Winner of a regional Emmy Award and two Telly Awards!
Bridging the past to present, we celebrate the rich culture and history of Virginia's Appalachia by seeing how treasured traditions are kept alive and are thriving today.
This series takes you on a journey exploring the multitude of Appalachian traditions.
Stream them on ECHO and PBS Video
Mondays @ 7:30pm
COMING UP!
January 20 - SEASON PREMIERE! Legend and Lore
We delve into the mysterious folklore of Virginia, focusing on the legendary Woodbooger—a Bigfoot-like creature said to roam the forests near Norton, Virginia. Folklore expert Ricky Cox sheds light on folklore in Appalachian culture, exploring how stories of cryptids like this shape local identity and connect people to the wild landscapes around them.
February 3 - Music
Witness the rich sounds of old-time music in Appalachia with a visit to the Floyd Country Store, a cherished hub for Virginia’s traditional tunes. We speak with Dylan Locke, who shares how this historic venue keeps Appalachian music alive, drawing musicians and fans alike to celebrate the heritage of old-time music. We also connect with Jim Lloyd from Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM), an organization dedicated to teaching the next generation of musicians. Together, they reveal how these vibrant traditions continue to thrive and evolve, resonating through the mountains of Virginia.
February 17 - Coal
Diving deep into the complex and storied world of coal, we have Dr. Aysha Bodenhamer from Radford University, who sheds light on the social, economic, and historical impacts of coal mining in Appalachia. We also hear from Michele Crigger, manager of the Pocahontas Exhibition Mine, who offers a glimpse into the region's mining history and its role in shaping local communities. Rounding out the conversation are personal stories from former coal miners, who share their experiences, challenges, and reflections on life in the mines. Together, we explore the legacy of coal and its enduring influence on culture, industry, and identity.
March 3 - Biscuits & Cornbread
What is Appalachia without some biscuits and cornbread?! We talk with historian and expert, Leni Sorenson, all about cornbread and its roots in Appalachian culture. We also visit a couple of restaurants in SWVA to see their success with biscuits and cornbread.
Season One Epsiodes:
101 - Moonshine
We explore Franklin County, Moonshine capital of the world, to get a better look at the history of white liquor. We travel the backroads with Henry Lee Law, Roddy Moore and Bethany Worley as they share their expertise and stories of the past and the economic outlook for this now legal favorite of Virginia’s Appalachia.
102 - Food
Appalachian cuisine is a great cultivation of different cultures; so, we travel to Bristol, Abingdon, Cedar Bluff and Castlewood Virginia to get a taste for what’s cooking in Virginia’s Appalachia. From food trucks, a BBQ joint, fine dining, and Grandmas kitchen – we cover it all.
103 - Logging
We spend time with Jason Rutledge at Ridgewind Suffolk Farm in Floyd County, Virginia to dig deep into the old practice of logging with horses. We also learn about restorative forestry and bridge past to present with a visit to a logging mill.
104 - Quilting
You might have a cherished one on your bed or know someone who’s made one or maybe made one yourself- it’s all about quilting as we visit quilting bees, meetings, shows, and talk with a quilt historian along with other local quilters about the art of quilt making.
105 - Canning
Canning has been and continues to be an important part of living in Appalachia, either in the home or now industrialized. Join us on a visit to local canneries to learn about the history and see the way the time-honored tradition is thriving today.
106 - Hunting & Fishing
Hunting and fishing have always been a big part in Appalachian culture. We learn more about the history of hunting in SWVA, along with going on a coon hunt in Boones Mill, a turkey hunt out in Wytheville, fishing a creek in the same area, and learning more about how Elk were re-introduced to Southwest Virginia.