FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PBS NORTH CAROLINA TO PREMIERE ‘TEN TO TRY: BY WAY OF THE BLUE RIDGE’
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27
Narrated by musician Woody Platt, this half-hour special takes viewers to
10 spectacular locations along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 7/14/2026 — PBS North Carolina announces Ten to Try: By Way of the Blue Ridge, a half-hour special spotlighting 10 unforgettable experiences along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Narrated by Grammy Award-winning bluegrass artist Woody Platt, the program premieres Thursday, August 27, 8 PM, on PBS NC as well as online and on the free PBS app and YouTube.
Stories include an exhilarating motorcycle ride near Little Switzerland, a visit to the nation’s oldest Native American arts cooperative in Cherokee, an evening of high-elevation stargazing at Waterrock Knob, fly-fishing for trout in Ashe County and a restorative and accessible therapy hike on the Jackson County Greenway.
“With this Ten to Try special, we aimed to honor the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway and all of the people who make this region one of the most special places on earth,” said Executive Producer James Mieczkowski. “We’re grateful for all those who partnered with us to capture this amazing journey, and we hope it inspires viewers to set off on their own Blue Ridge adventure.”
Ten to Try: By Way of the Blue Ridge is made possible by support from Dogwood Health Trust. It is produced in association with Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, Inc.
“PBS North Carolina’s programming builds community and enriches lives across the state and beyond,” said Rebecca Noricks, Vice President of Communications at Dogwood Health Trust. “As Western North Carolina continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, we hope viewers are inspired to plan a trip and visit the region soon.”
“We were excited to work closely with the PBS North Carolina team and provide recommendations on showcasing Western North Carolina’s unique traditions and natural beauty and the resilience of its communities,” said Angie Chandler, Executive Director of Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. “We invite everyone to explore the locations featured on Ten to Try and to experience the people, culture and heritage of our region.”
Watch additional PBS NC stories about Western North Carolina’s resilience at pbsnc.org/hurricane-helene.
Featured Stories
Ten to Try premieres Thursday, August 27, 8 PM, on PBS NC. Visit pbsnc.org/schedule for schedule updates.
Motorcycling on the Diamondback, Little Switzerland
The winding roads around Little Switzerland offer more than an unforgettable ride—they reveal the Blue Ridge Parkway as it was meant to be experienced. Through every curve and overlook, historian and motorcycle enthusiast Bob White reflects on the connection between the road, the mountains and the journey itself.
Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Cherokee
Meet artists preserving the traditions of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians at Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, the nation’s oldest Native American arts cooperative. Through basketry, pottery and carving, generations of cultural knowledge continue to thrive in the mountains of Western North Carolina.
Leaf Peeping at Lake Lure, Rutherford County
Every autumn, the forests surrounding Lake Lure burst into vibrant shades of red, orange and gold. Explore one of North Carolina’s most scenic destinations with naturalist and educator Emily Walker, and discover why visitors flock to the Blue Ridge Mountains each year to witness the changing of the seasons.
Outdoor Photography at Price Lake, Blowing Rock
At Price Lake in Blowing Rock, changing light and still water offer endless ways to experience the Blue Ridge Mountains. Explore the lake through the lens of local photographer Ricardo Tejada, and see how patience, observation and a deep appreciation for place shape every image.
Stargazing at Waterrock Knob, Haywood & Jackson Counties
Perched more than 5,800 feet above sea level, Waterrock Knob offers some of the best stargazing in the Southeast. Known for its dramatic sunsets and dazzling views of the Milky Way, this high-elevation overlook is a favorite destination for night sky enthusiasts.
The Mountains Are Alive with Music
Music runs deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We explore the traditions of bluegrass, old-time and folk music throughout the region with the people keeping these sounds alive, including Western North Carolina musician Brandon Johnson. At the Alleghany Jubilee in Sparta, we discover how Appalachian music and dance continue to connect communities, preserve history and celebrate mountain culture.
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard, Hendersonville
Nestled in the mountains, Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard in Hendersonville welcomes visitors each fall with crisp apples, scenic views and family traditions. Explore how the orchard’s commitment to stewardship and sustainability creates the perfect bite season after season.
The North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville
Located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville showcases the natural beauty and diversity of the Southern Appalachians. Discover the connection between people and plants as we explore gardens, forests and one of the country’s most celebrated bonsai collections with local resident and photographer David Huff.
Greenway Therapy Trail, Sylva
Step into the forest and experience the restorative power of nature at the Jackson County Greenway in Sylva. Through guided reflection and mindful exploration, discover how spending time outdoors can reduce stress, improve well-being and foster a deeper connection to the natural world around us.
Fly-Fishing, Ashe County
Follow local anglers into the rivers and streams of Ashe County, where fly-fishing is both a pastime and a tradition. Along some of North Carolina’s most scenic waterways, discover how patience, friendship and a love for the outdoors create lasting connections to the mountains.
For additional Ten to Try stories, visit pbsnc.org/TentoTry.
About Dogwood Health Trust
Dogwood Health Trust is a private foundation based in Asheville, North Carolina with the sole purpose of dramatically improving the health and wellbeing of all people and communities of 18 counties and the Qualla Boundary in Western North Carolina. Dogwood Health Trust focuses on innovative and equitable ways to address the many factors that contribute to overall health and wellbeing, with a focus on housing, education, economic opportunity, and health and wellness. Dogwood Health Trust works to create a Western North Carolina where every generation can live, learn, earn and thrive, with dignity and opportunity for all, no exceptions. To learn more, visit at dht.org.
About the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area
The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area is a nonprofit organization that preserves, cultivates and promotes the natural and cultural heritage of 25 Western North Carolina counties and the Qualla Boundary to benefit current and future generations. To learn more, visit blueridgeheritage.com.
About PBS North Carolina
As North Carolina’s statewide PBS network serving the country’s third largest public media market, PBS North Carolina educates, informs, entertains and inspires its audience on air, online and in person. Through its unique partnership of public investment and private support, the network includes in-person engagement, digital-first social and online content delivery and four over-the-air channels: PBS NC, Rootle PBS KIDS, the Explorer Channel and the North Carolina Channel. Its transformational events and content spark curiosity and wonder for all North Carolinians. Additionally, PBS North Carolina serves as the backbone for North Carolina’s state emergency services. To learn more about PBS North Carolina, visit pbsnc.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
–PBS NC-
Media Contact
For press info and resources, email press@pbsnc.org.
