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25 Years of Rhythm and Roots at the Birthplace of Country Music

Twenty-five years ago, a small festival dedicated to the music forged from the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains took root.

Singing in the Garden: The Practically Perfect Pear

“There are only 10 minutes in the life of [the average] pear when it is perfect to eat.” —Abraham Lincoln, amended by Ginny Neil

Vic Isley: President & CEO of Explore Asheville

“At my core, I’m a proud Carolina girl, foodie, travel and music lover, and farmer’s daughter.”

Skywatch: September/October 2026

Summer is winding down.

Critters Crossing! 

States across the Blue Ridge are investing in wildlife crossings to protect animals and improve roadway safety.

Current Issue

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25 Years of Rhythm and Roots at the Birthplace of Country Music

Twenty-five years ago, a small festival dedicated to the music forged from the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains took root.
Pear tree, a horse and family in a truck illustration

Singing in the Garden: The Practically Perfect Pear

“There are only 10 minutes in the life of [the average] pear when it is perfect to eat.” —Abraham Lincoln, amended by Ginny Neil
Vic Isley

Vic Isley: President & CEO of Explore Asheville

“At my core, I’m a proud Carolina girl, foodie, travel and music lover, and farmer’s daughter.”
This is a landscape photograph of the night sky with the Milky Way over rural Bryson City during summer in the Great Smoky Mountains North Carolina.

Skywatch: September/October 2026

Summer is winding down.
Coyote (Canis latrans) wandering out from the forest into the loop road on a summer late morning.

Critters Crossing! 

States across the Blue Ridge are investing in wildlife crossings to protect animals and improve roadway safety.
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Departments

Eugenia Williams House. Photo courtesy of Bruce Cole
Country Roads

A Mystery on the River

The once-private estate of enigmatic heiress Eugenia Williams is now open to visitors.

September 1, 2026
Virginia Creeper Trail in Damascus, photo by Town of Damascus. Photo courtesy of the Town of Damascus.
Country Roads

Damascus Renaissance

A project to repair the Virginia Creeper Trail is spurring growth in this beloved AT town.

September 1, 2026
Sarah Riddell
From The Editor

Sarah Smiles: Choose Adventure

By the time you read this, the brilliant reds, oranges, and golds of another Blue Ridge autumn will likely be

September 1, 2026

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