Word from the Smokies: Reunion brings Cataloochee descendants home to the valley

Shadows and seasons are the main markers of time in Cataloochee Valley, a remote corner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park located more than 20 miles from the closest town and reachable only by a windy, narrow gravel road. 

Reminders of humanity in Mexico

One of the greatest advantages of traveling the world is being reminded how similar we all are, regardless of culture, race, language or religion.

This must be the place: ‘Running to lose the blues, to the innocence in here’

Hello from the writing desk in my humble abode apartment in downtown Waynesville. It’s warm and sunny outside on this Monday afternoon amid Memorial Day Weekend. I’ve just returned from a 2,678-mile out and back trip to the North Country.  

Mountain Projects helps local family during increasingly common struggle

Donna Milsaps, of Jackson County, has encountered struggles that are hard to comprehend for some, but all too familiar for many in the mountains. 

All different, all the same, all over again

Once upon a Christmas, our children came creeping down the stairs before dawn like little burglars.

Near to where her soul is: Missing hiker Melissa McDevitt is coming home

Almost exactly a year after a hiker vanished in the backcountry of British Columbia the night before a trip home to Haywood County for Christmas, her remains have been located. 

This must be the place: ‘And when the world seems cold, you got to let your spirit take control’

Every-so-often, my girlfriend, Sarah, and I will find ourselves with an open Monday evening. A wild, rollickin’ weekend in the rearview mirror. The first day of the work week now completed. How ‘bout we motor over to Asheville for some fine Italian food at Vinnie’s on Merrimon Avenue, eh? Sold. 

Back-to-school excitement is upon us

A lot has changed through the decades, but the excitement surrounding a back-to-school season remains.

And you were looking forward to adulthood

Kayden’s car had “an issue,” she said.

Learning how to have true fun

A couple weeks ago The Smoky Mountain News hosted its anniversary party.

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