The Top 10 Fall Festivals in the Virginia Mountains (2024)

Virginia Fall Festivals - Crowds Explore the Arts and Crafts Booths

Without a doubt, Fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains is my favorite season. The colors start to change, the heat starts to subside, and the farm markets, apple orchards, and pumpkin patches are putting out awesome produce. Simply put, it’s the right time to be out and about, enjoying the natural beauty of this region we … Read more

How to Get to Crabtree Falls VA (Near Lexington/Natural Bridge)

Crabtree Falls in Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains

It’s insane to realize that there are two different Crabtree Falls that are commonly associated with the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, but that is the world we’re living in. These two popular waterfalls get confused all the time– so much so that the Crabtree Falls page on Virginia.org (the state’s official tourism website) actually links to the … Read more

Lakeview at Fontana Soaking Cabana Resort in Bryson City NC

Having a Cabana Soak at Lakeview at Fontana in Bryson City NC

We’ve visited more than 50 towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains over the last 4 years, staying in some truly exceptional cabin rentals, hotels, and resorts.  But Lakeview at Fontana Soaking Cabana Resort, which is located about 7 miles southwest of Bryson City and overlooks Lake Fontana, was like no other place we’ve stayed.  This Smoky … Read more

Visiting the Gatlinburg SkyPark (Including SkyLift, SkyBridge & More)

Gatlinburg TN Skypark

During our recent trip to Tennessee, we spent a memorable day at Gatlinburg SkyPark, which is home to the SkyBridge, North America’s longest pedestrian cable bridge. Coming from our home in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, we were amazed by the towering Great Smoky Mountains, which are on dazzling display at this family-friendly mountaintop park. … Read more

Gravity-Defying Family Fun at Mystery Hill in Blowing Rock NC

Defying Gravity at Mystery Hill in Blowing Rock NC

We’ve visited 50+ Blue Ridge Mountain towns in the 4 years since we launched this site, and several of them we’ve visited numerous times.  Blowing Rock NC is one of our favorites, because it’s located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, in the heart of the North Carolina High Country, with an amazing array of … Read more

The 10 Best Things to Do in Galax VA (Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 215)

Downtown Galax VA Shopping

Located about 7 miles north of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Galax VA is the epitome of the ideal small mountain town in Southwest Virginia. Some of our favorite places to visit in Galax include a historic downtown area, beautiful natural surroundings, and outstanding live music venues. The modern history of Galax VA is largely steeped … Read more

The Best Lake Gear of 2024 (Floats, Grills, Coolers & More)

Lake Day Fun

We’ve written about how much Mary and I both love the water many times before. She grew up spending weeks every summer with her grandparents on the Merrimack River in New Hampshire, and I grew up spent weeks every summer with my grandparents on Lake Hartwell in Georgia. Those formative experiences gave us both a … Read more

The 10 Best Hiking Trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia

Otter Creek Overlook Blue Ridge Parkway VA

Spanning 469 miles in North Carolina and Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway should be on the bucket list of any avid hiker or road trip enthusiast. With more than 200 overlooks along the ever-popular scenic route, you don’t have to get out of the car to savor stunning scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. … Read more