Born from outdoor storytelling. Built to move people outside.
The Adventure Collective brings independent publishing, destination discovery, and bookable adventure into one trusted place for travelers who would rather do more than simply pass through.
We believe the right story can change where you go next.
The Adventure Collective began with a simple editorial conviction: wild places become more meaningful when their stories are told with care.
Today, AdvGuides carries that magazine spirit into the full journey. We introduce travelers to memorable towns, public lands, landmarks, and local experiences, then create a direct path from discovery to booking. The result is more than a directory and more useful than inspiration alone—a place where curiosity can become a real adventure.
Our mission is to make outdoor exploration accessible, responsible, and deeply connected to place. We champion authentic experiences, useful local knowledge, independent operators, and the landscapes that make every journey possible.
Built by a lifelong adventurer and storyteller.
Founder Eric Crews has spent two decades combining outdoor experience with editorial craft.
After graduating from Appalachian State University in 2005, Eric contributed to Blue Ridge Outdoors, Climbing Magazine, and WNC Magazine, writing about the people, landscapes, and outdoor culture of the Blue Ridge. His work later expanded into award-winning outdoor films and tourism campaigns through Land of Sky Media, followed by adventure-brand entrepreneurship and the creation of The Adventure Collective Network.
Based in Asheville, Eric continues to explore the mountains and rivers of the Blue Ridge while leading a platform designed to connect more people with meaningful outdoor experiences.
Built by publishing, shaped by travel.
The company’s published history begins with a regional print magazine and moves toward a connected digital planning platform.
Print magazine origins
The Adventure Collective launched in Asheville, North Carolina, publishing outdoor destination coverage for the Southeast.
A bridge between print and digital
The publication worked with PlayAR on an augmented-reality magazine and continued experimenting across print and digital formats.
A wider map
Coverage began expanding beyond the Southeast as the platform prepared for a broader collection of city and regional guides.
Planning becomes part of the story
New web and mobile tools brought guides, maps, trip planning, and direct connections with local operators into one experience.
Four values for every adventure.
Access, responsibility, authenticity, and community shape what we publish and the experiences we help travelers discover.
Adventure for all
Outdoor discovery should feel open to people with different backgrounds and levels of experience.
Passion with purpose
A love of wild places carries a responsibility to travel thoughtfully and help preserve them.
Authentic experiences
The strongest trips create a genuine connection with a landscape, a community, or a new way of moving through the world.
Community first
Useful local knowledge grows when travelers, editors, guides, and operators can contribute to a shared field guide.
Find the place that makes you want to go.
Discover outdoor towns, protected landscapes, remarkable places, and experiences led by local operators.