The 10 Best Restaurants in Boone NC

Popular dishes at Red Onion Cafe in Boone NC

The North Carolina High Country (which includes popular towns like Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, and Boone) is home to an abundance of delicious eateries. Home to Appalachian State University, Boone is located approximately two hours north of Asheville. The hip mountain town offers an array of attractions for locals and visitors alike.  There are all sorts of art … Read more

Exploring Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site & Trails in Cartersville GA

Mound A at Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Cartersville GA, the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site is considered the most intact Mississippian culture site in the Southeastern US.  The prehistoric archaeological site contains one of the largest Indian mounds in North America. So it’s designated as a National Historic Landmark– one of just 49 … Read more

The 10 Best Things to Do in Weaverville NC

Downtown Weaverville NC Town Hall

We started this website in large part because we wanted to explore the small towns of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in the search for our future home. We’ve since visited dozens of towns all across North Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia, and found some potentially great places to live in each state.  In NC … Read more

Tips for Tackling the McAfee Knob Hike Near Roanoke, Virginia

Appalachian Trail hiker on McAfee Knob at Sunrise

Located in Virginia’s Blue Ridge region, Roanoke VA boasts a winning blend of the attractions and activities you’d expect from a small city, surrounded by the immense natural beauty of the best mountain towns. The McAfee Knob trail is by far the most popular place for hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Roanoke. It … Read more

How to Get to Horse Trough Falls in Helen GA (Upper Chattahoochee River Campground)

Horsetrough Falls in the Mark Trail Wilderness Near Helen GA

[Updated April 3, 2022] It’s not difficult to understand why Horse Trough Falls is one of the least visited waterfalls in Helen GA once you decide to explore the area for yourself.  The Horse Trough Falls trailhead is located at the back of the Upper Chattahoochee River Campground, which is tucked about 5 miles off … Read more

Why the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace Matter Now More Than Ever

It’s an undeniable fact that getting outside and exploring nature is good for your mind, body, and soul. But is it good for the natural world? That depends. Have you ever stacked rocks in creeks or waterfalls? Do you intentionally veer off established hiking trails and into the wilderness? Do you pick wildflowers when you visit … Read more

Visiting Mill Mountain Park & the Roanoke Star in Roanoke VA

Mill Mountain & The Roanoke Star - The Mill Mountain Star at Star City

Exploring Mill Mountain Park is one of the most popular things to do in Roanoke, beloved by both visitors to and residents of Virginia’s Blue Ridge region. The 568-acre park is located in the city of Roanoke, which is just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Southern Virginia. It’s accessible by both road and trail, via … Read more

The 10 Best Waterfalls Near Boone NC

Couple at Elk River Falls in Banner Elk NC

Located in the North Carolina High Country, Boone is a scenic college town with a surplus of art galleries, shopping, restaurants, hiking trails, Christmas Tree Farms, and beautiful overlooks.  The Blue Ridge Parkway runs right through Boone, which is close to small towns such as Blowing Rock, Seven Devils, Wilkesboro, Newland, Linville, and Banner Elk. This … Read more

The 15 Best Restaurants in Helen GA for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Steak at Bernie's Restaurant in Helen GA

[Updated December 30, 2021] Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, about an hour north of the I-285 perimeter, Helen GA is known for its Alpine architecture, quirky character, impressive array of hiking trails, and annual Oktoberfest festival. There are lots of great attractions and activities in “Alpine Helen.” But until recently this unabashedly unusual … Read more

The Best Things to Do at Carvins Cove Natural Reserve in Roanoke VA

Carvins Cove Mountain Lake Roanoke VA

Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is the fifth largest city park in the entire United States, and the second-largest run by a municipality. It encompasses more than 12,000 acres, and the 630-acre reservoir within it supplies the city of Roanoke and most of the Roanoke Valley with drinking water. In addition, Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is Virginia’s … Read more