Publisher’s Note
Celebrating America 250 while living in the moment . . .
Recently, I walked with one of my sons along a path to the woods near both of our homes to experience our own private fireworks show—but not with your typical loud explosives. This was merely a dance of light, featuring a cast of thousands of fireflies putting on their grand opening celebration of summer.
It was magical and enchanting. It turned my calendar back thirty years as I remembered the feeling of joy watching my son and his siblings running and playing with fireflies in our yard on countless summer nights.
My son recounted these memories as well; it was a trip back in time for both of us.
Such memories run deep and are reignited each summer when nature admonishes all of us to turn down the volume of life and just be still.
I felt that night that these “delightful” creatures tutor me to shine in the moment. It was truly an ephemeral experience—short-lived but locked close to the heart in my memory bank.
I promise myself this summer to slow down, enjoy our natural surroundings, and remember those beautiful nights and their experiences that cannot be captured and held; they are released as memories that last for generations.
My granddaughters witnessed the synchronous fireflies at the inaugural event at Grandfather Mountain several years ago, and now they have that memory to recharge them each time they close their eyes and think of that special night.
In addition to firefly-lit nights, there are countless opportunities to entertain us. We have packed this issue full of possibilities. From the star-studded offerings of An Appalachian Summer Festival, The Appalachian Theatre, Lees-McRae’s Forum and venerable Summer Theatre, and Parkway Playhouse, to the vast array of music venues, art galleries, museums, historical landmarks, trails, waterways and lakes . . . and the list goes on and on.
We hope you will keep this copy of CML close—whether next to your calendar, in your car, home or office—as your guide to experience all the wonders that make this region a special place to live, play and visit. And be sure to tell our advertisers you discovered them in CML and thank them for your free issue of our magazine.
We would love to hear about your experiences this summer. Happy 250th Birthday, America!
Email us at cmlbabette@gmail.com.
~ Babette
Listen to Babette’s recent High Country Radio interview with Mark E. Norris of “Wakin’ Up In The High Country / Mark in the Morning.” Managing Editor Tamara Randolph and Cultural Arts Editor Keith Martin join in to discuss the Summer ’26issue.