Many travelers envision their NC mountain getaways in terms of the best mountain resorts in North Carolina. Some resorts are steeped in history, romance, adventure, or roughing it on challenging hiking trails. Others are built around soaking in small town charm, or exploring local arts and culture. I’ve lived in NC and explored its Blue Ridge Mountains region … Read more
[Updated January 13, 2023] We’ve explored 40-50 of small towns in North Carolina over the last few years, from tiny burghs like Bryson City and Little Switzerland to major tourism hotspots like Blowing Rock, Boone, and Cherokee. But none of these mountain towns has had more personal relevance for me than Waynesville NC. Located halfway between … Read more
[Updated January 5, 2023] For far too long, Hendersonville NC seemed like the Jan Brady to Asheville‘s Marcia, never quite garnering all the accolades and attention it deserved. But in recent years, Asheville’s immense popularity has proven to be a double-edged sword. Thanks to national media attention, Asheville’s population has grown by nearly 12% since … Read more
We’ve visited 40 to 50 towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains over the past two years, from like Asheville and Roanoke to tiny burghs like Burnsville NC and Hiawassee GA. But as we begin to narrow down the search for our future mountain home, few towns have impressed us quite as much as Brevard, North Carolina. There … Read more
[Updated October 27, 2024] 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 2-26, this quaint Charlotte suburb transforms into “Christmas Town USA,” one of the best Christmas light displays in North Carolina. Ranked … Read more
[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
[Updated November 9, 2024] 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 … Read more
[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 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
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
