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Behind Blue Ridge Country

CURRENT Behind Blue Ridge Country

September’s Mountain Wildflower: Spotted Jewelweed

Seek out spotted jewelweed growing beside a stream or along a moist area and you will have a good chance of getting to watch one or more ruby-throated hummingbirds flit from flower to flower.

August’s Wild Edible: Black-Staining Polypore

The black-staining polypore is certainly one of the more fascinating wild edible mushrooms.

July’s Wild Edible: Northern Dewberry

For several reasons, the northern dewberry is often overlooked as a summer berry in the Blue Ridge.

Hardy County’s Fall Festivals: Where Heritage Comes Home

There’s no better time to visit Hardy County, West Virginia, than fall—when the leaves blaze with color, the mountain air turns crisp, and small towns open their doors in celebration.

Holiday Magic Shines Across Lexington and Rockbridge County, VA

From the cobblestone streets of Lexington to the riverside trails of Buena Vista and the majestic wonders of Natural Bridge, this part of the Shenandoah Valley comes alive with the sights, sounds, and tastes of the holiday season.

Current Issue

ec3b964c-5201-11f0-968d-1248ae80e59d-9-2025spottedjewelweed--credit-Joe-Cook-and-Monica-Sheppard

September’s Mountain Wildflower: Spotted Jewelweed

Seek out spotted jewelweed growing beside a stream or along a moist area and you will have a good chance of getting to watch one or more ruby-throated hummingbirds flit from flower to flower.
A black staining polypore growing in Botetourt County, VA.

August’s Wild Edible: Black-Staining Polypore

The black-staining polypore is certainly one of the more fascinating wild edible mushrooms.
Northern Dewberry growing in Botetourt County, Virginia.

July’s Wild Edible: Northern Dewberry

For several reasons, the northern dewberry is often overlooked as a summer berry in the Blue Ridge.
0fb02316-6e33-11f0-9031-1248ae80e59d-Wardensville-aerial

Hardy County’s Fall Festivals: Where Heritage Comes Home

There’s no better time to visit Hardy County, West Virginia, than fall—when the leaves blaze with color, the mountain air turns crisp, and small towns open their doors in celebration.
b9d47722-c9fd-11f0-aa00-1248ae80e59d-6-_1_

Holiday Magic Shines Across Lexington and Rockbridge County, VA

From the cobblestone streets of Lexington to the riverside trails of Buena Vista and the majestic wonders of Natural Bridge, this part of the Shenandoah Valley comes alive with the sights, sounds, and tastes of the holiday season.
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Departments

Smith Mountain Lake Virginia is a hidden gem within the Blue Ridge Mountains. This beautiful area features boating, sailing, hiking, shopping, fishing, and much more.
From The Editor

Sarah Smiles: The Lake Effect

Growing up, many of my weekends were spent at my late step-grandmother’s house on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia.

June 26, 2026

CALENDAR OF EVENTS