Smoky Mountain Living Magazine

12/22/2025

Our December 2025/January 2026 is now available!

The latest issue features stories on mountain glass, the secrets of owls, and unique cabins along the Appalachian Trail. Pick one up wherever magazines are sold, or order a subscription at www.smliv.com

12/19/2025

Uncovering the Secrets of Owls

Threatened in both North Carolina and Tennessee, northern saw-whet owls in the Smokies breed only in the high-elevation northern hardwoods and spruce-fir habitat. Their monotonous call sounds like someone sharpening a saw. Photo by Andy Witchger

If you have day-hiked in the Smokies, you have undoubtedly been monitored, unawares, from a tree cavity. The unseen watcher? A winged super-predator resting with one eye open, waiting for dusk or nightfall. Though vultures, hawks, eagles, and ospreys rule park skies by day, after the sun goes down, the forest belongs to the owls.

If you have day-hiked in the Smokies, you have undoubtedly been monitored, unawares, from a tree cavity. The unseen watcher? A winged super-predator resting with one eye open, waiting for dusk or nightfall.

12/17/2025

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, there have been numerous initiatives put forth by local and regional musicians to raise funds and provide aid to those in need in our backyard.

From benefit concerts to much-needed supply drives, backyard jam sessions and art functions, all with the same ethos in mind: “anything helps and everything counts.” Which is why this notable musical project—“Caverns of Gold”—is so impressive in nature when it comes to collaboration, camaraderie and community.

“What this project has taught me is that, even in hard times, we can find moments of joy and should allow ourselves to feel them,” said Alex Deutsch. “Art might not be all we need, but it sure is a positive force for good.”

12/12/2025

As the history of Asheville is written, residents and visitors alike would be remiss to overlook the impact of the man named Warren Haynes.

12/12/2025

What's the best Christmas event in the Smokies?

12/10/2025

The Arts & Culture Alliance announces a call for entries for the 20th annual National Juried Exhibition, developed to provide a forum for artists to compete on a national scale and display their work in downtown Knoxville.

Approximately 40-50 fine art works encompassing all styles and genres from both emerging and established artists will be comprise the exhibition in the Emporium Center from February 6-28, 2026. Prizes include $1,800 in cash awards.

Artists may find more information and an online entry form at https://www.knoxalliance.com/nje-entry.

The deadline for entries is Sunday, December 14, 2025. More info at www.smliv.com

12/08/2025

This holiday season, HART is thrilled to offer audiences two incredible Christmas shows—the chaos-packed family favorite The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and, opening first, a beautifully nostalgic return to the world of Pride and Prejudice: The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley.

The Wickhams will be performed in the Fangmeyer Theatre at HART December 5, 6, 11, and 13 at 7:30 PM, December 7 at 2:00 PM, and December 14 at 5:00 PM. More info at www.smliv.com

12/05/2025

Visit Hendersonville for holidays!

Main Street carriage rides. Santa lighting the town tree. Fa-la-la llama tours. Twenty-five shows of “A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas.” A family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration with giant apple rise. More info at www.smliv.com

12/03/2025

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12/02/2025

Come meet Santa and get a free photo keepsake from 12-4 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 6, at High Country Furniture and Design in Waynesville!

📍3232 Dellwood Rd, Waynesville, NC, United States, 28786
📞 828-926-1722

12/01/2025

It's National Christmas Lights Day! Share a photo of your beautiful lights in the comments.