[Updated March 1919, 2023] There is nothing quite like getting to the end of a 90º+ day of working outside to remind you to appreciate the many high-quality NC swimming holes. I’m writing this at 7:45 PM in the middle of June, still waiting for the temperature outside to fall below 80º. Summer doesn’t even … Read more
Helen is one of the most popular Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in Georgia, drawing some 3 million visitors to the tiny 2.11-sq-mile Alpine town every year. From family-friendly tourist attractions and annual festivals (including the largest Oktoberfest celebration outside Germany) to two Georgia State Parks and myriad natural attractions, there’s a lot to love about … Read more
[Updated March 16, 2023] Originally best known as the site of the 1828 Georgia Gold Rush, Dahlonega has since become a major tourism hotspot in the North Georgia Mountains. Although it’s a relatively small town of around 7,500 residents, its diverse array of shops, restaurants, wineries, and historical attractions draws visitors all year-round. Dahlonega also … Read more
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is so studded with outstanding attractions (including myriad hiking trails and waterfalls), it can be difficult to know which ones to prioritize during your visit. From hiking to the top of Clingman’s Dome and spotting the Cataloochee Valley Elk to visiting Mingus Mill and exploring the Mountain Farm Museum at the Oconaluftee Visitor … Read more
The state of Virginia is blessed with a splendid selection of landscapes to explore, from the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Dismal Swamp to Virginia Beach. Nothing makes me feel immersed in the natural beauty of these beautiful Virginia attractions quite like camping. I love watching the light change throughout the day, the sensation of cool morning … Read more
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
[Updated March 8, 2023] 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 … 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
