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Happy Holidays by Billy Idol

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Picture this: it’s Christmas Eve. Snow is hopefully (but not likely) falling softly outside, lights are twinkling on the tree, cinnamon and chocolate waft through the air and suddenly, harking from the HI-FI speakers, you hear a familiar gravelly voice that shakes the tinsel, rattles the ornaments and rolls a parade of jingle-janglin’ good times into the mix.

That’s right — Happy Holidays, Billy Idol’s 15-track Christmas basharole is here, bursting with festive flavor to add a dash of rebel Yule spice to your holiday soundtrack.

Don’t let Billy’s brand of swagger fool you; he clearly knows how to balance naughty and nice.

From the opening riffs of “Jingle Bell Rock,” Billy slaps on a red leather jacket, revs up the reindeer and tears straight into a festive fireball of tunes so good it’ll convince Santa to ditch his sleigh for a Harley and Rudolph for a Les Paul.

His rendition of “Winter Wonderland” drops a punky-honky-tonky twist onto the fire, while the vintage chops of “Let It Snow” has holiday dive-bar party vibes.

With a magical high-hat of old-fashioned fun, “Frosty the Snowman” taps onto the set with a version so cool you’ll melt, and his warm and cozy rendition of “Silent Night” is a pure crooning classic.

For those used to holiday sonic stockings filled with Mariah Carey’s high notes and Nat King Cole’s roasted chestnuts, Happy Holidays is no lump of coal. It’s got attitude, charm and enough pick-up to provide a festive free ride over the hills and through the woods with something in the trunk for everyone.

– Chris Rucker

Teacher of the Year

People

Tabitha Purvis of Euchee Creek Elementary School has been named the 2025 Columbia County School District Teacher of the Year.

Purvis currently teaches fifth grade math and science. As part of her winnings, she will receive a free one-year lease for a new BMW 228 Coupe Sedan, courtesy of Taylor BMW. The car also comes with complimentary insurance on behalf of Acrisure Insurance and a $1,000 gas gift card from Affordable Auto Insurance.

Pictured, from left: Dr. Steven Flynt, superintendent; Tabitha Purvis and Katy Yeargain, principal of Euchee Creek Elementary School.

Every Valley by Charles King

Literary Loop

From New York Times bestselling author Charles King comes the moving, true story behind one of the best-known pieces of music ever written: Handel’s Messiah.

But George Frideric Handel’s work of triumphant joy was born in an age of anxiety. Britain, in the early Enlightenment, was a place of astonishing creativity but also the seat of an empire mired in war and conflict. Against this turbulent background, King has crafted a cinematic drama of the entangled lives that shaped a masterpiece of hope.

In Every Valley, he presents a dissenter stirred to action by ancient prophecy; an actress plagued by an abusive husband and public scorn; a penniless sea captain determined to rescue the city’s abandoned infants; and an African Muslim held captive in the colonies hatching a dangerous plan to get back home. At center stage is Handel, himself, composer to kings but, at midlife, in ill health and straining to keep an audience’s attention.

Weaving historical events with personal stories, King pulls back the curtain to reveal the scandal and intrigue, opportunists and thugs, deep pain and soaring optimism that show how flawed individuals and unrelated lives came together to produce the brilliance that is Messiah.

Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy by Tieghan Gerard

Literary Loop

New York Times bestselling author Tieghan Gerard has been busier than ever. In her fourth cookbook, Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy, she returns with a collection of more than 120 soul-warming recipes that use simple ingredients and are easy to get on the table — dishes short on time yet big on flavor.

This collection leans into the comfort food she’s known for, but with an eye toward getting it ready in a hurry. With many recipes doable in one pot or pan, most in under 45 minutes, and a more-is-more focus on flavor (but not ingredients), you’ll be feasting fast.

Start your day with Maple Bacon Pancakes, snack on Cheesy Roasted Shallot Bread, and make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Bang Bang Sauce your family’s new favorite. Enjoy delicious twists like Sheet Pan Mac & Cheese with all the Crispy Edges, and finish it all off with something sweet, like a Dark Chocolate Pistachio Cake with Cream Cheese Icing.

Relying on basic ingredients and Gerard’s signature knack for making sauces and dressings, these dishes will make your meals feel like a warm hug. If you’ve ever needed a belly full of comfort and a plate bursting with fresh, unexpected flavors — and wanted it all right now — Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy will hit the spot.

Gratitude by Earth, Wind & Fire

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Love, hope, provision, benevolence and the strength of community have been on the hearts of many as we navigate a new normal and the undoing of our landscapes and livelihoods after Hurricane Helene. Humanity, at its purest and most vulnerable state, was tested and strengthened overnight with a continuous outpouring of unconditional love.

