Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway
[Updated June 7, 2023] When my wife and I explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s typically with two main goals in mind. The first objective is to create in-depth guides on the best things to see and do there. The second is to use that information to decide whether or not we want to move … Read more
[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 town has been home to colorful characters such as bluegrass legend Raymond Fairchild, bootlegger Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton, and Deliverance actor Herbert “Cowboy” Coward (who got his start at the … Read more
[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 469-mile slice of Appalachian Americana is. You can drive for 50-100 miles and never see any Blue Ridge Parkway hotels, resorts, restaurants, or gas stations. Which is precisely what makes … Read more
[Updated April 13, 2023] With a wealth of Asheville breweries earning the mountain town the nickname “beer city,” plus a wealth of breweries in Boone and Brevard, Western North Carolina is known for some of the nation’s best microbrewing. But NC wineries have also been gaining an increasingly high-profile national reputation. Farmers in the area have gradually realized that … Read more
As someone who has been reviewing restaurants for 25+ years, I found the quality and diversity of the restaurants in Sylva, North Carolina impressive, especially for a small town with a population of 2,600. Although the town encompasses just over 3 square miles, there are nearly 40 Sylva restaurants to choose from, including an assortment … 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
The best Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds including info on facilities, unique features and nearby attractions.
[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 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 Events. From parades and shopping to dazzling Christmas lights and meetings with Santa, these Blue Ridge Mountain Towns are the perfect place to celebrate and get into the holiday spirit. … Read more
[Updated September 7, 2022] Fall in North Carolina is particularly special because the autumn leaves are around for an extended amount of time. The vibrant fall colors almost seem to develop in shifts, gradually working their way down the sides of the Blue Ridge Mountains as seasonal temperatures begin to drop. Leaves changing in North Carolina … Read more