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The Little Town with Big Ideas: Pennington Gap, Virginia

Last year, every house that went on the market in Pennington Gap sold. Here’s why.

Book Note – Family of Earth: A Southern Mountain Childhood

The story behind Wilma Dykeman’s “Family of Earth” is almost as captivating as the book itself. Found in her belongings after her death in 2006, the 200-page manuscript is an account of her Depression-era childhood north of Asheville, North Carolina.

A North Georgia 2.5-Mile Stroll: Leisurely Lake Nottely

The walk is relatively flat, and occasionally takes you up-close with an 80-year-old TVA impoundment.

New Film Documents Efforts to Restore the Chestnut Tree

The American Chestnut Foundation has released “Clear Day THUNDER: Rescuing the American Chestnut,” an inspiring 53-minute documentary on the efforts of the American Chestnut Foundation (ACF) to restore the Appalachians’ once-dominant tree species.

New Book From BRC Contributor

Julia Nunnally Duncan’s new book, “All We Have Loved” (Finishing Line Press; release date of November 10), presents more than 30 of Duncan’s essays, three of which first appeared in our pages.

Current Issue

Tucked into the far southwest corner of Virginia, Pennington Gap is the largest town in Lee County, and one worth visiting and celebrating.

The Little Town with Big Ideas: Pennington Gap, Virginia

Last year, every house that went on the market in Pennington Gap sold. Here’s why.
Family of Earth: A Southern Mountain Childhood by Wilma Dykeman. (University of North Carolina Press, 2016). 177 pp.

Book Note – Family of Earth: A Southern Mountain Childhood

The story behind Wilma Dykeman’s “Family of Earth” is almost as captivating as the book itself. Found in her belongings after her death in 2006, the 200-page manuscript is an account of her Depression-era childhood north of Asheville, North Carolina.
The Lake Nottely Improvement Association donated picnic tables.

A North Georgia 2.5-Mile Stroll: Leisurely Lake Nottely

The walk is relatively flat, and occasionally takes you up-close with an 80-year-old TVA impoundment.
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New Film Documents Efforts to Restore the Chestnut Tree

The American Chestnut Foundation has released “Clear Day THUNDER: Rescuing the American Chestnut,” an inspiring 53-minute documentary on the efforts of the American Chestnut Foundation (ACF) to restore the Appalachians’ once-dominant tree species.
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New Book From BRC Contributor

Julia Nunnally Duncan’s new book, “All We Have Loved” (Finishing Line Press; release date of November 10), presents more than 30 of Duncan’s essays, three of which first appeared in our pages.
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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

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