The reputation of Asheville NC as a magical getaway has been well-known for over a century. So much so that one of the world’s wealthiest families, the Vanderbilts, built their Biltmore Estate there in the late 1800s. Over the last 20 years, Asheville has emerged as a major hub in the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC, … Read more
Surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest in the Great Smoky Mountains, the Historic Tapoco Lodge Resort was the highlight of our visit to Robbinsville NC. With history dating back to the 1930s, the 120+ acre mountain resort is located on the Cheoah River, with 3 Lodge Suites, 6 Lodge Rooms, and 18 Cabin Rooms to … Read more
On our latest Great Smoky Mountains camping trip, the Cherokee NC attraction I most looked forward to visiting was the Museum of the Cherokee People (formerly known as the Museum of the Cherokee Indian). I hoped the museum would give me some good background on the Cherokee people. It did not disappoint, and proved to … Read more
If you find yourself looking for fun things to do in Winston Salem NC, look no further than Reynolda Village. Of all the Winston-Salem attractions we’ve visited, Reynolda Village is definitely among our favorites. We could easily spend an entire weekend there shopping, dining at local restaurants, walking the historic grounds, taking in … Read more
The Smoky Mountains are renowned for their spectacular natural beauty. And in our experience, there’s no better way to see them than by taking a Great Smoky Mountains train ride. Train rides have a rich history in the Southeastern US, and carry a rich sense of nostalgia that bridges generations. Sadly, many old passenger trains have … Read more
Ever since spending my boyhood summers on Lake Hartwell in North Georgia, I’ve become a lifelong lover of the myriad beautiful lakes in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Named after early 19th century Cherokee leader Chief Junaluska, Lake Junaluska NC is one of the oldest man-made lakes in North Carolina. The Lake Junaluska Dam on Richland … Read more
The Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee are spectacular at any time of year, including Winter. Sure, the chilly Smoky Mountains Winter weather drives some folks indoors. But for visitors interested in snow skiing, snow tubing, snowboarding, hiking, and/or exploring waterfalls, Winter is a perfect time to visit! Whichever category you fall into, … Read more
[Updated December 22, 2023] From the majestic mountains and scenic coastlines to history and all-out opulence, romantic getaways in NC can take on an incredible array of forms. From the rustic nature of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the art deco architecture of Asheville to the massive dunes of the Outer Banks, options for wonderful romantic getaways in … Read more
[Updated on December 5, 2023] Growing up in North Georgia, some of my favorite childhood memories involved camping and hiking in the mountains with my family. My parents led our church youth group on incredible excursions, hiking up to the summit of Blood Mountain, trekking 14 miles on the Appalachian Trail, and going to visit … Read more
As a longtime Western North Carolina resident (formerly of Brevard, currently of Elkin NC), I’ve spent a lot of time in Asheville over the years. From critically acclaimed restaurants and hip breweries to trendy boutiques and swanky museums, there’s an ever-increasing array of fun things to do in Asheville NC. This burgeoning mountain metropolis is … Read more
