February 2015

Italian Food in Appalachia?

Ray Access — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 18:25:26 +0000

These Georgia restaurants deliver authentic tastes.

Family Game Night, Appalachian Style

Ray Access — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 22:40:49 +0000

Today, families continue the tradition of Family Game Night, but with a whole new array of choices to entertain and to teach. Some of the activities are inspired by the past while others are brand new. All involve the whole family. Perhaps some of these will inspire you to start your own family tradition.

Winter Gardening

Ray Access — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 22:40:48 +0000

As soon as the dirt is loose enough to work, about six weeks before you expect a final frost in your Appalachian garden, you can get your garden started by planting early, hearty green vegetables.

Suspended Natural Winter Wonders

Becky Rogers — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 22:40:47 +0000

When the weather turns cold and icicles form over your front porch, you may recognize the magic of winter. The light reflecting off the glittering natural illusion causes you to smile in wonder as it piques your curiosity. Wrap up warm and take a little trip to a frozen cascade of falling water where you can witness one of the true, often unknown treasures of winter in the mountains — frozen waterfalls.

Biscuits with Chocolate Gravy

Ray Access — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 22:40:45 +0000

The best of both worlds

How to Make Heart Pillows

Ray Access — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 22:38:45 +0000

A craft project for that someone special… and you.

Snow Tubing the Appalachians

Ray Access — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 22:36:45 +0000

Find your nearest opportunity for snow tubing in the Southern Appalachians

Love Your Pets

Ray Access — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 22:34:45 +0000

A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal. (Proverbs 12:10)

Animals have been part of Appalachian households since the very early settlers populated the mountain terrain. Mules helped clear the wooded land and plow the meager fields. Horses carried their owners from place to place. Cattle, goats and sheep clothed and fed generations. And let’s not forget the chickens.

The Heart and Soul of the Dulcimer

Becky Rogers — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 22:32:45 +0000

An Appalachian dulcimer-maker carries on the traditions.

The dulcimer has long been considered an Appalachian instrument. The mountain dulcimer — also called the Kentucky dulcimer, Appalachian dulcimer and lap dulcimer — basically is a fretted zither, consisting of a narrow fingerboard with strings attached to a slightly larger sound box. Although traces of the dulcimer date back to the crafts movement in the 1800s, it’s only been since the 1940s that the dulcimer has captured the heart and soul of Appalachian musicians.

Romantic Getaway in Hot Springs, NC

Ray Access — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 18:31:06 +0000

Take your partner to the healing waters

Barbara Jane’s Beadwork

Ray Access — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 16:08:36 +0000

“Beads are my passion.” It’s often difficult to turn an avocation into a vocation, but Barbara Carnes may have found the secret.

Love Where You Find It

Ray Access — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 17:17:51 +0000

Appalachian courting practices through the years