Cathryn McCue

By John Goss When darkness settles, July and August evenings provide a wonderful opportunity to view the immensity of the night sky as seen from a rural area. City dwellers, those who reside in suburbia, and even seasoned stargazers are astonished at the number of stars encountered when they visit a dark, rural area. Instead of counting perhaps 100 stars from their backyards, suddenly they are exposed to 2,000 points of light—some bright, most faint.

Text and Photo By Duncan Seaman Each August, the quiet mountain town of Galax, Virginia—tucked into the Blue Ridge Plateau near the North Carolina line—comes alive as the center of Appalachian string band music. In 2026, that tradition will reach a milestone with the 90th Old Fiddlers’ Convention, returning to Felts Park August 3-8.

By Joe Tennis Dollywood expands this summer with NightFlight Expedition, the popular Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, theme park’s most elaborate ride yet. “This is really one of the more important things that we have done,” said park spokeswoman and superstar Dolly Parton at Dollywood’s 2026 season opening in March.