With these thoughts, we reopen the vault of 1975 for Earth, Wind & Fire’s double album of heart, soul and light, appropriately named Gratitude.

At its core, this 16-track album honors life’s many layers. Whether it’s the celebratory highs or the quieter, more introspective moments, each track is a reminder to pause and give thanks.

A powerful live rendition of their smash hit “Shining Star,” is a radiant, uplifting groove that sets the tone for the entire album. Other gems include “Sing a Song,” an anthem of resilience, positivity and perspective, and “Can’t Hide Love,” a perfect metaphor for gratitude itself. Just like love, the need to give thanks can’t be hidden; it’s a natural response to life’s abundance.

Almost 50 years after its release, Gratitude remains a timeless testament to the group’s genius and its ability to create music that resonates across generations. But more than that, it’s a reminder of the power of thankfulness.

Every track is lit with cornucopia-packed energy and emotion, inviting us to reflect on what we have, celebrate the joys of the present and approach life with an open heart. So, whether you’re listening to it for the first time or rediscovering it after many years, let Gratitude fill your heart with appreciation for the blessings in your life, both big and small.

– Chris Rucker

Healing and Peace

Georgia

Photos courtesy of Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

A traveling Vietnam War Memorial comes to north Georgia.

After the devastation of Hurricane Helene and the hardships local residents endured in its aftermath, they might feel more grateful than usual during this season of thanksgiving.

Perhaps one meaningful way for people to count their blessings and enjoy a time of reflection would be a daytrip to Dahlonega to see The Wall That Heals. This three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., honors the more than 3 million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in the Vietnam War.

The Wall bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice during the conflict, and it will be on display from Thursday, October 31 until Sunday, November 3.

Activities in Dahlonega will include an In Memory Program and Agent Orange Awareness Ceremony at 6 p.m. Friday, November 1 and a closing ceremony at 1:30 p.m. on the final day.

The Wall
Visitors can make rubbings of individual service member’s names on The Wall, which is 375 feet long and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. Machine engraving of the names, along with LED lighting, provide readability of The Wall day and night.

Like the original Memorial, The Wall That Heals, which features 140 numbered panels, is erected in a chevron-shape and lists the names by day of casualty.

The Mobile Education Center
The 53-foot trailer that carries The Wall That Heals also transforms into a mobile Education Center, which tells the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall itself and the divisive era in American history.

The exterior of the trailer features a timeline of “The War and The Wall” and provides additional information about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Additional exhibits give visitors a better understanding of the legacy of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the collection of items left at The Wall.

Hometown Heroes features photos of service members on The Wall who list their home of record from the local area. The photos are part of The Wall of Faces, an effort to put a face to every name inscribed on The Wall in Washington, D.C.

The In Memory Honor Roll includes photos of local Vietnam veterans honored through the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s In Memory program, which honors the service members who returned home and later died. Digital photos are of In Memory honorees from the state where the exhibit is on display.

A replica of the In Memory plaque that resides on the grounds of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial site in Washington, D.C., reads: “In Memory of the men and women who served in the Vietnam War and later died as a result of their service. We honor and remember their sacrifice.”

The Items Left Behind display features remembrances representative of those left at the Memorial in Washington, D.C., in honor of those on The Wall.

Since The Wall began touring in 1996, it has been on display in more than 700 communities nationwide.

If You Go:
What: The Wall That Heals

When: Thursday, October 31 – Sunday, November 3; open 24 hours a day

Where: University of North Georgia, Dahlonega

How Much: Free

More Info: vvmf.org

Fairs & Festivals

In The Home

LOCAL

October 11-20
Western Carolina State Fair
AikenAiken’s fair features two midways and more than 40 rides along with family shows, horticulture exhibits and arts and crafts. Entertainment includes Pretty Bird Paradise, K9s in Flight, demolition derby, magician and more. children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 25 or older to enter. There is a clear bag policy. Free parking. westerncarolinastatefair.com

October 12
Evans Beer Fest
The Plaza
Sample more than 150 beers from local, regional and national breweries, breweries. Event features food, a souvenir glass and live music by Ryan Trotti. 2-5 p.m. $35-$65. evansbeerfest.com

October 18-27
Georgia-Carolina State Fair
Downtown Augusta
Augusta Exchange Club’s fair on Hale Street includes midway rides, carnival shows, livestock, artisan exhibits and attractions from Strates Shows. Admission is $7-$10; unlimited rides $30. Ages 17 or under must be accompanied by an adult. georgiacarolinastatefair.com

