The Best Restaurants in Burnsville NC For Foodies

Homeplace Beer Company Restaurant in Burnsville NC

Located at an elevation of 2,825 feet, with a total area of 1.598 square miles, Burnsville is a relatively small North Carolina mountain town surrounded by some of the largest peaks in the eastern United States.  Standing in the shadow of the 6,684-foot-tall Mount Mitchell and located 20 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, Burnsville … Read more

Appalachian Folklore, Monsters and Superstitions

Sasquatch aka. Bigfoot - Appalachian legends and folktales

Stretching from Alabama and North Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian mountain range was formed millions of years ago before being settled by Native Americans and, later, Scots-Irish, English, German, and Polish immigrants. Since settling in the mountains in the 18th and 19th centuries, Appalachian people have developed a unique blend of cultures that has its own … Read more

8 Great Wineries in Dahlonega GA

Dahlonega Winery

One of the oldest Blue Ridge Mountain towns in Georgia, Dahlonega has grown into a major tourism hotspot in the North Georgia mountains. Originally best known as the site of the 1828 Georgia Gold Rush, Dahlonega is now beloved for its diverse array of outdoor activities, historical attractions, festivals, shops, restaurants, and wineries! It’s also … Read more

The 52 Best Hikes in North Carolina for the 52 Hikes Challenge

For those looking to take on a unique physical challenge, dive into some mental clarity, and explore a beautiful state, we’ve assembled a great list of the best hikes in North Carolina. The worldwide 52 Hike Challenge encourages participants to tackle 52 hiking trails over the course of the year, essentially completing one a week. But … Read more

Exploring the Utterly Unique Rock Garden in Calhoun GA

City of Bethlehem at Calhoun Rock Garden

The Rock Garden in Calhoun, Georgia was intended to be a quick stop on our way home after spending several days in Cloudland Canyon State Park and James H Floyd State Park.  We didn’t know much about the place, other than the fact that it was a quirky attraction, and it was located about 7 … Read more

The 25 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes for NC Day Trips

Beacon Heights Blue Ridge Parkway Overlook Fall

[Updated on March 9, 2022] The Blue Ridge Parkway road trip is truly an American classic. It’s possible to traverse the entire 469-mile route on rubber alone, stopping at some of the 200+ Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks for those famously breathtaking mountain views, without ever breaking a sweat. The list of the area’s natural attractions … Read more

Visiting the Chetola Resort, Lodge & Spa in Blowing Rock NC

Timberlakes Restaurant at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock NC

After driving the Blue Ridge Parkway stretch between Downtown Asheville and Boone NC 4 to 5 times in the last two years, it’s become clear that the North Carolina High Country is one of the our favorite places in the world.  From Craggy Gardens and Mount Mitchell to Linville Falls, Linville Gorge, and Grandfather Mountain, this … Read more

Hungry Mother State Park Cabins, Camping & Hiking Trails

Hungry Mother State Park Lake in VA

Hungry Mother State Park is one of the six original Virginia State Parks in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It includes over 3,300 acres of wilderness, as well as a 108-acre mountain lake. The park’s unusual name comes from the legend of a pioneer woman, Molly Marley, and her child. After being captured by Native Americans, … Read more