In 1999 John & Barbara Norman were operating an old-time general store in their hometown of East Bend. Looking for an effective way to tell folks about the store, they had the idea to expand the store newsletter to a magazine format, promoting the store, but also area points of interest as well as other neighborhood stores. In September of 2000, the magazine known as Yadkin Valley Living launched, found a niche, and took off!
The couple wound up closing their retail store to devote full effort to the publication.
The magazine operated for many years in what was a horse barn, turned offices, in the middle of the Norman family farm. The out in the country feel and theme to the magazine continued to celebrate home and garden, family, inspiring stories and great Southern Foods. In March of 2017, the magazine earned a new name: Yadkin Valley Magazine! A name that symbolizes exactly what it is, the Yadkin Valley’s regional magazine.
The Norman’s retired from running the magazine January 1, 2024 when new owners took over the operation. Time comes full circle once again as Barbara and John enjoy operating a country themed retail store: Cherry Street Farmhouse.