Visiting the Georgia Mountain Scottish Festival in Hiawassee GA

Scottish Pipe Band at Appalachian Scots-Irish Festival in Blairsville GA

Now in its twentieth year, this popular event was originally held in Blairsville GA, where it was known as the Blairsville Scottish Festival and Highland Games. Every year hundreds of bagpipers, drummers, Clan representatives, athletes, artisans, and food vendors would gather in beautiful Meeks Park for a weekend-long celebration of traditional Scots-Irish culture and sport.  … Read more

Peacock Performing Arts Center in Hayesville NC: 2025 Events

Peacock Performing Arts Center Tribute Band Performance

Hayesville NC is a tiny mountain town (0.64 sq miles, population under 500) located near the northern shores of Lake Chatuge, which straddles the NC/GA border. Established in the 1860s, the town was named after 19th-century politician George Hayes, who helped the Cherokee people resist deportation and enabled some Cherokee communities to remain after the … Read more

The 10 Best Waterfalls Near Blowing Rock NC

Glen Burney Falls in Blowing Rock NC by Waterfalls Hiker

The North Carolina High Country has been a tourist destination for centuries, and one of its earliest attractions was the famous “Blowing Rock.”  That unique geological feature is the namesake for the wildly popular town of Blowing Rock, which makes a fantastic base for the exploring the NC High Country. In addition to the Blue … Read more

Camping & Hiking at Gorges State Park in Sapphire NC

Couple at Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park near Brevard NC by Bret Love

Transylvania County NC is justifiably known as “the Land of Waterfalls.” There are more than 250 waterfalls in the area surrounding Brevard to check off your list, but in our experience Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park is easily among the most magical.  When my husband Jonathon and I lived in Brevard and visited Gorges … Read more

Visiting the Asheville Botanical Garden in Asheville NC

Gazebo at Asheville Botanical Gardens in Asheville NC

Spring has officially sprung, and with it comes the seasonal mixed blessing of beautiful wildflowers and bountiful pollen (ah-choo!).  One of our favorite things to do as the weather turns warmer is to go for walks where we can see nature’s blossoming beauty in full bloom.  And whether it’s the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Asheville’s NC … Read more

Exploring Groundhog Meadow & Groundhog Mountain Picnic Area

Groundhog Meadow Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway VA with Coreopsis Wildflowers in the foreground

The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway is roughly split evenly between North Carolina and Virginia, linking two of the most beloved US National Parks– Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park. Along the world-renowned scenic route, there are many fantastic places for hiking, biking, camping, swimming, and further exploring one of the prettiest regions … Read more

Visiting Kuwohi (& Why They Changed Clingmans Dome’s Name)

Clingmans Dome/Kuwohi in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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

20 Must-Visit Blue Ridge Mountain Resorts for 2025

Best Blue Ridge Mountain resorts NC

Blue Ridge Mountain resorts come in all shapes and sizes.  Some upscale luxury resorts in the Blue Ridge Mountains focus on foodie-friendly restaurants, outstanding golf courses, and top-notch spas.  My favorite mountain resorts go all-in on the rustic feel, offering breathtaking scenic vistas, hiking trails and/or waterfalls. Of course, there are also Blue Ridge Mountain ski resorts for … Read more