[Updated November 7, 2025] You can’t swing a stick in Western NC without hitting a wonderful place to celebrate Christmas. But you’d be hard-pressed to find one more splendid than Bryson City NC! This little town in the Great Smoky Mountains has it all– great restaurants and shopping, weekly holiday events, and even the beloved … Read more
Galax is one of those quaint little Virginia mountain towns that becomes all the more endearing during the Christmas holidays. Although best-known as “the Old-Time Music Capital of the World,” Galax is also one of the most fun Christmas towns we’ve visited, with holiday-themed events from late November into early January. From twinkling Christmas lights, … Read more
[Updated October 28, 2025] This holiday season is extra special for the town of Banner Elk NC, coming one year after climbing out from under the devastation Hurricane Helene brought. As a small North Carolina mountain town whose economy is largely tourism-dependent, it was quite a blow. But while last year brought much heartache and … Read more
[Updated November 7, 2025] Quite a few of this year’s NC Christmas events kick off on Thanksgiving weekend, with everything from Turkey Trot 5K runs to Christmas tree lighting ceremonies and holiday markets. Honestly, it’s a great time to go to Western North Carolina, have a beautiful weekend in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and get … Read more
[Updated November 14, 2025] From the Biltmore House Christmas and Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum to the Grove Park Inn’s Gingerbread House Competition, Asheville has more than its fair share of nationally-known holiday attractions. But those seeking a simpler, less crowded, and more budget-friendly small town Christmas celebration may want to head 25 … Read more
Next to Christmas, Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday, as it was one of the few times of year my extended family (25+ aunts, uncles, and cousins) got together in the spirit of fellowship. The family has shrunk some over the years: My beloved grandparents, my father, my uncle Steve, and my cousin Jon … Read more
[Updated November 4, 2025] Now in its 12th year, Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum ranks right alongside Biltmore Christmas among our favorite things to do during Winter in Asheville. With all proceeds supporting the Arboretum’s annual programming, this is their largest fundraising effort of the year. And like most of Asheville, they need those … Read more
Since Hurricane Helene devastated North Carolina in late September, we’ve received hundreds of requests on our Facebook page to create a guide to Western NC stores that offer online shopping. We always try to shop small businesses when we travel, because for every $1 you spend at a small business, around 67¢ stays in the … Read more
Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina on September 27, devastating (and, in some cases, obliterating) many of our favorite mountain towns. Since then, many of us who love the region have been feeling distraught over the destruction, wondering what we can do to help NC. While heading to the afflicted areas with a chainsaw (or … Read more
[Updated October 27, 2025] If you’re planning to spend Christmas in Asheville NC, experiencing the Biltmore Estate Christmas is a bucket list item that proves well worth the pricy investment (2025 tickets range from $130 to $400+). The 8,000-acre estate is the largest privately owned home in the USA. With 250 rooms encompassing 135,000+ sq … Read more
