Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, with the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia to the east and the grand Alleghenies to the west, Harrisonburg VA is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Affectionately known as the “friendly city,” the city of Harrisonburg is home to two universities, James Madison and Eastern Mennonite. My wife … Read more
River tubing in Virginia is the perfect way to cool down during the dog days of summer, while also exploring some of the state’s most beautiful rivers. From the Shenandoah to the New River, there are endless opportunities for folks of all ages and experience levels to get into the water and float with friends … Read more
Tennessee is a perfect place for anyone interested in exploring the stunning array of natural wonders to be found near the Blue Ridge Mountains and other sub-ranges of the Appalachian Mountains. Eastern Tennessee is particularly riddled with amazing rivers and lakes, awesome parks and forests, and stunning mountain ranges. So perhaps it’s no surprise that many of … Read more
Stretching 469 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the #1 most visited unit of the US National Parks. The world-famous scenic route attracts nearly 16 million visitors each year. And Mabry Mill in Virginia is one of the most popular (and most … Read more
After managing various restaurants in Atlanta for 7 years and reviewing restaurants professionally for 28 years, I’d like to think I know a few things about the culinary craft. You can’t go into small mountain towns expecting the same diverse array of options you’ll find in larger cities like Asheville, Charlotte, and Roanoke. But in our … Read more
My husband and I live in a cabin we built near Doughton Park and Elkin NC, about 20 miles south of the VA border. So we tend to spend a good bit of time in Southwest Virginia (a.k.a. SWVA). Because we’re professional gardeners, we love spending time in nature, tending to shrubs and flowers that … Read more
[Updated July 3, 2023] Over the last decade, Asheville has emerged as a progressive haven of arts and culture in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The town is known for its fiercely independent spirit, with myriad “green” restaurants, breweries, and countless Asheville art galleries and artists’ studios popping up over … Read more
[Updated June 26, 2023] It’s been said that the most important considerations when it comes to real estate are “location, location, location.” If that’s truly the case, then the town of Waynesboro VA might as well be sitting on a gold mine. With a population of 22,000+, this delightful mid-sized mountain town is located in … Read more
[Updated 6/26/2023] Just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rocky ridges smooth out into the rolling hills and lively mountain streams known as the North Carolina Piedmont. North of I-40, Mt. Airy often steals the headlines. The charming mountain town is best known as the home of Andy Griffith and the setting for The Andy Griffith … Read more
Virginia is for lovers, but it’s easy to love because the state is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. Visitors are constantly wowed by the state’s diverse landscapes, from the Grayson Highlands, Shenandoah Valley, and Blue Ridge Mountains to the beautiful Virginia coastline and barrier islands. The state is also full of rich American … Read more