The 10 Best Helen GA Campgrounds to Visit
Growing up in Atlanta in the 1970s and 80s, the mountain town of Helen GA seemed more like a sleepy Alpine village than the bustling
Apple Picking in Georgia: The 14 Best GA Apple Orchards to Visit (2023)
[Updated July 13, 2023] When autumn starts to roll around, there are plenty of fun annual traditions to look forward to such as Apple Picking
Asheville River Arts District: A Guide to Galleries & Restaurants
[Updated July 3, 2023] Over the last decade, Asheville has emerged as a progressive haven of arts and culture in the middle of the Blue
The 10 Best Things to Do in Waynesboro VA (Augusta County)
[Updated June 26, 2023] It’s been said that the most important considerations when it comes to real estate are “location, location, location.” If that’s truly
The 15 Best Things to Do in Elkin NC & the Yadkin Valley
[Updated 6/26/2023] Just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rocky ridges smooth out into the rolling hills and lively mountain streams known as the North
The 10 Best Blue Ridge, Georgia Horseback Riding Tours
Growing up as a lower middle class kid in Georgia, horseback riding wasn’t really something me and my friends in Atlanta ever did. But from
The 15 Best Things to Do in Luray VA (Gateway to Shenandoah)
[Updated Jun 20, 2023] Located in the heart of Virginia’s picturesque Shenandoah Valley, Luray is the county seat of Page County and one of just
The 15 Best Things to Do in Roanoke VA
[Updated June 16, 2023] With a population of around 100,000 people, Roanoke is both the largest city along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the largest
The 20 Best Things to Do in Blairsville GA & Union County
[Updated June 13, 2023] As a small town with a total population of around 700 people, Blairsville isn’t as big or as bustling as popular
10 Wonderful Yadkin Valley Wineries Worth Visiting
If you’re a food and wine lover and you’ve never explored the Yadkin Valley in NC, you’re really missing out! The Yadkin Valley region
The 20 Best Things to Do in Brevard NC & Transylvania County
[Updated May 29, 2023] In the three years since we launched this site, we’ve visited more than 50 Blue Ridge Mountain towns in the search
The 15 Best Things to Do in Maggie Valley NC
[Updated May 22, 2023] Located about halfway between Bryson City and Asheville, Maggie Valley NC is a small mountain town with something of a split personality.
The 10 Best Hotels in Ellijay GA & Gilmer County
Although it has a population of less than 2,000 residents, Ellijay GA is the seat of Gilmer County. It’s a town so nice that President Jimmy
15 Best Things to Do in Little Switzerland NC (BRP MP 334)
[Updated May 8, 2023] One of the things people don’t tell you about taking a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip is how remarkably uncommercialized this
The Top 20 Waterfalls Near Brevard NC (Transylvania County)
[Updated April 24, 2023] In a region wrought with spectacular waterfalls, no place has nearly as many as Transylvania County, North Carolina. Encompassing 381 square
The 25 Best Things to Do in Blue Ridge GA
[Updated April 24, 2023] My earliest memories of the Blue Ridge Mountains are of backpacking trips with our church youth group, which my parents led.
