Check out our in-depth guides to the best things to do in the North Carolina Mountains, including overviews of all the best towns, restaurants, attractions, wineries, resorts, cabin rentals, and more!
Visiting the North Carolina Mountains
Camping & Hiking at Gorges State Park in Sapphire NC
Transylvania County NC is justifiably known as “the Land of Waterfalls.” There are more than 250 waterfalls in the area surrounding Brevard to check off
Visiting the Asheville Botanical Garden in Asheville NC
Spring has officially sprung, and with it comes the seasonal mixed blessing of beautiful wildflowers and bountiful pollen (ah-choo!). One of our favorite things to
Visiting Kuwohi (& Why They Changed Clingmans Dome’s Name)
If you’re visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a journey up to the summit of Kuwohi (pronounced koo-WHOA-hee, and formerly known as Clingmans Dome) is
20 Must-Visit Blue Ridge Mountain Resorts for 2025
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,
The 30 Best Blue Ridge Mountain Towns to Visit in 2025
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
10 Awesome Events for Christmas in Murphy NC/Cherokee County
After recovering relatively quickly from Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina mountain town of Murphy (and surrounding Cherokee County) is making the most of the holiday
Help Western NC Stores by Shopping Online (Jackson Co Edition)
Since Hurricane Helene devastated North Carolina in late September, we’ve received hundreds of requests on our Facebook page to create a guide to Western NC
10 Fun, Festive Things to Do in Burnsville NC at Christmas
After Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc throughout Western NC in late September 2024, it was a wonderful thing to see so many small towns able to
10 Festive Things to Do During Christmas in Bryson City NC
You can’t swing a stick in Western NC without hitting a wonderful place to celebrate Christmas. But you’d be hard-pressed to find one more splendid
10 Ways to Celebrate A Small Town Christmas in Banner Elk NC
This holiday season is extra special for the town of Banner Elk NC, especially after having spent the last two months climbing out from under
Western NC Christmas Celebrations on Thanksgiving Weekend
Although things in Western North Carolina haven’t exactly returned to normal for Christmas 2024, those NC mountain towns that have recovered enough are set to
Celebrating Christmas in Hendersonville NC: Home For the Holidays
From the Biltmore House Christmas and Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum to the Grove Park Inn’s Gingerbread House Competition, Asheville has more than its
Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville NC
Now in its 11th year, Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum ranks right alongside Biltmore Christmas among our favorite things to do during Winter in
Help Western NC Stores by Shopping Online (Henderson Co Edition)
Since Hurricane Helene devastated North Carolina in late September, we’ve received hundreds of requests on our Facebook page to create a guide to Western NC
30 Western NC Non-Profits Helping with Helene Relief & Recovery
Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina on September 27, devastating (and, in some cases, obliterating) many of our favorite mountain towns. Since then, many of
Inside the Biltmore House Christmas in Asheville NC
If you’re planning to spend Christmas in Asheville NC, experiencing the Biltmore Estate Christmas is a bucket list item that proves well worth the pricy
10 Ways to Visit Western North Carolina Responsibly after Hurricane Helene
In my 7 years of living in Western North Carolina, I’ve survived two 100-year storms (see: 10 inches of rain in less than a day),
Help Western NC Stores by Shopping Online (Haywood Co Edition)
Since Hurricane Helene devastated North Carolina in late September, we’ve received hundreds of requests on our Facebook page to create a guide to Western NC
Visiting the Graystone Lodge in Boone NC
Boone NC is one of our favorite mountain towns. And since my wife Emma and I live about an hour north (right off the Blue
40 NC Mountain Towns Officially Open to Visitors (As of 10/29/24)
Those of you who follow our BRMTG Facebook page know we’ve been keeping active tabs on the recovery efforts of the myriad Blue Ridge Mountain towns that
The 10 Best Things to Do in Hayesville NC
Located near the northern shores of Lake Chatuge, just 10 miles north of Hiawassee GA, Hayesville NC is a tiny North Carolina mountain town with a
10 Fun Things to Do During Fall in Asheville NC
Autumn in Asheville NC is a magical time, with Fall colors glowing like gems in the Blue Ridge Mountains that surround the burgeoning metropolis. Naturally,
The 10 Best Corn Mazes in North Carolina to Visit
Much like pumpkin patches and apple picking, visiting corn mazes in NC makes us feel like the glorious days of Autumn have officially arrived. The
Apple Picking & More at Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard in Hendersonville NC
If Fall for you means apple picking, pumpkin patches, wagon rides, and corn mazes, Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard in Hendersonville NC can help you check all
The 15 Best Places for Glamping in the Blue Ridge Mountains (GA, NC, TN, VA)
Want to keep one foot in nature while simultaneously turning up the dial on luxury? Try a weekend of glamping in the Blue Ridge Mountains!
