People of the Mountains

Jules Johnson—the grinning guide at rear of raft—has been taking rafters through Class III and IV rapids on the Ocoee River for 20 years.

“Steward of Sunshine”

Who gets a title like that on her business card? River guide extraordinaire Julie Johnson, that’s who.
Thomas Jenkins (lovin’ on the tree) has been a part of building or protecting some 200 miles of trail.

Keeping Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley Well-Trailed

Thomas Jenkins has been building trails around Harrisonburg, Virginia for 25 years. His efforts have helped transform the city into a mecca of hiking and biking, and opened up long-neglected national forest trails.
Main Image: Christopher Holt holds a sketch that will contribute to the fresco. Inset: Christopher Holt’s deft hand at work.

New North Carolina Fresco: Christopher Holt Immortalizes Faith

An emerging fresco artist caps years of study and preparation as he completes his first major commission, at a downtown Asheville mission serving the homeless.
Jimmy Cheers on the South Holston River: “The wildlife changes every single day. Usually on a daily basis, we get to see ospreys, for sure, probably an eagle, maybe a beaver. We have been seeing some otters this year, which has been pretty cool.”

On the Fly: Jimmy Cheers Takes to the River

Boyhood experiences led him to believe that everybody went fishing. These days he’s working toward that goal.
Casting a spell. Storyteller Ray Hicks: "Stories are like panther – they won't let go of me."

Ray Hicks: America’s Premiere Storyman

Beech Mountain Native Says it "Comes Natural"
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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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS