The 15 Best Cabin Rentals in Bryson City NC

Eagles Nest - Bryson City cabin rental

Bryson City is a charming little mountain town that’s packed full of outdoor adventure.  To the north, you’ll find Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with ever-popular attractions such as Mingus Mill, Deep Creek waterfalls, the Road to Nowhere, Newfound Gap, and Clingman’s Dome.  To the west is Fontana Lake, to the east is Cherokee NC, and the … Read more

Visiting the Dahlonega Gold Museum in Dahlonega GA

Dahlonega Gold Museum in Dahlonega GA

Located in the mountain town of Dahlonega, the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site chronicles the discovery of gold in Georgia and the pivotal role it played in the history of Georgia.  Gold was first discovered in Lumpkin County in 1828, and it triggered the first major gold rush in the country by 1829. (There … Read more

The 10 Best North Carolina Distilleries to Visit

NC Distilleries - South Mountain-Donald Smith

An important aspect of North Carolina’s state history, NC moonshine is filled with legends, folklore, and lots of liquor. In short, NC distilleries are something of a cultural institution. North Carolina auto racing heroes like Junior Johnson are reputed to have developed their formidable driving skills while running bootleg liquor. This morphed into stock car … Read more

The Ultimate Ocoee River Rafting Guide

Located in Southeast Tennessee, the Ocoee River is a 93-mile river that flows northwest through the southern Appalachian Mountains. It’s known as the Toccoa River in the state of Georgia, where it passes through the towns of Blue Ridge and McCaysville. The river is world-renowned for its Class III-V rapids, which served as the dramatic … Read more

The 20 Best Things to Do in North GA in July 2022

Things to do in North GA in July

Although many people wait for the fall colors to reach their peak, summer is truly prime time for visiting the North Georgia mountains. The Chattahoochee National Forest is lush and green, the temperatures are 5º to 10º cooler than they are in metro Atlanta, and the myriad lakes and waterfalls offer excellent options for cooling … Read more

Hiking the Deep Creek Trail to 3 Waterfalls in Bryson City NC

Bridge on the Deep Creek Trail in Bryson City NC

Spanning more than half a million acres, Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. Averaging over 14 million visitors a year, GSMNP is the most visited of all the US National Parks. The park was commissioned by the US Congress in 1934, and officially dedicated in 1940 by President … Read more

The 10 Best Apple Orchards in Ellijay, Georgia

Ellijay GA Apple Orchards

There are dozens of charming Blue Ridge Mountain towns in North Georgia, each of which has a certain something for which they are widely renowned. For example, Helen GA is known for its Alpine-influenced architecture and Bavarian-style restaurants. Dahlonega GA is known for being the site of the first major U.S. Gold Rush, while Blue Ridge GA is … Read more

The 20 Best Things to Do in Blowing Rock NC

Mary at The Blowing Rock Attraction in Blowing Rock NC

[Updated June 14, 2022] Known as the “Crown of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” Blowing Rock NC is widely regarded as one of the most charming North Carolina villages.  Located in the NC High Country 10 miles south of Boone and 24 miles east of Banner Elk, the town of Blowing Rock was established in 1889. … Read more