The state of Virginia, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and Southern Appalachia and are all widely recognized for their musical influence, both historically and currently. On a personal level I’ve been equally blown away by regional talent at the Blue Ridge Music Center’s amphitheater and British post-punk shows in Richmond’s awesome venue, The National. I’ve traveled up and down … Read more
[Updated August 23, 2023] Established as the fourth state after ratifying the United States Constitution in 1788, Georgia has a rich and diverse state history. The state is known for its sprawling oak trees in Savannah, rolling Blue Ridge Mountains in North Georgia, and a largely agriculture-based economy. English philanthropist James Oglethorpe first settled the state of … Read more
[Updated 8/22/23] North Georgia’s mild climate and prime location at the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains allows for enjoyable getaways at just about any time of the year. Spring is great for spotting wildflowers. In summer you can hike to North Georgia waterfalls or take a dip in one of the beautiful lakes. Autumn brings Fall colors and Fall … Read more
“O Bessie Bell and Mary Gray, they were two bonnie lasses…” Written by a long-forgotten author in the 1700s, this poem memorializes a haunting tale from Scotland about two young cousins who succumbed to the black plague. There are countless other poems, songs, and stories that were brought to America by the Scots-Irish people. … Read more
[Updated August 21, 2023] With the state’s dark history during the Civil War, Trail of Tears, and the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, it’s no wonder that some of the most haunted places in Georgia include haunted hospitals, hotels, lakes, and more. Historic cities like Savannah and Atlanta are home to many of GA’s … Read more
The state of Tennessee in Fall is a truly a glorious sight to behold. Its climate conditions are just right for a long Autumn, because it’s far north enough to have true seasons. And the Smoky Mountains are especially spectacular at this time of year. Fall foliage in Tennessee is the stuff of legend because the place is … Read more
With its beautiful Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains and seemingly endless rolling foothills, it makes perfect sense that local farmers have planted numerous apple orchards in Tennessee. Thankfully, a number of these orchards in TN have opened their gates and invited visitors in to enjoy the splendor of apple picking and other fun Autumn … Read more
We’ve been empty nesters for a few years now. But family-friendly fairs and festivals are still one of our favorite ways to celebrate the arrival of Autumn. Our home state of Georgia can get miserably hot and humid during the dog days of summer. But Fall brings cooler temperatures, lots of fun outdoor activities, and … Read more
[Updated August 30, 2025] Did you know that North Carolina is the 7th largest apple producing state in the USA? Or that Hendersonville Apple Orchards are the most prolific apple producing orchards in the state of North Carolina? There are a whopping 19 Hendersonville apple orchards, which is pretty amazing for a Blue … Read more
[Updated August 10, 2024] Virginia is one of the largest apple-producing states in the nation, with plenty of apple orchards scattered throughout the state. Many apple orchards in VA sell their apples locally, along the east coast, and even nationally/internationally. While you can visit these farms and pick up pre-picked bushels, many VA apple orchards … Read more