Highlights of Driving the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway NC (BRP MP 412)
The Forest Heritage Scenic Byway is a 76.7-mile loop in Western NC that passes through Pisgah National Forest. It’s just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at
The 20 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Picnic Areas in NC & VA
There’s hardly an inch of the Blue Ridge Parkway that wouldn’t make a lovely spot to have a picnic. Whether you’ve been taking a scenic
Top 10 Things to Do in Lake Lure & Chimney Rock NC
Lake Lure and Chimney Rock are neighboring North Carolina mountain towns with a lot to offer visitors. As their names imply, the town of Lake
The 15 Best Fairs in North Carolina to Visit
[Updated on 8/14/24] Fall in North Carolina is a wonderful time, particularly in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where the leaves put on amazing shows and
The Top 20 Fall Festivals in the North Carolina Mountains
EDITOR’S NOTE: This post was published in mid-August 2024, more than a month before Hurricane Helene wreaked devastation in Western NC. The majority of these
Lakeview at Fontana Soaking Cabana Resort in Bryson City NC
We’ve visited more than 50 towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains over the last 4 years, staying in some truly exceptional cabin rentals, hotels, and resorts.
Gravity-Defying Family Fun at Mystery Hill in Blowing Rock NC
We’ve visited 50+ Blue Ridge Mountain towns in the 4 years since we launched this site, and several of them we’ve visited numerous times. Blowing
The Best Lake Gear of 2024 (Floats, Grills, Coolers & More)
We’ve written about how much Mary and I both love the water many times before. She grew up spending weeks every summer with her grandparents
20 Fun 4th of July Celebrations in the NC & GA Mountains
What would the 4th of July be without a few fireworks? Thankfully, many Blue Ridge Mountain towns in GA & NC are intent on making sure your
The 10 Best Campgrounds in North Carolina to Visit
Camping in North Carolina is uniformly fantastic, from the coastal islands and the rolling hills of the Piedmont to the high-flying peaks of the Western
The 10 Best Things to Do in West Jefferson NC
Located less than 18 miles from the Virginia border, the town of West Jefferson is a jewel in the crown of North Carolina’s best small
Visiting the Abandoned Ghost Town Amusement Park in Maggie Valley NC
Ghost Town In The Sky (later rebranded as Ghost Town Village) was a beloved Wild West-themed amusement park in Maggie Valley NC. Conceived by Virginia
Exploring Downtown Blowing Rock NC: Restaurants, Shopping & More
Blowing Rock is a quintessential little North Carolina mountain town with an upscale vibe, located right in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s
How to Get to the Soco Falls Trail Near Cherokee & Maggie Valley NC
Located on US-19, just 1.5 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Soco Gap (Milepost 455.7), Soco Falls is an extremely popular place to visit
Exploring Downtown Boone NC: Restaurants, Shopping & More
Though it’s nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and steeped in a long history, Downtown Boone NC has the vibe of a young, hip, and happening
Visiting the Blowing Rock Attraction in Blowing Rock NC
Blowing Rock NC is located just a couple of miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Drivers simply exit onto US-221N between Moses H. Cone
The 20 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks in North Carolina
The state of North Carolina is home to over half of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s 469 total miles, and the mountain overlooks in NC are
The Linn Cove Viaduct Trail, Visitor Center & History (BRP MP 304.4)
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the premier scenic drives in the USA, and also the most visited national park in the country. Created
Why You Need to Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center (MP 384)
Whether you’re taking your very first Blue Ridge Parkway road trip or– like us– you’ve explored the scenic route multiple times, a visit to the
A Detailed History of the Blue Ridge Parkway
The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway is widely regarded as “America’s favorite drive,” with over 16 million annual visitors making it the most popular unit of
The 20 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Restaurants in VA & NC
When we think of America’s most beloved scenic route, most people envision jaw-dropping Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks, amazing waterfalls, and/or the colorful foliage along the Blue
