The 45 Best North Georgia Cabin Rentals

North Georgia Cabins to Rent

[Updated 8/22/23] North Georgia’s mild climate and prime location at the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains allows for enjoyable getaways at just about any time of the year.  Spring is great for spotting wildflowers. In summer you can hike to North Georgia waterfalls or take a dip in one of the beautiful lakes. Autumn brings Fall colors and Fall … Read more

30 Fun Facts About Appalachian Scots-Irish History & Culture

Scottish Pipe Band at Appalachian Scots-Irish Festival in Blairsville GA

“O Bessie Bell and Mary Gray, they were two bonnie lasses…” Written by a long-forgotten author in the 1700s, this poem memorializes a haunting tale from Scotland about two young cousins who succumbed to the black plague. There are countless other poems, songs, and stories that were brought to America by the Scots-Irish people.   … Read more

The 15 Best Places to See Fall in Tennessee

fall Tennessee

The state of Tennessee in Fall is a truly a glorious sight to behold. Its climate conditions are just right for a long Autumn, because it’s far north enough to have true seasons. And the Smoky Mountains are especially spectacular at this time of year. Fall foliage in Tennessee is the stuff of legend because the place is … Read more

The 10 Best Apple Orchards in Tennessee for Apple Picking & More

apple orchards in TN

With its beautiful Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains and seemingly endless rolling foothills, it makes perfect sense that local farmers have planted numerous apple orchards in Tennessee.    Thankfully, a number of these orchards in TN have opened their gates and invited visitors in to enjoy the splendor of apple picking and other fun Autumn … Read more

Fall Fun at the Ellijay Apple Festival (aka Georgia Apple Festival)

Kids Play Area at the Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay GA

We’ve been empty nesters for a few years now. But family-friendly fairs and festivals are still one of our favorite ways to celebrate the arrival of Autumn.  Our home state of Georgia can get miserably hot and humid during the dog days of summer. But Fall brings cooler temperatures, lots of fun outdoor activities, and … Read more

The 12 Best Hendersonville Apple Orchards for Apple Picking & More

The Best Hendersonville Apple Orchards for Apple Picking, Hayrides and more

[Updated August 15, 2023] Did you know that North Carolina is the 7th largest apple producing state in the USA? Or that Hendersonville Apple Orchards are the most prolific apple producing orchards in the state of North Carolina?     There are a whopping 19 Hendersonville apple orchards, which is pretty amazing for a Blue … Read more

Apple Picking in Virginia: The 20 Best VA Apple Orchards to Visit

Apple Picking in Virginia

[Updated August 10, 2024] Virginia is one of the largest apple-producing states in the nation, with plenty of apple orchards scattered throughout the state. Many apple orchards in VA sell their apples locally, along the east coast, and even nationally/internationally.  While you can visit these farms and pick up pre-picked bushels, many VA apple orchards … Read more

The 15 Best Pumpkin Patches in VA to Visit for 2024

Pumpkin Patches in VA

[Updated 9/15/24] If you’re looking for the best pumpkin patches in VA, you’ll find a seemingly endless array of options to choose from in every corner of the state of Virginia.    Of course when you’re choosing a Virginia pumpkin patch, it isn’t always just about the pumpkins.   Sure, picking out a pumpkin that’s … Read more

The 10 Best Cherokee NC Campgrounds to Visit

Deep Creek Campground in Bryson City NC by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

There are many fine Cherokee NC campgrounds that make a fantastic hub for exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway is at the national park’s entrance, just 3.5 miles north of Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary. Other awesome attractions in … Read more