Emma Gallagher 
If you’re visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a journey up to the summit of Kuwohi (pronounced koo-WHOA-hee, and formerly known as Clingmans Dome) is an absolute must. Straddling the NC/TN border, the 6,643-foot Kuwohi is the highest point in GSMNP, in the state of Tennessee, and on the entire Appalachian Trail. It’s also the … Read more
Galax is one of those quaint little Virginia mountain towns that becomes all the more endearing during the Christmas holidays. Although best-known as “the Old-Time Music Capital of the World,” Galax is also one of the most fun Christmas towns we’ve visited, with holiday-themed events from late November into early January. From twinkling Christmas lights, … Read more
This holiday season is extra special for the town of Banner Elk NC, especially after having spent the last two months climbing out from under the devastation Hurricane Helene brought. As a small North Carolina mountain town whose economy is largely tourism-dependent, it was quite a blow. But while 2024 brought much heartache and loss … Read more
Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina on September 27, devastating (and, in some cases, obliterating) many of our favorite mountain towns. Since then, many of us who love the region have been feeling distraught over the destruction, wondering what we can do to help NC. While heading to the afflicted areas with a chainsaw (or … Read more
The Shenandoah Valley is a breathtaking region of Virginia, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Appalachian Mountains, and the Potomac and James Rivers. In addition to natural beauty, this fertile valley is also rich in Virginia mountain towns, traditional Appalachian culture, and endless outdoor adventures. As a base for your exploration of the area, what … Read more
Autumn in North Georgia is always such a special time, and not just because it offers a cooling down after the dog days of Summer! As if the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia aren’t spectacular enough all year round, Fall brings an array of dazzling, gem-like colors to the jaw-dropping scenic vistas. There are an endless … Read more
Autumn in Asheville NC is a magical time, with Fall colors glowing like gems in the Blue Ridge Mountains that surround the burgeoning metropolis. Naturally, there are endless things to do in (and near) Asheville to help get you into the spirit of the season. Whether it’s driving the Blue Ridge Parkway for top-notch leaf … Read more
If Fall for you means apple picking, pumpkin patches, wagon rides, and corn mazes, Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard in Hendersonville NC can help you check all those things off your list in one fantastic, family-friendly day out! Stepp’s is a wonderful, fully functioning farm and orchard that doubles as a giant playground for kids and … Read more
With a total land area of 8.28 sq miles, Galax is a wonderful little Virginia mountain town to visit at any time of year. But, in our experience, Fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains is always extra special, and Galax offers a lot of fun ways to celebrate the season. Galax may be best-known as the “Old-Time … Read more
Want to keep one foot in nature while simultaneously turning up the dial on luxury? Try a weekend of glamping in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Glamping (a.k.a. luxury camping) allows you to immerse yourself in the forest, creeks, and mountains while also enjoying modern conveniences like cozy beds, AC/heat, kitchens, private terraces, and maybe even … Read more
