2025

Richland balsam overlook on the blue ridge parkway in North Carolina (milepost 431). From the photographer: “the forecast was calling for some low clouds, precipitation and cold temperatures overnight, so I knew there was an opportunity to possibly catch two seasons in one photo the next morning. I had to drive to the highest point on the blue ridge parkway to find frost, but it was well worth the effort.”

Two Seasons in One: A Photo Essay

Our contributing photographers have been out and about catching winter sneaking into the end of fall.
Booker T. Washington, 1903  (Library of Congress files).

Washington in these Mountains

Tuskegee, Alabama, claims him as its own. But Booker T. Washington was born and raised in our mountains … and what he learned here shaped him for life.
“The Swimming Hole,” to Mistry’s right, is one of the painter’s favorite works, for its calmness.

Following Her Dream

Former graphic designer Pinkie Mistry now spends her days painting images from the Smokies.
Last summer, Traylor transformed an 1850s log home into an educational building at Wilbourn House Orchard in Brownsburg, Virginia.

History Kept Alive

A stone mason by trade, Brandon Traylor sees restoring log cabins as his calling.
The boardwalk arches gently over a wetlands area.

Blairsville’s Meeks Park: Wandering a Well-Tended Gem

This bustling North Georgia green space offers nearly 5 miles of well-kept trails, waterfront views and abundant amenities for both recreation and relaxation.

Departments

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