The 10 Best Pet Friendly Cabin Rentals in Helen GA
Of all the lovely places to visit in Georgia, the Bavarian-inspired town of Helen is probably the one we’ve visited the most. From its charming Alpine
The 15 Best Things to Do in Lookout Mountain GA/TN
[Updated April 11, 2023] Located at an elevation of 2,388 feet, Lookout Mountain sits on the border between North Georgia and Tennessee. Just a 10-minute
The 20 Best Things to Do in Dahlonega GA & Lumpkin County
[Updated April 10, 2023] Back in 1828 (21 years before the famed California gold rush), thousands of prospectors descended upon the town of Dahlonega, Georgia
Visiting Deerwoode Reserve Cabin Rentals in Brevard NC
We’ve explored nearly 50 different Blue Ridge Mountain towns since we launched this site in 2020. But we’ve probably stayed in less than a dozen
The 15 Best Hotels in Asheville NC to Visit
In the 15+ years we’ve been exploring Blue Ridge Mountain towns, we’ve had a chance to visit many of the best places to stay in
The 20 Best Things to Do in Ellijay GA & Gilmer County (2023)
[Updated March 19, 2023] As the metro Atlanta population continues to grow and expand, more and more people are heading for the wide open vistas
The 25 Best Things to Do in Helen GA (2023)
[Updated March 19, 2023] Widely known as “Georgia’s Alpine Village,” Helen is a former mining town nestled near the southern end of the Blue Ridge
The 10 Best Things to Do in Sautee Nacoochee GA (Near Helen)
Helen is one of the most popular Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in Georgia, drawing some 3 million visitors to the tiny 2.11-sq-mile Alpine town every
The 20 Best Cabin Rentals in Dahlonega GA
[Updated March 16, 2023] Originally best known as the site of the 1828 Georgia Gold Rush, Dahlonega has since become a major tourism hotspot in
The 20 Best Cabin Rentals in Ellijay GA
[Updated March 8, 2023] Known as “the Apple Capital of Georgia” for its ample apple-picking opportunities and apple-themed fall festivals, Ellijay has become one of the most
The 10 Best Blue Ridge GA Hotels (Including Pet Friendly Options)
Though it is now widely considered one of the best places to live in the Georgia Mountains, it wasn’t all that long ago that Blue
The 15 Best Hendersonville NC Restaurants for 2023
[Updated January 20, 2023] From Blue Ridge and Dahlonega GA to Asheville and Waynesville NC, nearly every great mountain town we’ve visited has had
Exploring the Davidson River Campground Near Brevard NC
Located off the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway (a.k.a. Pisgah Hwy) near Brevard NC, the Davidson River Campground is a perfect base for anyone wanting to
The 10 Best Helen GA Hotels, Motels & Inns to Visit
With its Bavarian architecture, traditional German restaurants, and kitschy gift shops, Alpine Helen GA is arguably the most popular small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains
The 20 Best Things to Do in Hendersonville NC for 2023
[Updated January 5, 2023] For far too long, Hendersonville NC seemed like the Jan Brady to Asheville‘s Marcia, never quite garnering all the accolades and
The 10 Best Restaurants in Brevard NC for Foodies
We’ve visited 40 to 50 towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains over the past two years, from like Asheville and Roanoke to tiny burghs like Burnsville
The 20 Best Cabin Rentals in Boone NC
[Updated on 1/3/2023] Located about 85 miles northeast of Asheville, Boone NC is a popular mountain town that’s packed full of outdoor activities and attractions.
15 Fun Things to Do in Asheville NC in Winter
In winter, Asheville NC is still a great place to be. It’s cold enough for some snow and snuggles by a cozy fire, but sheltered
Christmas Fun at Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights
Growing up in North Georgia, you couldn’t drive very far into the Blue Ridge Mountains without seeing the famous “SEE ROCK CITY” signs painted on
The Top 15 Treehouse Rentals near Asheville NC
[Updated December 9, 2022] The Western North Carolina mountains have practically everything you could possibly want if you’re looking for a back-to-nature getaway. Home to
The 12 Best Brevard Breweries and Cideries to Visit
The state of North Carolina has developed a reputation as THE place for good beer on the East Coast. The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and
The Grove Park Inn Gingerbread House Competition (Asheville NC)
Some of my fondest Christmas memories growing up took place in Asheville NC, where my parents would often take our family to see the awesome
The 25+ Best Western NC Christmas Events in Asheville, Bryson City & Beyond!
[Updated November 19, 2022] There’s nothing quite like celebrating the holiday season in a magical place, and many small mountain towns offer special NC Christmas
10 Ways to Celebrate Old Fashioned Christmas in Dahlonega GA
Widely regarded as one of the best places in the North Georgia mountains to live, Dahlonega GA is one of those old-timey small towns that visitors often
The 10 Best Boone NC Christmas Tree Farms 2022
[Updated on November 4, 2022] The Blue Ridge Mountains are known as “the Fraser Fir Capital of the World” and Boone NC Christmas Tree Farms
15 Festive Ways to Celebrate an Asheville NC Christmas
15 Ways to Celebrate an Asheville NC Christmas, including Biltmore Christmas, National Gingerbread Competition, Lights at NC Arboretum & more.
