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Annual Coat Drive for Eblen Charities Kicks Off November 19

Last year, you helped us get over 400 coats to those in our community who need them most. This year, we’ve set a goal of 450 coats for Eblen Charities and you can score a discount for doing good.

November 19-December 24, you’ll receive 20% off an item for bringing in a gently used coat. (There’s a limit of one discount per person during the length of this promotion.) We’ll kick things off at Marmot + RootsRated’s Fall in Love with the Outside Road Tour during our Big Super Saturday celebration.

You can drop off a coat at either Diamond Brand location or Frugal Backpacker. You’ll only be able to use the discount on one item, but if you’d like to bring in multiple coats during the drive, that’s awesome! We’re also not allowed to discount certain items like YETI, GoPro, gift cards, and boats.

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.

Eblen Charities Asheville

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Big Super Saturday Brings Big Names Together for a Good Cause

Join us for Big Super Saturday, a full day celebrating the simple things we can do with family and friends to enjoy the outdoors. The free event features live music, giveaways, apple cider, outdoor treats, contests, and more. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, local nonprofits Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, Eblen Charities, and Diana Wortham Theatre benefit from events during the week. Big Super Saturday takes place on November 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., at our flagship store in the Parkway Center on 1378 Hendersonville Road in South Asheville.

The day kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with Native Watercraft and Liquidlogic’s Factory Warehouse Sale. Current and previous season boats will be on-site and priced below wholesale, including models that have never been available in Western North Carolina region. Native Watercraft and Liquidlogic are international companies headquartered in the area with their factory located in Fletcher, North Carolina. Thule specialists will be on hand to answer questions, talk about products that best fit your needs, and show off some of the coolest accessories for 2017.

The fun continues and takes a turn to the kid-friendly side at 3:00 p.m. Steve Longenecker of Falconers of Falling Creek Camp will host his popular Birds of Prey presentation with live raptors including a Peregrine, male and female American Kestrel, Red-Tailed Haw, Great-Horned Owl, and an Eastern Screech Owl.

At 4:30 p.m., the Fall In Love With The Outside Road Tour touches down in North Carolina. Marmot and RootsRated have traveled to 30 different cities around the country, but Diamond Brand Outdoors has something special in mind for its Asheville stop. The family-friendly (and dog-friendly) event celebrates with live music, tent pitching contests, Marmot gear raffles, s’mores, apple cider, outdoor trivia, a photo booth, and good ole’ conversations about where to go outdoors. A suggested $5 donation includes hot cider, a Ball® mason jar pint glass, and entry into Marmot’s awesome raffles. 100% of donations benefit Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy

November 19 is also the kickoff for Diamond Brand Outdoors’ annual coat drive for Eblen Charities. Anyone who brings a gently used coat will receive 20% off one item from Diamond Brand Outdoors (with some limited exclusions). This continues through December 24.

Earlier in the week, Diamond Brand Outdoors hosts the sixth annual Step Out & Shop, a benefit for Diana Wortham Theatre on Thursday, November 17 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The free event offers a 20% storewide discount to shoppers and 10% of the sales benefit the programs of the downtown performing arts venue.

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Fall Kayak Fishing Basics

The sun is setting on summer. Fall is here and brings with it the start of the fall kayak fishing season. With the exception of a few weeks in from the latter half of June to the start of August, Western North Carolina anglers don’t see the brutal heat of others in the South. However, the cooler temperatures and quieter waterways are a welcome change and provide the last chance for some great fishing before the kayaks go into winter hibernation.

The very best fall fishing is in October. While you might see fewer and smaller fish in early September, kayak fishing can change day-by-day and the sport offers relaxing exercise after work or in the dark of an early morning.

Expect to see lots of smallmouths on the river. Fall is time for your faster boat. Move fast enough to keep off rocks, but slow enough not to spook them. It’s a great season to explore new spots to fish that you might disregard in the summer. If you use a sit-on-top kayak, make sure you’ve got scupper plugs to keep cool water from entering your cockpit.

During fall, there are tips to remember to make your day on the water more enjoyable.

