Bret and Mary 
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 slice of Americana that … Read more
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
[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
[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
[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
Chances are the city of Summerville GA probably isn’t on your list of must-see Blue Ridge mountain towns. Located 24 miles north of Rome, just 10 miles east of the Alabama border, the town has a population of around 4,200 people, which marks a 17% decline over the last 30 years. It doesn’t have the … Read more
[Updated on 7/20/21] Though most Georgia residents have never heard of it, the New Echota Historic Site in Calhoun GA is one of the most important indigenous sites in the United States. In 1825, the Cherokee Nation established New Echota as its capital, building the “New Town” right at the headwaters of the Oostanaula River. … Read more
[Updated October 26, 2021] Georgia State Park cabins are arguably among the best deals you’ll find for cabin rentals in North Georgia. Most cost around $160 a night for a 2-bedroom cottage with a full kitchen that can sleep 6 to 8 people. And when it comes to Unicoi State Park lodging, their rental … Read more
[Updated on November 26, 2021] After becoming empty nesters in 2019, my lady and I decided that we wanted to start the process of looking for our future home. I’d grown up hiking in the North Georgia mountains with my family, spending many a memorable summer day at my grandparents’ humble cabin on Lake Hartwell. … Read more
[Updated November 26, 2021] If you spend much time exploring outdoor attractions in my native state, you’ve gotta wonder who’s responsible for naming the countless waterfalls in Georgia. And more importantly, why aren’t their names more distinctive? For instance, the Angel Falls Trail leads to one of our favorite waterfalls in Rabun County GA. But … Read more