15 Helen GA Hiking Trails Worth Exploring
The Top 15 Helen GA hiking trails, including the distance, difficulty, elevation gain, and descriptions of each trail’s highlights.
15 Fun, Festive Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Helen GA
10 Fun, Festive Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Helen GA, including the Helen Christmas Parade, Lighting of the Village, Santa photos & more.
The 25 Best Western NC Christmas Tree Farms Near Asheville, Boone & Beyond
[Updated October 10, 2022] Whether you’re continuing a lifelong Christmas tradition or getting your first ever real tree, picking out a tree from one of
North Georgia Christmas Tree Farms Where You Can Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
[Updated 10/5/22] After the Fall Colors in North Georgia Mountains have faded, there’s nothing quite like rounding up the family and going to one of
Visiting Lake Winfield Scott in Suches GA (Near Blairsville)
I grew up camping with my parents and their friends. Weekends would smell like tent tarpaulins, campfires, and bacon (which always seemed to sizzle for
The 20 Best Blue Ridge Georgia Cabins to Rent
[Updated September 26, 2022] Sometimes a couple of days spent out in nature, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, is just
The Best Hendersonville Apple Orchards for Apple Picking & More
Did you know that North Carolina is the 7th largest apple producing state in the USA? Or that Henderson County is the largest apple-producing county
The Best Places for Snow Skiing in North Carolina
[Updated 9/16/22] The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains may not have the jaw-dropping 13,000- to 14,000-foot peaks you’ll find in the Rockies of Colorado or Utah,
Hiking the Lula Lake Land Trust Near Lookout Mountain GA
The first time I saw a photo of the Lula Lake Land Trust, it stopped me in my tracks. It was a breathtaking aerial drone
Review of Mountain Springs Cabins in Asheville NC
Asheville NC is one of our favorite Blue Ridge Mountain towns to visit, and it shouldn’t be difficult to understand why. It’s a truly a
Exploring The 17 Best Asheville NC Breweries
[Updated August 20, 2022] For people visiting the North Carolina mountains (or for those simply seeking out great beer), the number of quality breweries in
Hiking the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge Near Blue Ridge GA
Adventures in the great outdoors almost always offer a reward of some sort. Maybe it’s a waterfall, or a scenic mountain overlook. Maybe it’s a
The 8 Best Breweries in Roanoke VA, the Heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge
[Updated August 16, 2022] The fact that a Blue Ridge mountain town the size of Roanoke VA (population 99,411) has enough breweries to create an “8
The 35 Best Things to Do in Asheville NC
[Updated August 8, 2022] For a medium-sized North Carolina mountain town with a population of under 100,000, there is a surprising wealth of unique things
The 10 Best Restaurants in Hiawassee GA & Young Harris GA
Hiawassee GA is a tiny town of around 1,000 residents that’s located right on the North Carolina border. Pretty much everything in Hiawassee is centered
Camping in Asheville NC: The 15 Best Campgrounds to Visit
Asheville is beloved for its progressive vibe, anchored in a love of culture and arts, an array of lip-smacking restaurants, and surrounded by some of
Apple Picking in North Carolina: The 15 Best NC Apple Orchards
[Updated 7/17/2022] Most people know Western North Carolina for its beautiful Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests, beloved NC state parks, charming Blue Ridge mountain towns,
Autumn at Land of Oz: A Wizard of Oz Theme Park Near Banner Elk NC (2023)
[Updated 7/28/23] Every year in September, visitors to the NC High Country have a rare opportunity to explore the child-like dreamland of a Wizard of
The 15 Best Things to Do in Hiawassee GA & Young Harris GA
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains less than 4 miles from the border with North Carolina, Hiawassee GA is a relatively small town (2.07 square miles)
The 10 Best Restaurants in Ellijay GA for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Located west of the Chattahoochee National Forest, about 15 miles southwest of Blue Ridge, Ellijay is widely considered one of the best places to live
25 Best Things to Do in Boone NC (Blue Ridge Parkway MM 291.8)
[Updated January 9, 2023] Located just a couple of hours north of downtown Asheville, the town of Boone NC is the county seat for Watauga
Visiting the Dahlonega Gold Museum in Dahlonega GA
Located in the mountain town of Dahlonega, the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site chronicles the discovery of gold in Georgia and the pivotal role
The 10 Best Apple Orchards in Ellijay, Georgia
There are dozens of charming Blue Ridge Mountain towns in North Georgia, each of which has a certain something for which they are widely renowned. For
The 20 Best Things to Do in Blowing Rock NC
[Updated June 14, 2022] Known as the “Crown of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” Blowing Rock NC is widely regarded as one of the most charming
The 20 Best Places for Horseback Riding In/Near Asheville NC
Whether you have your own horses or are new to riding horses, these are the top places for horseback riding in (and near) Asheville NC.
