Lori Jude

The Gift of Tradition

It has become a yearly Christmas tradition in our family. We eat dinner at a local restaurant, go to the Festival of Trees and Trains at the Paramount Arts Center, and finish the night by driving around Central Park to see Winter Wonderland of Lights while listening to our favorite holiday music––usually “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby or the “Home Alone Soundtrack.”

The Gift of Tradition
Teresa Martin Klaiber

Branches and Twigs: Our Family Tree

Introduction to our very first family tree is usually when mother shows us the baby book resplendent with a tiny lock of hair. The family tree appears on page two, following the birth announcement our parents thought so clever.

Branches and Twigs: Our Family Tree
Puppy Love–Area Groomers Offer Something Unique for Everyone
Del Duduit

Patties and Pints

Restaurant and business partners Brian Listerman and Timothy Wolfe knew they wanted to be a part of the steady growth in Ironton.

Patties and Pints
Amanda Gilmore

Dentistry and More

Dr. Amy Heim’s approach to dentistry extends far beyond the teeth and gums. Creating picture perfect smiles is one of the Portsmouth dentist’s goals, of course, but Heim also uses her ever-growing knowledge and skills to help patients achieve overall health and wellness.

Dentistry and More
Amanda Gilmore

Black History Museum Opening Soon

For Bernice Henry and her nephew Darrell Smith, opening a black history museum in Ashland, Kentucky, is more than just a dream––it’s a mission. That mission will be accomplished this spring when the C.B. Nuckolls Community Center and Black History Museum opens to the public.

Black History Museum Opening Soon
Scouting Out the Girl Scouts of Kentucky's Wilderness Road
Shop Local – Grayson
Del Duduit

Portsmouth Shopping

When you take a trip to the Portsmouth area, you’ll find established businesses and some new ones that hone in on the market and demand. Whatever you are looking for, you can find it in Portsmouth.

Portsmouth Shopping
Tyson Compton

Let There Be Light!

You don’t have to ask the Winter Wonderland of Lights committee a second time. That is a sentiment they have been taking seriously since 1989 when the first display of lights was erected at Central Park in Ashland.

Let There Be Light!
Proudly Sharing America's Story
Ashland Comes Alive Downtown blocks see growing number of small businesses
Elizabeth Slagel

Blackberry Mountain Versus Blackberry Farm

With a permanent home in the woods and weekly hikes in the hills, I’m not one to get too excited about visiting other mountain retreats, but after hearing from savvy travelers that Blackberry Farm was a must, it was time to see it first-hand. Never that simple, I discovered the Blackberry brand was now two as the farm had expanded with a sister property that encompassed an entire mountain, appropriately called Blackberry Mountain. “Which one should I visit?” I asked my new travel agent whom I call when I’m stumped. “Why not visit them both?” she suggested. They are only 30 minutes apart near Walland, Tennessee, outside of Knoxville and on the neighboring mountain to the Smokey Mountain National Park.

Blackberry Mountain Versus Blackberry Farm
Surprise Sibling
DEL DUDUIT

Retirement Dream Job, Now

Evan White had his eyes on an early retirement plan so he could enjoy doing what he loves. But today, he’s living out his dream while still holding down a full-time job.

Retirement Dream Job, Now
Aspire! Conservatory Takes Arts Education to New Heights
LORI JUDE

Weight No Longer!

Two Women. Two Weight Loss Stories. One Written Pieceof Collective Wisdom.

Weight No Longer!
DEL DUDUIT

Home Away From Home

The Ashland area is now home to several Airbnb locations where local guests and those from afar can enjoy an escape while enjoying all the amenities of home. From beautiful, scenic locations, to high-rise modern style, these Airbnb’s have something for everyone.

Home Away From Home
SYMMETRY – THE AESTHETICS STUDIO
AMANDA GILMORE

Venue Variety

Options abound in the region for great locations for special events.

Venue Variety
LORI JUDE, MANAGING EDITOR

It’s not where you live, it’s how you live where you live, and who you choose to do life with.

There is a change in the air around our Tri-State area, and I can feel it. It’s a hopeful, exciting, almost nostalgic feel as we see our town shifting, growing, and blossoming in ways it previously hasn’t. For too long the malignant mentality that nothing good occurs here has ruled the hearts and minds of some. There are times I have become frustrated with the way the rest of the world seems to view our area. The negative stereotypes are plentiful. Yet, if some could traverse our beautiful area and witness the lush green pastures, rolling hill tops, and white-board fencing that surround acres of bovine and horse-run ground, they’d see sides of Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia previously thought non-existent.

It’s not where you live, it’s how you live where you live, and who you choose to do life with.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY ANGELA HENDERSON-BENTLEY

Wit & Wisdom: In a Kentucky Minute Everything Changed

In one episode of my all-time favorite TV show “Friends,” Ross, one of the main characters, tries to figure out how he will know he’s ready to be a father. His dad tells him he knew the first-time baby Ross reached out to grab his finger. After Ross rushes his pet monkey Marcel to the hospital, a recovering Marcel reaches out to grab Ross’ finger. Then, as we hear Don Henley sing “New York Minute,” Ross finally realizes he’s ready to be a father.

Wit & Wisdom: In a Kentucky Minute Everything Changed
BY TYSON COMPTON, PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Treetop Adventures at Heritage Farm

For 26 years, Heritage Farm in Huntington, West Virginia, has highlighted Appalachian heritage through tours, festivals, events and educational programming. Home to seven museums, Heritage Farm is West Virginia’s only Smithsonian affiliate.

Treetop Adventures at Heritage Farm
BY DEL DUDUIT, PHOTOS ASHLEY GALLAHER QUINN

Savory Salvation

Salvation Army Chef Creates Savory Dishes Designed to Nourish Body & Soul

Savory Salvation