With its Bavarian architecture, traditional German restaurants, and kitschy gift shops, Alpine Helen GA is arguably the most popular small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia. And while there are a plethora of interesting places to stay in Helen, some of the most colorful options for lodging in Helen GA are right near the … Read more
I’ve been exploring the North Georgia mountains since I was a young boy, camping and hiking with my parents and our church youth group (which they led). In my 20s I got my start in professional photography by exploring the North Georgia State Parks, whose myriad hiking trails and waterfalls provided a great escape from … Read more
Growing up in North Georgia, you couldn’t drive very far into the Blue Ridge Mountains without seeing the famous “SEE ROCK CITY” signs painted on barns, birdhouses, and more. And yet, for some odd reason, my family never visited Rock City Gardens, which has been a popular Chattanooga-area attraction for 90 years now. Located atop … Read more
As a boy growing up in the North Georgia suburbs east of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park (the state’s most-visited tourist attraction) was a huge part of my childhood. So when I grew up and had a daughter, visiting Stone Mountain for its fun festivals (including the Pumpkin Festival and Stone Mountain Highland Games every fall) became … Read more
[Updated November 15, 2022] Although Mary and I have been working as a travel writer/photographer team for over a decade now, we always make sure we’re home in time to spend Christmas in Georgia. Growing up in Atlanta, with extended family who lived far north of the city, I was blessed with so many … Read more
During the Christmas holidays, there are countless things to do in the Blue Ridge Mountains region, which stretches from the state of Georgia all the way north to Pennsylvania. Honestly, it’s hard to narrow down myriad ways you could celebrate Christmas in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains during the holidays recalls … Read more
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 most of my childhood … Read more
[Updated November 12, 2022] When the “most wonderful time of the year” finally arrives, nothing gets us in the holiday spirit quite like watching millions of colorful twinkling lights. Whether we’re driving through an epic 5-mile attraction or strolling along on foot while enjoying a cup of hot cocoa, looking at Georgia Christmas lights is … Read more
Widely regarded as one of the best places in the North Georgia mountains to live, Dahlonega GA is one of those old-timey small towns that visitors often compare to Mayberry. It originally grew out of the gold mining boom of the early 19th century, when the Georgia gold rush brought thousands of prospectors to Dahlonega and nearby Helen. … Read more
The 20 Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in Atlanta including Christmas Lights, Fun Things to do for Christmas, Christmas Shows & more!