The 10 Best Pet Friendly Cabins in Blue Ridge GA

Pet Friendly Cabins in Blue Ridge GA

​The Blue Ridge Mountains extend south into North Georgia, a region blessed with beautiful landscapes and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Blue Ridge GA, the town named for the mountains that surround it, is right in the heart of it all! Whether you prefer North Georgia mountain lakes, hiking to magic waterfalls, enjoying award-winning Georgia wines, … Read more

The 10 Best Romantic Getaways in Georgia for Couples

Best Romantic Getaways in Georgia for Couples

Romantic getaways in GA can take on just about any size or shape a couple could want. Whether you’re looking for romantic getaways in North Georgia, diving into the rich cultural offerings of metro Atlanta, or couples retreats in GA’s small historic towns, the Peach State has a myriad of options to choose from. There … Read more

10 Must-Visit Blue Ridge Mountain Resorts for 2024

Best Blue Ridge Mountain resorts NC

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

The 10 Best Georgia Mountain Towns to Visit

Best Mountain Towns in Georgia

There are lots of quaint Georgia mountain towns that offer Southern hospitality, and spectacular views, with Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains vistas stretching for miles.  The mountains in Georgia are a playground for nature lovers, with fun activities ranging from amazing hiking trails and waterfalls to river tubing, kayaking, horseback riding, zip lining, and more.  After … Read more

The 20 Best Campgrounds in Georgia to Visit

Campgrounds in Georgia

[Updated December 30, 2023] As a kid growing up in a lower-middle class family in North Georgia, camping and hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains were our primary travel adventures.  From a multi-day trek on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia and a memorable school trip to the Okefenokee Swamp to family getaways in Cloudland Canyon, these trips instilled my … Read more

The 15 Best Romantic Getaways in the North Georgia Mountains

Romantic Getaways in North Georgia

[Updated December 16, 2023]  Looking for options for romantic getaways in the North Georgia Mountains where you can relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with the one you love? The idyllic landscapes of Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains provide a beautiful backdrop for some of the state’s best romantic getaways. Whether you prefer lazy days cozied up beside the … Read more

The 40 Best Camping Gifts and Hiking Gifts for 2023-2024

Best Camping Gifts and Hiking Gifts for 2023-2024

[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

The 7 Best Train Rides for Christmas in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Christmas Train Rides in North Carolina

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

30 Facts About Mennonite History, Culture & Amish Connections

Mennonites at Natural Bridge State Park in Natural Bridge VA

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

The 25 Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in Atlanta (2023)

Christmas in Atlanta

[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