Lake Blue Ridge Boat Rentals, Cabin Rentals, Camping & Fishing
Spending a sunny day on a glistening lake is one of our favorite ways to enjoy time in the Blue Ridge Mountains. And in our
Things to Do at Wintergreen Resort in Summer (Near Waynesboro VA)
Things to Do at Wintergreen Resort in Summer, including all the best hiking trails, waterfalls, family activities and Wintergreen restaurants.
Exploring Julian Price Campground & Memorial Park in Blowing Rock NC
Much of the press on the Blue Ridge Parkway celebrates it as a wonderfully preserved 469-mile scenic route. But much of what makes the world-renowned road
Exploring Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park in Lookout Mountain
The battles at Chickamauga and Chattanooga were a major turning point in the Civil War. Winning the Battle of Chattanooga in late November of 1863
How Gold Mining in Georgia Led to Land Lotteries & the Trail of Tears
In the late 1820s, gold was discovered in North Georgia near the mountain towns of Dahlonega and Helen. This discovery– the first major gold rush in the US
Hiking the Yonah Mountain Trail in Helen GA
On a recent “Moms Only” weekend getaway to the Sautee-Nacoochee Valley in North Georgia, I convinced my girlfriends to join me on a morning excursion,
Carters Lake Camping, Cabins, & Boat Rentals in Ellijay GA
Encompassing over 3,000 acres in Chatsworth and Ellijay GA, with 62 miles of shoreline, Carters Lake is a popular destination for boating, camping, fishing, hiking,
The 10 Best Restaurants in Blairsville GA for Foodies
As a longtime member of a few Blairsville-related Facebook groups, I’d read numerous complaints about the lack of diversity of non-chain restaurants in the tiny
15 Award-Winning North Georgia Wines Worth Tasting
All across the North Georgia mountains, you can find rolling hills, lush forest, and an outstanding assortment of eye-catching waterfalls. To some people’s surprise, you
The 15 Best Treehouse Rentals in the Georgia Mountains
[Updated April 6, 2022] If you’re a nature lover, at some point in your childhood you probably dreamed about living in a decked-out treehouse. Whether
The 15 Best Blowing Rock Cabin Rentals (1 to 4+ Bedrooms)
Located just south of Boone, Blowing Rock is a tourism-driven North Carolina mountain town known as the “Crown of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” The town was
Hiking & Camping at Fort Mountain State Park Near Ellijay GA
Everyone has their favorite North Georgia State Parks, whether it’s the massive gorge and waterfalls of Cloudland Canyon or the far-ranging Blue Ridge Mountain vistas
The Best Restaurants in Burnsville NC For Foodies
Located at an elevation of 2,825 feet, with a total area of 1.598 square miles, Burnsville is a relatively small North Carolina mountain town surrounded
8 Great Wineries in Dahlonega GA
One of the oldest Blue Ridge Mountain towns in Georgia, Dahlonega has grown into a major tourism hotspot in the North Georgia mountains. Originally best
Visiting the Chetola Resort, Lodge & Spa in Blowing Rock NC
After driving the Blue Ridge Parkway stretch between Downtown Asheville and Boone NC 4 to 5 times in the last two years, it’s become clear that
The 10 Best Restaurants in Banner Elk NC for Foodies
Located 16 miles west of Boone and 18 miles from Blowing Rock, Banner Elk ranks high among the most beloved small towns in North Carolina‘s
3 Great Places for Ziplining in Boone NC (and Other Aerial Adventures)
The Blue Ridge Mountains are known to blow visitors away with its jaw-dropping panoramas. Nature abounds in the region, with countless hiking trails, thunderous waterfalls, mountain
The Best Hiking in Asheville NC Bucket List (Top 25 Hiking Trails)
[Updated 2/16/22] Between the vast Pisgah National Forest, rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, wondrous waterfalls, and countless meandering creeks and verdant meadows, there’s no shortage of
The 15 Best Things to Do in Lexington VA & Natural Bridge VA
Located in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, about halfway between Roanoke and Waynesboro, Lexington VA is a small college town with a rich history dating back to
The 10 Best Restaurants in Blowing Rock NC for Foodies
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
The 20 Best Downtown Asheville Restaurants for Foodies
[Updated January 13, 2022] The first time we visited the city back in 2012, we were absolutely blown away by the Asheville food scene. For
