Help Western NC Stores by Shopping Online (Haywood Co Edition)

North Carolina Shopping - Haywood County Maggie Valley Waynesville

Since Hurricane Helene devastated North Carolina in late September, we’ve received hundreds of requests on our Facebook page to create a guide to Western NC stores that offer online shopping. We always try to shop small businesses when we travel, because for every $1 you spend at a small business, around 67ยข stays in the … Read more

Visiting the Graystone Lodge in Boone NC

Graystone Lodge - Places to stay in Boone NC

Boone NC is one of our favorite mountain towns. And since my wife Emma and I live about an hour north (right off the Blue Ridge Parkway), we usually visit Boone every month or so. Downtown Boone has a great vibe, with good restaurants, cool shops, and fantastic walking routes. We also love the fact … Read more

40 NC Mountain Towns Officially Open to Visitors (As of 10/29/24)

Downtown Asheville NC

Those of you who follow our BRMTG Facebook page know we’ve been keeping active tabs on the recovery efforts of the myriad Blue Ridge Mountain towns that were negatively impacted by Hurricane Helene. It has only been a few weeks since the devastating storm wreaked havoc in the region, with historic flooding and landslides impacting dozens of … Read more

The 10 Best Things to Do in Hayesville NC

Historic Town Square in Hayesville NC-LEAD

Located near the northern shores of Lake Chatuge, just 10 miles north of Hiawassee GA, Hayesville NC is a tiny North Carolina mountain town with a population of less than 500 people.  With the Hiwassee River cutting through the town’s eastern edge, this area has long been settled by indigenous people. The South Appalachian Mississippian culture … Read more

10 Fun Things to Do During Fall in Asheville NC

Fall in Asheville NC

Autumn in Asheville NC is a magical time, with Fall colors glowing like gems in the Blue Ridge Mountains that surround the burgeoning metropolis. Naturally, there are endless things to do in (and near) Asheville to help get you into the spirit of the season.  Whether it’s driving the Blue Ridge Parkway for top-notch leaf … Read more

The 10 Best Corn Mazes in North Carolina to Visit

Corn Mazes in North Carolina

Much like pumpkin patches and apple picking, visiting corn mazes in NC makes us feel like the glorious days of Autumn have officially arrived.   The state of North Carolina has more than its fair share of vast corn fields. So it’s an ideal place to seek out kid-friendly corn mazes, as well as massive adult-sized challenges … Read more

Apple Picking & More at Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard in Hendersonville NC

Scarecrow Barn at Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard in Hendersonville NC

If Fall for you means apple picking, pumpkin patches, wagon rides, and corn mazes, Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard in Hendersonville NC can help you check all those things off your list in one fantastic, family-friendly day out!   Stepp’s is a wonderful, fully functioning farm and orchard that doubles as a giant playground for kids and … Read more

The 15 Best Places for Glamping in the Blue Ridge Mountains (GA, NC, TN, VA)

Glamping Smoky Mountains

Want to keep one foot in nature while simultaneously turning up the dial on luxury? Try a weekend of glamping in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Glamping (a.k.a. luxury camping) allows you to immerse yourself in the forest, creeks, and mountains while also enjoying modern conveniences like cozy beds, AC/heat, kitchens, private terraces, and maybe even … Read more

Highlights of Driving the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway NC (BRP MP 412)

Looking Glass Falls near Brevard NC

The Forest Heritage Scenic Byway is a 76.7-mile loop in Western NC that passes through Pisgah National Forest. It’s just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at one end, and close to the mountain town of Brevard at the other. This stunning tree-lined journey is dotted with endless hiking trails, picnic spots, swimming holes, and some of … Read more

The 20 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Picnic Areas in NC & VA

Picnic off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Wintergreen Resort in Virginia

There’s hardly an inch of the Blue Ridge Parkway that wouldn’t make a lovely spot to have a picnic. Whether you’ve been taking a scenic drive or hiking for miles, there’s something very nostalgic about pulling out a blanket, a basket full of goodies, and soaking up some nature while you nosh. Thankfully, the US … Read more