Samantha Dickens 
[Updated December 30, 2023] As a kid growing up in a lower-middle class family in North Georgia, camping and hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains were our primary travel adventures. From a multi-day trek on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia and a memorable school trip to the Okefenokee Swamp to family getaways in Cloudland Canyon, these trips instilled my … Read more
[Updated October 24, 2023] Celebrating Christmas in the Blue Ridge Mountains is truly magical, whether you’re visiting charming small towns like Dahlonega and Helen GA or exploring a burgeoning metropolis like Asheville. But if you’re looking for depth and diversity of holiday attractions, it’s difficult to beat Christmas in Atlanta. There’s such a vast array … Read more
I’ve lived in the state of Georgia for 50+ years now, so it’s safe to say I’ve visited most of the best Georgia vacation spots at least once. When I was a kid, my family’s Georgia vacations were largely limited to campgrounds in Georgia State Parks. But we did spend a memorable weekend hiking 14 … Read more
Growing up in Atlanta, my family never had enough money to visit the many mountain resorts in North Georgia. So instead we tended to stay in campgrounds, and particularly those in the North Georgia State Parks. But by the time I reached my early 20s, staying at resorts in the Georgia mountains became a more affordable … Read more
Growing up in Atlanta in the 1970s and 80s, the mountain town of Helen GA seemed more like a sleepy Alpine village than the bustling tourism hotspot it has become today. In those days, the biggest draw for visitors was the state parks near Helen GA, especially Unicoi State Park. Home to Anna Ruby Falls, … Read more
Growing up as a lower middle class kid in Georgia, horseback riding wasn’t really something me and my friends in Atlanta ever did. But from the very first time we visited Blue Ridge GA, horseback riding has been one of our favorite things to do in North Georgia. Though it’s been nearly 20 years, I … Read more
To say that we are die-hard lake people would be a vast understatement. Growing up in North Georgia, I spent weeks every summer at my grandparents’ cottage on Lake Hartwell. As an adult, Mary and I have kept a boat docked on Lake Allatoona for 14 years, and visit 3-4 times a week. We fell … Read more
Growing up in North Georgia, lakes were always a huge part of my summer vacation because my grandparents had one of those homey little cabins on Lake Hartwell. It was there that I first fell in love with the natural beauty lakes had to offer, from the fascinating wildlife and gorgeous scenic vistas to colorful wildflowers … Read more
Of all the lovely places to visit in Georgia, the Bavarian-inspired town of Helen is probably the one we’ve visited the most. From its charming Alpine architecture, quirky personality, and traditional German restaurants to an array of outdoor attractions (including the 3,166-foot Yonah Mountain and the Appalachian Trail), there’s a lot to love about Helen. You could … Read more
In the 15+ years we’ve been exploring Blue Ridge Mountain towns, we’ve had a chance to visit many of the best places to stay in Asheville NC. From charming B&Bs and hotels in Downtown Asheville to cabin rentals and historic inns nearby, there are countless options for accommodations around town. In fact, there are nearly 80 … Read more