The 10 Best Restaurants in Roanoke VA (Virginia’s Blue Ridge)
[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
Pet-Friendly Cabins at Forrest Hills Resort 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
The 15 Best VRBO Cabins in Asheville NC
Asheville, North Carolina is a special place where the excitement of city life and the thrill of outdoor adventure collide to offer a Blue Ridge
The 7 Best Restaurants in Dahlonega GA for Foodies
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains about 25 miles southwest of Helen, Dahlonega is one of the oldest mountain towns in North
The 30 Best Waterfalls Near Asheville NC
[Updated December 28, 2021] Asheville NC’s reputation as a forward-thinking, nature-loving town in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains precedes it. Despite being only
Festive Fun at Tweetsie Railroad Christmas in Blowing Rock NC 2022
[Updated 12/2/2022] One of the most popular Western NC Christmas events, Tweetsie Railroad Christmas is a must-see for residents and holiday visitors who spend Christmas
Camping and Hiking in Natural Bridge State Park, VA
Though it wasn’t designated as one of Virginia’s State Parks until 2016, Natural Bridge of VA has been listed on the National Registry of Historic Places since
The Best Restaurants in Lexington VA & Natural Bridge VA for Foodies
Located about halfway between Roanoke and Waynesboro, just over 10 miles west of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Lexington is arguably the most historic town in
The 15 Best Things to Do in Banner Elk NC
Located in the North Carolina High Country, less than 20 miles from Boone and Blowing Rock, Banner Elk is one of the most beautiful Blue
The 15 Best Things to Do in Burnsville NC
Located about 35 miles northeast of Asheville and 40 miles southwest of Banner Elk, the town of Burnsville NC has long lived in the shadow
The 6 Best Boone NC Breweries & Brewpubs (with Map)
Boone NC is perhaps best known for its iconic Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks and the easy access it offers to excellent campgrounds, hiking, snow tubing,
How to Get to the Raven Cliff Falls Trail in Helen GA
From the minute I first step foot onto the trail at Raven Cliff Falls, hear Dodd Creek flowing nearby, and see how quickly the forest
The 10 Best Campgrounds In Boone NC
In addition to being one of the best Western NC small towns to live in, Boone NC is also a haven for nature lovers and
Exploring the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke VA
If I’m being completely honest, visiting the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke VA, was not even on our itinerary. We literally hadn’t even considered
The 15 Best Rental Cabins in Helen GA
Helen GA is a relatively small mountain town, measuring just 2.17 square miles, with a population of around 600 people. Yet it attracts around 3
The 10 Best Restaurants 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
The 10 Best Things to Do in Weaverville NC
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
Tips for Tackling the McAfee Knob Hike Near Roanoke, Virginia
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
How to Get to Horse Trough Falls in Helen GA (Upper Chattahoochee River Campground)
[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
Visiting Mill Mountain Park & the Roanoke Star in Roanoke VA
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
The 10 Best Waterfalls Near Boone 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,
The 15 Best Restaurants in Helen GA for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
[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
The Best Things to Do at Carvins Cove Natural Reserve in 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
How to Get to the DeSoto Falls Scenic Area Near Helen GA
[Updated September 30, 2021] Some experts suggest there are as many as 700 waterfalls in Georgia, although many of these remain remote and inaccessible to
The Mysterious Brown Mountain Lights of Morganton NC
The history of the Blue Ridge Mountains is riddled with Appalachian folklore, including the Mysterious Brown Mountain Lights of Morganton NC. They range from various
The 20 Best Things to Do in Clayton, GA (the Gem of Northeast Georgia)
[Updated November 26, 2021] Cities like Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Helen, and Dahlonega GA have all earned accolades among the most beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain towns in
