Emma Gallagher 
With all of its natural beauty and rich (yet sometimes turbulent) history, it’s unsurprising to realize that so much of the state of North Carolina has been protected as U.S. National Parks. From outstanding swaths of biodiversity to Civil War battlefields and pristine coastlines, there are seemingly endless adventures to be found at the … Read more
River tubing in Virginia is the perfect way to cool down during the dog days of summer, while also exploring some of the state’s most beautiful rivers. From the Shenandoah to the New River, there are endless opportunities for folks of all ages and experience levels to get into the water and float with friends … Read more
My husband and I live in a cabin we built near Doughton Park and Elkin NC, about 20 miles south of the VA border. So we tend to spend a good bit of time in Southwest Virginia (a.k.a. SWVA). Because we’re professional gardeners, we love spending time in nature, tending to shrubs and flowers that … Read more
The Blue Ridge Mountains are home to an extensive array of caves and caverns, many of which have significant historical importance. There are more caves and caverns in Tennessee than any other U.S. state, with more than 8,000 having been officially registered to date. So no matter which region of the state you plan to … Read more
The Civil War in Tennessee was epic. Aside from the state of Virginia, TN saw more battles than any other state. During the Civil War, Tennessee sent 120,000 men to fight for the Confederacy, and 31,000 to fight for the Union. There are so many Civil War sites in Tennessee, it would take a monumental … Read more
If you’re a food and wine lover and you’ve never explored the Yadkin Valley in NC, you’re really missing out! The Yadkin Valley region is full of wineries and vineyards to visit, with 44 Yadkin Valley wineries to choose from. Encompassing 1,400,000 acres, the Yadkin Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) includes 7 counties in … Read more
People head to the Smokies of North Carolina and Tennessee for many reasons. Some want to go on epic Great Smoky Mountains hikes, while others want to witness the mysterious Great Smoky Mountains fireflies (a.k.a. Blue Ghost fireflies). Many Smoky Mountains visitors come on a pilgrimage to see lots of waterfalls, but some just want … Read more
On November 15, 1966, two terrified young couples came screaming from the forest in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Little did they know that their frightening encounter that night would spark an international fascination with an unnerving, supernatural creature akin to Bigfoot and the Bell Witch haunting in Tennessee. The Mothman of West Virginia was described as … Read more
Of all the Great Smoky Mountains attractions, chasing waterfalls is arguably among the most popular and rewarding activities. The Great Smoky Mountain waterfalls are abundant and breathtaking, with hikes that appeal to every age and ability level. In our experience, many of these Smoky Mountains waterfalls are among the most impressive natural attractions … Read more
If you’re eager to spend time at one of the best campgrounds near Canton NC, look no further than the ever-popular Mt Pisgah Campground. Located at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 408.8, at an impressive elevation of 4,980 feet, this particular Pisgah campground is in a perfect spot for exploring the surrounding areas. Camping in the Pisgah … Read more
