Blog
Grainger County Tomato Festival July 26th – 28th is Ta’mazing
The 27th Annual Grainger County Tomato Festival is so Ta’mazing, its voted in America’s top 10 free festivals. July 26th through 28th, families come to Rutledge TN to experience Appalachian artists, craftsmen, and vendors. Starting in 1992, agricultural products have...
Virginia’s Triple Crown of Hiking
In Southwest Virginia sits the Triple Crown of Virginia. Explore the Quartzite rock formations of Dragon’s Tooth, experience the breathtaking panoramic view of McAfee Knob, and challenge yourself to a 7.7-mile long hike through Tinker Mountain on the Tinker Cliffs.
5th Generation Milroy Farms Keeps Maple Syrup Local
When people think of maple syrup, most think of New England or specifically Vermont and with good reason. For a couple hundred or more years, those areas have been producing most of the maple syrup here in the good old USA. However, there’s another state that produces large quantities of some of the best maple syrup you ever poured over a pancake. That state is Pennsylvania. As a matter of fact, Pennsylvania is at least the number six producer of syrup in the US and gaining.
Ode to Spring
Another archaic definition of Spring is the dawn or dawning as of day or light. I like this one too, because for many living things it is indeed the dawning of a new day, the dawning of new life.All in all, Spring is the thing!
Introduction to Appalachian Maple Syrup
Did you know that it takes 50 gallons of maple sap to produce 1 gallon of maple syrup and that there are nearby festivals that celebrates this delicious treat? Read more about Appalachia’s favorite sweetener, how it’s made, and where to get some fresh maple syrup fast!
From Oppression to Leadership: The Luck of the Scotch-Irish
Saint Patrick’s Day on the mountain is a perfect time to sip green cocktails and reflect on our rich Scotch-Irish history. Our ancestors escaped British oppression, facing turbulent ocean voyages and wilderness hardships to start life anew. They gifted us with mesmerizing lore, lively music, a rich culture, and the luck of the Irish!
Wildflowers Don’t Care Where They Grow
Our mountains are home to an estimated 100,000 species of living things and that includes as many as 1400 species of wildflowers. Far, far too many to discuss here so we are going to talk about the more common, the more familiar and the Dolly-Parton-like plants of the wildflower world.
Appalachian Renaissance Faire Presents “A Renaissance Romance”
As we all know, Appalachia is rich in heritage and culture, but did you know that it also has a celebrated Celtic heritage from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland? Celtic Culture and Appalachia Combine history with art and fantasy, and you have Appalachian...
Romantic Getaways for Valentine’s Day
Cozy up with your significant other in the quaint cabins of Virginia or Tennessee or plan a full day of activities at the well-known Greenbrier in West Virginia or the Barnsley Resort in Georgia. Take a hike and experience Appalachia and wind down the day by booking a relaxing massage or carriage ride.
Hunt, Tallow and a Wick: The Appalachian Art of Candle Making
Scented candles brighten a room, soothing our senses. Candles were hand crafted necessities for our ancestors, made from nature. A successful hunt, tallow and a wick once made the Appalachian art of candle making.
