There’s a weird, almost Zen-like vibe to Patrick Bowling’s words about his lifestyle: “I drink my beer, and got plenty of food. Got rabbits to eat, dogs to hunt with. Good lord, what could you ask for? I love this life.”

Think of it as the musical equivalent of that cousin everybody loves to sneak off to “partake” with behind the woodshed but nobody wants to sit next to at Christmas dinner.
#realcountrymusic

It ain’t fancy. It ain’t complicated. It ain’t expensive. And within this austerity of complexity is where you’ll find a distinctly rural culinary elegance strong on flavor and sustenance to see you through these waning days of winter.

The Carolina Chocolate Drops remind us of uncomfortable but essential truths—that the banjo came from Africa, that string band music isn't just white Appalachian culture, and that understanding this history makes the music richer for everyone.

#blackhistory
#ruralheritage

The cookies pair wonderfully with hot coffee, cold milk, or room-temperature whiskey neat—all three bring out different spicy and sweet notes.

#recipes #vittles #cookies

The show's greatest achievement may be its demonstration that rural communities can maintain their essential character while adapting to inevitable change—a theme that resonates strongly with modern rural America's ongoing evolution.

#rural #ruralamerica #vintagetv #thewaltons #goodnightjohnboy

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Film review:
David Lynch's G-rated masterpiece is a true tale of stubborn pride, grudges, and finally forgiveness told one puttering mile at a time through the rural Midwest.

#ruralstories
#rurallife
#midwest

While many know this story through its acclaimed film adaptation, the novel—written by Ozark native Daniel Woodrell—is a master class in spare, powerful prose.

True to rural wisdom, this chili improves with time, making it an ideal candidate for batch cooking and reheating.

How mass deportation will affect rural America, a venison chili recipe, book review, and more. Sign up and get it in your inbox every other week.

#rootedinrural
#ruralamerica

The documentary weaves together two compelling narrative threads—the literal hunt for wild hogs in the Ozarks and the metaphorical exploration of cultural identity.

Nothing like wood heat.

#woodstove
#woodheat
#ruralheritage
#rootedinrural
#americanpokeweed

City of Gold runs hard on country music's outlaw traditions with a modern perspective featuring songs about marijuana, crime, and weird intimate encounters. But ease up on those pearls clutched so tight...

American Pokeweed is a new biweekly newsletter that explores modern rural life through authentic eyes, examining how rural communities adapt while maintaining their essential character.

#ruralamerica #ruralculture #countrylife