The 10 Best Restaurants in Blowing Rock NC for Foodies

Elk at Timberlakes Restaurant in Blowing Rock NC

Located just 10 miles south of Boone, the tiny mountain town of Blowing Rock (population 1,163) is one of the most tourist-friendly towns in the Blue Ridge region of North Carolina.  The town is home to major attractions such as the Blowing Rock, Mystery Hill, and Tweetsie Railroad. And its proximity to the Blue Ridge … Read more

The 20 Best Downtown Asheville Restaurants for Foodies

Proper Asheville Restaurant

[Updated October 23, 2024]  The first time we visited the city back in 2012, we were absolutely blown away by the Asheville food scene. For a 45-square-mile mountain town with a population of around 84,000, the sheer number of critically acclaimed downtown Asheville restaurants was staggering even then. As it turns out, the city is … Read more

Pet-Friendly Cabins at Forrest Hills Resort in Dahlonega GA

Interior of Forrest Hills Resort Cabins in Dahlonega GA

From the historic Smith House Inn and Old Storehouse Inn to Barefoot Hills and the Mountain Laurel Creek Inn & Spa, there are lots of different hotels in Dahlonega GA for visitors to choose from.  But for our money, the Forrest Hills Mountain Resort & Conference Center ranks among the best places to stay in … Read more

The 7 Best Restaurants in Dahlonega GA for Foodies

Montaluce Winery and Restaurant

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains about 25 miles southwest of Helen, Dahlonega is one of the oldest mountain towns in North Georgia.  The small town of around 7,500 residents is best known as the site of the 1828 Georgia gold rush, which predated the California gold rush by 21 years and … Read more

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights: Atlanta Botanical Garden Christmas Lights

Atlanta Botanical Gardens Christmas Lights- Chihuly

[Updated October 28, 2024] It’s been 13 years since the first Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. And over time, the Atlanta Botanical Garden Christmas lights have grown into one of our favorite things to do in North Georgia.   Located next to Piedmont Park in Midtown, the 30-acre garden has been a popular Atlanta attraction for … Read more

The Best Restaurants in Lexington VA & Natural Bridge VA for Foodies

Interior of Haywoods Restaurant in Lexington VA

Located about halfway between Roanoke and Waynesboro, just over 10 miles west of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Lexington is arguably the most historic town in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.  Created in 1778 and named after Lexington MA (where the first shot was fired in the American Revolution), the town of around 7,500 people is home to Washington … Read more

The 15 Best Things to Do in Banner Elk NC

Banner Elk, NC

[Updated No 16, 2024] Located in the North Carolina High Country, less than 20 miles from Boone and Blowing Rock, Banner Elk is one of the most beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain towns we’ve ever visited. Once used by the Cherokee people for hunting and fishing, the area surrounding the Elk River was settled by Martin … Read more

Exploring Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site & Trails in Cartersville GA

Mound A at Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Cartersville GA, the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site is considered the most intact Mississippian culture site in the Southeastern US.  The prehistoric archaeological site contains one of the largest Indian mounds in North America. So it’s designated as a National Historic Landmark– one of just 49 … Read more