<body><div><p><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=22B889_0vAeespC00" style="display:none" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=22B889_0vAeespC00" width="1000" height="563" ></p><p>We’re <i> manufacturing some excitement </i> for the local products nominated for the <a class="Link" href="https://coolestthingmadeinnc.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Coolest Thing Made in NC </a> awards. The NC Chamber launched the competition in 2020 as a way to celebrate the state’s manufacturing community. This year, the Asheville area boasts several products that are nominated, so we’re shining a spotlight on the marvelous merchandise. <br></p><h3 id="opie-way-james-court-sneaker"> Opie Way | <a class="Link" href="https://opieway.com/collections/james-collection" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> James Court Sneaker </a></h3> Slip into these stylish, 70s-inspired handmade sneakers that are designed, cut, sewn, and built here in the 828 with materials from across the state. Bonus: You can even send them back to be resoled if you put too many miles on them. <br><h3 id="watershed-drybags-ocoee"> Watershed Drybags | <a class="Link" href="https://www.drybags.com/product/ocoee/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Ocoee </a></h3> The air-tight, compact bag is the smallest in the brand’s line of duffels, but it packs a punch, keeping valuables safe from the elements on outdoor adventures. <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate><br><figure class="Figure"><a class="AnchorLink" id="image-f90000" name="image-f90000"></a><source height="563" type="image/webp" width="1000"><source height="563" width="1000"><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3nJXqN_0vAeespC00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3nJXqN_0vAeespC00" width="1000" height="563" ><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p> The double chocolate croissant tastes as good as it looks. </p></figcaption><p> Photo via French Broad Pantry </p></figure><h3 id="french-broad-pantry-double-chocolate-croissant"> French Broad Pantry | <a class="Link" href="https://frenchbroadpantry.com/order/double-chocolate-croissant/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Double Chocolate Croissant </a></h3> Naturally, one of the most delicious farmers market treats is in the running to be one of NC’s coolest products. You can find the flaky, chocolatey treat (made with fair trade chocolate from French Broad Chocolates) at the Asheville City Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market, and the Black Mountain Tailgate Market or available every day at Liberty House Cafe. <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate><br><br><h3 id="cane-creek-cycling-components-invert"> Cane Creek Cycling Components | <a class="Link" href="https://canecreek.com/product/invert/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Invert </a></h3> As “the World’s First Gravel Fork,” this lightweight part is changing the cycling game by helping bikers steer and ride more smoothly and comfortably on gravel paths. <br><br> Now that you’ve been acquainted with some of the locally made products that are nominated, it’s time to <a class="Link" href="https://coolestthingmadeinnc.com/vote_now/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> cast your vote </a> . You can vote daily through this Thursday, Aug. 29. Fifteen semifinalists will be announced on Thursday, Sept. 5. </div></body>

Mountain View, CA

Get to know the Asheville area products that are nominated for the Coolest Thing Made in NC competition and vote for them daily through Thursday. Aug. 29.