Springtime offers endless opportunities to catch glimpses of the different types of wildflowers native to Tennessee. Many wildflowers in Tennessee bloom throughout spring, while others start to pop up in the summer. Some even give the splendid fall colors of changing leaves a run for their money, blooming later in the year. While native wildflowers … Read more
[Updated February 16, 2023] Western North Carolina is truly stacked with natural beauty. From the misty hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the towering trees of Pisgah National Forest to the countless waterfalls scattered throughout the area, it’s easy to find yourself awestruck by the scenery that greets you nearly every which way you turn. … Read more
The Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia offer a rich, biodiverse terrain with lots of mountain streams, waterfalls, high-altitude meadows, and extensive forests. It’s a perfectly fertile place for the beautiful Virginia wildflowers to flourish. Not only is this an ideal setting for catching amazing scenic vistas and spotting wildlife, but the many microclimates found within the … Read more
[Updated 3/16/22] North Georgia boasts an incredibly diverse array of flora, including an abundance of eye-catching wildflowers that paint the landscape in vivid colors every spring. From the brilliant blooms of Flame Azaleas and Catawba Rhododendrons to the more subdued beauty of Virginia Bluebells and Bloodroot, spotting wildflowers is one of our favorite things to … Read more
The North Carolina High Country has been a tourist destination for centuries, and one of its earliest attractions was the famous “Blowing Rock.” That unique geological feature is the namesake for the wildly popular town of Blowing Rock, which makes a fantastic base for the exploring the NC High Country. In addition to the Blue … Read more
Transylvania County NC is justifiably known as “the Land of Waterfalls.” There are more than 250 waterfalls in the area surrounding Brevard to check off your list, but in our experience Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park is easily among the most magical. When my husband Jonathon and I lived in Brevard and visited Gorges … Read more
Spring has officially sprung, and with it comes the seasonal mixed blessing of beautiful wildflowers and bountiful pollen (ah-choo!). One of our favorite things to do as the weather turns warmer is to go for walks where we can see nature’s blossoming beauty in full bloom. And whether it’s the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Asheville’s NC … Read more
The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway is roughly split evenly between North Carolina and Virginia, linking two of the most beloved US National Parks– Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park. Along the world-renowned scenic route, there are many fantastic places for hiking, biking, camping, swimming, and further exploring one of the prettiest regions … Read more
If you’re visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a journey up to the summit of Kuwohi (pronounced koo-WHOA-hee, and formerly known as Clingmans Dome) is an absolute must. Straddling the NC/TN border, the 6,643-foot Kuwohi is the highest point in GSMNP, in the state of Tennessee, and on the entire Appalachian Trail. It’s also the … Read more
Over the 5 years since we launched Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide, our team has visited 70-80 different towns in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia (not including those we’ve driven through, but not actually stayed in). So narrowing it all down to a list of 30 mountain towns was no easy feat! What makes … Read more