The 10 Best Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park

Mary Gabbett at Shenandoah National Park Overlook

Shenandoah National Park attracts nearly 2 million visitors a year, encompasses nearly 200,000 acres of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, and is home to the impressively scenic, 105-mile Skyline Drive. It’s a marvelous place with amazing overlooks of the surrounding wilderness. Some of the exposed rocks in Shenandoah National Park date back a billion years. Looming … Read more

Visiting the Graystone Lodge in Boone NC

Graystone Lodge - Places to stay in Boone NC

Boone NC is one of our favorite mountain towns. And since my wife Emma and I live about an hour north (right off the Blue Ridge Parkway), we usually visit Boone every month or so. Downtown Boone has a great vibe, with good restaurants, cool shops, and fantastic walking routes. We also love the fact … Read more

40 NC Mountain Towns Officially Open to Visitors (As of 10/29/24)

Downtown Asheville NC

Those of you who follow our BRMTG Facebook page know we’ve been keeping active tabs on the recovery efforts of the myriad Blue Ridge Mountain towns that were negatively impacted by Hurricane Helene. It has only been a few weeks since the devastating storm wreaked havoc in the region, with historic flooding and landslides impacting dozens of … Read more

The 10 Best Rental Cabins in Shenandoah Valley VA

Restored Buchanan Log Cabin Shenandoah Valley VA

The Shenandoah Valley is a breathtaking region of Virginia, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Appalachian Mountains, and the Potomac and James Rivers. In addition to natural beauty, this fertile valley is also rich in Virginia mountain towns, traditional Appalachian culture, and endless outdoor adventures. As a base for your exploration of the area, what … Read more

The 10 Best Things to Do in Hayesville NC

Historic Town Square in Hayesville NC-LEAD

Located near the northern shores of Lake Chatuge, just 10 miles north of Hiawassee GA, Hayesville NC is a tiny North Carolina mountain town with a population of less than 500 people.  With the Hiwassee River cutting through the town’s eastern edge, this area has long been settled by indigenous people. The South Appalachian Mississippian culture … Read more

10 Fun Things to Do During Fall in Asheville NC

Fall in Asheville NC

Autumn in Asheville NC is a magical time, with Fall colors glowing like gems in the Blue Ridge Mountains that surround the burgeoning metropolis. Naturally, there are endless things to do in (and near) Asheville to help get you into the spirit of the season.  Whether it’s driving the Blue Ridge Parkway for top-notch leaf … Read more

The 10 Best Corn Mazes in North Carolina to Visit

Corn Mazes in North Carolina

Much like pumpkin patches and apple picking, visiting corn mazes in NC makes us feel like the glorious days of Autumn have officially arrived.   The state of North Carolina has more than its fair share of vast corn fields. So it’s an ideal place to seek out kid-friendly corn mazes, as well as massive adult-sized challenges … Read more

Apple Picking & More at Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard in Hendersonville NC

Scarecrow Barn at Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard in Hendersonville NC

If Fall for you means apple picking, pumpkin patches, wagon rides, and corn mazes, Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard in Hendersonville NC can help you check all those things off your list in one fantastic, family-friendly day out!   Stepp’s is a wonderful, fully functioning farm and orchard that doubles as a giant playground for kids and … Read more

7 Fun Things to Do in Galax VA in Autumn

Sunset in Downtown Galax VA

With a total land area of 8.28 sq miles, Galax is a wonderful little Virginia mountain town to visit at any time of year. But, in our experience, Fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains is always extra special, and Galax offers a lot of fun ways to celebrate the season.  Galax may be best-known as the “Old-Time … Read more