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Skywatch: Discover a Hidden Star Cluster

Known popularly as the “Beehive,” this cluster lies almost 600 light-years from our little world.

Environmental Notes: Land Protected, Farms Funded

Henderson County, North Carolina, turns 76 acres to public land; Virginia Tech to provide payments to farms that protect land and air.

Mountain Town With a Keen Sense of Self: Smokies’ ‘Eastern Entrance’

Cradled in the Great Balsam Mountains, Waynesville, North Carolina, claims its tourism heritage proudly.

A Foot Each in Two States: Easy, Historic Walk at Cumberland Gap

The feel of many histories is palpable on this moderate three-mile trek, including a section restored to evoke the times of Daniel Boone.

Creature Feature: Talk of the Town and Beyond

The white squirrels of Brevard, North Carolina, are showing up elsewhere in the Blue Ridge region.

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skywatch

Skywatch: Discover a Hidden Star Cluster

Known popularly as the “Beehive,” this cluster lies almost 600 light-years from our little world.
Virginia Tech’s new program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will assist farmers in implementing practices designed to reduce greenhouse gases that cause climate change.

Environmental Notes: Land Protected, Farms Funded

Henderson County, North Carolina, turns 76 acres to public land; Virginia Tech to provide payments to farms that protect land and air.
Downtown Waynesville’s Main Street is a blend of shoppers, diners, sightseers and welcoming shopkeepers.

Mountain Town With a Keen Sense of Self: Smokies’ ‘Eastern Entrance’

Cradled in the Great Balsam Mountains, Waynesville, North Carolina, claims its tourism heritage proudly.
The view from Pinnacle Overlook is of Tri-State Peak, Cumberland Mountain and Fern Lake.

A Foot Each in Two States: Easy, Historic Walk at Cumberland Gap

The feel of many histories is palpable on this moderate three-mile trek, including a section restored to evoke the times of Daniel Boone.
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Creature Feature: Talk of the Town and Beyond

The white squirrels of Brevard, North Carolina, are showing up elsewhere in the Blue Ridge region.
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Departments

Knoxville Asian Festival, August 29-30,  Knoxville, Tennessee. Photo courtesy of Asian Culture Center of TN
Events

Fall 2026 Festivals & Events Guide

From the Virginias and the Carolinas to Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky, our annual compendium is the perfect travel companion. Inside,

April 20, 2026
4th of July Parade & Festival, July 4, Blowing Rock, North Carolina.
Events

Summer 2026 Festivals & Events Guide

From the Virginias and the Carolinas to Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky, our annual compendium is the perfect travel companion. Inside,

April 20, 2026

CALENDAR OF EVENTS