[Updated May 29, 2023] In the three years since we launched this site, we’ve visited more than 50 Blue Ridge Mountain towns in the search for our future mountain home. From Blue Ridge and Blairsville GA to Bryson City and Waynesville NC, there have been several different places that made their way onto our shortlist. … 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 Great 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
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
We’ve explored more than 50 different Blue Ridge Mountain towns over the last few years. Thanks to research skills I’ve developed over 25+ years as a professional travel writer, it’s pretty rare for a place to surprise me in the way Franklin NC did. Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, just 2 … Read more
[Updated May 22, 2023] Located about halfway between Bryson City and Asheville, Maggie Valley NC is a small mountain town with something of a split personality. The town has been home to colorful characters such as bluegrass legend Raymond Fairchild, bootlegger Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton, and Deliverance actor Herbert “Cowboy” Coward (who got his start at the … Read more
Once you start digging into all the different Virginia waterfalls, you’ll quickly realize that there are far too many Virginia hikes with waterfalls to possibly see them all in one trip. It would be difficult just to see all the best waterfalls in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park during a single getaway, or to visit the … Read more
If you’ve ever wondered, “What is Tennessee known for?” the answer is, well, quite a lot of things! In fact, there’s a huge list of fun facts about Tennessee, including important Cherokee and Civil War history, Tennessee landmarks, famous Tennessee celebrities, and more. This beautiful state is home to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the … Read more
[Updated May 16, 2023] As a lifelong metro Atlanta resident, I’ve always felt that the natural beauty of the state of Georgia is vastly underrated. In my experience, even locals tend to forget the amazing amount of green space we’re blessed with, which offers endless excellent opportunities for recreation and ecotourism adventures. But taking day … Read more
Although it has a population of less than 2,000 residents, Ellijay GA is the seat of Gilmer County. It’s a town so nice that President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalyn, had a second home there. Ellijay is located about 22 miles north of the southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountains, at the confluence of … Read more