Echoes of Appalachia
“Stories, culture, and memories from the heart of Appalachia.”
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recent posts
- The Wild Return of Bison to Appalachia After Centuries Away
- They Blew the Tops Off Appalachia and What Was Left Behind Tells a Darker Story
- Hidden in Plain Sight: Why Homelessness in Appalachia Reached a Breaking Point in 2024 and 2025
- Immigrants and Appalachia: The Hidden Story That Built a Mountain Civilization
- Urban Appalachia: Rural Memory Inside the Modern City
about
Category: Appalachian food
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When I share stories about growing up in the mountains of Western North Carolina, people often look at me like I’m telling a tale from the 1800s. It’s hard to believe, but in many ways, life in that small community, a community called Spillcorn tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains was like living in a…
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The holiday season is often seen as a time of joy, laughter, and togetherness. But for many, including myself, Christmas can also bring feelings of sadness, grief, and loneliness. As the world around us celebrates, some of us struggle with the absence of loved ones, and the holidays can feel like a stark reminder of…
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Appalachia, a region rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, has long been known for its rugged mountains, lush forests, and tight-knit communities. For generations, coal mining has been the backbone of the local economy, providing jobs and fueling the nation’s industrial growth. However, this industry’s methods have come at a steep environmental and human…
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I woke up at 3 AM last night with my heart pounding, still heavy with emotion from the dream I’d just experienced. It was one of those dreams that felt so real, so vivid, it lingered in my chest long after I opened my eyes. It was a dream of my little Appalachian granny and…
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In the Appalachian Mountains, holidays were once celebrated in a way that was anything but quiet. Forget the sweet harmony of modern-day carolers; back in the day, people would take part in a boisterous tradition known as serenadin’. This loud and rowdy custom involved a group of friends or neighbors gathering after dark, armed with…
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The Civil War in Appalachia was a conflict that tore through the mountains and valleys of the Southern highlands, a region that often found itself torn between loyalties to the Union and the Confederacy. For many people living in the Appalachian foothills, the war wasn’t simply about ideology or grand strategy—it was personal, and it…
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In the heart of Appalachia, where the mountains meet the sky, Christmas was a time for community, reflection, and old traditions passed down through generations. Among the most charming and enduring practices was the tradition of the paper poke—a simple yet heartwarming custom that brought joy to both young and old alike. These small, lunch-sized…
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One of my favorite holiday traditions is finding an orange in my Christmas stocking. It’s a simple gesture, but it always fills me with a little extra joy. Have you ever wondered where this tradition came from and why an orange is so special? Well, it actually has deep roots in history, and I’d love…
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As the holiday season approaches, one of the most heartwarming and magical traditions in the Appalachian region is the arrival of the Santa Train. This annual event, which rolls through the scenic yet often overlooked corners of East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Eastern Kentucky, brings the joy of Christmas to communities that might otherwise be…
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Growing up in Appalachia, there were certain customs that might seem strange to outsiders, but to us, they were just a part of life. One of the most poignant traditions in our mountain community was sitting up with the dead, a practice that goes beyond what people might think of as “creepy” or unsettling. For…
Echoes of Appalachia 