Visiting the Peaks of Otter Lodge & Campground in Bedford VA

Peaks of Otter Lodge & Abbott Lake in Bedford VA

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

Non-Venomous vs Venomous Snakes in North Carolina (ID Guide)

Red-bellied Watersnake

[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

45 Fun Facts About Georgia State History, Culture & More

Atlanta Georgia

[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

10 Best Virginia Mountain Towns to Visit

Downtown Lexington VA

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

Exploring the Smokemont Campground in Cherokee NC

Bradley Fork Trail Smokemont Campground in Cherokee NC

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

25 Beautiful Birds of Georgia

Birds of GA - Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

[Updated on February 16, 2023] The state of Georgia is filled with a variety of natural habitats, ranging from fertile Piedmont and hardwood forest to coastal beaches and the rolling hills of the North Georgia mountains.  Soaring above it all, there are more than 300 different species of birds in Georgia! Some of these fascinating flyers find … Read more

North Carolina Wildflowers Guide (& Where to See Them in Western NC)

North Carolina Wildflowers

[Updated February 16, 2023]  Western North Carolina is truly stacked with natural beauty. From the misty hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the towering trees of Pisgah National Forest to the countless waterfalls scattered throughout the area, it’s easy to find yourself awestruck by the scenery that greets you nearly every which way you turn.  … Read more

20 Best Things to Do in Bryson City NC & Swain County

Downtown Bryson City seen from the Oconaluftee Loft Balcony

[Updated February 13, 2023] Bryson City is surrounded by Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the north, Fontana Lake to the west, Cherokee NC to the east, and the Nantahala National Forest to the south.  So even a shortlist of the best things to do in Bryson City NC could include dozens of exciting activities … Read more

30 Fun Facts About Virginia State History and Culture

Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway in VA b

The state of Virginia packs seemingly endless natural beauty and historic sites into its 42,775 square miles, including the Jamestown Settlement and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Add to that the state’s rich culinary, local music, and visual art scenes, and you have a wealth of fascinating and fun facts about Virginia to discover.  Founded in 1788, this … Read more

The 15 Best Bryson City Restaurants for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Bar at the Everett Hotel Bistro, one of the best restaurants in Bryson City NC

[Updated February 11, 2023] Compared to burgeoning mountain towns like Asheville NC and Roanoke VA, Bryson City is a fairly small town encompassing just 2.3 square miles, with a population of around 1800 people.  But the town, which is known as “the Gateway to the Great Smokies,” offers an exceptional array of things to do, … Read more