[Updated November 5, 2024] Growing up in North Georgia, you couldn’t drive very far into the Blue Ridge Mountains without seeing the famous “SEE ROCK CITY” signs painted on barns, birdhouses, and more. And yet, for some odd reason, my family never visited Rock City Gardens, which has been a popular Chattanooga-area attraction for 90 … Read more
[Updated November 16, 2023] As a boy growing up in the North Georgia suburbs east of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park (the state’s most-visited tourist attraction) was a huge part of my childhood. So when I grew up and had a daughter, visiting Stone Mountain for its fun festivals (including the Pumpkin Festival and Stone Mountain Highland … Read more
[Updated December 9, 2022] The Western North Carolina mountains have practically everything you could possibly want if you’re looking for a back-to-nature getaway. Home to the five tallest mountains east of the Mississippi, countless cascading waterfalls, adventurous hiking trails, and bustling mountain towns, the region offers beautiful scenery every which way you turn. After a full day … Read more
The state of North Carolina has developed a reputation as THE place for good beer on the East Coast. The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and the hipster haven of Asheville have even managed to attract craft brewing royalty such as Sierra Nevada and New Belgium. Outside of Asheville (a.k.a. “Beer City”), the small towns of Western … Read more
When it comes to skiing and snowboarding mountains in the Southeastern U.S., North Carolina is easily the best option available. But, that’s not to say that snowboarding in North Carolina is some rinky-dink undertaking. There are some serious slopes for snowboarding NC! Remember, all of the tallest mountains east of the Rockies are in the … Read more
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular of all the national parks in the United States. And if you’re looking for unspoiled natural beauty, it’s arguably the best place to visit in the Smoky Mountains. But when it comes to the holiday season, the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains in … Read more
[Updated Nov 20, 2024] ***The 2024 Grove Park Inn Gingerbread House Competition has been temporarily replaced it with a “SUGAR & SPICE STROLL THROUGH ASHEVILLE,” due to Hurricane Helene. For 2024, 45+ talented bakers will bring stunning gingerbread creations to be displayed for visitors and locals alike, both at the resort and other local businesses, throughout … Read more
[Updated November 16, 2023] Although Mary and I have been working as a travel writer/photographer team for over a decade now, we always make sure we’re home in time to spend Christmas in Georgia. Growing up in Atlanta, with extended family who lived far north of the city, I was blessed with so many … Read more
[Updated October 27, 2024] During the Christmas holidays, there are countless things to do in the Blue Ridge Mountains region, which stretches from the state of Georgia all the way north to Pennsylvania. Honestly, it’s hard to narrow down myriad ways you could celebrate Christmas in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains … Read more
[Updated October 19, 2023] When the “most wonderful time of the year” finally arrives, nothing gets us in the holiday spirit quite like watching millions of colorful twinkling lights. Whether we’re driving through an epic 5-mile attraction or strolling along on foot while enjoying a cup of hot cocoa, looking at Georgia Christmas lights is … Read more
