One of the great mysteries of nature is attempting to predict precisely when the Blue Ridge Mountains Fall colors will peak every year. Of course, there is some science that goes into making the annual Fall Colors Forecast, including considering elevation, climate conditions, recent rainfall, and temperature changes. But, as with so many things in … Read more
[Updated Sept 3, 2025] Growing up in Georgia, with a Granny from Tennessee and a Granddad whose Scots-Irish ancestors settled the Blue Ridge region nearly 300 years ago, Appalachian culture was part of my birthright. Though I lived in the suburbs, my soul was fed by visiting family in the country, where Southern food, music … Read more
We love history, and one of my favorite things about exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains is getting a chance to learn how my Scots-Irish ancestors lived when they settled the region 250+ years ago. Though survival for those early Appalachian settlers was undoubtedly difficult, there’s something we find intrinsically appealing about their simpler way of … Read more
Now in its twentieth year, this popular event was originally held in Blairsville GA, where it was known as the Blairsville Scottish Festival and Highland Games. Every year hundreds of bagpipers, drummers, Clan representatives, athletes, artisans, and food vendors would gather in beautiful Meeks Park for a weekend-long celebration of traditional Scots-Irish culture and sport. … Read more
With all apologies to TLC, chasing waterfalls in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains is one of our favorite pastimes. And while my native state of Georgia may not have as many waterfalls as Western NC, the ones we do have are truly a sight to see, and often surprisingly easy to access! To that end, … Read more
Blue Ridge GA was the first mountain town I ever remember visiting as a boy in the 1970s. It was also the first town we visited after launching Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide 5 years ago. When we got an invite to visit the Bear to Dream cabin in Blue Ridge last week, we were … Read more
Blue Ridge Mountain resorts come in all shapes and sizes. Some upscale luxury resorts in the Blue Ridge Mountains focus on foodie-friendly restaurants, outstanding golf courses, and top-notch spas. My favorite mountain resorts go all-in on the rustic feel, offering breathtaking scenic vistas, hiking trails and/or waterfalls. Of course, there are also Blue Ridge Mountain ski resorts for … Read more
Over the 5 years since we launched Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide, our team has visited 70-80 different towns in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia (not including those we’ve driven through, but not actually stayed in). So narrowing it all down to a list of 30 mountain towns was no easy feat! What makes … Read more
Growing up in the heart of Atlanta GA in the 1970s, nature was something we really only explored during our school field trips. Whether it was the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, the Atlanta Zoo, or Stone Mountain Park, these magical places offered a taste of peace and serenity we rarely experienced in the city. The first … Read more
(Updated August 11, 2025) Autumn in North Georgia is always such a special time, and not just because it offers a cooling down after the dog days of Summer! As if the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia aren’t spectacular enough all year round, Fall brings an array of dazzling, gem-like colors to the jaw-dropping scenic vistas. … Read more
