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The Top 61 Happiest Mountain Towns in the Blue Ridge
Our quest to have our readers select the happiest towns in the mountains began with a set of criteria applied
April 2, 2026
birds
These handsomely dressed males enjoy the sunflowers, safflowers and raw peanuts at feeders; consume a range of insects (including helping potato farms by eating harmful beetles and larvae); and feed on berries and fruits.
Of all the avians belonging to the genus Buteo, the red-tailed hawk is the most familiar to anyone who glances about for birds.
Over 350 species of hummingbirds have been documented in the New World, their only home address on the planet. Seventeen nest in the United States. Yet in the Blue Ridge we see but one – the ruby-throated hummingbird.
Of the seven chickadee species in North America, two call the Blue Ridge home – Black-capped (northern region) and Carolina (southern region) with overlap between.
Three of the top 10 bird-watching states—Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia—are in the Blue Ridge region.
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Web Extras
Photo Recap: Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2023
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion (BRRR) is a musical festival held annually in September that celebrates the heritage of country
September 1, 2023
Behind Blue Ridge Country
“Virginia” in Virginia: Discovering Patsy Cline in Winchester
Walking Winchester in the relentless rain of a soggy spring could not dampen my enthusiasm to see the home of
August 10, 2018
Behind Blue Ridge Country
Even More Sweet Virginia Breezes
Casually cruising to Claytor Lake in southwest Virginia, I felt like I had come home – back to where it
April 12, 2018
