Blog - Page 2 of 2 - Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide

Visiting Doughton Park (Blue Ridge Parkway Mile Marker 238.5 – 244.7)

January 23, 2020January 23, 2020 by Jonathon Engels

Blue Ridges of Mountains in Doughton Park, NC

Located in North Carolina between Blue Ridge Parkway mile markers 238.5 and 244.7, Doughton Park is actually the largest recreation area along the famous road. This Blue Ridge park spans about 7,000 acres and includes picnic areas, campgrounds, an official Blue Ridge Parkway visitor center, two historic cabins, and a collection of beautiful mountain streams. … Read more Visiting Doughton Park (Blue Ridge Parkway Mile Marker 238.5 – 244.7)

Barnsley Gardens Resort Ruins: The Tragic Story Behind the Adairsville, GA Landmark

January 17, 2020 by Bret and Mary

Located in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains (45 miles southwest of Ellijay), the Barnsley Gardens Resort ruins offer a rare glimpse of the state’s pre-Civil War history. Most of Georgia’s early 19th century landmarks were destroyed during Maj. Gen. William Sherman’s march to the sea. The Union Army’s “scorched earth” approach was designed … Read more Barnsley Gardens Resort Ruins: The Tragic Story Behind the Adairsville, GA Landmark

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Vogel State Park: Camping, Hiking & History in North Georgia

January 16, 2020January 10, 2020 by Rachael Walsh

Autumn at Lake Trahlyta in Vogel State Park

Vogel State Park is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Located just 10 miles south of the quaint town of Blairsville, GA, this beloved North Georgia park is a popular place for hiking, fishing, family gatherings, and viewing the area’s spectacular fall foliage. Operational since 1931, Vogel … Read more Vogel State Park: Camping, Hiking & History in North Georgia

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Exploring the Sierra Nevada Brewery– Asheville, NC

January 9, 2020January 8, 2020 by Jonathon Engels

Sometimes when a recipe is right, it is simply right. There’s no arguing the fact that Sierra Nevada nailed its flagship beer, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, coming out of the gate. The Pale Ale flavor might be somewhat familiar these days, but that’s because most of these newbie challengers continually strive to achieve the mark … Read more Exploring the Sierra Nevada Brewery– Asheville, NC

The Cataloochee Valley Elk in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

January 7, 2020January 6, 2020 by Bret and Mary

Bull Elk in Great Smoky Mtns National Park by Betty Shelton

Created in 1934 and encompassing 522,419 acres, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in America, attracting more than 10 million travelers each year. Straddling eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for nature lovers. The most popular Great … Read more The Cataloochee Valley Elk in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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The 10 Best North Georgia State Parks

January 27, 2020January 2, 2020 by Christina Maggitas

Black Rock Mountain State Park, Blue Ridge Mountains overview

Growing up in a lower middle class family in metro Atlanta, the north Georgia mountains were our playground. My parents led the youth group at our church when I was a young boy, and I can recall countless trips hiking and camping on Blood Mountain, Springer Mountain, and Brasstown Bald (the highest point in the … Read more The 10 Best North Georgia State Parks

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The Best Downtown Asheville Restaurants

January 2, 2020December 31, 2019 by Bret and Mary

The first time we visited the city back in 2012, we were blown away by the Asheville food scene. For a 45-square-mile mountain town with a population of around 84,000, the sheer number of critically acclaimed downtown Asheville restaurants was staggering even then. As it turns out, the city is also the greenest dining destination … Read more The Best Downtown Asheville Restaurants

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Downtown Asheville, NC History: From Biltmore to the 21st Century Boom

January 7, 2020December 31, 2019 by Bret and Mary

Visiting Asheville, NC in the Blue Ridge Mountains

The essence of downtown Asheville, NC exists between two dichotomous extremes, with the outlandish opulence of the Biltmore Estate at one end of the spectrum, and grungy backpackers in a drum circle at the other. To get a feel for Asheville’s downtown area, start at Pack Square Park in the city’s heart. Named in 1900 … Read more Downtown Asheville, NC History: From Biltmore to the 21st Century Boom

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Highland Brewing: Visiting the First Asheville Brewery

December 31, 2019December 20, 2019 by Jonathon Engels

Of the many cities across America currently vying for the title of “Best Beer City,” Asheville, North Carolina has a legit claim to the crown. Asheville’s breweries list is not only extensive, but choice, from nationally recognized brands like Sierra Nevada and New Belgium to local stars like Wicked Weed and Hi-Wire. But the Highland … Read more Highland Brewing: Visiting the First Asheville Brewery