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By the time you read this, the brilliant reds, oranges, and golds of another Blue Ridge autumn will likely be just around the corner.
By Sarah Riddell
It’s a season that always seems to inspire adventure, whether it’s taking a scenic drive for some leaf-peeping, hiking a favorite trail in the cooler air, or, in my case, willingly stepping off a wooden platform suspended high above the forest floor in Floyd, Virginia.
Last October, my brother and I surprised our mom with a birthday trip to Buffalo Mountain Ziplines, home to Virginia’s highest and longest zipline. Despite a lifelong uneasiness with heights, I was, shockingly, not the least bit nervous.
That is, until I reached the first platform.
To make matters worse, I had willingly volunteered to be the first victim—I mean, participant—after noticing a few kiddos in our group looking a little apprehensive.
Naturally, I started questioning almost every life choice that had led me to that moment. Would the harness hold? Was the brake really going to work? Was it too late to volunteer to be the official, from-the-ground photographer instead? More importantly, should I just back out and let the now-fearless 8-year-old gal behind me go first?
In the end, there wasn’t much left to do to keep my pride intact but step off the landing and hope for the best.
The first of the eight ziplines was mostly a blur of adrenaline. By the second, my death grip on the brake above my head had loosened. By the third, I caught myself smiling. By the fourth, I wasn’t thinking about the height anymore. I was too busy taking in the scenery. From up there, the Blue Ridge Mountains in all their fall glory stretched for miles in every direction.
It occurred to me later that day as the family and I enjoyed wine slushies and live music at nearby Chateau Morissette that the day’s greatest reward had come after the moment I was most tempted to turn back.
I’ve found myself returning to that lesson as I prepare for my own next adventure. This is my final issue with Blue Ridge Country.
Serving as editor has given me the incredible honor and privilege of helping share the stories of this remarkable region, working alongside exceptionally talented teammates and contributors and connecting with countless people whose passion for the Blue Ridge shines through in just about everything they do.
I’d be remiss not to send a special note of thanks to you, our dear readers. Whether Blue Ridge Country inspired you to visit a charming mountain town, discover a new spot to hike or picnic, or simply appreciate the beauty in your own backyard, thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your lives.
Before I sign off, I’ll leave you with one last piece of advice: Keep saying yes to adventure, even when it pushes you outside your comfort zone. You never know what might be waiting for you on the other side.
Who knows? It could even be a wine slushy.
Sarah Riddell, Editor
The story above first appeared in our September/October 2026 issue.
