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

Pet-Friendly Cabins at Forrest Hills Resort in Dahlonega GA

Interior of Forrest Hills Resort Cabins in Dahlonega GA

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

The 15 Best Lakes in the Virginia Mountains to Visit

VA Things to Do - Sunrise on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia

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