Christmas Town USA: 10 Ways to Celebrate in McAdenville NC

McAdenville NC Town Hall during Christmas Town USA Celebration

For approximately 340 days a year, the tiny town of McAdenville, North Carolina (population 900) is a quiet community with a charming little downtown area.  But every year from December 1-26, this quaint Charlotte suburb transforms into “Christmas Town USA,” one of the best Christmas light displays in North Carolina.  Ranked among the Top 10 … 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

15 Fun Things to Do in Asheville NC in Winter

Asheville NC Winter

In winter, Asheville NC is still a great place to be. It’s cold enough for some snow and snuggles by a cozy fire, but sheltered enough not to be an absolute Arctic blast. Christmas in Asheville includes luxury venues like the Biltmore Estate and nearby NC mountain towns, with festive lights and garlands hanging on everything … Read more

The Top 15 Treehouse Rentals near Asheville NC

Treehouse Rentals near Asheville NC

[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

The 12 Best Brevard Breweries and Cideries to Visit

Brevard NC Breweries

The state of North Carolina has developed a reputation as THE place for good beer on the East Coast. The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and the hipster haven of Asheville have even managed to attract craft brewing royalty such as Sierra Nevada and New Belgium. Outside of Asheville (a.k.a. “Beer City”), the small towns of Western … Read more

The 6 Best Places for Snowboarding in North Carolina

Snowboarding in North Carolina

When it comes to skiing and snowboarding mountains in the Southeastern U.S., North Carolina is easily the best option available. But, that’s not to say that snowboarding in North Carolina is some rinky-dink undertaking. There are some serious slopes for snowboarding NC! Remember, all of the tallest mountains east of the Rockies are in the … Read more

20 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in the Smoky Mountains (NC & TN)

Dollywood Christmas Pigeon Forge TN

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular of all the national parks in the United States. And if you’re looking for unspoiled natural beauty, it’s arguably the best place to visit in the Smoky Mountains. But when it comes to the holiday season, the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains in … Read more

The Grove Park Inn Gingerbread House Competition (Asheville NC)

2021 Winner of National Gingerbread House Competition at Omni Grove Park Inn-Lead

Some of my fondest Christmas memories growing up took place in Asheville NC, where my parents would often take our family to see the awesome gingerbread houses at the Omni Grove Park Inn. One of America’s largest Christmas competitions, this annual Grove Park Inn Christmas tradition features remarkable artwork, craftsmanship, and creativity from contestants of … Read more

20 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Christmas in the Blue Ridge Mountains

During the Christmas holidays, there are countless things to do in the Blue Ridge Mountains region, which stretches from the state of Georgia all the way north to Pennsylvania.  Honestly, it’s hard to narrow down myriad ways you could celebrate Christmas in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains during the holidays recalls … Read more