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
Turning Scarred Land into Beautiful Fairways
Del Duduit

No Course, No Problem

When you can’t get to the golf course for some reason, you can always show up at a couple of places in the Tri-State area. Should you find yourself rained or snowed out from some of the area’s golf courses or if you simply want to try your hand at the game in a fun setting, Tap That Sports in Ashland and Bonneyfiddle Golf & Lounge in Portsmouth has a place for your foursome.

No Course, No Problem
Tyson Compton

Bellefonte Ladies Golf League

Bellefonte Country Club boasts a beautiful, yet challenging, 18-hole golf course. And it provides the perfect setting for the Bellefonte Ladies Golf League.

Bellefonte Ladies Golf League
Lori Jude

Have Clubs, Will Travel

When it comes to men’s golf, Adam Carroll is the go-to guru. Carroll grew up in Lewis County, Kentucky, but moved to Ashland after graduating high school in 1999. His journey

Have Clubs, Will Travel
Del Duduit

Scotland

When you think of Scotland, many things come to mind. You might picture the stunning scenery that includes towering mountains, beaches, lochs, islands, and sheep roaming the countryside putting a temporary halt on local traffic. Or, you might think of rich coffee, pastries, a plate of fish and chips, and luscious strawberries––all of which are staples in Scotland!

Scotland
Elizabeth Slagel

Adventures in South Africa

When a business trip opens the door to a bucket list destination, there’s no better catalyst to pack the bags and set out on an unexpected adventure. My first concern is always safety and it’s no joke; South Africa is dangerous and has a corrupt government, something every local will remind you of from first-hand accounts. These are always concerns when traveling abroad, and in this case, reason to enlist a native travel agent who had every day expertly planned in less than six weeks.

Adventures in South Africa
Amanda Gilmore

100 Years of Refining On the River

The 1920s, with its jazz bands, flappers, bootleggers and marathon dances, was also a time of economic prosperity across the country, including in the Ashland area. Many steel, brick, shoe and apparel companies were thriving in the region, and a horse racetrack in nearby Raceland and Camden Park just upriver in West Virginia provided entertainment. Streets were either paved or bricked during the “roaring” decade, and the population of Ashland nearly doubled.

100 Years of Refining On the River
Amanda Gilmore

Globe Trotting Safari Style

Ever wanted to get away to somewhere new but not sure where? How do you decide? Thow a dart at a map and see where it lands? Go to the airport and buy a ticket on the next departing flight? Those are possible methods, sure, but if you’re a little more discriminating, and also on a budget, a better way might be to research the most economical flights during your upcoming travel window.

Globe Trotting Safari Style
Angela Henderson-Bentley

Pappy's Cookin'

The first thing you notice when you walk into Pappy’s Cookin’ in Flatwoods, Kentucky, is the tremendous warmth you feel. But that warmth doesn’t just come from the kitchen. It radiates from every inch of the place — from the friendly welcome to the generous portions of comfort food on the plates.

Pappy's Cookin'
Tyson Compton

Honoring Heroes

Many of us grow up having a hero. For Cheryl Spriggs, it started with one and has grown to include thousands. Her father served in the army during World War II. She grew up hearing his stories of the sacrifice and bravery of those with whom he served.

Honoring Heroes
Celebrating 20 Years of Bridges Magazine
Lori Jude

Icelandic Adventures with the Ymalays

Area locals Ramon and Kendall Ymalay have woven a tapestry of life together that spans continents, challenges, and profound moments of growth. Their journey began in college circa 1999, a meeting that set the stage for a future marriage that would be

Icelandic Adventures with the Ymalays
Angela Henderson-Bentley

A Local Star is Born

The first time Noah Fisher set foot on a stage, he knew he was made for performing. And even though the seventh grader from Flatwoods is only 12, he is sure he’s found a career for life. “It’s so thrilling to have all these people come to see you,” Fisher said. “And it’s fun.”

A Local Star is Born
Amanda Gilmore

The (Mushroom) Veils of Appalachia

Daniel Smith has fond memories of hiking on his grandparents’ farm and discovering the abundance of nature right before his eyes. He took a particular liking to those small umbrella-shaped growths he spied on the ground.

The (Mushroom) Veils of Appalachia
Elizabeth Slagel

Moving Mountains with Mountain Moverz

While the long-term future of brick-and-mortar stores remains to be seen, e-commerce stores like locally owned Mountain Moverz are prime examples of how you can own and operate a business from anywhere.

Moving Mountains with Mountain Moverz
Amanda Gilmore

Oddfellows - Oddly Exciting

Part arcade, part unique eating establishment– that’s the newest (and oddest) addition to the historic Boneyfiddle neighborhood in downtown Portsmouth.

Oddfellows - Oddly Exciting
Pollocks Jewelers Celebrates 150 Years in Business
Lori Jude

Blu Halo Boutique

For Shawna Logan, proud owner of the one and only Blu Halo Boutique, hard work and consistency are the secret ingredients to a successful small business.

Blu Halo Boutique
Amanda Gilmore

Sandy's Racing and Gaming

With the opening of the first half of Sandy’s Racing & Gaming in Boyd County last fall, a former shopping mall has transformed into an entertainment venue for young and old. What was first the Cedar Knoll Galleria (1989 to 2005) and then the Kyova Mall (2005 to 2021) is now collectively called the Camp Landing Entertainment District. Sandy’s, which opened in late October 2023, joins Malibu Jack’s indoor amusement center and The Cinema at Camp Landing as the district’s anchors.

Sandy's Racing and Gaming
Angela Henderson-Bentley

Tropical Smoothie Cafe - Paradise in AKY

Two years ago, Huntington homicide detective Andre Jackson traveled to Columbus, Ohio. He was looking for clues to solve a case, but he also found a big clue to his future and a way to help improve the eating habits of his community.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe - Paradise in AKY
Lori Jude

KY Aesthetics & Wellness, Inc., and Kentucky Fast Care

For Samantha Cleaver, owner of KY Aesthetics & Wellness, Inc., hard work and ambition are no stranger. At age 16, Cleaver found herself pregnant and in an abusive relationship. “Some family members tried to get me to have an abortion, but God gave me peace about it, and I knew He would take care of us,” Cleaver said. Her son Brayden was born in December of her senior year of high school. However, despite the circumstances, she decided to continue following her dreams of becoming a medical professional––even while living life as a single mom.

KY Aesthetics & Wellness, Inc., and Kentucky Fast Care
Elizabeth Slagel

Business With The Bares

Retirement typically means slowing down, kicking up your heels and maybe taking up a few hobbies. Retired Ashland police lieutenant of 23-years Billy Bare did none of this. Instead, he and his life partner turned business partner Christy became local entrepreneurs opening seven local businesses in nine years along with five merchandise stores. That’s right. Billy and Christy have averaged a new launch about every year as they get ready to open an eighth business in 2024.

Business With The Bares
The Rising of Appalachia