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
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
Autumn in North Georgia is always such a special time, and not just because it offers a cooling down after the dog days of Summer! As if the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia aren’t spectacular enough all year round, Fall brings an array of dazzling, gem-like colors to the jaw-dropping scenic vistas. There are an endless … Read more
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
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
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
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
After moving to Western NC, I fell in love with the vast array of small Blue Ridge Mountain Towns to explore. My wife Emma and I eventually built our little cabin and homestead near the towns of Wilkesboro, Elkin, Sparta, and West Jefferson. Each of them is close enough to call our own. In the … Read more
Want to keep one foot in nature while simultaneously turning up the dial on luxury? Try a weekend of glamping in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Glamping (a.k.a. luxury camping) allows you to immerse yourself in the forest, creeks, and mountains while also enjoying modern conveniences like cozy beds, AC/heat, kitchens, private terraces, and maybe even … Read more
The Forest Heritage Scenic Byway is a 76.7-mile loop in Western NC that passes through Pisgah National Forest. It’s just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at one end, and close to the mountain town of Brevard at the other. This stunning tree-lined journey is dotted with endless hiking trails, picnic spots, swimming holes, and some of … Read more