The 15 Best Waterfalls Near Helen GA
[Updated September 13, 2021] Widely known as “Georgia’s Alpine Village,” Helen is a beautiful mountain town that offers a charming bit of Bavaria in the
The 15 Best Boone NC Hiking Trails to Explore
[Updated August 3, 2021] The Blue Ridge Mountain town of Boone NC is best-known for its Christmas tree farms and outdoor recreation opportunities, offering everything
Things to Do at Center In The Square in Downtown Roanoke VA
Encompassing 43 square miles, with a population right around 100,000, Roanoke is the largest city on the Blue Ridge Parkway, with loads of great shopping,
The Roundhouse Rental Cabin in Helen GA (Little Andy Mountain Cabins)
As a tiny mountain town (just 2.11 square miles) that receives some 3 million annual visitors, there are plenty of Helen GA cabin rentals to
Things to Do at Grandfather Mountain State Park in Banner Elk NC
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
The 10 Best Waterfalls Near Blue Ridge GA
[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
Hiking the Blood Mountain Trail in Blairsville, GA
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
How to Get to Otter Falls Near Banner Elk NC
[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
Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden: How to Get 24-Hour Access
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
Things to Do at James H Floyd State Park in Summerville GA
[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
Things to Do at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park Near Blowing Rock NC
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
How to Get to Hooker Falls NC (in DuPont State Forest)
[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
Review of Pinecrest Bed and Breakfast in Asheville NC (Montford Area)
[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
The 10 Best Things to Do in Summerville GA
Chances are the city of Summerville GA probably isn’t on your list of must-see Blue Ridge mountain towns. Located 24 miles north of Rome, just
How to Get to Sea Creek Falls in Suches, GA
[Updated October 26, 2021] Stepping out of my car to hike the Sea Creek Falls Trail, I was soon surrounded by 50 butterflies, fluttering around
The Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah National Forest (Near Brevard NC)
The Cradle of Forestry in America was originally known as the Biltmore Forest School. It was founded in 1898 by Carl A. Schenck, a German
Things to Do in Elk Knob State Park Near Boone NC
There is no shortage of stunning state parks in the North Carolina mountains. We’ve been fortunate to visit a good number of them, staring up
How to Get to Long Creek Falls in Blue Ridge GA (Fannin County)
[Updated September 21, 2021] There’s something about waterfalls that feels magical somehow. When I explore the many waterfalls in Georgia, I feel as if my
Inside the Utterly Unique Unicoi State Park Barrel Cabins in Helen GA
[Updated October 26, 2021] Georgia State Park cabins are arguably among the best deals you’ll find for cabin rentals in North Georgia. Most cost around
Things to Do in Moccasin Creek State Park on Lake Burton
[Updated on November 26, 2021] After becoming empty nesters in 2019, my lady and I decided that we wanted to start the process of looking
How to Get to Panther Falls & Angel Falls GA (at Lake Rabun Beach Campground)
[Updated November 26, 2021] If you spend much time exploring outdoor attractions in my native state, you’ve gotta wonder who’s responsible for naming the countless
The Hickory Ridge Living History Museum and “Horn in the West” in Boone NC
The Southern Appalachian Historical Association was formed to preserve the history and cultural heritage of Watauga County and the surrounding areas in the North Carolina
Goats On The Roof: Family Friendly Fun Near Clayton GA
Although I’ve been exploring the North Georgia State Parks, waterfalls, and hiking trails near Blue Ridge and Helen since I was a boy, for some reason
Things to Do in Black Rock Mountain State Park Near Clayton GA
[Updated on 7/16/21] From Amicalola Falls and Red Top Mountain to Unicoi and Vogel, we’ve explored quite a few of the state parks in Georgia
How to Get to Crabtree Falls Near Little Switzerland NC
[Updated August 12, 2021] The Blue Ridge Parkway is the most visited national park unit in the USA, attracting more than 15 million visitors each
