CONTENTS PHOTO ON THIS PAGE: Little hummer meets big flower. PHOTO BY JON PHILLIPS F E AT U R E S 7 Magical 24 Mountain River Walks Conservationists 40 on the Farm BY LEONARD ADKINS BY BRUCE INGRAM Appalachian Trail Beauty Spots 32 Photo-Overnights: 42 Appalachian Trail Shelters 36 Elk are On the Roam 46 in Virginia These customizable jaunts feature waterside fun and much more. Photographer Joshua Moore is also a hiker of the trail on its North Carolina and Tennessee sections. He takes us to some favorite spots. Sowing Stories: Apples and Fiction Sixth-generation apple grower Evan Williams has also used that deep experience as a jumping-off point for a novel. BY JOANNE O'SULLIVAN 38 Instagram-Worthy Spots in the Mountains for Your Doggie Our readers have sent along a collection of photos of favorite spots for both canine and photo fun. Seth and Courtney Umbarger are taking farm-to-table another step forward: farm-to-school. Here are a few photos from Sarah Jones Decker's new book, "The Appalachian Trail: Backcountry Shelters, Lean-tos, and Huts." Photographer Mike Roberts gives us a quick tour from Buchanan County. Back to Art, 49 Back to her Passion Joanna Simone's life took her through several interesting phases before she came back to a focus from earlier in her life. BY NANCY HENDERSON Quick Guide 53 to Northeast Georgia Ready for a great trip? We have the details. BY ANGELA MINOR DEPARTMENTS 5 Letters/Contributors 6 From the Editor 10 Mill Creek Stories 12 Creature Feature 14 The Good Walk 16 Our Blue Ridge Towns 18 Country Roads 21 Festivals & Events 62 Flavors 64 Singing in the Garden 66 Guest Column ON THE COVER A couple enjoys sunset while walking across Liberty Bridge at Falls Park on the Reedy River in Greenville, South Carolina. See page 24 for more great river walks. PHOTO BY CHRIS LEYLAND PHOTOGRAPHY JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 3