Marla Milling
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Marla Hardee Milling is a full-time freelance writer living in a place often called the Paris of the South, Sante Fe of the East and Beer City U.S.A., but she just calls Asheville, N.C. home. The History Press in Charleston, S.C. published her first book, "Only in Asheville: An Eclectic History," in June 2015. Her second book, "Legends, Secrets and Mysteries of Asheville" will debut in June 2017.
She is a former news producer at WLOS-TV in Asheville and former Director of Communications at Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, N.C. More than 800 of her articles and essays have appeared in such publications as Luxury Living, American Style, NICHE, Charleston, Denver, WNC, Blue Ridge Country, Health, Smart Computing, PC Today, New Orleans Gourmet, and many others. Follow her on Twitter @marlamilling
9°80° Sauce: Experience New Degrees of Flavor
Fresh ingredients. Incredible flavor combinations. Your tastebuds will thank you for introducing them to 9°80° Gourmet Sauce.
Bean and Goose: A Taste of Irish Chocolate
Time to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Irish Chocolate! We take you straight to Ireland for some handcrafted delights from Bean and Goose.
Barkley’s Mill: Put Some Grits in Your Fat Tuesday Feast
A craft farm in North Carolina makes grits like you've never tasted before. We'll tell you what makes the difference at Barkley's Mill.
Atlas Coffee Club: Give a Daily Love Reminder
Combine your lover's love of coffee with a daily reminder of your devotion. You'll win her caffeinated heart with exotic blends from Atlas coffee.
DRINKmaple: A New Way to Enjoy Your H20
Refreshing. Hydrating. And a subtle taste of maple. There's a way to tap into one of nature's masterpieces as you live a healthy lifestyle: DRINKmaple
Stiff Salt Co.: Seriously Good Salt
Spice up your life, and your cooking, with some sensational salt from Stiff Salt company, including spicy sriracha blend.
Three Jerks Jerky Adds Veri Veri Teriyaki to Its Roster of Filet Mignon Beef Jerky
The co-founders of Three Jerks Jerky are going back to their grassroots beginnings on Kickstarter to launch a brand new flavor.
I Heart Keenwah: Toasted Tastes Better
Toasted quinoa—a great new product from I Heart Quinoa that will keep your warm and energized during the cold days of winter.
Southern Edge Shave: Cleaning Up for 2017
It's time to go a little old-school when it comes to creating a clean, fresh look with Southern Edge Shave's exquisite hand-crafted razors.
Epicurean Cutting Boards For the Man’s Kitchen
Epicurean cutting boards are the perfect gift for the home or professional cook on your gift list.
Dewar’s x Billykirk No. 497 Messenger: Be One of Only 100
The limited edition No. 497 Messenger is the result of a collaboration from Dewar's Whiskey and Billykirk. Only 100 were made, so be quick if you want one.
Darn Tough: Beg Santa For These Socks
If you want some top-notch socks that can handle any activity you participate in, you'll be blessed to open a gift of Darn Tough socks.
Little Kernel: Big Taste in a Mini Snack
A handful of Little Kernel popcorn and you'll be a fan of this miniature popped corn that's not only great tasting, but good for you too.
Need Supply Co: Turning 20 In Style
A 20-year anniversary deserves a big celebration and that’s exactly what Need Supply Company has done, finally opening its first brick and mortar location.
Woolrich X The Hillside: Bags Built for Life on the Move
The new Woolrich X The Hillside lineup includes a daypack, tote bag, backpack, briefcase, and weekender, all built ready to handle your active lifestyle.
Our Favorite Finds in Greenville, South Carolina
Our guide to Greenville, S.C., the former Textile Center of the World, will let you in on all the hiking, shopping, and great food this city has to offer.
I Heart Keenwah: Yes, We Mean Quinoa
I heart Keenwah is a great snack alternative made with crunchy puffed quinoa flour and coated in a rich, dark chocolate and plant-based glaze.
Ober Metalworks: Strengthen Your Style with Titanium and Silver
Last year, Patrick Ober quit his job and applied his focus to his business—Ober Metalworks which makes hand-wrought titanium & silver jewelry and more.
