[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 North Georgia Mountains. Although it’s a relatively small town of around 7,500 residents, its diverse array of shops, restaurants, wineries, and historical attractions draws visitors all year-round. Dahlonega also … Read more
[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 popular mountain towns in Georgia. The weather in Ellijay is perfect for apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and wineries. And it’s close to both the town of Blue Ridge GA and the … Read more
We’ve been fortunate enough to drive the entire 469-mile length of the Blue Ridge Parkway several times over the past two years. And though the world-famous scenic route boasts plenty of highlights, the Peaks of Otter (Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 86) stands out among our favorite BRP attractions. Located 11 miles north of Bedford VA … Read more
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 Ridge GA was just a sleepy little town. As the surge of growth in Atlanta sent more people to the North Georgia Mountains to escape the hustle and bustle, the town’s mix … Read more
Many travelers envision their NC mountain getaways in terms of the best mountain resorts in North Carolina. Some resorts are steeped in history, romance, adventure, or roughing it on challenging hiking trails. Others are built around soaking in small town charm, or exploring local arts and culture. I’ve lived in NC and explored its Blue Ridge Mountains region … Read more
[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. From Blue Ridge Parkway road trips and beloved hiking trails to enjoying the area’s many fun festivals and art galleries, Boone offers a little something for everyone. Three of North Carolina’s best ski … Read more
[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 five tallest mountains east of the Mississippi, countless cascading waterfalls, adventurous hiking trails, and bustling mountain towns, the region offers beautiful scenery every which way you turn. After a full day … Read more
[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 what the doctor ordered for those who want to decompress from the stress of everyday life. The forests and mountains surrounding the town of Blue Ridge GA offer an abundance of … Read more
Cherokee, North Carolina is a town that’s immensely rich in culture and history, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s no wonder that more than 4 million people visit Cherokee NC each year to explore all the natural beauty and man-made attractions the area has to offer. Cherokee is home to the … Read more
When we started the Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide in 2019, we had two major goals in mind. The first was to explore the countless Blue Ridge Mountain towns in-depth, and share all our favorite things we experienced while rediscovering the simple pleasures of small town Americana. The second was to find our future home in the … Read more
