The 10 Best Cherokee NC Campgrounds to Visit

Deep Creek Campground in Bryson City NC by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

There are many fine Cherokee NC campgrounds that make a fantastic hub for exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway is at the national park’s entrance, just 3.5 miles north of Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary. Other awesome attractions in … Read more

The 15 Most Haunted Places in North Carolina

Fire whirl at Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge -Haunted Places in North Carolina

[Updated August 8, 2023] North Carolina’s state history is deep and sometimes sordid, with lots of interplay between cultures, humans and nature, and even some inexplicable phenomena. From the mysterious disappearance of the “lost colony” of Roanoke Islan) to the dark history of the Cherokee removal and the Civil Rights era, this history is riddled … Read more

Fall in North Carolina: 25 Great Places to See Fall Colors in NC

Fall in North Carolina: Fall Colors on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad in Bryson City NC

[Updated August 6, 2023] 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

The 25 Best Pumpkin Patches in NC

Pumpkin Patch in North Carolina

[Updated 8/6/2023] When autumn rolls around there are tons of fun activities and annual traditions to look forward to. But you could argue that none are quite as iconic as picking out the perfect pumpkin for the season. Whether you’re looking forward to spending an evening carving jack-o-lanterns, baking pumpkin pies, or creating unique seasonal … Read more

The 20 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the Smoky Mountains

Fall color Smoky Mountains

Autumn annually amazes western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee visitors with fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains. In our experience, the best scenic views in the Smoky Mountains can rival any place in the world. And autumn is arguably the best time to visit the Smoky Mountains. Forests on these peaks are thick with deciduous hardwood trees … Read more

The Best Lake Day Gear & Accessories for Summer

Lake Day

My lady and I are HUGE lake day lovers, and have been for years.  Since travel is work for us, a day at the lake feels like a vacation, with time for swimming, enjoying a lake float, grilling food, watching birds and butterflies, and just hanging out with friends and family.  We’ve been going to Lake … Read more

The 10 Best National Parks in North Carolina to Visit

Newfound Gap Great Smoky Mountains National Park North Carolina

With all of its natural beauty and rich (yet sometimes turbulent) history, it’s unsurprising to realize that so much of the state of North Carolina has been protected as U.S. National Parks.    From outstanding swaths of biodiversity to Civil War battlefields and pristine coastlines, there are seemingly endless adventures to be found at the … Read more

The 7 Best Restaurants in Franklin NC & Macon County

Best Restaurants in Franklin NC- Gracious Plates on Main Dining Room

After managing various restaurants in Atlanta for 7 years and reviewing restaurants professionally for 28 years, I’d like to think I know a few things about the culinary craft.  You can’t go into small mountain towns expecting the same diverse array of options you’ll find in larger cities like Asheville, Charlotte, and Roanoke.  But in our … Read more

Asheville River Arts District: A Guide to Galleries & Restaurants

Cotton Mill Studios in Asheville River Arts District

[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 Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The town is known for its fiercely independent spirit, with myriad “green” restaurants, breweries, and countless Asheville art galleries and artists’ studios popping up over … Read more