20 52 COURTESY OF ACE ADVENTURE RESORT MARK VANDYKE FEATURES 20 ANNUAL FESTIVALS GUIDE FOR SEVEN STATES It's time to plan warm-weather travel all over the mountains of the South, and to build in a great event or festival as a centerpiece of the excursion. BY SARAH RIDDELL 52 THE MOUNTAINS IN SUMMER: A PHOTO ESSAY Our contributing photographers have been out and about and are back with the best of summer scenics. 58 THE HAYSTACK PHOTO: A BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY DISCOVERY How an iconic photo on display at Mabry Mill for decades came to be discovered by and take on new and deep meaning for a family. BY EULA GOLDING WATERS 61 THE MAGIC OF CAMP LIGHT AND ITS VISITORS Scott and Cathy Balsley have created a haven in the mountains, complete with its own '50s-style Main Street Adaville. BY ERIC J. WALLACE 67 JERRY LOVES OPIES: THE UNEXPECTED WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR Jerry Harvey's challenging childhood and ensuing colorful adulthood gave little hint at the work he would ultimately undertake. BY NANCY HENDERSON 72 CREATURES OF THE GREENBELT: A PHOTO ESSAY The Kingsport Greenbelt is emblematic of the urban trend of greenways through and around mountain cities. It's also an exemplar for its wildlife. BY JAY HURON DEPARTMENTS 5 From the Editor, Letters, Contributors 10 6 Mill Creek Stories 8 Gifts of the Land Creature Feature 12 The Good Walk 14 Our Blue Ridge Towns 16 Country Roads 78 Flavors 80 Singing in the Garden 82 The Mountain Q & A ON THE COVER The photo was taken at Beaver Dam Farm Sunflowers in Buchanan, Virginia, during their annual sunflower festival. From the photographer: " I always enjoy photographing beautiful flowers, the sunflowers at Beaver Dam Farm never disappoint! " See page 20 for the bounty of mountain festivals over the rest of 2024. PHOTO BY JENNY GRIFFIN