October 19
Fall Fest & Flea Market
Barton Field
All-day festival features food, drinks, hay maze, pony rides, arts and crafts, Vendor Village, Jeep Meet, flea market, live bands, college football tent and more. Begins at 9 a.m. Admission is free and open to the public. No pets, coolers or large bags. eisenhower.armymwr.com

October 26
Camellia City Festival
Downtown Thomson
Family friendly festival features more than 100 vendors. Includes food, live music, crafters,
artists, health and wellness services, jewelry, book signings and more. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. Bring chairs or blankets. thomsonmcduffiechamber.com

October 31-November 10
Columbia County Fair
Columbia County Fairgrounds
The area’s favorite fair, founded and run by the Merchants Association of Columbia County, features midway rides and attractions from Drew Expositions, demolition derbies, Sea Lion Splash, Banana Derby, magician, petting zoo, master chainsaw artist, nightly concerts and more. $10 admission; ages 5 and under admitted free with an adult.. Unlimited rides $25-$30. After 7 p.m., ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent. No backpacks. Proper attire is required. Parking is free. columbiacountyfair.net

November 1-2
Columbia County Cultural Festival
Evans Towne Center Park
Inaugural festival will showcase a variety of cultures through food, performances, arts and crafts and more. 3-7 p.m. each day. Free admission. columbiacountyga.gov

Out-of-Town Festivals

September 14-November 3
Pumpkin Festival
Stone Mountain
Play by day, glow by night at this festival includes pumpkin patch, games, shows, dance party parade, trick-or-treat scavenger hunt, pie-eating contest, storybook characters, outdoor lights display, pumpkin laser show and after-dark parade. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri., Sat. and Sun. Laser show begins 9:30 p.m. Sat. stonemountainpark.com

September 26-October 6
MOJA Arts Festival
Charleston
Celebration of African American and Caribbean arts includes classical music, dance, gospel concert, jazz concert, poetry, R&B, storytelling, theater, visual arts and ethnic food. mojafestival.com

September 26-October 27
Oktoberfest in Alpine Helen
Helen
America’s longest-running Oktoberfest features German music, food, polka dancing, horse-drawn carriage rides, homemade fudge and more in a Bavarian-style village. German-style bands from around the world perform in the Helen Festhalle. Open seven days a week. helenga.org

September 27-October 6
Georgia State Fair
Atlanta
Fair includes midway rides, petting zoo, camel and pony rides, pig races and family activities. Admission $5-$10; children 4 and under free. Ride wristbands $20-$30. Atlanta Motor Speedway. georgiastatefair.org

October 1-20
Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival
Bluffton
Event features locally harvested seafood, Lowcountry cuisine and area art. Streetfest on Oct. 19 and 20 includes a juried fine art show featuring more than 100 artists from 10 different states, food from premier restaurants and caterers and live music and entertainment. blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.org

October 2-5
Albino Skunk Music Festival
Greer
Bluegrass, Americana, folk, roots and rock music festival in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains features more than 25 bands, food vendors, craft beers, handmade crafts, farmers market, Kiddieland and DeTour de Skunk charity bicycle ride. Bring chairs and coolers. Tent and RV camping available. The Skunk Farm. albinoskunk.com

October 3-5
Moonshiners Reunion & Mountain Music Festival
Campobello
Authentic Appalachian folk festival in South Carolina includes live bands, arts and crafts, camping and all-night picking sessions. Bring lawn seating, tents, RVs and musical instruments. No pets or glass containers. Plum Hollow Farm. moonshiners.com.

October 3-13
Georgia National Fair
Perry
The largest fair in the Southeast is designated a Top 50 Fair in North America by Amusement Business magazine and one of the Best 202 Things About the South by Southern Living. Includes midway rides, live entertainment and nightly fireworks. Concerts include the Bellamy Brothers, Josh Turner, Ginuwine and more. Admission is $10-$15; ages 10 and under are free. Georgia National Fairgrounds. georgianationalfair.com

October 4-5
Beaufort Shrimp Festival
Beaufort
Festival features shrimp dishes from local and regional restaurants, food and beverage vendors, contests, live music, Run Forrest Run 5K Run/Walk, arts and crafts market and children’s area. Fri. 5-10 p.m. and Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. beaufortshrimpfestival.com

October 5
EGGtoberfest
Lawrenceville
Annual cookout features a baseball stadium filled with 450 cooks and more than 250 EGGs cranking out food. Includes food sampling, cooking demos, live music, kid zone, craft beer tastings, marching band and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $75; children 12 and under are free. Advance tickets required. Coolray Field. biggreenegg.com

October 5-6
Fall Cotton Fair
Gay, Georgia
Designated a Top 20 Event from Southeast Tourism Society, this craft fair features works from more than 350 artists, live music and entertainment, homemade Southern food and wares, antiques, magic theater, children’s activities and more. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $8-$15; children 10 and under are free. thecottonfair.com

