Non-Venomous vs Venomous Snakes in North Carolina (ID Guide)

Red-bellied Watersnake

[Updated February 20, 2023] When it comes to snakes in North Carolina, some people have a deep, abiding fear that no amount of practical knowledge can subdue. In their eyes, a snake is a snake, and any snake is dangerous. Unfortunately, this results in a dead snake much more frequently than a bitten person. Some … Read more

Exploring the Smokemont Campground in Cherokee NC

Bradley Fork Trail Smokemont Campground in Cherokee NC

Deep within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, at an elevation of 2,200 feet, the Smokemont Campground is a must-see for anyone wanting a true Smoky Mountains camping experience. Located along Newfound Gap road, just a few miles from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and myriad other activities and attractions, Smokemont offers a perfectly secluded spot for … Read more

North Carolina Wildflowers Guide (& Where to See Them in Western NC)

North Carolina Wildflowers

[Updated February 16, 2023]  Western North Carolina is truly stacked with natural beauty. From the misty hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the towering trees of Pisgah National Forest to the countless waterfalls scattered throughout the area, it’s easy to find yourself awestruck by the scenery that greets you nearly every which way you turn.  … Read more

20 Best Things to Do in Bryson City NC & Swain County

Downtown Bryson City seen from the Oconaluftee Loft Balcony

[Updated February 13, 2023] Bryson City is surrounded by Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the north, Fontana Lake to the west, Cherokee NC to the east, and the Nantahala National Forest to the south.  So even a shortlist of the best things to do in Bryson City NC could include dozens of exciting activities … Read more

The 15 Best Bryson City Restaurants for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Bar at the Everett Hotel Bistro, one of the best restaurants in Bryson City NC

[Updated February 11, 2023] Compared to burgeoning mountain towns like Asheville NC and Roanoke VA, Bryson City is a fairly small town encompassing just 2.3 square miles, with a population of around 1800 people.  But the town, which is known as “the Gateway to the Great Smokies,” offers an exceptional array of things to do, … Read more

7 Covered Bridges in North Carolina You Can Visit in 1 Day

Pisgah Covered Bridge, NC via Canva

  Covered bridges in North Carolina are one of those iconic images of America’s past. It’s that sense of nostalgia and romance that makes them so enjoyable to visit. In fact, they’re so beloved that there’s a National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges devoted to protecting these historic sites for future generations! Wood was … Read more

Hiking the Schoolhouse Falls Trail Near Cashiers NC

schoolhouse falls nc

Schoolhouse Falls NC is widely considered one of the most popular Panthertown Valley waterfalls, and it’s not difficult to understand why. Pathertown Valley is a backcountry wilderness area and bear sanctuary that is part of the Nantahala National Forest in Western NC. There are nearly 30 miles of excellent hiking trails in this valley, winding their … Read more

The 20 Best Lakes in North Carolina (Mountains, Coast & Beyond)

[Updated January 25, 2023] As anyone who has ever visited will tell you, the state of North Carolina is truly a haven for nature lovers. The state is home to the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forest, dozens of beloved NC State Parks, the beaches of the Outer Banks, and famous scenic routes such as the … Read more

The 15 Best Hendersonville NC Restaurants for 2023

Outdoor Patio at Never Blue, a Downtown Hendersonville Restaurant

[Updated January 20, 2023]   From Blue Ridge and Dahlonega GA to Asheville and Waynesville NC, nearly every great mountain town we’ve visited has had a fantastic, foodie-friendly assortment of restaurants to lure visitors.    The Hendersonville eateries we explored during our recent visit proved the town, which lies just 20 miles south of Asheville, … Read more

Exploring the Davidson River Campground Near Brevard NC

Pisgah National Forest -Looking Glass Falls by Makasana Photo

Located off the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway (a.k.a. Pisgah Hwy) near Brevard NC, the Davidson River Campground  is a perfect base for anyone wanting to explore Pisgah National Forest. This prime Pisgah campground boasts several of its own attractions. But it’s also just a stone’s throw away from many of our favorite North Carolina waterfalls, … Read more