The 10 Best Places to Go White Water Rafting in North Carolina
The 10 Best Places to Go White Water Rafting in North Carolina including a list of outfitters, locations, rapid classes, tours, & fees.
The 10 Best Restaurants in Hiawassee GA & Young Harris GA
Hiawassee GA is a tiny town of around 1,000 residents that’s located right on the North Carolina border. Pretty much everything in Hiawassee is centered around Lake Chatuge (which it shares with the town of Hayesville NC), which is widely considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the region. The neighboring town of Young … Read more
Review of Aloft in the Smokies: Downtown Bryson City NC Cabins
When we started the Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide in 2019, we had two major goals in mind. The first was to explore the countless Blue Ridge Mountain towns in-depth, and share all our favorite things we experienced while rediscovering the simple pleasures of small town Americana. The second was to find our future home in the … Read more
Kayaking in North Carolina: The 10 Best Rivers to Paddle
Kayaking in North Carolina: The 10 Best Western North Carolina Rivers to Paddle, includes the best kayak launch spots and local outfitters.
Camping in Asheville NC: The 15 Best Campgrounds to Visit
Asheville is beloved for its progressive vibe, anchored in a love of culture and arts, an array of lip-smacking restaurants, and surrounded by some of the most beautiful nature in the country. Camping near Asheville, North Carolina is as big of a draw as the city itself. Within an hour’s drive of downtown Asheville, it’s … Read more
The Moon Eyed People & Other Cherokee Legends
When we explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, we’re lucky enough to get a chance to experience the rich culture of the Cherokee Indians. The mountains offer a glimpse into their unique world, which is full of mythological stories and supernatural beings. Many of the supernatural beings in Cherokee legends mingle with humans, or even part … Read more
10 Best Cherokee NC Restaurants for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Choosing the best restaurants in Cherokee NC is an interesting challenge. Most major tourist towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains– such as Asheville NC, Blue Ridge GA, and Roanoke VA– offer a wide array of upscale, chef-driven restaurants with their own signature culinary flair. But the majority of the restaurants in Cherokee and the Qualla … Read more
Apple Picking in North Carolina: The 15 Best NC Apple Orchards
[Updated Aug 30, 2025] Most people know Western North Carolina for its beautiful Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests, beloved NC state parks, charming Blue Ridge mountain towns, and scenic routes like the Blue Ridge Parkway and Forest Heritage Scenic Byway. But what may surprise some visitors is the abundance of apple orchards you can find … Read more
Autumn at Land of Oz: A Wizard of Oz Theme Park Near Banner Elk NC (2024)
[Updated 6/11/24] Every year in September, visitors to the NC High Country have a rare opportunity to explore the child-like dreamland of a Wizard of Oz theme park. Tucked away in the small town of Beech Mountain NC, the Land of Oz welcomes guests with costumed characters, vibrantly colored plants, delicious treats, and beautiful views of … Read more
The 24 Best Pumpkin Patches in Georgia to Visit
[Updated 8/16/2023] When the autumn leaves begin to transform into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, many avid “leaf peepers” start getting excited about all the fun activities where you can experience Fall in Georgia. From apple picking and corn mazes in Georgia to simply enjoying the exquisite natural beauty of the Blue Ridge … Read more