The 20 Best Lakes in the North Georgia Mountains

Fisherman at Moccasin Creek State Park in Clarksville, GA

[Updated 2/8/2022] North Georgia is known for its stunning landscapes, with majestic mountains for hiking, the lush Chattahoochee National Forest, and wondrous waterfalls seemingly everywhere you turn. Nestled among it all, you’ll also some truly beautiful North Georgia lakes, whose tranquil waters offer mirrored reflections of the natural beauty that surrounds them. Whether you’re looking … Read more

Visiting Linville Falls Campgrounds, RV Park & Cabins in Linville Falls NC

Upper Linville Falls in Linville NC

Located about 55 miles northeast of Asheville NC at milepost 316.4, Linville Falls is perhaps the most famous of the many waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The waterfall’s popularity is largely due to the ease with which it can be reached. But it also offers amazing geological formations, a spectacular three-tiered dance down to Linville Gorge, … Read more

The 10 Best Places for Ziplining in North Georgia

ziplining in Georgia

If you’ve ever spent any time exploring North Georgia, you’ve undoubtedly witnessed the region’s exceptional natural beauty. And while seeing the region from the ground may be rewarding in its own right, getting a bird’s eye view of the dynamic landscape offers an entirely different perspective. Zipping through the canopy of the forest, at speeds up … Read more

The 10 Best Restaurants in Blowing Rock NC for Foodies

Elk at Timberlakes Restaurant in Blowing Rock NC

Located just 10 miles south of Boone, the tiny mountain town of Blowing Rock (population 1,163) is one of the most tourist-friendly towns in the Blue Ridge region of North Carolina.  The town is home to major attractions such as the Blowing Rock, Mystery Hill, and Tweetsie Railroad. And its proximity to the Blue Ridge … Read more

The 15 Best Things to Do in SWVA (Southwest Virginia)

Wild Pony in Grayson Highlands State Park in SWVA. Photo by Dawson Tozier

Virginia is a phenomenal state to explore for anyone who appreciates the wilderness, as well as those who enjoy delving into US history and Appalachian culture. Top-flight sightseeing in VA is never far away, and the list of things to do in Virginia seems limitless. Virginia is home to the George Washington and Jefferson National … Read more

30 Fun Facts About North Carolina State History & Culture

Linn-Cove-Viaduct-Blue-Ridge-Parkway-

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

The 20 Best Downtown Asheville Restaurants for Foodies

Proper Asheville Restaurant

[Updated October 23, 2024]  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

The 10 Best Restaurants in Roanoke VA (Virginia’s Blue Ridge)

Rockfish Restaurant in Roanoke VA

[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 20 Most Beautiful Wildflowers in Virginia (& Where to See Them)

Groundhog Meadow Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway VA with Coreopsis Wildflowers in the foreground

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