Exploring the Mt Pisgah Campground in Canton NC

Mount Pisgah Overlook

If you’re eager to spend time at one of the best campgrounds near Canton NC, look no further than the ever-popular Mt Pisgah Campground. Located at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 408.8, at an impressive elevation of 4,980 feet, this particular Pisgah campground is in a perfect spot for exploring the surrounding areas. Camping in the Pisgah … Read more

The 10 Best Things to Do in Franklin NC & Macon County

Downtown Franklin- Best Things to do in Franklin NC & Macon County Lead

We’ve explored more than 50 different Blue Ridge Mountain towns over the last few years. Thanks to research skills I’ve developed over 25+ years as a professional travel writer, it’s pretty rare for a place to surprise me in the way Franklin NC did. Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, just 2 … Read more

The 15 Best Things to Do in Maggie Valley NC

Maggie Valley NC Seen From Ghost Town in the Sky

[Updated May 22, 2023] Located about halfway between Bryson City and Asheville, Maggie Valley NC is a small mountain town with something of a split personality.  The town has been home to colorful characters such as bluegrass legend Raymond Fairchild, bootlegger Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton, and Deliverance actor Herbert “Cowboy” Coward (who got his start at the … Read more

25 Fun Facts About Tennessee History and Culture

Tennessee State Facts

If you’ve ever wondered, “What is Tennessee known for?” the answer is, well, quite a lot of things! In fact, there’s a huge list of fun facts about Tennessee, including important Cherokee and Civil War history, Tennessee landmarks, famous Tennessee celebrities, and more.  This beautiful state is home to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the … Read more

The 30 Best Day Trips From Atlanta GA

Clayton GA seen from Black Rock Mountain State Park Visitor Center

[Updated May 16, 2023] As a lifelong metro Atlanta resident, I’ve always felt that the natural beauty of the state of Georgia is vastly underrated. In my experience, even locals tend to forget the amazing amount of green space we’re blessed with, which offers endless excellent opportunities for recreation and ecotourism adventures. But taking day … Read more

The 10 Best Hotels in Ellijay GA & Gilmer County

Hotels in Ellijay Georgia

Although it has a population of less than 2,000 residents, Ellijay GA is the seat of Gilmer County. It’s a town so nice that President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalyn, had a second home there. Ellijay is located about 22 miles north of the southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountains, at the confluence of … Read more

Where are the Blue Ridge Mountains? A State-by-State Guide

Blue Ridge Mountains North Carolina - Sunset at Jump Off Rock in Hendersonville NC

“Where are the Blue Ridge Mountains?” is a question we get fairly often, and it’s understandable why so many people are confused by the geographical definition of the region.  Stretching 550 miles from North Georgia to Southern Pennsylvania, the Blue Ridge Mountain range is part of the larger Appalachian Mountain range. So all Blue Ridge … Read more