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
The 15 Best Things to Do in Hiawassee GA & Young Harris GA
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains less than 4 miles from the border with North Carolina, Hiawassee GA is a relatively small town (2.07 square miles) on the shores of Lake Chatuge. Known as “Georgia’s Lake and Mountain Paradise,” the town was named after the Cherokee word Ayuhwasi, which means meadow. It was settled circa 1820, … Read more
The 10 Best Restaurants in Ellijay GA for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Located west of the Chattahoochee National Forest, about 15 miles southwest of Blue Ridge, Ellijay is widely considered one of the best places to live in the Georgia mountains. The moderate elevation and temperate climate make it a perfect place for apple orchards, farms, and wineries. And of course, wherever there are fresh fruits and … Read more
25 Best Things to Do in Boone NC (Blue Ridge Parkway MM 291.8)
[Updated January 9, 2023] Located just a couple of hours north of downtown Asheville, the town of Boone NC is the county seat for Watauga County. This hub of North Carolina’s High Country is a slice of the Blue Ridge Mountains that’s choc-a-block with outdoor activities and other attractions. Boone was named for American pioneer/explorer … Read more