Jonathon Engels 
With nearly 100,000 residents, Asheville is easily the biggest jewel of a mountain town in Western NC. But there are numerous small towns near Asheville NC that warrant a visit as well, especially for those who seek a break from the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan cities. Having lived in WNC for 5+ years now, … Read more
The reputation of Asheville NC as a magical getaway has been well-known for over a century. So much so that one of the world’s wealthiest families, the Vanderbilts, built their Biltmore Estate there in the late 1800s. Over the last 20 years, Asheville has emerged as a major hub in the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC, … Read more
Romantic getaways in GA can take on just about any size or shape a couple could want. Whether you’re looking for romantic getaways in North Georgia, diving into the rich cultural offerings of metro Atlanta, or couples retreats in GA’s small historic towns, the Peach State has a myriad of options to choose from. There … Read more
The Smoky Mountains are renowned for their spectacular natural beauty. And in our experience, there’s no better way to see them than by taking a Great Smoky Mountains train ride. Train rides have a rich history in the Southeastern US, and carry a rich sense of nostalgia that bridges generations. Sadly, many old passenger trains have … Read more
[Updated December 22, 2023] From the majestic mountains and scenic coastlines to history and all-out opulence, romantic getaways in NC can take on an incredible array of forms. From the rustic nature of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the art deco architecture of Asheville to the massive dunes of the Outer Banks, options for wonderful romantic getaways in … Read more
The Virginia Mountains were renowned for their beauty long before the first European settlers set foot on this continent. And they’ve been a popular vacation spot for nearly four centuries now! Their landscape is dotted with snuggly mountain towns and rugged lakes. It’s criss-crossed by famous hiking trails and mountain streams, then stitched together with … Read more
[Updated on January 27, 2024] If you’re looking for a vacation filled with relaxation, romance, and pampering, there are plenty of romantic getaways in Virginia that steer Cupid’s arrow to the center of the bullseye. The brooding Blue Ridge Mountains, magical mountain lakes, and wondrous waterfalls provide all the raw natural magnetism necessary to create … Read more
From the sultry Smoky Mountains all the way west to Memphis, there are some fantastic romantic getaways in Tennessee full of enchanted experiences (for those who manage to leave the room). Weekend getaways for couples in Tennessee are loaded with entertainment options, while the abundance of parks, lakes, scenic routes, and waterfalls make the state perfect … Read more
The Southern Appalachian Mountains are renowned for their beauty, and in our experience there’s no better way to see them than taking scenic train rides in Tennessee. East Tennessee train rides are one of the top tourist attractions in the Smoky Mountains along the North Carolina border. But there are also great train trips that pair … Read more
As a longtime Western North Carolina resident (formerly of Brevard, currently of Elkin NC), I’ve spent a lot of time in Asheville over the years. From critically acclaimed restaurants and hip breweries to trendy boutiques and swanky museums, there’s an ever-increasing array of fun things to do in Asheville NC. This burgeoning mountain metropolis is … Read more
