The 10 Best Restaurants in Sylva NC & Dillsboro NC

Greetings From Sylva mural in Downtown Sylva NC

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

Visiting the Peaks of Otter Lodge & Campground in Bedford VA

Peaks of Otter Lodge & Abbott Lake in Bedford VA

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 20 Best Cabin Rentals in Boone NC

1 of a Kind Cabin Rental Boone NC via VRBO

[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

The 25+ Best Western NC Christmas Events in Asheville, Bryson City & Beyond!

Tweetsie Railroad

[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

The Top 30 Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in GA & NC

Bell Mountain Overlook of Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee GA

[Updated Sept 3, 2022] It’s not difficult to understand why so many people love taking getaways to the Blue Ridge Mountains, which stretch 550 miles from North Georgia to southern Pennsylvania. From hiking trails that lead to sensational scenic vistas and breathtaking waterfalls to pastoral valleys filled with wildflowers and wildlife, there’s something mesmerizing about exploring this … Read more

The 33 Best Western North Carolina Waterfalls for Hiking

20 Western North Carolina Waterfalls - School House Falls

[Updated August 20, 2022] Spend any time in the Blue Ridge Mountains you’ll quickly realize that Westen North Carolina waterfalls are a big thing here. Waterfalls in NC can be as literally big– as in over 800 feet high– as they are numerous. You’ll find approximately 250 waterfalls just in the 381-square-mile Transylvania County, located … Read more

The 8 Best Breweries in Roanoke VA, the Heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge

Best Roanoke Breweries - A Few Old Goats

[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 Best Breweries” list tells you a lot about the city’s personality. Roanoke has a vibrant downtown area with lots of great restaurants, museums, and other fine activities and attractions. But … Read more

10 Best Cherokee NC Restaurants for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Exterior of Sassy Sunflowers Bakery & Cafe in Cherokee NC

Choosing the best restaurants in Cherokee NC is an interesting challenge.  Most major tourist towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains– such as Asheville NC, Blue Ridge GA, and Roanoke VA– offer a wide array of upscale, chef-driven restaurants with their own signature culinary flair.  But the majority of the restaurants in Cherokee and the Qualla … Read more

25 Best Things to Do in Boone NC (Blue Ridge Parkway MM 291.8)

Downtown Boone, NC

[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 County. This hub of North Carolina’s High Country is a slice of the Blue Ridge Mountains that’s choc-a-block with outdoor activities and other attractions. Boone was named for American pioneer/explorer … Read more