Whether it’s the haunting blue eyes of the Moon-Eyed People, the mysterious Brown Mountain Lights, the hellish Mothman of Point Pleasant WV, or ubiquitous sightings of Bigfoot, many people find themselves drawn to things that are seemingly inexplicable, eerie, and often outright terrifying. If such spine-tingling tales get your pulse pounding, you’ll find that Appalachian folklore offers … Read more
When we started BRMTG in 2020, our mission was to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains in search of our future mountain home, then share our favorite places with our readers. Though our ability to travel that first year was limited by COVID concerns, we’ve managed to visit nearly 50 different mountain towns since travel restrictions … Read more
[Updated March 9, 2023] There are over 400 species of birds in North Carolina, including native and migratory species. This makes the state a great place for enthusiastic birders as well as less knowledgeable novices who enjoy watching wildlife. With 41 NC state parks, 10 national parks, and 4 national forests in the state, the … Read more
Known as “the Apple Capital of Georgia” for its ample apple-picking opportunities and apple-themed fall festivals, Ellijay has become one of the most popular mountain towns in Georgia. The weather in Ellijay is perfect for apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and wineries. And it’s close to both the town of Blue Ridge GA and the vast Cohutta Wilderness, so … Read more
There are nearly 500 species of birds in Virginia, including native species and migratory visitors. For fans of the feather– whether novices or serious birders– that makes for a lot of Virginia birds to spot. Home to 41 state parks, 22 national parks, and over 1.6 million acres of national forests, the state of Virginia … Read more
We’ve been fortunate enough to drive the entire 469-mile length of the Blue Ridge Parkway several times over the past two years. And though the world-famous scenic route boasts plenty of highlights, the Peaks of Otter (Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 86) stands out among our favorite BRP attractions. Located 11 miles north of Bedford VA … Read more
[Updated February 20, 2023] When it comes to snakes in North Carolina, some people have a deep, abiding fear that no amount of practical knowledge can subdue. In their eyes, a snake is a snake, and any snake is dangerous. Unfortunately, this results in a dead snake much more frequently than a bitten person. Some … Read more
[Updated 2/20/2023] You may have learned a little bit about the state of Georgia in school, or perhaps from your travels to the state. Some of the more commonly known Georgia facts include that the state was one of the original 13 colonies, the birthplace of former US President Jimmy Carter, and that Hartsfield-Jackson International … Read more
The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains stretch approximately 550 miles, from North Georgia to southern Pennsylvania. But the State of Virginia is home to 300+ linear miles of mountains, which cover the western side of the state from Bristol north to Winchester. Within the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia you’ll find a stellar array of attractions, including Shenandoah … Read more
Deep within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, at an elevation of 2,200 feet, the Smokemont Campground is a must-see for anyone wanting a true Smoky Mountains camping experience. Located along Newfound Gap road, just a few miles from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and myriad other activities and attractions, Smokemont offers a perfectly secluded spot for … Read more