When young Byard Ray was all of seven years old growing up in the remote Madison County town of Revere, it’s said that he would sneak his mother’s fiddle away to learn how to “tease out a tune” while no one was looking. It should not have been a surprise when his mother and father…

I’m honored to serve on the board of the Hot Spring Tourism & Welcome Center in my small western North Carolina mountain town. Every few months, I write an article around local craft, environmental sustainability efforts (as we sit on the Appalachian Trail), around one of our cherished locals who help create the spirit we…

I spent some time going back through the grieving practices of my family when I was small and into adulthood when I realized I hadn’t spent time finding my very own way to grieve. Thanks to The Porch Magazine for sharing these words reflecting that journey. Finding My Very Own Way to Grieve Published through…

It was truly one of the glimmering little highlights of my summer to spend some time with Partnership for Appalachian Girls’ Education (PAGE Programs) and Asheville Artist Jenny Pickens to capture the vital work they’re doing with Madison County girls for the Hot Springs Tourism & Welcome Center. You can read the full article here….

The story below was written for the Hot Springs N.C. Tourism Association. Hot Springs, North Carolina is one of over 40 trail towns recognized by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy that the 2,193 mile national scenic trail crosses through. During the ongoing threat of COVID, outdoor spaces received record visitation in 2020 as travelers sought safe spaces…

Thanks to The Porch Magazine for allowing me the space to place words to the experience of holding death after shape-shifting through this past year-and-a-half with it in a more powerful way than I ever have. What a journey it has been. I’ve found myself at so many points wanting to rush to make sense…

This piece was written for the Hot Springs N.C. Tourism Association in the summer of 2020 and can be found on their website here: “Where the Appalachian Trail Leads…” On a warm October afternoon, I walk up to the side porch of Hot Spring’s oldest and most well-known home, The Sunnybank Inn. Having been closed…

Nestled up next to Riverview Station and within walking distance to Foundation Skatepark, 12 Bones BBQ, Wedge Brewing and a treasure trove of potters and woodworkers, you’ll now find an urban winery tucked within the former Paneling World building. Tagged with fresh artwork from several of the same notable local artists you’ll find spread throughout…

(Above photo via Atlas Branding) Corn Grits. Corn Tortillas. Corn chips. The list of foods created by the small golden kernel is long (and that’s not including all of the other creative ways we use this Yellow Gold in soft drinks, chewing gum, sweeteners, toothpaste and so much more!) So, one might assume that you…

When looking at corn varieties and farming in southern Appalachia, there is no greater teacher on the subject than the Cherokee. Heirloom seed saver and registered member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Harold Long, alongside his wife Nancy Long, certainly have stories to share on the subject. “With seeds, there are so many…