The 10 Best Things to Do in Weaverville NC

Downtown Weaverville NC Town Hall

We started this website in large part because we wanted to explore the small towns of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in the search for our future home. We’ve since visited dozens of towns all across North Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia, and found some potentially great places to live in each state.  In NC … Read more

How to Get to Horse Trough Falls in Helen GA (Upper Chattahoochee River Campground)

Horsetrough Falls in the Mark Trail Wilderness Near Helen GA

[Updated April 3, 2022] It’s not difficult to understand why Horse Trough Falls is one of the least visited waterfalls in Helen GA once you decide to explore the area for yourself.  The Horse Trough Falls trailhead is located at the back of the Upper Chattahoochee River Campground, which is tucked about 5 miles off … Read more

Why the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace Matter Now More Than Ever

It’s an undeniable fact that getting outside and exploring nature is good for your mind, body, and soul. But is it good for the natural world? That depends. Have you ever stacked rocks in creeks or waterfalls? Do you intentionally veer off established hiking trails and into the wilderness? Do you pick wildflowers when you visit … Read more

The 15 Best Restaurants in Helen GA for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Steak at Bernie's Restaurant in Helen GA

[Updated December 30, 2021] Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, about an hour north of the I-285 perimeter, Helen GA is known for its Alpine architecture, quirky character, impressive array of hiking trails, and annual Oktoberfest festival. There are lots of great attractions and activities in “Alpine Helen.” But until recently this unabashedly unusual … Read more

The 20 Best Things to Do in Clayton, GA (the Gem of Northeast Georgia)

Downtown Clayton GA Shopping

[Updated November 26, 2021]   Cities like Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Helen, and Dahlonega GA have all earned accolades among the most beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain towns in GA. But after our visits to the city of Clayton, Georgia, we believe this gem of Northeast Georgia also deserves a place near the top of that list. The extensive … Read more

The Roundhouse Rental Cabin in Helen GA (Little Andy Mountain Cabins)

Exterior Shot of Roundhouse Rental Cabin in Helen GA

As a tiny mountain town (just 2.11 square miles) that receives some 3 million annual visitors, there are plenty of Helen GA cabin rentals to choose from.    Whether you want an Alpine inn or B&B in the heart of downtown or a cozy cottage in the surrounding mountains, there’s a Helen vacation rental for … Read more

Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden: How to Get 24-Hour Access

Exterior of Howard Finster Paradise Garden Cottages

Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden is truly like no place you’ve ever been, or are ever likely to go.  Originally known as the Plant Farm Museum when he started building it in the early ’60s, the folk art legend’s visionary attraction was a 40-year work-in-progress.  Using found objects he collected for decades, he built sculptures from … Read more

Things to Do at James H Floyd State Park in Summerville GA

Fishermen at James H Sloppy Floyd State Park

[Updated on 7/20/21] We honestly didn’t know much about James H Floyd State Park (a.k.a. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park) before our first visit to Summerville GA.    But the 561-acre park’s laid-back blend of immense natural beauty and rich (some would say colorful) history won us over within minutes after we pulled through the gate.  … Read more

How to Get to Hooker Falls NC (in DuPont State Forest)

Hooker Falls NC

[Updated August 12, 2021] If you’re looking for challenging North Carolina waterfalls to hike, Hooker Falls is probably not for you.  Located between Brevard and Hendersonville in DuPont State Recreational Forest, the Hooker Falls Trail is one of the shortest (.9 mile round-trip), easiest (164 feet of elevation gain), and most accessible waterfall hikes in … Read more

Review of Pinecrest Bed and Breakfast in Asheville NC (Montford Area)

Exterior of Pinecrest Bed aBreakfast in Asheville NC

[Updated July 29, 2021] You don’t have to look very hard to find great bed and breakfasts in Asheville NC. In fact, the Montford Area Historic District– one of the city’s oldest and most architecturally impressive neighborhoods– is chock full of them.   The area boasts a whopping 600+ houses listed on the National Register … Read more