Visiting Doughton Park (Blue Ridge Parkway Mile Marker 238.5 – 244.7)

Blue Ridges of Mountains in Doughton Park, NC

Located in North Carolina between Blue Ridge Parkway mile markers 238.5 and 244.7, Doughton Park is actually the largest recreation area along the famous road. This Blue Ridge park spans about 7,000 acres and includes picnic areas, campgrounds, an official Blue Ridge Parkway visitor center, two historic cabins, and a collection of beautiful mountain streams. … Read more

Barnsley Gardens Resort Ruins: The Tragic Story Behind the Adairsville, GA Landmark

Barnsley Resort in North Georgia

Located in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains (45 miles southwest of Ellijay), the Barnsley Gardens Resort ruins offer a rare glimpse of the state’s pre-Civil War history. Most of Georgia’s early 19th century landmarks were destroyed during Maj. Gen. William Sherman’s march to the sea. The Union Army’s “scorched earth” approach was designed … Read more

Vogel State Park: Camping, Hiking & History in Blairsville GA

Autumn at Lake Trahlyta in Vogel State Park

[Updated on 7/20/21] Vogel State Park is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Located just 10 miles south of the quaint town of Blairsville GA, this beloved North Georgia park is a popular place for hiking, fishing, family gatherings, and viewing the area’s spectacular fall foliage. Operational … Read more

Exploring the Sierra Nevada Brewery in Mills River NC (Near Asheville & Hendersonville)

Sierra Nevada Brewery

[Update July 31, 2021] Sometimes when a recipe is right, it is simply right. There’s no arguing the fact that Sierra Nevada nailed its flagship beer, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, coming out of the gate. The Pale Ale flavor might be somewhat familiar these days, but that’s because most of these newbie challengers continually strive … Read more

The Cataloochee Valley Elk in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Bull Elk in Great Smoky Mtns National Park by Betty Shelton

Created in 1934 and encompassing 522,419 acres, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in America, attracting more than 10 million travelers each year. Straddling eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for nature lovers. The most popular Great … Read more