Over 20 years ago, a group of boaters thought they would have a raft race and enjoy some music with some friends. Everyone had a good time, so they did it again, and then again. Friends told friends, and it grew into the festival we all know and love today.In this episode: - Matt & Michele give their thoughts, highlights and impressions.- Guest: Sid Border, Co-Founder/Co-Organizer of the FBRF- Guest: Tyler Donaldson with French Broad AdventuresTo find out more about the Festival, and to plan on being at the next one, visit https://frenchbroadriverfestival.com/To book a trip with French Broad Adventures, visit https://www.frenchbroadadventures.com/BONUS: - Matt & Michele also conducted numerous backstage interviews with Artists at the Festival on behalf of Buzz Radio Asheville. Check out podcasts HERE.

Matt and Michele Outdoors

Destination: French Broad River Festival

"MerleFest, considered one of the premier music festivals in the country, serves as an annual homecoming for musicians and music fans. Held on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the late Eddy Merle Watson, son of American music legend Doc Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of ‘traditional plus’ music, a unique mix of music based on the traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including bluegrass and old-time music, and expanded to include Americana, country, blues, rock and many other styles. The festival hosts numerous artists, performing on 13 stages during the course of the four-day event. The annual event has become the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects and other educational needs." - https://merlefest.org/

Destination: MerleFest

Rockgeist specializes in custom and small-batch gear made in Asheville, North Carolina. We are a cottage gear company; meaning all your gear is built in small batches while prioritizing quality designs, high-end fabrics, and detailed craftsmanship. Our designs are inspired from countless bike trips, brought to life in an intimate workshop, and perfected by makers who take pride in their craft.For more information visit https://rockgeist.com/

Guest: Greg Hardy of Rockgeist Bikepack USA

 Kate Frost with Friends of WNC Nature Center sits down to talk with Matt.

DESTINATION: WNC Nature Center

Guest: Tim Cammisa of "Trout and Feather"To connect with Tim, visit https://www.troutandfeather.com/

Guest: Tim Cammisa of "Trout and Feather"

The idea for Black Folks Camp Too began when Mr. Hunter was introduced to camping for the first time in 2015 while serving as Vice President of Sales for Sylvansport, one of the world’s most innovative outdoor industry companies. The idea didn’t fully form, however, until Mr. Hunter and his son, Dillon, went on an epic camping road trip across the USA and Canada. They traveled for 3 months visiting 49 campgrounds in 20 states/provinces and saw precisely ONE other Black family camping. At that moment, Mr. Hunter was on a mission. He began sharing stories of camping ad-ventures across his network of friends, family and followers — quickly becoming a top influencer for Black folks looking to give camping a try.To connect with Black Folks Camp Too visit them on the web at https://www.blackfolkscamptoo.com/

Matt sits down with Earl B. Hunter Jr., Founder of "Black Folks Camp Too"

Destination: Tallulah Gorge, GAIn this episode:Tallulah Gorge State ParkTallulah General StoreMain Street Grille and BBQTallulah Gorge State Park CampgroundVisit MattMicheleOutdoors.com for other great Episodes and to connect with Matt & Michele.

Destination: Tallulah Gorge, GA

Destination: Night Fishing Around Asheville

Matt & Michele visit "the little town that rocks".In this episode:- Outdoor Activities: Hiking, disc golf, fishing, croquet, golf- Shopping... lots of shopping! Tom McMurtry, owner of Europa Fine Gifts joins in the conversation to highlight the vibe and wide ranging offerings in this historic mountain town.- Dining & Desserting: Come with plenty of room in your tummy. There are SO MANY options for both your dinner and dessert affairs - all day.For more information, and to plan your trip to Black Mountain, visit these two sites:https://www.exploreblackmountain.com/ - and -https://www.visitblackmountain.net/

Destination: Black Mountain, NC

Matt & Michele go over their highlight memories from the 2020 season and preview the 2021 season. The 2021 Seasons of episodes kicks off in Early April.

2021 Season Preview

Matt and Michele reflect on the past couple months and look forward to a vibrant 2021.

Michele is Back! Our first on air update since her Transplant Surgery!

Destination: Jones Gap State Park, SC

SylvanSport was founded in 2004 for one reason: to make outdoor adventure accessible. What started as an idea to create an innovative pop-up camper has evolved into a line of award-winning adventure trailers, outdoor gear, and camping accessories.For more information:PHONE: 828.393.4927  Customer Service is available weekdays from 9am to 5pm Eastern. EMAIL: info@sylvansport.com Email us anytime. You can expect a response  in 1-2 business days for all emails. WEB: www.sylvansport.comLOCATION: 21 Welcome Street Brevard, NC 28712 – Operating hours are Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM *Covid 19 Update – They are currently open to the public by appointment only. If you would like to see the GO camping trailer or any of their other  products at the Brevard location, please contact them to schedule a date/time to visit and a team member will be ready to meet you. SylvanSport is following current CDC protocols, so face masks are required for all guests and employees while inside.

Guest: Kyle Mundt of Sylvan Sport

Imagine one hundred thousand acres of pristine forests laced with epic hiking and mountain biking trails that you can follow all the way to the edge of the sky. Shimmering mountain streams teeming with native trout. Massive rock monoliths daring to be climbed. And North America’s largest concentration of waterfalls, millions of years in the making, waiting to be discovered.In short, there’s no better base camp for your outdoor adventure. When you look for what to do in Brevard and Transylvania County, you need look no further than its lush forests and parks.For more information or to plan your visit:Please call the Visitor Center for immediate assistance at 1-800-648-4523.The Visitor Center is located at 175 East Main Street, Brevard, NC 28712.Hours:Monday – Friday 9am – 5pmSaturdays 10am – 4pmSundays 1pm – 4pm (from Memorial Day weekend thru Labor Day weekend)

Guest: Clark Lovelace and Mary Jo Gordon of Explore Brevard

Lake Logan offers day and overnight options with a variety of accommodations to meet the needs of your group from one to 150 people. Reservation fees for groups include lodging, three meals per day, and access to recreational facilities, including the lake, stream, and hiking trails. Those looking for a personal or small family retreat may rent rooms by the night. We have a variety of housing options for groups of all sizes and are happy to work with you to schedule additional activities.For more info:Lake Logan Conference Center and Camp Henry, Inc25 Wormy Chestnut Lane, Canton, NC, 28716CALL: (828) 646-0095WEB: https://www.lakelogan.org/visit/stay-with-us/EMAIL: info@lakelogan.org

Guest: Lauri SoJourner, Exec Dir of Lake Logan Conferance Center

Hosted by award-winning broadcasters Matt Mittan and Michele Scheve, the "Matt and Michele Outdoors" Podcast is where you can hear stories and get tips, info and ideas about fishing, boating, hiking and camping and more in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. You can also learn about and learn from businesses involved in the outdoor and nature related economy. Matt and Michele live in Asheville, NC and also have various media endeavors and platforms they own/manage. To request an interview with Matt or Michele contact BizRadioBooking@gmail.com.

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Matt and Michele Outdoors

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