Visiting Historic Engadine Inn and Cabins Near Asheville NC
[Updated July 27, 2021] With only one or two Blue Ridge Parkway hotels in North Carolina, it’s not easy to find accommodations along the world-famous
The 13 Best Restaurants in Blue Ridge GA
[Updated October 26, 2021] During our 2009 visit to Blue Ridge, Georgia, restaurants were not really among the small town’s major selling points. Sure, there
How to Get to Dukes Creek Falls Near Helen GA
[Updated September 21, 2021] Anytime someone in our Blue Ridge Mountains Facebook groups asks about the best easy to moderate hiking trails in North Georgia, we
Exploring Emerald Village: North Carolina Gem Mines in Little Switzerland
Emerald Village is located just 31 miles from Asheville and three miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The family-friendly attraction proved to be one of
Review of The Sweet Shoppe Bakery in Blue Ridge GA
[Updated November 6, 2021] Growing up in a lower middle class family in Atlanta, I vividly recall the visceral excitement I felt every time I’d
The Black Walnut Inn, a Historic Bed and Breakfast in Asheville NC
[Updated July 29, 2021] “You don’t choose Asheville… Asheville chooses you.” This enigmatic insight from Peter White, co-owner of the Black Walnut Bed and Breakfast
How to Get to Helton Creek Falls in Blairsville GA
[Updated September 21, 2021] From Anna Ruby and Amicalola Falls to Hemlock, Minnehaha, and Angel/Panther Falls, one of our favorite things about our 2020 staycations
Review of Rum Cake Lady Cuban Cafe in Blue Ridge, GA
[Updated November 6, 2021] When I was a young man working to pay my own way through college, I spent 5 years as a cook,
How to Get to Minnehaha Falls, GA at Lake Rabun
[Updated September 21, 2021] From Amicalola Falls and Anna Ruby Falls to Raven Cliff Falls and Panther Creek Falls, the Blue Ridge mountains offer an
How to Get to Hemlock Falls at Moccasin Creek State Park, Georgia
[Updated September 24, 2021] More than 20 years ago, I practiced my budding photography skills while exploring many of the hiking trails with waterfalls in Georgia.
How to Get to Anna Ruby Falls Near Helen, GA
[Updated September 21, 2021] Among the 100+ North Georgia waterfalls, Anna Ruby Falls was both the first I remember visiting as a child and the
Sampling Blue Ridge Restaurants on the Blue Ridge Mountains Food Tour
[Updated November 6, 2021] As a boy growing up near the North Georgia mountains, I tended to take the Appalachian food of my family’s roots
Unicoi State Park & Lodge: Camping & Hiking Near Helen, GA
[Updated on 7/20/21] Growing up in Atlanta, the mountain town of Helen GA seemed like another world, with its festive Christmas in Helen celebration and
Visiting Expedition Bigfoot Museum (aka Sasquatch Museum) in Cherry Log, GA
[Updated November 6, 2021] The Expedition Bigfoot Museum is a uniquely intriguing attraction in Cherry Log GA. Located along Highway 515 just minutes outside of
Review of Harvest on Main Restaurant in Downtown Blue Ridge, GA
[Updated November 9, 2021] Visiting Blue Ridge GA in the ’90s (and even as recently as 2009), there was little indication that this tiny town
Wood Haven Retreat: Blue Ridge Cabin Rental 5 Minutes from Downtown
[Updated November 9, 2021] There’s something about exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains that always takes me back to my childhood, growing up in North Georgia.
Vogel State Park: Camping, Hiking & History in Blairsville GA
[Updated on 7/20/21] Vogel State Park is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Located just 10 miles
Exploring the Sierra Nevada Brewery in Mills River NC (Near Asheville & Hendersonville)
[Update July 31, 2021] Sometimes when a recipe is right, it is simply right. There’s no arguing the fact that Sierra Nevada nailed its flagship
The Cataloochee Valley Elk in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Created in 1934 and encompassing 522,419 acres, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in America, attracting more than 10 million travelers
Downtown Asheville, NC History: From Biltmore to the 21st Century Boom
Downtown Asheville, NC History: From Biltmore to the 21st Century Boom. The evolution of North Carolina’s most popular Blue Ridge mountain town.
Highland Brewing: Visiting the First Asheville Brewery
[Updated July 31, 2021] Of the many cities across America currently vying for the title of “Best Beer City,” Asheville, North Carolina has a legit