Bret and Mary 
My lady and I are HUGE lake day lovers, and have been for years. Since travel is work for us, a day at the lake feels like a vacation, with time for swimming, enjoying a lake float, grilling food, watching birds and butterflies, and just hanging out with friends and family. We’ve been going to Lake … Read more
After managing various restaurants in Atlanta for 7 years and reviewing restaurants professionally for 28 years, I’d like to think I know a few things about the culinary craft. You can’t go into small mountain towns expecting the same diverse array of options you’ll find in larger cities like Asheville, Charlotte, and Roanoke. But in our … Read more
[Updated July 3, 2023] Over the last decade, Asheville has emerged as a progressive haven of arts and culture in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The town is known for its fiercely independent spirit, with myriad “green” restaurants, breweries, and countless Asheville art galleries and artists’ studios popping up over … Read more
[Updated June 26, 2023] It’s been said that the most important considerations when it comes to real estate are “location, location, location.” If that’s truly the case, then the town of Waynesboro VA might as well be sitting on a gold mine. With a population of 22,000+, this delightful mid-sized mountain town is located in … Read more
Although we’ve visited 50+ Blue Ridge Mountain towns over the past 3 years, the town of Hot Springs NC remained a fixture on our bucket list until April 2023. Located just 5 miles east of the border with Tennessee, the tiny town is home to one of the most famous natural hot springs in North … Read more
[Updated Jun 20, 2023] Located in the heart of Virginia’s picturesque Shenandoah Valley, Luray is the county seat of Page County and one of just four access points for entering Shenandoah National Park. Established in 1812 on 10 acres of land near Hawksbill Creek, the small town of around 4,800 residents is a warm, welcoming … Read more
[Updated June 13, 2023] As a small town with a total population of around 700 people, Blairsville isn’t as big or as bustling as popular North Georgia mountain towns such as Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, and Ellijay. But for many people, therein lies a big part of its charm. Measuring just 1.1 square miles, Blairsville may seem … Read more
[Updated June 7, 2023] When my wife and I explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s typically with two main goals in mind. The first objective is to create in-depth guides on the best things to see and do there. The second is to use that information to decide whether or not we want to move … 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
If you’re interested in exploring caverns and underground caves in Tennessee, a visit to the Lost Sea Adventure in Sweetwater TN is an absolute must. Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains an hour north of Chattanooga TN and Lookout Mountain, the Lost Sea refers to the tourist attraction and underground lake, while … Read more
