Train rides for Christmas chug back into our lives with a payload of nostalgia on board. Railroads come from a historic era before automobiles and airplanes had been invented. Yet they come rumbling in from afar with an odd sense of odd familiarity, even for those who’ve never been on a train ride before. In our … Read more
My wife, Heather, and I both grew up in the Mennonite community and attended Mennonite churches and schools. If you met us, you’d see that we live a modern (a.k.a. “mainstream”) Mennonite lifestyle. We both drive cars, have college degrees, and dress according to current fashion. But still we have a great appreciation for our … Read more
[Updated October 24, 2023] Celebrating Christmas in the Blue Ridge Mountains is truly magical, whether you’re visiting charming small towns like Dahlonega and Helen GA or exploring a burgeoning metropolis like Asheville. But if you’re looking for depth and diversity of holiday attractions, it’s difficult to beat Christmas in Atlanta. There’s such a vast array … Read more
[Updated October 19, 2023] In my 25+ years as a professional travel writer, I’ve been extremely fortunate to travel to some amazing destinations all around the world. But, as a lifelong resident of the state, I always come back home in time to spend Christmas in Georgia. I grew up in the city and spent … Read more
[Updated on September 18, 2023] The Appalachian Mountains encompass a massive portion of the United States. They span 420 counties in 13 states, with foothills as far south as Alabama and all the up into New York State. Before the arrival of Europeans, the region was home to numerous indigenous tribes, including the Cherokee, Iroquois, Powhatan, … Read more
As the sweltering days of Summer say their goodbyes, the nights and mornings get a little cooler, and the promise of changing leaves in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Fall is tantalizingly close. Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains (as we do) offers year-round treats, from Spring blossoms and Summer wildflowers to Winter wonderlands. … Read more
I’ve lived in the state of Georgia for 50+ years now, so it’s safe to say I’ve visited most of the best Georgia vacation spots at least once. When I was a kid, my family’s Georgia vacations were largely limited to campgrounds in Georgia State Parks. But we did spend a memorable weekend hiking 14 … Read more
[Updated September 6. 2023] Between the charming mountain towns, rolling mountains, and breathtaking scenery, there are lots of things to do in North Georgia with an adventure for everyone. Its unique location at the southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountains and mild climate allows for year long explorations of stunning terrain and a rich … Read more
Growing up in Atlanta, my family never had enough money to visit the many mountain resorts in North Georgia. So instead we tended to stay in campgrounds, and particularly those in the North Georgia State Parks. But by the time I reached my early 20s, staying at resorts in the Georgia mountains became a more affordable … Read more
When you mention the State of Georgia, peach trees are usually the first thing that springs to mind for most people. But apples make it pretty big on the North Georgia fruit-picking scene, too! While there’s not technically any apple picking in Atlanta proper, the cool air and fertile soil of Georgia’s Blue … Read more