Connect With Us
Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Instagram

Departments

CURRENT Departments

From the Editor: Grandfather Mountain Exhibit – Remembering Mr. Morton

Thirty-five years ago at just about this time, this magazine received a wonderful boost toward the execution of its inaugural issue, which would appear in the summer of 1988.

The Mountain Q&A – Tracy Swartout: ‘Coming Home’ to the Parkway

Tracy Swartout, the Blue Ridge Parkway’s first female superintendent, was deputy superintendent at Mount Rainier National Park, superintendent at Congaree National Park and was the southeast region’s superintendent of the year in 2012.

Singing in the Garden: Last Laugh

"If you find something dead, roll in it so you can share the sweet smell with someone you love." —Luke

Gifts of the Land: Young Grandsons Explore – First Discovery of Spring Wildflowers

One of the charms of living on 38 wooded acres is the wide-eyed reaction of a 7- and a 5-year-old to their first identifying of the land’s many wildflowers.

Mill Creek Stories: Confession

What would the grandmas say? And do?

Current Issue

b809c8a4-e9ca-11ed-81a5-12163087a831-2

From the Editor: Grandfather Mountain Exhibit – Remembering Mr. Morton

Thirty-five years ago at just about this time, this magazine received a wonderful boost toward the execution of its inaugural issue, which would appear in the summer of 1988.
9cb4b7a6-ea8f-11ed-bff0-12163087a831-Leaders-by-Nature-Photo-Tracy-Swartout-Supt.-Blue-Ridge-Parkway-Univ

The Mountain Q&A – Tracy Swartout: ‘Coming Home’ to the Parkway

Tracy Swartout, the Blue Ridge Parkway’s first female superintendent, was deputy superintendent at Mount Rainier National Park, superintendent at Congaree National Park and was the southeast region’s superintendent of the year in 2012.
5c7f92ec-ea8e-11ed-8568-12163087a831-5

Singing in the Garden: Last Laugh

"If you find something dead, roll in it so you can share the sweet smell with someone you love." —Luke
Sam and Eli pause in their spring wildflower searches for a break on their favorite sitting log.

Gifts of the Land: Young Grandsons Explore – First Discovery of Spring Wildflowers

One of the charms of living on 38 wooded acres is the wide-eyed reaction of a 7- and a 5-year-old to their first identifying of the land’s many wildflowers.
60f4b672-a8b2-11ed-898d-12b3f1b64877-23_0115_Confessions_Illustration_CMYK

Mill Creek Stories: Confession

What would the grandmas say? And do?
VIEW MORE

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