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Ellijay isn’t just a town nestled in the hills; it’s a place where the cool mountain air mixes with the scent of apples like a quiet conversation between old friends. The apple trees stretch out across the foothills, row after row, their branches heavy with fruit, as if they’re holding secrets they’ll only tell if you listen closely enough. The Blue Ridge Mountains stand guard, like they’ve seen this all before, and perhaps they have.

We’ll walk through these orchards soon, where the farmers, with their calloused hands and quiet ways, have been tending these trees for generations. Their roots dig deep into the red clay, and so do the roots of the people, passing down their knowledge as naturally as the apples fall in autumn. First come the blossoms, then the fruit, and then the harvest—a cycle as old as time, carried out by those who know the land.

We’ll make our way to Panarama Farm Market, where the fried apple pies are hot enough to scald your mouth if you’re not careful, but sweet enough to make it worth the burn. The apples themselves, from the tart Rome Beauty to the softer Honeycrisp, tell a story of this place—of mountains, of weather, and of a stubborn kind of love that keeps things growing.

Before we leave, there’s always a story to tell. Imagine a harvest festival, the kind where you can smell the cinnamon on the wind, and the cider warms your hands. Families wander beneath the golden leaves, and baskets of apples overflow like offerings at some strange and wonderful Southern altar. It’s a scene so vivid it feels almost unreal—like a dream, except it’s all happening right here.

You can find Edward Phillips on YouTube.   Go to @Edwardphillipsroots for more of his music.  Learn about  the history behind the Delta and Piedmont Blues.  Edward brings the music of Sun House, Blind Willie Johnson, and Robert Johnson to life with his stories.

Cornbread and Miguel lay hands on the land.

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Disclaimer:

Cornbread & Buttermilk is all about sharing stories, traditions, and the wisdom of the Southern kitchen, but we are not medical professionals. The information shared in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before adding new foods, supplements, or home remedies to your routine—especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Listen to your body, trust your doctor, and enjoy the journey of good food and well-being!

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Title: Ragged and Dirty

Performed by: William Brown

Recorded by: Alan Lomax

From the album: Negro Blues and Hollers

Courtesy of: American Folklife Center, Library of Congress

You can reach History By Mail for more information at, www.historybymail.com

Listen to @EdwardPhillipsRoots on YouTube. You can watch, “The Electronic Juke Joint” Live stream, with Edward on Wednesday Nights at 8:30 p.m. E.T. where Edward takes song request from his liste...