The history of the Blue Ridge Mountains is riddled with Appalachian folklore. They range from various age-old superstitions to mythical monsters such as Bigfoot, Mothman, and the Snallygaster, a half-bird, half-reptile chimera that reportedly terrorized 18th century German immigrants. One of the more famous Appalachian folktales involves the mysterious Brown Mountain lights, eerie “ghost lights” … Read more
[Updated August 9, 2021] Cities like Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, Ellijay, and Helen have all earned accolades among the most beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain towns in GA. But after our visits to the city of Clayton, Georgia, we believe this gem of Northeast Georgia also deserves a place near the top of that list. The extensive … Read more
The city of Roanoke VA has no shortage of great restaurants to choose from. With a population of around 100,000 people– the largest of the mountain towns along the Blue Ridge Parkway– there are eateries of every ilk to satisfy any possible craving you could have. My wife Emma and I have been devoted vegans for … Read more
[Updated Aug 6, 2021] It’s not hard to imagine why so many people love to retreat into the Blue Ridge Mountains, which stretch 550 miles from North Georgia to southern Pennsylvania. Between the breathtaking views and outdoor adventures that await around almost every turn, there’s something mesmerizing about exploring such majestic terrain. The towns that are … Read more
When autumn rolls around there are tons of fun activities and annual traditions to look forward to. But you could argue that none are quite as iconic as picking out the perfect pumpkin for the season. Whether you’re looking forward to spending an evening carving jack-o-lanterns, making your favorite pumpkin recipes, or creating a unique … Read more
Widely known as “Georgia’s Alpine Village,” Helen is a beautiful mountain town that offers a charming bit of Bavaria in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Although the town is relatively small (2.17 square miles, population around 600), travelers come from all over to experience a taste of the Alps in the southern Appalachians. Although the … Read more
[Updated August 3, 2021] The Blue Ridge Mountain town of Boone NC is best-known for its Christmas tree farms and outdoor recreation opportunities, offering everything from mountain biking and rock climbing to whitewater rafting and snow skiing. The county seat of Watauga County has a population of around 20,000, which is pretty big for the Western … Read more
Home to the five tallest peaks east of the Mississippi, countless waterfalls, adventurous hiking trails, bustling mountain towns, and spectacular scenery, the North Carolina mountains have practically everything you could want if you’re looking for a nature getaway. After a full day of exploring the great outdoors, you’ll obviously need a place to come back … Read more
[Updated July 26, 2021] From the soaring summits of Blood Mountain and Brasstown Bald to the cascades of enchanting waterfalls like Anna Ruby and Amicalola, there’s no shortage of impressive natural attractions in North Georgia. The terrain of the state’s dynamic Blue Ridge Mountains are filled with beauty and plenty of history. Thanks to an … Read more
“Why’d it have to be snakes?!?!” This memorable line– spoken by Indiana Jones in the 1984 classic Raiders of the Lost Ark– reveals a bizarre truth. Even a badass, jungle-roaming, whip-cracking Nazi hunter can have an irrational fear of slithering reptiles. Just hearing the word “snake” can evoke feelings of fear in otherwise intrepid adventurers. Which … Read more