October 6
Latin American Festival
Charleston
Celebrate the sights and sounds of the Latin and Caribbean cultures through merengue, reggaeton, bachata and salsa music; folkloric artwork and crafts; and authentic Latin American and Caribbean foods. Noon-5 p.m. North Charleston Wannamaker County Park. $25 per vehicle (up to 15 people per vehicle). No coolers or pets. ccprc.com

October 9-20
South Carolina State Fair
Columbia
Entertainment includes midway games, nearly 70 fair rides, stage shows, flower shows, equine show, petting zoo, concerts and more. Admission $5-$20; ages 5 and under are free. $10 parking (credit card only). Stroller, wagon, wheelchair and scooter rentals available at the South Gate. scstatefair.org

October 10-12
Savannah Greek Festival
Savannah
Three-day celebration of Greek food, music and heritage features homemade Greek foods and desserts, Greek dancing and music, church tours, marketplace and more. St. Paul’s Hellenic Center. Admission is $5 after 4 p.m.; military and children under 12 are free. savannahgreekfest.com

October 10-13
Tybee Island Pirate Fest
Tybee Island
Tybee transforms into a lively pirate village, celebrating the colorful seafaring history of the Georgia coast. Festival kicks off Thurs. with the Buccaneer Ball featuring grub, grog, pirates, wenches, music and dancing. Entertainment Fri. and Sat. includes live music, petting zoo, kids’ zone, carnival, parade, fireworks, market and costume contests. tybeepiratefest.com

October 11-13
Fall for Greenville
Greenville
Three-day food-tasting event spread over 8 blocks in downtown Greenville includes cuisine from more than 50 restaurants, more than 80 entertainers on eight stages, contests, challenges and kids’ area. Free admission; tasting tickets available. fallforgreenville.net

October 11-19
Georgia Mountain Fall Festival
Hiawassee
Two weekends of arts and crafts, country music, gospel music, mountain arts demonstrations, Pioneer Village, midway rides and more. Concert lineup includes Three Dog Night, Tracy Lawrence, The Malpass Brothers, Joe Nichols, Dylan Scott and more. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Parking is free. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

October 12-13, 19-20
Georgia Apple Festival
Ellijay Fairgrounds
Festival features more than 300 arts vendors, craft demonstrations, classic auto show, 5K road race and parade. No pets. $10 adults; children 12 and under free. Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds. georgiaapplefestival.org

October 18-20
South Carolina Jazz Festival
Cheraw
The hometown of jazz king Dizzy Gillespie celebrates his 107th birthday with dozens of diverse jazz performances. Multiple venues. scjazzfestival.com

Highland Games & Scottish Festival
Stone Mountain
Scottish heritage festival includes traditional highland games, Scottish music and dancing, sheepdog and falconry shows, Tartan museum and more at Stone Mountain Park. stonemountainpark.com

October 19
Italian Heritage Festival
Hilton Head
Festival includes Italian food and wine, cooking demonstrations, grape stomping, pizza-eating contest, games, live entertainment and more. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Bring lawn chairs. No pets. Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. iachh.org

October 19-20
Gold Rush Days Festival
Dahlonega
Festival in the town square includes kid activities, fashion show, gold panning contest, wheelbarrow race, wrist wrestling, King and Queen coronation, live music, parade and more than 300 exhibitors and food vendors. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat.; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Free admission. goldrushdaysfestival.com

Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens
Beaufort
Visitors can explore a selection of private homes, gardens and plantations normally not open to the public. Sat. tour features homes on the Point and in historic downtown Beaufort. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $65-$75. Sun. tour and Southern brunch at Tombee. 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. $200-$225. historicbeaufort.org

October 25-26
Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival
Jekyll Island
Festival features samples of shrimp and grits, shrimp boat tours, live entertainment, cook-off, craft brew tasting, cooking demonstrations, book signings, artist market and kids’ zone. Historic District. jekyllisland.com

Great Ogeechee Music & Seafood Festival
Richmond Hill
One of the largest seafood festivals in the Southeast includes seafood, arts and crafts, amusement rides, fireworks and live music from Clint Black, Sara Evans, The Marshall Tucker Band and more. Admission $15-$50; children 8 and under free. J.F. Gregory Park Pavilion. goseafoodfestival.com.

