Why Sierra Nevada Fell for Asheville

Posted in History & Culture on February 5th, 2012 by marklynn
Why Sierra Nevada Fell for Asheville
Future eastern home of Sierra Nevada, Mills River, N. Carolina. How can your town attract a leading craft-brewed beer company, along with 200 jobs, a one-of-a-kind tourist destination, and a great restaurant? Ask Asheville. After an exhaustive three year search that spanned more than 200 locations, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company recently announced that its east coast headquarters will be built on Asheville’s south side in a borough called Mi Read More »


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The Burro in the Barn Door

Posted in Art & Lit, History & Culture on January 29th, 2012 by marklynn
The Burro in the Barn Door
Steve Alberts is a retiree, and he might be busier now than he was when he was working. He acts; he takes photos; he’s working on a novel; and he writes charming blog posts at OnStevesMountain.com. I was browsing Steve’s site the other day, and one post caught my eye — The Burro in the Barn Door. I’m a sucker for alliteration, so the title hooked me. It was the photo, though, that kept me glued to the post. It’s dec Read More »


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Vote: Which Mountain House is for You?

Posted in History & Culture on January 22nd, 2012 by marklynn
Vote: Which Mountain House is for You?
I am a sucker for open houses. When I’m walking around town and see those tell-tale balloons tied to a real estate sign, I make a bee line. I will stand-up friends or be late for a meeting. It doesn’t matter; I won’t pass up a chance to nose around someone else’s place. If I open the door and find the house empty, I do a brisk walk through, maybe critique the bathroom’s tile job or admire a fireplace. I won’t Read More »


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The Magic Question: Can Appalachia Keep Its Young People

Posted in History & Culture on January 15th, 2012 by marklynn
The Magic Question: Can Appalachia Keep Its Young People
I will never under estimate the power of the blue and gold. Native West Virginians have flocked to Jason Headley’s love letter to his home state, entitled “Dear West Virginia.” Since it posted last Sunday, more than 42,000 people have read it and hundreds have left heartwarming comments. All of them share Jason’s love for the state’s hills and hollers and many asked an important question – how do we keep gifte Read More »


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Dear West Virginia

Posted in History & Culture on January 8th, 2012 by marklynn
Dear West Virginia
"One Man's Dream" by Cheryl Tarrant. Used with permission. This post is for anyone who has left home. I don’t mean to go to the grocery store or even for vacation. This is for folks who have packed their possessions, hugged their mammas and daddies, and pulled away from the curb with their cheeks wet and their eyes on the road because if they glance in the rearview mirror, they might not go. It’s for those who bookmark Read More »


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Appalachian NYE – Last Minute Options

Posted in History & Culture on December 31st, 2011 by marklynn
Appalachian NYE – Last Minute Options
If you’re like me, you don’t plan your New Years Eve activities until the eleventh hour. We just decided two days ago to ring in 2012 playing pool and eating pickle flavored potato chips (our local billiard’s specialty). For all of my fellow stragglers, here are five favorite Appalachian NYE options: 5) SnowShoe Mountain’s Gone Country New Years, Snowshoe, West Virginia: Snowshoe’s 15,000 square foot entertainment v Read More »


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Under My Tree: Dolly’s Recipes and Coal History

Posted in History & Culture on December 25th, 2011 by marklynn
Under My Tree: Dolly’s Recipes and Coal History
Check out my gifts! With 125 of Dolly’s favorite recipes and a coal history classic under my tree, it’s been a very Appalachian Christmas. I hope you’re having a wonderful day too, full of home cooking, maybe some country crafts, and more loved ones than you can count. Read More »


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Moonshiners – Tonight at 10 on Discovery

Posted in History & Culture on December 6th, 2011 by marklynn
Moonshiners – Tonight at 10 on Discovery
Y’all know that the days of bootleggers, backwoods stills and “white lightning” aren’t over, but did you expect them to end up in prime time? Tonight at 10:00 PM, Discovery Channel premieres its new series Moonshiners. Here’s how they’re billing it: “Moonshiners tells the story of those who brew their shine – often in the woods near their homes using camouflaged equipment – and the local autho Read More »


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I’m a Lucky F’eller

Posted in History & Culture on November 24th, 2011 by marklynn
I’m a Lucky F’eller
Before I start all of the chopping, blending and baking today, I’m taking a few minutes to reflect. I’m thankful for so much. The people who are closest to me are in good health; I have a loving, close knit family; I’ve got work and insurance and a car that runs; and to top it off, I get to exchange ideas with you all every week of the year. I’m a lucky f’eller. Whether you’re spending Thanksgiving in the quie Read More »


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The Crooked Road to Improving Local Economies

Posted in History & Culture, Music on November 21st, 2011 by marklynn
The Crooked Road to Improving Local Economies
Sonja Ingram, Guest Blogger You might remember The Crooked Road. It’s a unique driving trail that winds through Southwest Virginia. Each of its nineteen stops represent Appalachia’s musical heritage. When I wrote about it back in March of 2010, it was facing the axe in state budgets. Luckily, it’s still going strong and remains an economic engine. It is estimated to bring $28 million dollars into the region annually. Our frien Read More »


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