Connect With Us
Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Instagram

Food & Flavors

CURRENT Food & Flavors

December’s Blue Ridge Mountain Apple Profile: Arkansas Black

Originating in the 1870s in, obviously, The Natural State, this variety is reputed to be a part of the Winesap family, which includes such esteemed members as the Black Twig, Stayman, and, of course, the Old Fashioned Winesap.

December’s Wild Edible: Purple-Spored Puffball

The purple-spored typically grows in this region’s fields, often appearing from October through December and into early January.

Fork and Plough: Neighborly and Nimble

At this Greenville, South Carolina, eatery, the menu changes literally every day, based on what’s available locally.

November’s Wild Edible: Bitternut Hickory

Frankly, this native species to the Blue Ridge mountains comes by its name honestly.

October’s Wild Edible: Mullein

Earlier, this year, a lone mullein plant appeared along the fence that encloses my garden, which made me curious about this plant.

Current Issue

Arkansas Black apples sport an attractive reddish black color.

December’s Blue Ridge Mountain Apple Profile: Arkansas Black

Originating in the 1870s in, obviously, The Natural State, this variety is reputed to be a part of the Winesap family, which includes such esteemed members as the Black Twig, Stayman, and, of course, the Old Fashioned Winesap.
A purple-spored puffball growing in a field in Botetourt County, VA.

December’s Wild Edible: Purple-Spored Puffball

The purple-spored typically grows in this region’s fields, often appearing from October through December and into early January.
The Fork and Plough name reflects the professions of the owners — chef and farmer.

Fork and Plough: Neighborly and Nimble

At this Greenville, South Carolina, eatery, the menu changes literally every day, based on what’s available locally.
The compound, lancelike leaflets of the bitternut are a good identifier.

November’s Wild Edible: Bitternut Hickory

Frankly, this native species to the Blue Ridge mountains comes by its name honestly.
Mullein growing in Ingram's backyard.

October’s Wild Edible: Mullein

Earlier, this year, a lone mullein plant appeared along the fence that encloses my garden, which made me curious about this plant.
VIEW MORE

Departments

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
Synchronous Fireflies
Creature Feature

The Light Fantastic

Fireflies are struggling with the effects of artificial light.

June 29, 2026

CALENDAR OF EVENTS