. This usually leads to a choice based on budget and a feeling of coming home happy, but exhausted, and saying, “I can’t wait to sleep in my own bed.” When you climb into your hammock after a day in the woods, you’ll find support for your entire body – from head to toe and from side to side. You’ll go to sleep with a smile on your face and wake up feeling recharged and energized. Instead of feeling like you need to get out of your tent as quickly as possible in the morning to experience being outside, you’re already there!

In addition to the added support, you won’t have to worry about a stray rock under your tent or searching for completely level ground. You can camp on a hill or in the rain or snow. Accessories like bug nets and rain tarps are commonplace and take less time to set up than tents. ENO has just released the Nomad hammock stand, a portable shock-cord stand that supports up to 300 lbs.

As with any outdoor gear, it’s all a question of how committed you are to investing in the gear you need to be comfortable. With hammock camping – just like tent camping – it’s easy to get all the basics you need at an affordable price. You can always invest in additional gear and four-season options.

If you find hammock camping isn’t for you, you’ll still have an incredible piece of functional and comfortable gear added to your outdoor arsenal.

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$6,000 for Local Youth Environmental Education

We believe the outdoors are for everyone. That’s why we teamed up with Patagonia to award $6,000 to area programs that support environmental and stewardship education for local kids and teens. You helped us by voting in the Winter of Love poll for your favorite organizations and — wow! — 5,147 votes later, we’re happy to announce the winners.
 The North Carolina Arboretum’s ecoEXPLORE takes the top spot with 2,513 votes. ecoEXPLORE is an incentive-driven program that engages K-8 students in guided and self-directed citizen science activities. Students engage as active participants as they record observations of organisms found in their neighborhoods, libraries, and at the Arboretum. They’ll receive a check for $2,500 and a $500 gift card.

Finishing a very close second is RiverLink with 2,276 votes. RiverLink delivers K-12 watershed education at no cost to schools within the French Broad River Watershed. Through hands-on and fun experiences, students leave lessons with the knowledge and skills to care for their watershed. We’re sending them a check for $1,500 and a $250 gift card.

In third, The North Carolina Youth Conservation Corps (NCYCC) is a comprehensive youth development program that uses the natural world as a platform for teaching environmental stewardship, job and life skills, leadership, community service, and personal responsibility. They’ll receive a check for $1,000 and a $250 gift card to support their work.

Since opening WNC’s original outdoor store in 1964, community support has been an important tenant of our success and one of our guiding principals. Join us on March 18 at our store on 1378 Hendersonville Road for Campapalooza, a celebration of our history and a showcase of 2017’s hottest gear. We’ll have giveaways, package discounts, one-day-only deals, outdoor education from some of the best in the business, and more. We’ll also present checks to the local organizations listed above and others.

Everyone who cast a vote was also entered to win a $100 gift card to Diamond Brand Outdoors. Congratulations to Wayne S. of Asheville!

We’re blown away by the response. It’s great to be part of a community dedicated to making sure the next generation of adventurers are developed through the ability to get outdoors and run, jump, play, and explore! #AdventureIsLocal

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200 Coats for Eblen Charities

asheville coat drive eblen charitiesThanks for helping us collect over 200 coats for Eblen Charities. As the lowest temperatures of winter hit the mountains, they’ll make sure they make it to those in our community who need them the most.

During November and December, we joined with Frugal Backpacker and our customers to collect coats, hats, and gloves for the second year in row. Thanks for showing us the great things that can happen when we all join forces to strengthen our community!

If you didn’t get a chance to drop off any items, you can support Eblen Charities with a donation or as a volunteer.

Eblen Charities is a non-profit organization whose outreach extends throughout the counties of Western North Carolina and through its numerous programs has helped thousands upon thousand of families each year with medical and emergency assistance through more than 70 programs yearly throughout the region.

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We’re 2017’s Best Outdoor Shop

best of the blue ridge blue ridge outdoors best outdoor shop asheville north carolinaAfter more than 85,000 votes, Diamond Brand Outdoors has been named Best Outdoor Shop in Blue Ridge Outdoors‘ annual roundup of readers’ favorite places, people, events, businesses, and organizations. We’re excited to be recognized by the definitive magazine covering outdoor sports, health, and adventure travel in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.

