2025 Rewind: Our Top Emails
The Sea View Inn, mountain roadtrips, portfolio collections, and more
As the sun sets on 2025, let’s revisit the most popular emails we sent out over the past year. Free subscribers: We’d love for you to upgrade your subscription for full access to all of these emails. Use this link to get 10% off.
Our quarterly issue announcements and Bulletin emails usually have slightly higher open rates and views, so we’ll start with links to both of those landing pages.
No. 1
The Sea View Inn
This story was written by Backroad Portfolio co-founder Elizabeth Poland Shugg for Southern Stories by EPS Media and reprinted with permission here. Photos were taken by Elizabeth unless otherwise indicated.
No. 2
A Mountain Roadtrip, Beekeeping, and Track Rock Gap
This week, we’re launching a new format for our weekly email consisting of a headlining feature from our latest issue, amazing photos, and geographically-connected content from other sections to present you with a nicely packaged weekend of backroad beauty, under-the-radar gems, and unique experiences. We’ll close out each email with a captivating
No. 3
Our Summer 2025 Portfolio Collection
It’s almost fall, which means our next issue is just around the corner. As we indulge in cooler temps, let’s savor our Summer 2025 Portfolio collection, which masterfully captures the warmth and beauty of the Southeast.
No. 4
How a Mule Kick Killed 8 People
This feature by Tom Poland appeared in our January 2024 launch issue. It’s a story you’ll have to read to believe, and it’s so good, we’ve unlocked it to all subscribers. Share your thoughts in the comments to let us know what you think, and follow Tom’s Substack
No. 5
Irish Soda Bread
Beyond its practicality, Irish Soda Bread carries deep cultural significance. The signature cross cut into the top of the loaf is not just for even baking—it also ties to folklore, with some believing it “lets the fairies out” or offers a blessing.
No. 6
Heirloom Watermelons 🍉
Nat Bradford is as much scientist as farmer, because the truth is, farming is a science. Nat can tell you the Latin names and family of his heirloom produce, and for me, his farm brought back memories.
No. 7
The Forgotten Rain Porch
Driving back from Chapel Hill, I saw a road worthy of my ramblings. In one of those life coincidences I came across what appears to be a house with a rain porch on North Carolina Highway 79, which runs through Gibson, North Carolina.
No. 8
Project Chimps, Part 1
Note to readers: Our upgraded digital subscribers received part two of this story: an account from one of Project Chimps’ caretakers who shares what it’s like to work with these lovable creatures.
No. 9
A One Horse Open Sleigh, Georgia on My Mind, and Old Car City USA
This week, discover the origin of Jingle Bells and find out why it started a feud between two towns. Paid subscribers, you’ll receive the full story in your inbox right behind this email. Everyone else can read an excerpt below.
No. 10
Fruitcake, the Last Supper, and a Catfish Festival
This week, we’re here to fight for why fruitcake still makes a great holiday gift—if you use the right ingredients. Contributing writer Patricia A Branning reminds us that in the South, “we like our fruitcakes like we like our friends—wild, unpredictable, and always a little strong.”
We hope you enjoyed this year-end review and that you always remember to …
Take the long way home.
A great collection, one I am proud to be a part of. Here's to the new year and new stories and a few classics. Happy New Year, BackRoad Portfolio and staff!