Light the Night (and Early Morning)

There’s no getting around the shorter days that come the closer to the end of Daylight Saving Time on November 6. If you like to hit the water after work, you’ll be lucky to get an hour or two in before the sun goes down. Thankfully, headlamps and lanterns can extend your time. We love the waterproof headlamps for hands free lighting. Be sure to check for any specific rules about lighting after dark at your planned fishing hole. However, the experience of fishing after sunset is something every angler should experience.

Explore Your Layers

Fall is the season for layering. We still experience four distinct seasons in the North Carolina mountains, but the drop in temperature after about 3:00 p.m. becomes pretty noticeable. You can stick with your summer fishing shirt, but start with a base layer. The same rule goes for covering your legs. As temperatures drop even more in late September, you’ll need a bit more insulation and a dry suit is a great idea for colder nights. Wearing your PFD will keep you safe on the water, but use your common sense, too. If the weather is uncertain, just stay home.

The Exception Proves the Rule…

Just because it’s cooler doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay attention to the sun. Yes, this goes against the first tip, but if you’re hitting the water for a full day of fishing on the weekend, sun protection is important (along with plenty of water). Apparel with UV protection can provide another base layer of warmth and protect your arms and legs. There are many options to keep your hands and face covered, too. Check out fantastic options from Columbia, Mountain Hardwear, Buff, and more.

Keep Fishing

Many anglers see autumn’s arrival as beginning of a few months off, but October and November offer some of the best time to get on the water. It’s a fun time to try new techniques and explore spots with fewer tubers and paddleboarders.

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More of Your Favorites Announced for the Asheville Outdoor Show

We couldn’t be more ecstatic to announce the final list of those of you can expect to see at the Asheville Outdoor Show. It’s a group of instantly-recognizable leaders in the outdoor industry, as well as locally-based gear companies who play on the international stage themselves. This is the biggest event of its kind in this area that’s been free and open to the public. Our customers are our North Star and you’ve told us you wanted something like this for awhile.

Chaco, Freefly, Howler Brothers, Mountain Hardwear, MSR, Osprey, Salomon, Seal Line, Smartwool, Therm-a-Rest, and Vasque will display their latest for fall and winter alongside several other previously announced brands. Bella & Oliver Soap Company, Falcon Guides, LightHeart Gear, Opal & Wonder, SunDrop Solar Trailers, and TearDrop Rentals join a who’s who of local gear makers.

The North Carolina Arboretum, which has a long relationship with Diamond Brand Outdoors and Frugal Backpacker, joins other previously announced regional environmental and conservation nonprofits protecting the natural spaces in the North Carolina mountains. Adventure Center of Asheville, Prestige Subaru, and Wildwater Ltd. will also be at the show with creative ways to explore the Asheville area. Diamond Brand Outdoors’ tagline is Adventure Is Local so the surrounding community it well represented.

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The day will begin with a performance by Djembeso students from nonprofit LEAF Schools & Streets, followed by a reggae showcase hosted by Dennis “Chalwa” Berndt.

The first 300 attendees will receive a commemorative insulated personal cooler. Those attending the festival will enjoy last year’s perks including coupons, discounts, giveaways, raffles, and the chance to chat with industry leaders and demo the newest gear.

Previously announced outdoor brands announced includes Astral, Buff Headwear, Columbia Sportswear, Deuter, Eagles Nest Outfitters, ExOfficio, Farm to Feet, Fifth Element Camping, GO Easy, Goal Zero, Good to Go Gourmet, Gorilla Carriers, KEEN, Kelty, Klean Kanteen, LEKI, Marmot, Montrail, Mount Inspiration Apparel, NEMO Equipment, Oboz, Outdoor Research, Outdoor Tech, Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn, Rinse Kit, Salewa, Sea to Summit, SimpleShot, Stanley, Sylvan Sport GO, TerraForma Outdoor Solutions, Tilley Endurables, Toad&CO., Ursa Minor, and Wind Pouch.

Nonprofits already announced include Asheville Greenworks, Carolina Mountain Club, Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy, Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mountain True, and North Carolina Outward Bound School.

Highland Brewing Company is located at 12 Old Charlotte Highway in Asheville, North Carolina.

