The Blue Ridge Music Center was established by an act of Congress in 1985 to celebrate the rich cultural history and ongoing musical traditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 17,000-square-foot facility is particularly immersed in the Round Peak style of the North Carolina mountains and the Galax and Grayson County style of Virginia. But the museum … Read more
For me, the monolithic majesty of Grandfather Mountain preceded itself. On a few occasions in the past, my wife Emma and I visited friends who had a distant view of it from their mountain cabin. They were always thrilled to point the iconic summit out as a centerpiece of the High Country landscape. In a … Read more
[Updated October 20, 2021] Between the historic downtown area, delicious restaurants, wineries, gorgeous scenery, outdoor activities, and unique places to stay, it’s no wonder why locals and visitors alike recognize Blue Ridge as one of the best small towns in the state of Georgia. This tiny North Georgia mountain town offers countless attractions within its … Read more
Reaching the picturesque summit of the Blood Mountain trail felt very much like conquering a mountain, both literally and metaphorically. The strenuous uphill climb continues to get more challenging as you make your way to the top, with the promise of a spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains view like the dangling carrot-on-a-stick to keep you going. … Read more
[Updated August 12, 2021] A relatively new tourist attraction in the Western North Carolina mountains, Otter Falls isn’t anywhere near the biggest of the waterfalls in North Carolina’s High Country. The waterfall doesn’t have a huge volume of water running through per second, or an especially impressive drop. It doesn’t even require an epic hike … Read more
Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden is truly like no place you’ve ever been, or are ever likely to go. Originally known as the Plant Farm Museum when he started building it in the early ’60s, the folk art legend’s visionary attraction was a 40-year work-in-progress. Using found objects he collected for decades, he built sculptures from … Read more
[Updated on 7/20/21] We honestly didn’t know much about James H Floyd State Park (a.k.a. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park) before our first visit to Summerville GA. But the 561-acre park’s laid-back blend of immense natural beauty and rich (some would say colorful) history won us over within minutes after we pulled through the gate. … Read more
The short stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway that runs from just east of Boone NC to just west of Blowing Rock is particularly packed with special sites and things to do. Over this 36-mile span, you’ll see the monolithic landmark of Grandfather Mountain, stunningly colorful mountain lakes, and jaw-dropping scenic vistas from the lofty NC High … Read more
[Updated August 12, 2021] If you’re looking for challenging North Carolina waterfalls to hike, Hooker Falls is probably not for you. Located between Brevard and Hendersonville in DuPont State Recreational Forest, the Hooker Falls Trail is one of the shortest (.9 mile round-trip), easiest (164 feet of elevation gain), and most accessible waterfall hikes in … Read more
[Updated July 29, 2021] You don’t have to look very hard to find great bed and breakfasts in Asheville NC. In fact, the Montford Area Historic District– one of the city’s oldest and most architecturally impressive neighborhoods– is chock full of them. The area boasts a whopping 600+ houses listed on the National Register … Read more
