February 2025

The Pikeville Cut-Through project was the second-largest earthmoving project in the world and has saved the town from destructive flooding.

Pikeville, Kentucky: The City That Moves Mountains

The stories run generations deep in Pikeville, and they’re all worth hearing.
Male and female Mallards.

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Mallard

This dabbling duck, like other bird species, loses its feathers (molts) once per year and becomes flightless during that time.
Hint: If you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry.  I’m drought-tolerant.  I’m also NOT what my name implies.  There are 80,000 varieties of me and I begin blooming in spring; you can see my blooms from spring to summer. What am I?

Bloom Quiz: A Photo Essay

It’s time to brush up on identifying the surest signs of spring, as provided by our contributing photographers.
Knoxville, Tennessee’s Dogwood Arts Festival, slated for April 25-27, is a celebration of all things arts and culture.

March/April 2025 Festivals & Events Guide

From vibrant arts and cultural celebrations to culinary showcases and beloved community traditions, these can't-miss events are just a sampling of what's taking place throughout the mountains of the South in the late winter and early spring.
Grandfather Mountain’s new Yonni’s Clubhouse will aim mountain science at kids ages 5 to 12.

Yonni Gets New Kid-Based Digs at Grandfather Mountain

Many folks in our region have enjoyed a sweet treat at the former Fudge Shop at North Carolina’s Grandfather Mountain, but come mid-year, visits to this space will reveal a new identity.

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Behind Blue Ridge Country

Even More Sweet Virginia Breezes

Casually cruising to Claytor Lake in southwest Virginia, I felt like I had come home – back to where it

CALENDAR OF EVENTS