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CURRENT Features

Islands of the Blue Ridge Region

You won’t find beaches cluttered with sprawling mega-resorts or cheesy attractions on the islands of the Blue Ridge region. No, the isles in these lakes and rivers remain largely undeveloped - except for the native flora and fauna.

Deciphering the Love Language of Carl and Paula Sandburg

More than a century has passed since these lovebirds tied the knot, but their modern North Carolina-mountain romance lives on.

Fairy Magic at Bullington Gardens

One teacher’s attraction to a Hendersonville, North Carolina, garden has grown to help build a magical, enchanted place.

7 State Parks Worthy of National Status?

The recent designation of New River Gorge as a national park brings to mind other possibly worthy parks in the Southern Appalachians.

Photo Essay: Blue Ridge Parkway

The views along, from and upon the 469-mile scenic roadway on the spine of the Virginia and North Carolina Blue Ridge are spectacular in every season.

Current Issue

Kentucky’s General Burnside Island becomes the Christmas Island every year beginning in mid-November.

Islands of the Blue Ridge Region

You won’t find beaches cluttered with sprawling mega-resorts or cheesy attractions on the islands of the Blue Ridge region. No, the isles in these lakes and rivers remain largely undeveloped - except for the native flora and fauna.
Carl Sandburg met Lilian Steichen in 1907 and married her six months later. They were wed for 59 years. Photo is from 1923.

Deciphering the Love Language of Carl and Paula Sandburg

More than a century has passed since these lovebirds tied the knot, but their modern North Carolina-mountain romance lives on.
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Fairy Magic at Bullington Gardens

One teacher’s attraction to a Hendersonville, North Carolina, garden has grown to help build a magical, enchanted place.
South Carolina’s Caesars Head State Park/Jones Gap State Park are now collectively designated an official Wilderness Area.

7 State Parks Worthy of National Status?

The recent designation of New River Gorge as a national park brings to mind other possibly worthy parks in the Southern Appalachians.
Location is Grandfather Mountain in Linville, North Carolina, two miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 305. From the photographer: “This image was taken in early June at the top of Grandfather Mountain during a photography conference. Two other excited photographers were also capturing the sunset."

Photo Essay: Blue Ridge Parkway

The views along, from and upon the 469-mile scenic roadway on the spine of the Virginia and North Carolina Blue Ridge are spectacular in every season.
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Departments

Vibrant Monarch butterfly clings to its translucent dew covered cocoon
Creature Feature

Monarch Mimickers

It’s easy to mistake other orange species for the king of fall butterflies.

August 26, 2026
At Coopers Rock State Forest, new Stargazer cabins invite guests to look up through skylights and telescopes.
Country Roads

Even Closer to Almost Heaven

New Stargazer cabins at Coopers Rock State Forest offer a skyward escape in the mountains of West Virginia.

June 29, 2026
©Duncan Seaman
Country Roads

A Mountain Tradition Turns 90 

Visitors flock to Galax, Virginia, each summer for the Old Fiddlers’ Convention, a days-long celebration of Appalachian music.

June 29, 2026

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