[Updated November 30, 2024] Winter weather in Virginia varies greatly, depending on whether you’re in the Virginia mountains or along the coast. But, as longtime VA residents, we generally find the Virginia climate agreeable– not too hot, and not too cold. So Winter activities in Virginia can run the gamut from snow skiing and snowboarding … Read more
Our latest visit to Gatlinburg, Tennessee elevated all our senses, seeing breathtaking scenic vistas, hearing local bluegrass bands, and tasting Southern cuisine from some of the best places to eat in Gatlinburg. We feasted on traditional Appalachian food (fried chicken, BBQ, fresh local trout), had some amazing Tex Mex, and enjoyed standard American fare as … Read more
The fourth-largest city in Tennessee, Chattanooga (population nearly 185,000) has been a major town in the TAG (Tennessee-Alabama-Georgia) area since before the Civil War. Originally known as a major hub for Southeastern railroads, the city of Chattanooga emerged as one of the region’s largest heavy industrial hubs in the early 20th century. Convenient … Read more
The Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee are spectacular at any time of year, including Winter. Sure, the chilly Smoky Mountains Winter weather drives some folks indoors. But for visitors interested in snow skiing, snow tubing, snowboarding, hiking, and/or exploring waterfalls, Winter is a perfect time to visit! Whichever category you fall into, … Read more
[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
If you dream of a European snow skiing trip, but prefer to avoid the hassles of international travel, we recommend the charming Winter wonderland of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Nestled in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Gatlinburg combines the look and feel of the Bavarian Alps with loads of Southern hospitality, moonshine, and bluegrass music. As a gateway … Read more
[Updated November 30, 2024] Curling up by a roaring fire in a cozy little mountain cabin rental sounds like the perfect idea of Winter fun. But there are a few places for snow skiing in Virginia that might have you donning your warmest clothes and heading outside! Virginia is home to a good chunk … Read more
During an Autumn trip to Gatlinburg, we visited Ober Mountain, an amusement park in the Smoky Mountains that celebrated its 50-year anniversary in 2023. After sampling all their warm weather offerings, we knew we had to come back during Winter to experience snow skiing in Gatlinburg TN. Ober Mountain is Tennessee’s #1 destination for skiing, … 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
