The Smoky Mountains are renowned for their spectacular natural beauty. And in our experience, there’s no better way to see them than by taking a Great Smoky Mountains train ride. Train rides have a rich history in the Southeastern US, and carry a rich sense of nostalgia that bridges generations. Sadly, many old passenger trains have … Read more
Ever since spending my boyhood summers on Lake Hartwell in North Georgia, I’ve become a lifelong lover of the myriad beautiful lakes in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Named after early 19th century Cherokee leader Chief Junaluska, Lake Junaluska NC is one of the oldest man-made lakes in North Carolina. The Lake Junaluska Dam on Richland … Read more
There are lots of quaint Georgia mountain towns that offer Southern hospitality, and spectacular views, with Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains vistas stretching for miles. The mountains in Georgia are a playground for nature lovers, with fun activities ranging from amazing hiking trails and waterfalls to river tubing, kayaking, horseback riding, zip lining, and more. After … Read more
[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
