[Updated January 3, 2024] Though the tourist season may have its peaks and valleys, the North Carolina mountains are truly a nature-lover’s playground 365 days a year. But you could make an argument that winter is the most magical time to visit the mountains of North Carolina. The crowds are smaller, the rates are cheaper, and … Read more
Summer in North Carolina is simply glorious, with lots of lakes, swimming holes, river tubing, and waterfalls to explore. And the spectacular beauty of fall in North Carolina is truly breathtaking. But winter in NC most certainly does not spell the end of all the outdoor fun. The climate of North Carolina is quite varied, and the … Read more
Whether you’re planning a girls’ trip, a family vacation, or a romantic getaway, visiting wineries in Virginia is a great way to see the beauty of my home state. You’ll find an abundance of great options all along the Virginia wine trails, from wineries in large mountain towns like Charlottesville and Roanoke to small towns in the … Read more
[Updated September 26, 2022] Sometimes a couple of days spent out in nature, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, is just what the doctor ordered for those who want to decompress from the stress of everyday life. The forests and mountains surrounding the town of Blue Ridge GA offer an abundance of … Read more
Tips for the best campgrounds in the North Carolina mountains, with info on campground facilities as wells as nearby trails & attractions.
[Updated 9/16/22] The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains may not have the jaw-dropping 13,000- to 14,000-foot peaks you’ll find in the Rockies of Colorado or Utah, but there are actually numerous great places to go snow skiing in North Carolina. There are impressive options for skiing near Asheville, not to mention top-flight North Carolina ski resorts … Read more
From a visitor’s standpoint, Bryson City is the ideal of what Western NC small towns can be: It’s walkable, wild, and packed with a mixture of wonder and whimsy. The town is perched on the southern boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a few miles from Lake Fontana, and just as near to Nantahala National Forest. … Read more
One of the most popular places on our Best Hiking Trails in North Georgia Bucket List, the Preachers Rock Trail is located approximately 18 miles north of Dahlonega GA. The 2-mile trek from Woody Gap to Preachers Rock is part of the Appalachian Trail, with the trailhead less than 2 miles from the small town … Read more
[Updated Sept 19, 2024] Straddling the boundary of North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses over 500,000 acres and is the most visited of all the U.S. National Parks. Part of it is located in the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee people, who occupied the territory prior to the 1830s … Read more
Whether you have your own horses or are new to riding horses, these are the top places for horseback riding in (and near) Asheville NC.
