After 7 years working in the restaurant industry and nearly 30 years of reviewing restaurants professionally, I’ve learned a few things about what makes certain eateries more successful than others. Good food, fresh ingredients, and a unique menu are obvious must-haves. But there’s also something to be said for innovative interior design, personable staff, and … Read more
The fourth-largest city in Tennessee, Chattanooga (population nearly 185,000) has been a major town in the TAG (Tennessee-Alabama-Georgia) area since before the Civil War. Originally known as a major hub for Southeastern railroads, the city of Chattanooga emerged as one of the region’s largest heavy industrial hubs in the early 20th century. Convenient … Read more
This year was not the first time we’ve celebrated Christmas in Chattanooga, Tennessee. But aside from day trips to see the Rock City Christmas lights, this was the first time we’ve ever devoted multiple days to attending all the biggest Christmas events in Chattanooga. With a population of around 185,000 people, Chattanooga is the fastest-growing city … Read more
When I was growing up in North Georgia, you couldn’t swing a stick without hitting a sign (or barn) promoting Rock City and Ruby Falls. If you were taking a family road trip to “See Rock City,” Ruby Falls was simply a must-see, because these two Lookout Mountain attractions are less than four miles apart. … Read more
The battles at Chickamauga and Chattanooga were a major turning point in the Civil War. Winning the Battle of Chattanooga in late November of 1863 created a path for the Union Army to take Atlanta, which had a direct effect on the end of the war. Today, these historic battlefields are preserved at the Chickamauga … Read more
Ghost Town In The Sky (later rebranded as Ghost Town Village) was a beloved Wild West-themed amusement park in Maggie Valley NC. Conceived by Virginia native R.B. Coburn, Ghost Town opened atop Buck Mountain (elevation 4,650 ft) in 1961, and was widely known as “North Carolina’s Mile High Theme Park.” In its ’60s and ’70s … Read more
Founded in 1782 (when it was originally known as Liberty), Bedford VA is one of our favorite small towns in the Shenandoah Valley. Located about 28 miles east of Roanoke VA, Bedford is a popular place to stop during Blue Ridge Parkway road trips. The 469-mile scenic route passes right by two of the most … Read more
The Blue Ridge Mountains extend south into North Georgia, a region blessed with beautiful landscapes and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Blue Ridge GA, the town named for the mountains that surround it, is right in the heart of it all! Whether you prefer North Georgia mountain lakes, hiking to magic waterfalls, enjoying award-winning Georgia wines, … Read more
Looking for a relaxing weekend getaway in the mountains? There’s no shortage of resorts in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina. Whether you’re seeking rustic mountain resorts where you can get away from it all, fun-filled resorts with casinos and live music, or serene lakeside retreats, there are tons of options to … Read more