The Blue Ridge is made up of so many incredible people, small businesses, destinations, and more. During the next few weeks, we would like to highlight some of them to allow you to get to know them better, a series we like to call Blue Ridge together. Today we are giving a shoutout to the people at Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). #BlueRidgeTogether

Nantahala Outdoor Center is one of the nation’s largest outdoor recreation companies. Over a million guests visit NOC annually to embark on a diverse collection of more than 120 different whitewater rafting and land-based itineraries, learn to kayak at NOC’s world-renowned Paddling School, travel to foreign countries with NOC’s Adventure Travel program, test the latest outdoor gear and shop at their three LEED-certified flagship retail stores, or enjoy NOC’s resort amenities such as their three restaurants and multi-tiered lodging.

We chatted with Anne Sontheimer, one of NOC’s long time river