While it’s always great when our team gets recognized, the Best of the Blue Ridge is special because it’s recognition that comes from the public. We know you have a choice and we’re honored you continue to choose Diamond Brand Outdoors, WNC’s first and original outdoor lifestyle outfitter.

Independent and locally owned since 1964, our team specializes in high-quality clothing and gear for travel, hiking, backpacking, camping, kayaking, and everyday life. We pride ourselves in hiring knowledgeable enthusiasts, who love the outdoor lifestyle and head outdoors whenever we get the chance including AT thru-hikers, class V+ kayakers, and world travelers. Whether you’re getting fit for a new pack and hiking boots for a bucket list adventure or just need a comfortable outfit for exploring downtown Asheville, you’re in good hands.

We hope to see all of you in 2017 at one of our clinics, demos, events, or just around the store!

Check out all of the Best of the Blue Ridge winners.

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Resolve to Get Outdoors in 2017

New Years Asheville OutdoorsThe turn of the year means 2016 is in the books—and for many of us, it can’t come a moment too soon. The end of a year usually brings a time of self-reflection, a time to get our priorities in line and make a plan for improvement. That seems especially important this year.

The top New Year’s resolutions remain largely unchanged year after year: stay fit and healthy, lose weight, and enjoy life to the fullest. If the goals on your list look similar, scratch them out and replace them with one enjoyable item: get outdoors!

These days, the average American spends 93% of their life inside, 87% in buildings and 6% in vehicles. Spending just 20 more minutes outside each day is long enough to provide a cleaning of the mental windshield to recover from everyday life.

You might be thinking, “This sounds great, but I went camping once and hated it.” Luckily, there are countless ways to get outdoors that don’t include pitching a tent—although that can be pretty great, too! If you’re already an outdoors maestro, introduce newbie friends and family to your favorite outdoor activities.

Take a Hike

Asheville Hiking Outdoors Western North Carolina MountainsOn a tree-lined street, your closest park or greenway, or one of the many trails a few minutes outside of town, hiking is great because it doesn’t require a lot of special equipment. A good pair of hiking shoes from your local outdoors store is good enough to start. As you graduate to more moderate trails, trekking poles can come in handy. The North Carolina Arboretum is a beautiful choice this time of year with lots of parking and trails of all levels.

Train for a Big Event

Running Asheville Big Event Western North Carolina OutdoorsWhether you’re a runner, biker, or hiker (or want to be one), having a specific challenge in mind will give you structure and motivation. If you’re already running a few times a week, but want to warm up your winter right away, the Asheville Hot Chocolate 10K is January 21. For beginners and those just getting back into the game, the Race to the Taps series kicks off on March 18. Followed by three additional races in April, September, and October, you’ll be able to trace your improvement through the year.

Find Inspiration

Outdoors Volunteering Asheville Mountains WNCShare your skills, meet new people, and make a difference by volunteering with organizations like MountainTrue, The North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville Greenworks, Carolina Mountain Club, The Pisgah Conservancy, Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Muddy Sneakers, Friends of the Smokies, Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy, North Carolina Outward Bound School, RiverLink, and…you get the idea?!? There are many ways to volunteer with great local organizations. With the amount of projects available, you can volunteer when your schedule permits, create a custom outing, or join a group event. Local stores like Diamond Brand Outdoors often host information sessions with these groups, making getting involved even easier.

These are a few ways you get outdoors more in 2017 right away. You can also simply visit a new neck of the woods or take a date night outside. As it warms up, maybe join an outdoor sports league or try your hand at kayak fishing. Making time for yourself to do what you love in the places you love to do them will reconnect you with the world and make you happy.

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Free Store Pickup

You and your family are busier than ever. That’s why we’ve introduced Free Store Pickup. Browse our inventory online, then pick up your items at the store for free as soon as today. You can pay online or at the store. You’ll save money on shipping costs and enjoy the face-to-face, personal interaction you expect from Diamond Brand Outdoors.

