Meet Western NC’s regional guide
Lilly Knoepp
Coming to you from Sylva, NC in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lilly connects Western NC residents to statewide issues that affect them. More about Lilly.
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Past Events
Sylva News Cafe
Thursday, April 9
8:30am-10am
Free coffee for the first 50 people
Murphy News Cafe
Thursday April 9
11 am-1pm
Free coffee for the first 50 people
📍 Crafted Dough 104 Tennessee Street
💵 FREE
Are you a lazy hiker? Join us for a beer and conversation.
Thursday, November 13
5-7 pm
NC Local’s Lilly Knoepp Welcome Reception
📍 The Lazy Hiker – Sylva Taproom
💵 FREE- First round on us!
Are you an actual hiker? Join us for an (easy) hike/walk and coffee and donuts.
Friday, November 14
10 am
A Short Hike with NC Local’s Lilly Knoepp
📍 Lake Powhatan Loop (1.5 mile loop in Arden)
💵 FREE – stay for coffee and doughnuts at nearby picnic tables after the stroll
SEPTEMBER 2025 – Asheville
Heart of the Mountains
NC Local’s inaugural community event convened Western NC residents for reflection on the year since Hurricane Helene devastated the region. More than a dozen media and community organizations partnered to show how collaboration helps reach more people in service of their needs.
“Just as we recognized during the storm, we’re stronger together.”
Sara Murphy, NC Local partner and Beacon Tribune managing editor
Help shape our coverage
What questions do you have about how policy or statewide issues shape Western NC? Submit your questions, or provide ideas for our team to explore.
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