October 26-November 2
SCAD Savannah Film Festival
Savannah
Savannah College of Art and Design showcases cinematic excellence through competition film screenings, gala premieres, receptions, special screenings, workshops and more with lauded industry guests, award-winning professionals and emerging student filmmakers. Various venues and prices. filmfest.scad.edu

October 31-November 3
Hilton Head Motoring Festival & Concours d’Elegance
Hilton Head and Savannah
Automotive and motorsports festival features vintage cars and racecars and major international names in automotive collecting and racing. Port Royal Golf Club. hhiconcours.com

November 1-2
Pat Conroy Literary Festival
Beaufort
Festival features a series of free and ticketed events including author discussions, writer workshops, acclaimed presenters and more. patconroyliteraryfestival.org

November 3
South Carolina Oyster Festival
Columbia
South Carolina’s largest outdoor oyster roast features steamed oysters, food vendors, beer and wine gardens, arts and craft vendors and live music. Bring chairs, blankets and oyster knives and gloves. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission $10. Cost excludes oysters, food and beverages. Hampton-Preston Mansion. scoysterfest.com

Easy Company by Futurebirds

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There’s something mystical in the air. Maybe it’s the ghostly remnants of summer nights long past, or perhaps it’s the waft of a cinnamon broom or echoes of a lost radio frequency carrying the soul of a forgotten tune.

Whatever it is, Futurebirds has captured lightening in a bottle and unleashed it with its fifth and latest studio album, Easy Company.

From note one, Easy Company doesn’t just play — it conjures. It’s as if the band has tapped into a secret stash of sound, where the past and future collide with a wingspan of Southern rock, cosmic country and secret sauce.

The opener, “Movin’ On,” is a sticky-stomp journey about leaving things behind with the knowledge that they’ll always be a part of you. In a nod to Waynesboro, Georgia’s iconic landmark, this song hits close to home — “There is a huntin’ dawg painted up high on the water tower, and he’s pointin’ somewhere — and I’m gonna find out.”

The rest of Easy Company stitches together a beautiful tapestry of songwriting through the chemistry of the Bird’s lead members with songs like “Solitaires,” “Colorados” and the title track, “Easy Company.”

This isn’t just an album — it’s a journey, and the trip is worth taking, again and again.

– Chris Rucker

The Day Tripper by James Goodhand

Literary Loop

The right guy, the right place, the wrong time.

It’s 1995, and Alex Dean has it all: a spot at Cambridge University next year, the love of an amazing woman named Holly and all the time in the world ahead of him. That is until a brutal encounter with a ghost from his past sees him beaten, battered and almost drowning in the Thames.

He wakes the next day in a derelict room he’s never seen before, in grimy clothes he doesn’t recognize, with no idea how he got there. A glimpse in the mirror tells him he’s older—much older. He snatches a newspaper and finds it’s 2010 — fifteen years since the fight.

After finally drifting off to sleep, Alex wakes the following morning to find it’s now 2019, another nine years later. But the next day, it’s 1999. Never knowing which day is coming, he begins to piece together what happened in his life after that fateful night by the river.

But what exactly is going on? Why does his life look nothing like he thought it would? What about Cambridge, and Holly? In this thrilling adventure, Alex must navigate his way through the years to learn that small actions have untold impact. And that might be all he needs to save the people he loves and, equally importantly, himself.

The Life Impossible by Matt Haig

Literary Loop

From New York Times bestselling author Matt Haig comes an enchanting tale of hope, wonder and personal transformation.

When retired math teacher Grace Winters inherits a run-down house on a Mediterranean island from a long-lost friend, curiosity gets the better of her. She arrives in Ibiza with a one-way ticket, no guidebook and no plan.

Among the rugged hills and golden beaches of the island, Grace searches for answers about her friend’s life and how it ended. What she uncovers is stranger than she could have dreamed. But to dive into this impossible truth, Grace must first come to terms with her past.

Filled with wild adventure and a touch of magic and mystery, this is a story of the life-changing power of a new beginning.

“In a world that seems to be getting more unstable by the moment, Haig’s novels are a steady ship in rough seas. . .the author’s insistence on the power of connection to change lives comes through loud and clear,” says Kirkus.

Evolve by Phish

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Like a surprise summer storm—unexpected, exhilarating, full of twists — Phish, a band known for its relentless innovation and live improvisation, delivers a supersonic cyclone of tuneage with its 16th studio album, Evolve.

Evolve shines like multi-colored sunbeams of wonder with a familiar, yet fresh, maze of melody and rhythm surrounded by a vibrant torrent of rock, funk and jazz. Rooted in traditional rock ’n’ roll but always flipping the script, band members noodle, zap, slap and stomp through a well-worn map with new routes and landmarks scribbled in the margins.

One of the album’s most intriguing moments comes with “Pillow Jets,” a track that starts as a lullaby before spiraling into a cacophony of sound. It’s the kind of song that could only come from a band that swims in unpredictability, where each note feels like it’s balancing on the edge of a new adventure.

