North Carolina, nicknamed the “the Tar Heel State,” is filled with a rich history of colonial heritage, Appalachian culture, and noteworthy natural landmarks. Encompassing 53,819 square miles, the state’s diverse landscape ranges from coastal plains and fertile Piedmont to placid mountain lakes and towering mountains that are perfect for snow skiing and snow tubing. Although … Read more
[Updated January 13, 2022] The first time we visited the city back in 2012, we were absolutely blown away by the Asheville food scene. For a 45-square-mile mountain town with a population of around 84,000, the sheer number of critically acclaimed downtown Asheville restaurants was staggering even then. As it turns out, the city is … Read more
[Updated 1/12/2022] The city of Roanoke VA has no shortage of great restaurants to choose from. With a population of around 100,000 people– the largest of the many mountain towns along the Blue Ridge Parkway– there are eateries of every ilk to satisfy any possible craving you could have. My wife Emma and I have been … Read more
The Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia offer a rich, biodiverse terrain with lots of mountain streams, waterfalls, high-altitude meadows, and extensive forests. It’s a perfectly fertile place for the beautiful Virginia wildflowers to flourish. Not only is this an ideal setting for catching amazing scenic vistas and spotting wildlife, but the many microclimates found within the … Read more
There are almost 900 caverns and caves in North Carolina, most of which are located in either the mountains of Western North Carolina or the NC piedmont. But only a few of them are open to the public. That being said, the accessible caves in NC are an impressive collection. Better still, these NC caves are … Read more
From the historic Smith House Inn and Old Storehouse Inn to Barefoot Hills and the Mountain Laurel Creek Inn & Spa, there are lots of different hotels in Dahlonega GA for visitors to choose from. But for our money, the Forrest Hills Mountain Resort & Conference Center ranks among the best places to stay in … Read more
Nothing quite ups the ante on a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains like nestling in beside a beautiful mountain lake. In our eyes, Virginia lakes are some of the most remarkable in the nation. The lakes of Virginia– particularly those in the western reaches of the state- tend to be geared towards tourists, with … Read more
Asheville, North Carolina is a special place where the excitement of city life and the thrill of outdoor adventure collide to offer a Blue Ridge mountain town with a seemingly endless list of things to do. In the city, there are countless critically-acclaimed restaurants, an impressive number of quality breweries, and the bustling cultural hotspot … Read more
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains about 25 miles southwest of Helen, Dahlonega is one of the oldest mountain towns in North Georgia. The small town of around 7,500 residents is best known as the site of the 1828 Georgia gold rush, which predated the California gold rush by 21 years and … Read more
[Updated December 28, 2021] Asheville NC’s reputation as a forward-thinking, nature-loving town in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains precedes it. Despite being only the 12th largest city in the state, Asheville still ranks among the most popular tourist destinations in North Carolina. In addition to the famous Biltmore Estate, the mountain town has … Read more