Felt: Surprise Friends and Family with Retro Greetings
Felt makes it easy to send cards featuring your own handwriting through your iPhone or iPad. Download the app & then design a card perfect for any occasion.
Karen’s Spice Kitchen is Truly Curry in a Hurry
Inspired by a quick-cooking Australian spice packet, Karen Paly brought the concept to the US and started her own home-made brand, Karen's Spice Kitchen.
Doux South: Get Hooked on a Pickle
An Atlanta chef wowed his fans and family with his pickle creations—now it's an expanding side business, Doux South, a soon-to-be pickling empire.
Oats Overnight- Your New Favorite Breakfast
Add Oats Overnight to your evening routine and you'll make your morning routine easier than ever. Wake up to ready-to-eat oats packed with protein.
Bar Flies Rejoice: Dill Pickle Ranch Peanuts are Here
Your tastebuds will thank you when you munch on the brand new flavor combo from Lord Nut.
Bear Mattress: Soothing You to Sleep
Bear Mattress is a mattress so advanced it helps people sleep better & recover faster from the aches & pains of training or living a healthy lifestyle.
Savage Jerky: Flavors Of Your Dreams
You'll never go back to mediocre jerky once you experience the taste sensations of Savage Jerky Co. Try their Sriracha, Buffalo,and Mojos series of flavors.
The New Primal: Introducing New Taste Sensations
We've long been fans of the grass-fed beef jerky produced by The New Primal. We're particularly taken with their marinade called "Soak, Fire, Feast."
KRUDD: The Only Soap You Need
KRUDD soaps, a new offering from the SallyeAnder company, offer-all in-one way to cleanse and moisturize your skin, hair, and even your beard.
Manual Deals: Weekender Bag with Built-in Charger
The FLY Weekender bag has a built in batter pack to charge your phone or laptop while on the go. Check out The Manual Deals for an amazing discount.
Manual Deals: Reign Gustaf: Luxurious Time Keeping
We're in love with the watches by Reign Gustaf— and equally in love with the current 85% discount. Cost $199 instead of the normal $1,400!
Owen & Fred: Define Your Lifestyle with a Great Bag
The Manual speaks to the founder of Owen & Fred about his bags and business.
HookNHide: Belt Buckles that Reflect a Passion
Never be without a beer again with HookNHide's of belt buckles that double as bottle openers.
Hamptons Salt Company: The chef secret to great BBQ
Hamptons Salt Company, the preeminent provider of all natural sea salt, is the chef's secret to great grilling and barbecuing.
Churning Up a Tastier Butter
Regular butter can be downright boring. So why not spice up your meals with small-batch cultured butter? We've got the low-down on Banner Butter.
Remembering Great Experiences with a Great Scent
Combine great adventures with a great fragrance to ignite memories.
Sun’s Out, Grab Some New Boardshorts and Go!
Make a splash even before you get in the water with some rad new boardshorts.
A Tequila Twist on Cinco de Mayo
Step away from the overly sugary Margaritas and celebrate Cinco de Mayo with some smooth tequila.
Everyday Adventures with the Vinta S-Series Backpack
Grab your camera gear and go. A new backpack makes it easy to take shots everywhere.
EPIC: Pasture-raised goodness
Find out why two competitive athletes ditched their vegan lifestyle and started a company selling grass-fed meat products.
KEAP Candles: Get Them While They’re HOT!
Dreaming of success in 2016. You might gain inspiration from the guys who created KEAP Candles and their impressive Kickstarter campaign.
The Manual’s Southern Food Gift Guide
Whether you're looking for gift ideas or ways to delight your holiday guests, we present a selection of excellent culinary creations.
Ledbury: New Collection Inspired by Quail Hunt
Mutual admiration at two great companies leads to an awe-inspiring collaboration.
Huckleberry & Co.: Driven By Design
A new watch is taking Kickstarter by storm. We'll tell you why Archibald is turning heads.
Shop Class: Désirant Asheville
A French-inspired boutique in Asheville, N.C. will have you stopping in your tracks from the moment you enter this eclectic store. We couldn't get past the antique cabinet filled with Brackish bow ties.