“Oblivion” and “A Wave of Hope” maintain a high-energy vibe filled with bluesy riffs and soaring solos that recall the band’s jam roots, but it’s in the quieter moments where the album shows its depth in creating a space where listeners can lose themselves or find something new.

In Evolve, Phish has crafted an album that celebrates its past and leaps into the unknown. Inviting listeners to join them on a journey, the record doesn’t end with the final track but continues to evolve with each listen.

Whether you’re a Phish newbie or a seasoned Phan, Evolve will resonate with you long after the last note.

– Chris Rucker

Snake Oil King by Widespread Panic

Listen To This

Bust out the box fans and sweet tea — the sons of Southern soul, Widespread Panic, are back with an oasis of chilly, wet awesomeness that’s been brewing for nine years. Snake Oil King is a high-octane, six-pack of tunes that slings a dizzying blend of Panic’s swagger and gritty-hooked storytelling that quenches the ears and fans the soul.

From first splash, Panic brings the party with the funk-laden blues jam, “We Walk Each Other Home.” The rockin’ raft of Widespread’s effortless wonder floats from track to track, and the signature harmonic and lazy-hazy vocal blend of lead singer John Bell and keyboardist JoJo Herman can be found on the back-porch-groove ditty, “Tackle Box Hero.”

As the lush-layered arrangements of “Snake Oil King” drift into a Lowcountry sunset, the album appropriately wraps with “Small Town,” a big-splash melodic sizzler that brings it all home with a misty waterfall of dreamy Panic bliss to instantly calm the bark of these dog days.

With a Widespread celebratory toast to their classic formula, the hollerin’ sons of Athens, GA strike all the familiar chords for the die-hards and open the floodgate for newbies to devour and come back for seconds.

This isn’t just an album; it’s a triple-scoop masterpiece of emotion-commotion with a jammin’ ice-cream truck full of surprises.

– Chris Rucker

Searching for a Legend

Beyond the Peach State

A mythical (or not) creature brings bigtime adventure to the Appalachian Mountains.

Whether they call him Bigfoot, Sasquatch or Yeti, true believers have scoured wooded areas from Appalachia to the Pacific Northwest – and all corners of the globe – for sightings of the legendary figure.

In the southwest corner of Virginia, near the commonwealth’s smallest town of Norton, the creature answers to a different name – Woodbooger. And anyone who goes there will find him hiding in plain view in the wilderness of nearby Flag Rock Recreation Area.

Just beyond the parking area for the 1,000-acre park, a giant statue of the tall, hairy, humanlike being towers over a gravel path that leads to Flag Rock Overlook.

The Woodbooger became part of local lore in 2011 when Animal Planet filmed an episode of its program “Finding Bigfoot” in southwest Virginia. Courtesy of this national exposure, tourists flocked to the area in search of the elusive forest dweller. Taking full advantage of the creature’s newfound notoriety, the Norton City Council declared Flag Rock Recreation Area a Woodbooger Sanctuary in 2014.

Explorers Delight

Visitors often take pictures of themselves with the Woodbooger statue. Explorers also are welcome to come to the area and search for the mysterious creature or photograph evidence of the beast’s existence as long as they don’t damage its habitat.

However, Norton is not only a base for those in search of the Woodbooger. Nestled beneath High Knob – the highest point in the Cumberland Mountains – the town is centrally located between two main highways, U.S. 23 and U.S. Route 58 Alternate, near the crossroads of Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee.

The 4,200-foot High Knob summit is part of Stone Mountain which, at 13 miles wide and 26 miles long, connects many of the communities and recreation sites in the High Knob Region. Along with the city of Norton, the region includes nine Southwest Virginia communities in Wise, Scott and Lee counties.

Offering a variety of outdoor adventures, the region also is home to three state parks (Clinch River, Natural Tunnel and Southwest Virginia Museum), the more than 90,000-acre Clinch Ranger District on the Jefferson National Forest and other community parks and trails.

Activities range from hiking, hunting and horseback riding to camping, cycling (road, gravel and mountain) and climbing or bouldering on miles of cliffs. The region’s waterways offer opportunities for fishing and paddling as well.

In addition, the 40-plus mile Thomas Jefferson Scenic Byway Loop passes by additional recreation sites, scenic vistas and trails.

Observation Tower and Overlooks

Located five miles above downtown Norton atop the summit of Stone Mountain, the High Knob Observation Tower is a popular destination for hikers. Distant peaks as far away as Great Smoky Mountains National Park and West Virginia are visible from the tower.

A one-mile trail (also the start of the 15.6-mile Chief Benge Scout Trail) travels from the observation tower parking lot to High Knob Recreation Area.