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Additional Vendors, Entertainment Announced for Asheville Outdoor Show

The wait is over! We’re happy to join Frugal Backpacker in announcing the entertainment and second set of vendors for the Asheville Outdoor Show. Another bonus announcement: the first 300 attendees will receive a commemorative insulated cooler, perfect for six cans of your favorite beverage. The free public expo brings top innovators from the most popular outdoor companies to recreation enthusiasts in the mountains of North Carolina. The Asheville Outdoor Show will take place on Sunday, September 18, from noon to 4:00 p.m. in Highland Brewing Company’s Meadow (12 Charlotte Highway in Asheville).

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“The level of outdoor innovation that will be in Asheville is amazing,” said Chris Bubenik, Marketing Manager for Diamond Brand Outdoors and Frugal Backpacker. “Our goal has always been to promote outdoor adventure and the lifestyle that comes along with it. Our mix of local talent and brands that are instantly recognized throughout the country is a reflection of our stores.”

Fifth Element Camping, GO Easy, Gorilla Carriers, Mount Inspiration Apparel, Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn, SimpleShot, Sylvan Sport GO, TerraForma Outdoor Solutions, and Ursa Minor are among the locally-based businesses that can be expected. Farm to Feet, Good to Go Gourmet, Kelty, Klean Kanteen, and Rinse Kit join other previously announced exhibitors.

Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park joins other environmental and conservation nonprofits protecting the natural spaces in the region. Hard Exercise Works will also be on hand with information about the Diamond Crusher, a group fitness competition scheduled for September 24.

LEAF Schools & Streets will hold a special performance at noon to kick off the day’s festivities. A reggae showcase hosted by local mainstay Dennis “Chalwa” Berndt will follow the performance.

Those attending the festival will enjoy last year’s perks including coupons, discounts, giveaways, raffles, and the chance to chat with industry leaders and demo the newest gear. This year includes an expanded music schedule, family adventure zone, yard games, and a nonprofit village. Highland Brewing’s line of beers and food will be available for purchase.

The first round of outdoor brands announced includes locally-based businesses Astral and Eagles Nest Outfitters, as well as Buff Headwear, Columbia Sportswear, Deuter, ExOfficio, Goal Zero, KEEN, LEKI, Marmot, Montrail, NEMO Equipment, Oboz, Outdoor Research, Outdoor Tech, Salewa, Sea to Summit, Stanley, Tilley Endurables, Toad&CO., and Wind Pouch.

The first round of nonprofits announced include Asheville Greenworks, Carolina Mountain Club, Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy, Mountain True, and North Carolina Outward Bound School.

Highland Brewing Company is located at 12 Old Charlotte Highway in Asheville, North Carolina.

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Our Sign in Downtown Asheville is as Local as it Gets!

We opened our first store in the Asheville area in 1964. From the very beginning, working with the community and other local businesses has been the bedrock of our success. Our team of outdoor experts still prefers to work one-on-one with each of our friends and neighbors who come through our doors. As a locally-owned business, we’re thankful for the 52 years of support you’ve given us — and continue to strive to be the first choice when it comes to the outdoor lifestyle.

We also support other local businesses from the print shop and office cleaning service we use to items you’ll find in our stores. You’ll also find decades-long support of local nonprofits that make western North Carolina such a special place. That’s how the amazing new sandwich board at our store in Downtown Asheville was created.

When we moved Diamond Brand Outdoors’ flagship store to Parkway Center and opened a new store on Biltmore Avenue in 2014, they came with a fresh design of oversized graphics, warm colors, and lots of reclaimed wood. Wanting a sandwich board reflecting the store experience, we contacted Southside Woodworks. Part of local nonprofit Green Opportunities, the program empowers those facing barriers to employment to build sustainable, handcrafted wooden essentials, custom furniture, and larger, custom projects — and create career pathways. Students designed and built the sign using reclaimed wood and a chalkboard from a recently renovated community center. 

Once we saw the completed piece, we knew any additions needed to be equally impressive. That’s where The Print House at Kudzu Brands took the reigns. Using a design by our in-house graphic artist Hannah Myers, their team sandblasted and painted the artwork by hand due to the delicate nature of the wood. The creativity of small businesses to find solutions is unparalleled.

Adventure Is Local! We recommend Southside Woodworks and The Print House at Kudzu Brands for your next project.

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