As someone who has been reviewing restaurants for 25+ years, I found the quality and diversity of the restaurants in Sylva, North Carolina impressive, especially for a small town with a population of 2,600. Although the town encompasses just over 3 square miles, there are nearly 40 Sylva restaurants to choose from, including an assortment … Read more
[Updated March 19, 2023] As the metro Atlanta population continues to grow and expand, more and more people are heading for the wide open vistas of the North Georgia mountains. And it’s not difficult to understand why. With lots of charming towns surrounded by scenic summits and the wilderness of the Chattahoochee National Forest (with its … Read more
[Updated March 19, 2023] Widely known as “Georgia’s Alpine Village,” Helen is a former mining town nestled near the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains range. The tiny Georgia mountain town (population: 582) resurrected itself in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a quaint re-creation of a traditional Bavarian village, providing a taste … Read more
If you want to explore the state the way travelers did before the advent of automobiles and airplanes, nothing beats taking one of the many train rides in North Carolina. The U.S. railroad system dates back to the 1820s, with its “Golden Age” in the late 19th and early 20th century. Many of the great … Read more
If you’ve ever driven I-81 through the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, you probably know that there are myriad caverns and caves in Virginia. In fact, many of the most famous caves in the USA are on the Virginia caverns map! But you may be wondering, what’s the difference between a cave and a cavern? Some folks … Read more
[Updated March 1919, 2023] There is nothing quite like getting to the end of a 90º+ day of working outside to remind you to appreciate the many high-quality NC swimming holes. I’m writing this at 7:45 PM in the middle of June, still waiting for the temperature outside to fall below 80º. Summer doesn’t even … Read more
Helen is one of the most popular Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in Georgia, drawing some 3 million visitors to the tiny 2.11-sq-mile Alpine town every year. From family-friendly tourist attractions and annual festivals (including the largest Oktoberfest celebration outside Germany) to two Georgia State Parks and myriad natural attractions, there’s a lot to love about … Read more
[Updated March 16, 2023] Originally best known as the site of the 1828 Georgia Gold Rush, Dahlonega has since become a major tourism hotspot in the North Georgia Mountains. Although it’s a relatively small town of around 7,500 residents, its diverse array of shops, restaurants, wineries, and historical attractions draws visitors all year-round. Dahlonega also … Read more
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is so studded with outstanding attractions (including myriad hiking trails and waterfalls), it can be difficult to know which ones to prioritize during your visit. From hiking to the top of Clingman’s Dome and spotting the Cataloochee Valley Elk to visiting Mingus Mill and exploring the Mountain Farm Museum at the Oconaluftee Visitor … Read more
The state of Virginia is blessed with a splendid selection of landscapes to explore, from the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Dismal Swamp to Virginia Beach. Nothing makes me feel immersed in the natural beauty of these beautiful Virginia attractions quite like camping. I love watching the light change throughout the day, the sensation of cool morning … Read more