Evenings are prime time to tour the area as well. Since the Woodbooger is a nocturnal creature, a spectacular sunset just might get explorers in the mood for a nighttime adventure.

The observation tower, along with two overlooks, is an ideal spot to watch the sunset.

Powell Valley Overlook, located on U.S. 23 North between Big Stone Gap and Norton, offers sweeping vistas of Powell Valley and surrounding mountains.

At 3,200 feet in elevation, Flag Rock Overlook also provides a great vantage point to watch the sun dip below the horizon. The lights in downtown Norton illuminate the surrounding hillsides as well.

A daytime hike to Flag Rock Overlook showcases the reasons that the Woodbooger would feel at home in the region. Highlighting the area’s natural beauty, the scenic trail to the overlook provides panoramic views of the Appalachian landscape.

The almost three-mile out-and-back trek, which begins at Legion Park in Norton, requires hikers to navigate gradual inclines and rocky terrain along forested paths lined by towering trees. Yellow blazes mark the trail, but don’t forget to keep an eye out for the Woodbooger. If you don’t spot the real thing, well, the statue is only a few steps from the overlook.

In Good Company

The city’s Flag Rock Recreation Area is three miles above downtown Norton on the lower slopes of High Knob. The park is most often associated with “Flag Rock,” which can be seen from downtown as a rock outcrop capped by an American flag.

The stars and stripes have waved atop the rock pillar since the 1920s when a German immigrant is said to have scaled the outcrop and erected the flag to symbolize his love for his newfound home.

In addition, the Woodbooger is not the only one to enjoy sanctuary status in these parts. The Flag Rock Recreation Area also has been designated as a Green Salamander Sanctuary to protect the species’ habitat. It is the country’s only town or city property given special designation for this species.

There are 20-plus salamander species within the borders of Norton and Wise County, giving the region one of the world’s highest concentrations of salamander diversity.

If you spy a Green Salamander, consider yourself lucky (few trained herpetologists get to see the species) – and be sure to keep your distance. They don’t respond well to being handled, and the chemicals on humans’ skin can harm the amphibians.

Festivals and Food

Along with the elusive Woodbooger and Green Salamander, the region is home to many outdoor festivals. The annual High Knob Outdoor Fest is August 10-18, with adventures designed for beginners and experts alike.

Activities include an outdoor photo contest, kayak and canoe rides, a bouldering clinic, stargazing program, nature painting classes, outdoor yoga, forest botanicals festival, trail runs, mountain bike poker ride on the Flag Rock Area Trails system and more.

The festival culminates with a celebration in downtown Norton from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, August 17, that features live bands, a craft beer and wine garden, food trucks, local artisans and outdoor gear vendors and demonstrations. For more information, go to highknoboutdoorfest.com.

Aiming High

Sports

Jacob Judson, now 16 years old, was looking for a hobby, so he decided to try shooting at a local 4-H wobble trap team meet

Photos courtesy of Cyle Foley, Lefty Ray and Jonathan Johnson

Only two years after taking up sporting clays, a local phenom represented Team USA on an international stage.

It all started in February 2022 with an email about wobble trap shooting from the Columbia County 4-H Club. Appling resident Jacob Judson, now 16 years old, was looking for a hobby, so he decided to try shooting at a local 4-H wobble trap team meet at Columbia County’s old landfill.

After pulling a trigger for the first time ever at that event, Jacob was hooked on shooting sporting clays even though he had “never hunted in my life.”

He kept entering sporting clays events – and doing quite well, thank you – across the Southeast, and currently, he competes about 30 weekends a year.

“Jacob is still a name that people are trying to figure out,” says his father, Jonathan.

Spoiler alert: He’s making it easy for them.

Reaching His Goals

Beginning in E Class at the bottom of the shooting world rankings, Jacob rose to the Master Class in 11 1/2 months. Two years after taking up the sport, he represented his country at the 2024 World FITASC (pronounced FEE-task) Championship in Hudson, Wisconsin June 27-30 as a Junior member of Team USA.

For the uninitiated, FITASC – an acronym for the international version of American sporting clays – is the Olympics of the shooting world.

Jacob had to participate in at least four regional shoots to be able to qualify for Team USA at FITASC. Although the competitors came from across the world, they primarily live in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe.

Before the competition, it was hard for Jacob to comprehend his achievement. “When I got the Team USA jersey, that’s when it really hit me,” he says.

Marching in the opening ceremony with his teammates was surreal for him. “It’s hard to explain,” he says. “It was great to represent my country.”

He represented America well. Jacob finished 20th in the Junior division out of almost 100 competitors, and he finished in 130th place in the entire 950-person field, which included shooters of all ages.

