rural America Archives

Winding mountain road leading into a remote Appalachian holler in West Virginia.

The winding road into the holler reveals a quieter side of Appalachia shaped by mountains, isolation, and generations of history.

Appalachian Region Travel Guides / Small Towns and HIdden America

What Is a Holler? Discovering Appalachia Beyond the Stereotypes

What exactly is a holler? This reflective journey through the hollers of Appalachia explores the geography, isolation, culture, poverty, resilience, and misconceptions surrounding one of America’s most misunderstood regions.

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May 30, 2026

Back Roads and Byway / Scenic Drives

Back Roads Lens: How I Find Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations in the USA

There’s more to America than its main highways. In this cornerstone guide, I share how I find off-the-beaten-path destinations — from hidden towns to quiet back roads — and how to capture their stories through photography and curiosity.

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October 23, 2025