The 25 Best Pumpkin Patches in NC

Pumpkin Patch in North Carolina

[Updated 8/6/2023] 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, baking pumpkin pies, or creating unique seasonal … Read more

The 20 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the Smoky Mountains

Fall color Smoky Mountains

Autumn annually amazes western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee visitors with fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains. In our experience, the best scenic views in the Smoky Mountains can rival any place in the world. And autumn is arguably the best time to visit the Smoky Mountains. Forests on these peaks are thick with deciduous hardwood trees … Read more

The 10 Best Things to Do in Staunton VA

Things to do in Staunton VA

Located 16 miles west of the Blue Ridge Parkway (and just 11 miles west of Waynesboro), the lively town of Staunton VA is teeming with art, theater, music, and Southern hospitality. Known as “the Queen City of the Shenandoah Valley,” Staunton was settled in 1732, incorporated in 1801, and has grown to a population of over 25,000 … Read more

The 20 Best Overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Fall

Blue Ridge Parkway in the Fall, Chestnut Cove Overlook

The Blue Ridge Mountains are famed for their stirring scenic vistas, and the Blue Ridge Parkway in Fall is arguably the crème de la crème.  My wife Emma and I both have October birthdays, and autumn is our favorite time of year for many reasons. As avid gardeners, it means the fruits of our labors … Read more

The 20 Best Corn Mazes in Georgia (Haunted Mazes, Kids Mazes & More)

Corn Maze in GA

[Updated July 26, 2023] As the temperatures cool and the colors of autumn begin to emerge in the Blue Ridge Mountains, you may find yourself longing to explore the myriad fall festivities and corn mazes in Georgia.  The season brings with it all sorts of fun activities, from apple picking and choosing the perfect pumpkin to … Read more

The Best Lake Day Gear & Accessories for Summer

Lake Day

My lady and I are HUGE lake day lovers, and have been for years.  Since travel is work for us, a day at the lake feels like a vacation, with time for swimming, enjoying a lake float, grilling food, watching birds and butterflies, and just hanging out with friends and family.  We’ve been going to Lake … Read more

The 10 Best Restaurants in Harrisonburg VA to Visit

The view from the Ridge Room, one of the best restaurants in Harrisonburg VA

Surrounded by an array of farms, orchards, and wineries, Harrisonburg is Virginia’s first official culinary district. The sheer variety of places to eat in Harrisonburg VA is truly astounding for a town of around 51,000 people. There are 80+ locally-owned restaurants that showcase the best farm-to-table food in the Shenandoah Valley region.  With more than … Read more

The 15 Most Haunted Places in Tennessee to Visit

Most Haunted Places in Tennessee

You don’t have to look far to find a company offering to take you on Tennessee ghost tours, simply because there seems to be endless accounts of ghostly goings-on and haunted places in Tennessee.   The best haunted attractions in Tennessee range from hair-raising hotels, hospitals, and haunted houses to jitter-inducing jails and thrilling theaters.   … Read more