52 34 NOT FEATURES 30 OUR SIGNATURE PEAKS: A PHOTO ESSAY Our contributing photographers have sent along views of and views from many of the highest peaks in the sevenstate region. 34 THE BEST OF THE MOUNTAINS IN 48 REALMS Our readers have voted; now we can enjoy the bounty of the region. COMPILED BY SARAH RIDDELL AND JEFFREY K. WOOD 52 35TH ANNIVERSARY MAGICAL HISTORY TOUR In commemoration of our first issue, seven-state history potpourri with some historic dining along the way. BY ANGELA MINOR N A 66 1988: THIS MAGAZINE WAS BORN. WHAT ELSE HAPPENED? A blizzard! Merlefest debuts! A scandal trial comes to the mountains! Lot's more! BY LAUREN STEPP 73 SUSAN SACHS: 'JEDI MASTER' OF SMOKIES' CRITTERS The national park veteran puts nature before the eyes of the young. BY NANCY HENDERSON N I h t E 5 R 3 R A R OF THE OUNTAINS TOP 155 READER PICKS IN 48 CATEGORIES THE MAGICAL HISTORY TOUR 35 Great Stops in 7 States REMEMBER 1988 IN THE MOUNTAINS? 35 Happenings in BRC's First Year This shot captures the iconic face of South Carolina's Table Rock Mountain as it looks out over Table Rock Reservoir. Restrictions on commercial, agricultural and residential presence on the lake contribute to Greenville, South Carolina, having some of the purest drinking water in the country. This aerial image is comprised of about 26 individual shots stitched together to encompass the view as weather and sky conditions cooperated on the afternoon of the drone shoot. To see more of the work of photographer JJ Fowler, go to vanzeppelin.com. See page 30 for more images of some of the Southern Appalachians' signature peaks. V SHE'S 'JEDI MASTER' OF THE SMOKIES ON THE COVER DEPARTMENTS 10 12 14 6 From the Editor Mill Creek Stories Gifts of the Land Creature Feature 16 The Good Walk 18 Our Blue Ridge Towns 20 Festivals and Events 26 Country Roads 76 Flavors 78 Singing in the Garden 80 The Mountain Q & A Y U I O S S U E !http://www.vanzeppelin.com