Appalachian Shine

Chasing Autumn: Top 10 Fall Destinations in Appalachia

Take a road trip through the heart of Appalachia as we explore the Top 10 autumn destinations where fiery mountain ridges, hidden byways, and small-town festivals bring fall to life. From world-famous drives like the Blue Ridge Parkway to quirky gems like Kentucky’s Woolly Worm Festival, this episode blends breathtaking scenery with the charm of Appalachian culture. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just love the magic of fall, this is your guide to chasing autumn’s colors across the mountains.

#autumnleaves #fall #autumninappalachia #BlueRidgeParkway #SmokyMountains #Dollywood #Kentucky #Tennessee #Virginia #WestVirginia 

Tales From the Mountains

In this episode we talk about some of the tales as told and written by Appalachians following the WEP works project under FDR. Jack Tales, Grandfather Tales and some ghost stories!

#appalachia #appalachiantales #appalachianstories

A History of Southwest Virginia

Long before settlers arrived in our region this land was home to several native tribes. Let's take a look back through time.

Our journey will take us back hundreds of years, long before a cabin was ever built here, to the Native American peoples who knew these mountains as home. We’ll talk about the early settlers, the first governments, the creation of enormous counties like Tazewell, and the key events—wars, railroads, coal mining—that shaped our region.

This is more than just history—it’s our story.

#SouthwestVirginia #TazewellCounty #appalachianhistory #supportappalachia #CentralAppalachia

Preserving Appalachian Stories

In the 1930's FDR implemented the Works Program Administration (WPA). As a part of that program writers were sent to all parts of Appalachia to collect our stories, our traditions, our histories and folklore. Those collected stories today still live on in our region and published at the Library of Congress. Join in and hear about the history of that project right here on Appalachian Shine. And while you're at it, stop by our website and support our mission. 

www.supportappalachia.org

Her Brother's Dog Tags--A Vietnam Era Story

Peggy Wolfe of Bristol sits down with us to discuss her book "Her Brother's Dog Tags." A heartfelt story that captures that era in American history, the story combines mystery, dealing with grief, honor and tenacity into a page turner that every person and family can relate to. 

"Her Brother's Dog Tags" can be found online at Amazon in paperback and Kindle. (Link below)

#AppalachianAuthors #Vietnam #mystery #PeggyWolfe

https://www.amazon.com/Her-Brothers-Tags-Peggy-Wolfe/dp/1959700448/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2COX02OEHG3NJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.J5ioMXbqODtuyAgAAk5PdGM_H25llgT587Qgep1eg1RnFcQXf1rN-YFcpPwKbC39_novQWFlYjnAwFJ7U7TYoDgLeYQy5bEyrYNpQesg4sMiyRiERRdsdjZpJdjyRf6EsbD2HhRZthdoQVs2C1aUWjlN4OXy16i0NtwCgvMCf_W0d1EV9t4O_5kgKScC6lu08knhPCEYHXlmPvNIxvTiMv8DaoWbwCfvrVqjv9pOMrc._efLsoeGs1L1nXSnnc4lXZTM86TbmilpqujRUE9rW_8&dib_tag=se&keywords=peggy+wolfe&qid=1753379301&sprefix=%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-1

A History of Rail in Central Appalachia Part 2-Bristol and Norton

We continue our exploration into the importance of the growth of the railroad in our region. It impacted Bristol VA/TN in profound ways making it a cultural and business hub that literally changed the music industry nationwide! Norton, VA grew from just a small settlement on the way to frontier Kentucky into a hub because rail moved due to the rich coal resources in Wise County. But what were the early businesses that popped up from the quick rise of Norton, VA...and where did Norton get its name?

#WiseCountyVirginia #NortonVA #BristolVA #BristolSessions #birthplaceofcountrymusic #appalachianhistory #appalachia

 

www.supportappalachia.org

 

The History and Impact of Rail in Central Appalachia

Bluefield, WV used to be a major hub in the regions economic and cultural development. In this episode we explore the history of rail on the development of the region and take a trip back in time to Bluefield, WV.

#appalachia #railroads #N&W #BluefieldWV #BluefieldStateU

Moonshine Over Georgia

Author Chris Skates stops by to talk about his book, Moonshine Over Georgia. Set back in the 1940's, this story is based on real events that took place in the region and the dangers that his own grandfather was in working as a revenuer. 

You can find his work on Amazon. 

#moonshine #ChrisSkates #Appalachia #history #Georgia

Appalachia's Role In The American Revolution

Appalachia and its frontiersmen played a major role in the Revolutionary War and the independence of America. From the brave settlers pressing westward against the rule of the Crown, to the Overmountain Men who fought furiously against the British at the Battle of Kings Mountain, Appalachians played a pivotal role in the making of America and in our manifest destiny.

#Appalachia #BattleofKingsMountain #nativetribes #RevolutionaryWar

A History of Moonshine In Appalachia, Part 2

In this episode we discuss the history and legendary story of the Bondurant Brothers of Franklin County, Virginia. Also, we look into the history of the Big Six from North Carolina. Both gangs sowed tales of resilience and defiance in the face of law enforcement (even the corrupted ones). This and more in this episode of Appalachian Shine.

#Appalachia #moonshine #AppalachianHistory

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