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Magazine
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
Lakes
A century ago, the French Broad River swallowed my hometown. Now, my community is learning to make amends.
Let us listen together to unique stories told by water.
Our mountains create many kinds of beauty, not least of which are their relationships with water—from captured and still to falling and fast-running.
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.
What is it that pulls us to the calm expanse of a mountain lake?
Our contributing photographers offer some wonderful visual hints.
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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
