The 10 Best Restaurants in Charlottesville VA

Best Restaurants in Charlottesville VA

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just a few hours south of Washington DC, Charlottesville is widely regarded as one of the best mountain towns in Virginia. Foodies will appreciate the fact that C’ville consistently ranks in the Top 20 for having the most restaurants per capita (along with much larger cities like … Read more

Visiting the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee NC

Museum of the Cherokee Indian

On our latest Great Smoky Mountains camping trip, the Cherokee NC attraction I most looked forward to visiting was the Museum of the Cherokee People (formerly known as the Museum of the Cherokee Indian).   I hoped the museum would give me some good background on the Cherokee people. It did not disappoint, and proved to … Read more

The 10 Best Romantic Getaways in Georgia for Couples

Best Romantic Getaways in Georgia for Couples

Romantic getaways in GA can take on just about any size or shape a couple could want. Whether you’re looking for romantic getaways in North Georgia, diving into the rich cultural offerings of metro Atlanta, or couples retreats in GA’s small historic towns, the Peach State has a myriad of options to choose from. There … Read more

The 10 Best Things to Do in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia

Things to do in Shenandoah Valley Virginia

We love our home in Harrisonburg VA because it’s close to so many wonderful Shenandoah Valley attractions and activities. Nature lovers and history buffs alike flock to this area all year-round for the national parks, vibrant Blue Ridge Mountain towns, and the plethora of festivals and activities. The Shenandoah Valley begins about 90 miles west of … Read more

Exploring Reynolda Village in Winston-Salem NC

Reynolda House at Reynolda Village in Winston Salem NC

If you find yourself looking for fun things to do in Winston Salem NC, look no further than Reynolda Village.   Of all the Winston-Salem attractions we’ve visited, Reynolda Village is definitely among our favorites.    We could easily spend an entire weekend there shopping, dining at local restaurants, walking the historic grounds, taking in … Read more

The 8 Best Train Rides in the Smoky Mountains of NC & TN

Riding the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad in Bryson City NC- Lake Fontana Train Trestle

The Smoky Mountains are renowned for their spectacular natural beauty. And in our experience, there’s no better way to see them than by taking a Great Smoky Mountains train ride. Train rides have a rich history in the Southeastern US, and carry a rich sense of nostalgia that bridges generations.  Sadly, many old passenger trains have … Read more

Visiting Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center in Waynesville NC

Perfect Sunset on Lake Junaluska in Waynesville NC

Ever since spending my boyhood summers on Lake Hartwell in North Georgia, I’ve become a lifelong lover of the myriad beautiful lakes in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Named after early 19th century Cherokee leader Chief Junaluska, Lake Junaluska NC is one of the oldest man-made lakes in North Carolina. The Lake Junaluska Dam on Richland … Read more

10 Must-Visit Blue Ridge Mountain Resorts for 2024

Best Blue Ridge Mountain resorts NC

Blue Ridge Mountain resorts come in all shapes and sizes.  Some upscale luxury resorts in the Blue Ridge Mountains focus on foodie-friendly restaurants, outstanding golf courses, and top-notch spas.  My favorite mountain resorts go all-in on the rustic feel, offering breathtaking scenic vistas, hiking trails and/or waterfalls. Of course, there are also Blue Ridge Mountain ski resorts for … Read more

The 10 Best Georgia Mountain Towns to Visit

Best Mountain Towns in Georgia

There are lots of quaint Georgia mountain towns that offer Southern hospitality, and spectacular views, with Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains vistas stretching for miles.  The mountains in Georgia are a playground for nature lovers, with fun activities ranging from amazing hiking trails and waterfalls to river tubing, kayaking, horseback riding, zip lining, and more.  After … Read more

10 Fun Things to Do During Winter in Virginia

Shenandoah National Park during Winter in Virginia

Winter weather in Virginia varies greatly, depending on whether you’re in the Virginia mountains or along the coast. But, as longtime VA residents, we generally find the Virginia climate agreeable– not too hot, and not too cold. So Winter activities in Virginia can run the gamut from snow skiing and snowboarding at mountain resorts to … Read more