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CURRENT Features

Bear Man: Big Mammals in the Smokies

Bill Stiver credits “blind luck” for longtime career looking after large wildlife.

Flat Top Manor: The Estate that Moses & Bertha Built

The couple’s blend of morality, planning and civic responsibility lives on in a property that Bertha Cone did all she could to keep from becoming part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, much less the signature attraction that is undergoing major renovations.

Tennessee’s Red Clay: The Little State Park That Burns Bright

The 263-acre east Tennessee park has a history that goes back to 1830, and which, in 1984, completed a re-linking of Cherokee history.

Making a Home, Bit by Old Bit

Peter Hunter and his son, Blake, scour the countryside for old materials and then stitch them together to create unique homes.

Another Side of ‘Shine: One Man’s Family History

How difficult must it be to become the first male in your family for many generations back to make a living at something other than illegal liquor.

Current Issue

Bill Stiver has been luckier than many long-time National Park Service career employees in that he hasn’t had to hop from park to park to progress up the ladder.

Bear Man: Big Mammals in the Smokies

Bill Stiver credits “blind luck” for longtime career looking after large wildlife.
Flat Top Manor maintained its stately appearance in this 1953 photo, when it had become Blue Ridge Parkway property.

Flat Top Manor: The Estate that Moses & Bertha Built

The couple’s blend of morality, planning and civic responsibility lives on in a property that Bertha Cone did all she could to keep from becoming part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, much less the signature attraction that is undergoing major renovations.
Blue Hole Spring (right) was used by the Cherokee for their water supply. The Eternal Flame (left) was lit in 1984.

Tennessee’s Red Clay: The Little State Park That Burns Bright

The 263-acre east Tennessee park has a history that goes back to 1830, and which, in 1984, completed a re-linking of Cherokee history.
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Making a Home, Bit by Old Bit

Peter Hunter and his son, Blake, scour the countryside for old materials and then stitch them together to create unique homes.
The caption that circulates with this photo reads: “Eight members of the Ingram family with their turnip-style moonshine still. Ida Ingram Nunley is the woman sitting and holding a shotgun.”

Another Side of ‘Shine: One Man’s Family History

How difficult must it be to become the first male in your family for many generations back to make a living at something other than illegal liquor.
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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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