In the FITASC competition, shooters faced a series of eight parcours, or courses. Each parcour had 25 targets, which were launched from different stations, for a total of 200 targets. The shoot is based off of a menu board, and participants cannot mount their guns until they see the target.

Jacob met his individual goal of hitting at least 20 clays in each parcour and finished with a score of 166.

“I was happy about it,” he says. “It was a good score.”

Building Competitors

The overall winner of the competition, Zach Kienbaum of Savannah, who is also Jacob’s coach, had a score of 189.

He helps Jacob develop his skills and keep things in perspective.

“At that age, I don’t really care how he shoots,” Kienbaum says. “We’re building competitors for the future. I want to build the best adult Jacob. I want to build the best competitor we can.”

Kienbaum, who coaches many high-level adults, normally doesn’t teach teens unless they’re committed and serious about the sport.

“Jacob is the type of kid that I like working with,” he says. “He came out of nowhere. A year ago, no one really knew who he was. He burst onto the scene.”

Kienbaum says Jacob’s raw talent, along with his low-key demeanor, sets him apart from other shooters.

“He has a great attitude. He’s calm and even-keeled,” says Kienbaum. “His mind just understands what he’s trying to do.”

In Master Class events across the country, Jacob often competes against men in their 30s and 40s who have been shooting for years.

“It’s hard to compete against them. They have a lot more experience and a lot more control in what they do,” says Jacob. “I try to shoot with my coach whenever I can. I try to pay attention to what he’s doing and copy it.”

In addition, Jacob, who started shooting at Pinetucky Gun Club in Blythe in June 2022, has continued to hone his skills with the club’s team, the Pullits. Charles Dolan of Pinetucky says Jacob is the gun club’s first shooter to achieve a national ranking.

“He has worked with the right coaches. He has worked with the right people,” says Dolan. “He has a natural ability and great hand-eye coordination. He has put in the hard work, and that’s what it takes.”

Making Friends

Despite his considerable talent, Jacob says one of the most rewarding aspects of the sport is the people he meets.

“They all compete against each other, but they’re friends at the same time,” says his mother, Lynn. “They want to beat each other, but they’ll give each other a hug afterward.”

Admittedly shy, Jacob, a junior in Columbia County’s Virtual Academy who previously attended Harlem High, says the competitions bring him out of his shell.

“When I’m at a shoot, I’ve had to meet people and learn how to talk to them,” he says.

Reconnecting with friends and meeting new ones, as well as getting experience with more difficult targets, was his favorite part of the FITASC competition.

“I’m friends with a lot of people in the sport, and it was great seeing people I know,” Jacob says. “Meeting other people from around the world is a cool experience, too.”

Pickleball, Y’all

Sports

Columbia County is now home to the area’s first indoor pickleball center.

Dink, drink or dine — come for one, or come for all three. Bringing a new sports and restaurant concept to the county, owners Nancy and Troy Akers have opened Dink’d, an indoor pickleball facility in Petersburg Shoppes on Furys Ferry Road.

“Pickleball has exploded nationwide, and it’s no different here,” says Joe Clemente, chief operating officer. “There is no facility of this kind anywhere in the area. We want Dink’d to be a destination in the community.”

Troy Akers agrees. “We know the area is ready for this,” he adds.

The 27,000-square-foot, climate-controlled facility offers extended hours seven days a week, and Dink’d features nine championship pro-surface courts for tournaments, leagues, clinics, lessons and open play. Other activities include glow-in-the-dark pickleball and themed nights.

“If it’s really hot or really cold or it’s raining, people can play pickleball,” Clemente says. “Pickleball is addictive. It’s easy to learn, and people enjoy the camaraderie. A place like Dink’d caters to different generations of pickleball players.”

Dink’d is not just for pickleball, however. Additional amenities include a pro shop, full kitchen with a chef-inspired menu and full service bar with beer on tap, cocktails and mocktails.

Packages for parties, corporate outings and other events include court space, catering options and multimedia.

“The food and beverage component is a big part of this, and it makes us different from other pickleball facilities,” says Clemente.

Vu Nguyen, a pro-level pickleball player, will serve as head of pickleball operations. Memberships, which give people earlier access to courts than the general public, include pro and social levels.

“We’re a member-based model, but the public is welcome,” Clemente says. “If you reserve a court or just want to hang out, we’re open to everyone.”

For tournaments, Akers says they plan to work with the county to offer play at Dink’d and nearby Columbia County Racquet Club.

“This is an Augusta-based business. It’s not a chain. When you come to Dink’d, you’re supporting a local business,” says Akers. “It’s going to be a best-in-class facility that will make the community proud.”

For more information, visit dinkdpickleball.com.