The 10 Hiking Essentials Packing List for the Blue Ridge Mountains
From basic items like extra clothing, food, and water to survival gear, read on for our 10 hiking essentials packing list.
Bret and Mary
Exploring Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site & Trails in Cartersville GA
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
The 10 Best Things to Do in Weaverville NC
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)
[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
[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)
[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)
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
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
[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