The 10 Best Restaurants in Blowing Rock NC for Foodies

Elk at Timberlakes Restaurant in Blowing Rock NC

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 Blue Ridge region of North Carolina.  The town is home to major attractions such as the Blowing Rock, Mystery Hill, and Tweetsie Railroad. And its proximity to the Blue Ridge … Read more

The 10 Best Restaurants in Roanoke VA (Virginia’s Blue Ridge)

Rockfish Restaurant in Roanoke VA

[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 of the many mountain towns along the Blue Ridge Parkway– there are eateries of every ilk to satisfy any possible craving you could have. My wife Emma and I have been … Read more

The 15 Best Things to Do in Banner Elk NC

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 Ridge Mountain towns we’ve ever visited. Once used by the Cherokee people for hunting and fishing, the area surrounding the Elk River was settled by Martin L. Banner from Wales … Read more

The 10 Best Things to Do in Weaverville NC

Downtown Weaverville NC Town Hall

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 our future home. We’ve since visited dozens of towns all across North Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia, and found some potentially great places to live in each state.  In NC … Read more

The 15 Best Boone NC Hiking Trails to Explore

Boone NC Hiking Trails

[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 from mountain biking and rock climbing to whitewater rafting and snow skiing. The county seat of Watauga County has a population of around 20,000, which is pretty big for the Western … Read more

Things to Do at Center In The Square in Downtown Roanoke VA

Center in the Square in 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, museums, and other attractions. In our eyes, Roanoke is one of the must-see mountain towns for anyone taking a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip. Downtown Roanoke is home to Virginia’s … Read more

The Hickory Ridge Living History Museum and “Horn in the West” in Boone NC

Hickory Ridge Living Museum/Horn in the West

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 mountains. It does this in a variety of ways– through theatrical performances, educational programs, and an excellent living history museum. Located in Boone, the seat of Watauga County, the Hickory … Read more