  • Save Time: Chances are you already know what you’re looking for. Find out if we have the size and color you want without driving to several stores. We’ll also hold your items, so you can just head straight to the check out and be on your way.
  • Instant Gratification: We love the convenience of online shopping, but we hate waiting for our packages to arrive. With Free Store Pickup, you can browse online on your lunch break and pick the item up on your way home from work with no waiting.
  • Easy Returns: Fit different than you expected? Did the color look different online? With Free Store Pickup, local returns or exchanges are easy. Online shopping…not so much. (Ask the pile of boxes beside my door waiting for me to remember to take them to the post office.)
  • Adventure Is Local: Shopping local allows you to support the patchwork of unique businesses that make Asheville a fantastic place to live. You’ll feel good and experience some real local pride. We opened the area’s first outdoor lifestyle shop in 1964 and never take for granted the support you give us.

Never used Free Store Pickup before? It’s easy.

  • Head to our website and choose which store you’d like to shop at: Parkway Center (South Asheville) or Downtown.
  • Browse our inventory by category, brand, price point, and more, to find an item that you love.
  • Select your desired size and color and hit the “Hold in Store” button, then enter your name and email.
  • Pick your new gear up at the store at your convenience.
  • Enjoy your new gear and good vibes from shopping local.

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Ways to Explore the Outdoors in Asheville in December

Even though summer hung around longer than usual, we’re lucky to enjoy four distinct seasons in our little corner of the world. Every season is a great season to live in Asheville, but holidays in the mountains carry a special charm all their own. From sharing a fire pit with friends in your backyard to getting in one last camping weekend with the family, there are plenty of traditions—casual or official—to fill up the month of December.

Here are some picks for getting outside during the last month of the year. Visit the experts at Diamond Brand Outdoors to make sure you’ve got the right hiking shoes and gear before heading out!

Frozen Waterfalls
While the power of rushing water is a spectacular site during any waterfall hike, winter brings magical icy scenes that are on display for just a short time each year. Leafless trees offer clearer views and the absence of crowds make for a very personal experience. Daniel Ridge Falls, Cove Creek Falls, Soco Falls, or one of many others are just a short drive from Asheville. Visit RomanticAsheville.com for some great suggestions.

Lake Julian Festival of Lights
6pm-9pm nightly through December 22
$5 per car, $10 per van
Transforming the road circling Lake Julian Park involves thousands of lights and more than 50 displays, growing each year! The lake’s reflection can even make it appear that the dazzling wonderland goes on forever. A fundraiser for Buncombe County Special Olympics, the annual event is a great value since you pay by the vehicle and not per person. December 1 offers the option to walk through the festival at your own pace rather than driving in the car.

Choose ‘n’ Cut Christmas Tree Farms
The North Carolina Fraser fir is the second most popular Christmas tree in the nation. Christmas tree farms are a great holiday outing, allowing you and your family to make memories while picking the perfect yuletide centerpiece. Cut it yourself or have the professionals bale and tie to your vehicle while you enjoy refreshments and (in some cases) hay rides. A good resource is NCChristmastrees.com.

Santa on the Rock
11am-2pm on December 3 & 10
$13 adults, $6 ages 5-15 (includes park admission)
Jolly Old Saint Nick practices his chimney shimmy with multiple rappels down Chimney Rock. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy live holiday music, hot cocoa and cookies, and meet live critters that call Chimney Rock Park their home.

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
6pm-9pm nightly through January 1
$18 adults, $16 ages 5-11
Shorter days mean more time to enjoy the nighttime wonderland of light displays throughout the region. The North Carolina Arboretum’s elaborate Winter Lights show transforms the gardens into a magical experience. Grab some layers and enjoy the experience of roasting marshmallows and making s’mores!

Asheville Downtown Holiday Windows
Map available at ashevilledowntown.org
Finish your holiday shopping or just get in the holiday spirit as you window-shop about 30 businesses that make up the Holiday Windows walking tour sponsored by the Asheville Downtown Association. Seasonal interpretations range from the traditional to the neo-traditional to the only-in-Asheville, a delightful experience that reinforces that we may celebrate in different ways, but we all love the experience of winter magic.

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