The July 2025 issue of Surry Living Magazine offers a rich blend of heartfelt stories, community spotlights, and practical lifestyle content designed to inform, inspire, and connect readers across Surry County. This month’s powerful feature, “The Quiet Courage of Our Heroes,” pays tribute to military service members and their families, highlighting the sacrifices, resilience, and dedication that protect our freedoms. In Lifestyle, readers can enjoy “Between Rounds with Kevin Pyles,” which explores the paradox of freedom and the discipline required to make the most of life’s choices; “Fitness Rage with Kage,” where professional Jiu-Jitsu athlete Kage Pyles shares a holistic approach to physical, mental, and spiritual fitness; and “Let Freedom Ring,” a moving reflection on the true cost of liberty and the importance of honoring those who have served. Southern Taste satisfies the appetite with refreshing summer recipes, including tangy Easy Citrus Tarts and a moist 3-Day Refrigerator Cake, along with helpful kitchen tips. The Home, Farm, & Garden section takes readers from humorous horse-related life lessons to the cultural legacy of fiddlers conventions that connect generations, and shines a spotlight on the Elkin Farmers Market’s new Donation Station, an initiative uniting farmers, shoppers, and volunteers to combat food insecurity. Beloved regular departments such as Love is in the Air, Blake’s Take, Quote of the Month, and Surry Seen continue to capture personal moments, thoughtful perspectives, and the unique spirit of our local communities. From honoring heroes to sharing recipes and celebrating local traditions, this issue is a vibrant showcase of the stories, values, and people that make Surry County such a special place to call home.
Browse Articles Below:
Featured
The Quiet Courage of Our Heroes
Sabrina L. Baker Author/Photographer As the flags wave proudly and the sounds of summer fill the air, we are reminded that freedom is not free. Freedom is earned repeatedly by the brave men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. For those of us who have watched loved ones…
Lifestyle
Fitness Rage with Kage
Kage Pyles Fitness Rage with Kage Fitness is often reduced to physical metrics—lean muscles, endurance, or a chiseled physique. Yet, true fitness transcends the body, weaving together physical, mental, and spiritual elements into a holistic practice that fosters resilience and well-being. A comprehensive fitness routine must address all three to unlock lasting transformation, as mental…
Let Freedom Ring
Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia Eddie Lowe Just A Thought In the month of July, many Americans begin to think of freedom and celebration, particularly around July 4th or Independence Day, which marks the day the 13 colonies declared themselves independent of Great Britain. We, as Americans, pride ourselves on how much we…
Home, Farm, & Garden
Navigating Life with a Horse, Faith, and Common Sense
Derina Pyles Horse Sense “Come on Traveler, for the love of alfalfa, please get your big booty in the trailer! It’s already an hour past the time I wanted to get on the road.” “Calm yourself, Hay-Woman. I just have to double check to make sure I packed some Bute in case my legs get…
Continue Reading Navigating Life with a Horse, Faith, and Common Sense
Fiddlers Conventions: Connecting the Past & the Present
Larry VanHouse This Little Light of Mine The Appalachian region has always felt like a living song, its melodies winding through the mountains, carried on front porches and festival stages. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of attending some of the most iconic fiddlers conventions in the Southeast. Each one has left its own…
Continue Reading Fiddlers Conventions: Connecting the Past & the Present
Fresh Food, Shared Good: Elkin Farmers Market Launches Donation Station
Joanna RadfordHome, Farm, & Garden A new initiative is bringing together local farmers, market-goers, and volunteers in the spirit of community and food security. The Elkin Farmers Market has partnered with the N.C. Cooperative Extension Surry County Center to launch an ongoing Donation Station program, which began in June and will continue every Saturday through…
Continue Reading Fresh Food, Shared Good: Elkin Farmers Market Launches Donation Station
Southern Taste
Easy Citrus Tarts: Perfect Make Ahead Dessert for Parties
Rynn Hennings The Sweet and Savory Life The taste of refreshing citrus is the perfect treat on a hot summer day, especially when served nice and cold inside a deliciously sweet cookie crumb crust. Introducing the Lemon-Lime Citrus Tarts– these are sure to be the hit of your next summer get together, whether that’s the…
Continue Reading Easy Citrus Tarts: Perfect Make Ahead Dessert for Parties
The Surry SHIIP Crew – Here to Help YOU!
Carmen LongSimply Delicious If you or someone you know has celebrated a 65th birthday, it is amazing how much “fan mail” fills the mailbox. Much of the mail is advertising insurance plans– each envelope claiming to have the perfect plan, not to mention the endless phone calls which are also received. The gift of Medicare…
Departments
Between Rounds with Kevin Pyles
Kevin Pyles, PT Between Rounds The Paradox of Freedom: Why Choice Demands Discipline In a world that celebrates freedom of choice, we often equate liberty with endless possibilities. The ability to choose our career paths, hobbies, relationships, and daily routines is a cornerstone of modern life. Yet, this very freedom comes with a hidden cost:…
Blake’s Take
Dear Blake, The better I try to be as a person, the more I seem to suffer. I’ve noticed it’s almost as if those of us who try to do good and do the right thing are often punished, while those who break societal rules and hurt others seem to get ahead. Why do bad…
By Gosh By Josh
Josh Snow, Author
More to See
‘Fur’ever Friends
THANKFUL FOR OUR PETS Send us a photo of your pet and we may use it here. Email: info@surryliving.comSubject Line: Furever Friends