Visiting the Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center (Asheville NC)
The Southern Highland Craft Guild has been an advocate for high-quality crafts being made and sold in the southern Appalachian Mountains since the 1930s. Their mission
10 Amazing Animals in the Smoky Mountains (& Where to See Them)
In our experience, wildlife in the Smoky Mountains is both abundant and diverse, including amphibians, birds, large mammals, and reptiles. Some of the amazing
The 10 Best Great Smoky Mountains Resorts in NC & TN
Looking for a relaxing weekend getaway in the mountains? There’s no shortage of resorts in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina. Whether
How to Plan an Amazing Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles in Virginia and North Carolina, connecting Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Though seasoned travelers
Hiking the Glen Burney Falls Trail in Blowing Rock NC
Stopping off in the North Carolina mountain town of Blowing Rock proved a perfect end to our weekend getaway at Julian Price Memorial Park. Before checking
The 10 Best Small Towns Near Asheville NC
With nearly 100,000 residents, Asheville is easily the biggest jewel of a mountain town in Western NC. But there are numerous small towns near Asheville
Hiking Rough Ridge on the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC
There are countless hiking trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and each offers a little something special. But the relatively short Rough Ridge hike ranks
Exploring the Fontana Dam and Visitors Center on Lake Fontana NC
Visiting the Fontana Dam and Visitors Center was high on our list of things to do during our latest car camping trip around the Great
The 10 Best Things to Do in Asheville for Couples
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
Visiting the Historic Tapoco Lodge Resort in Robbinsville NC
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.
Visiting the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee NC
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
Exploring Reynolda Village in Winston-Salem NC
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
The 8 Best Train Rides in the Smoky Mountains of NC & TN
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
Visiting Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center in Waynesville NC
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
The 10 Best Things to Do in the Great Smoky Mountains in Winter
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
The 20 Best Romantic Getaways in NC (Hotels, Inns & Resorts)
[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
The 40 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
The 7 Best Places for Snow Skiing Near Asheville, North Carolina
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.
The 12 Best Boone NC Christmas Tree Farms (2024)
[Updated on November 10, 2024] The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina are known as “the Fraser Fir Capital of the World” and Boone NC
The 10 Best Christmas Parades in North Carolina (2024)
[Updated November 2, 2024] After living just off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Elkin NC for years, I’ve come to realize that there are
The 28 Best NC Christmas Tree Farms to Visit (2024)
[Updated November 30, 2024] Whether you’re continuing a lifelong Christmas tradition or getting your first ever real tree, picking out a tree from one of
The 15 Best Places to See Christmas Lights in North Carolina (2024-2025)
[Updated on November 3, 2024] While NC is renowned for an incredible array of popular natural attractions, come holiday time, you can also find dazzling
10 Reasons to Ride the Bryson City Polar Express Train for Christmas
In 2022, my wife Mary decided to make her 80-year-old dad’s longtime dream of spending Christmas in Asheville NC come true. She planned a terrific
The 7 Best Train Rides for Christmas in the Blue Ridge Mountains
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
30 Facts About Mennonite History, Culture & Amish Connections
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
The 30 Best NC Christmas Events (2024-2025)
[Updated December 2, 2024] There’s nothing quite like celebrating the holiday season in a magical place, and many small mountain towns offer special NC Christmas
18 Festive Ways to Celebrate an Asheville NC Christmas (2024-2025)
[Updated November 2, 2024] It’s no secret that Asheville is one of our favorite Blue Ridge Mountain towns, thanks to its art deco architecture, excellent
The 10 Best Smoky Mountains Hotels to Visit in NC & TN
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg TN, and Pigeon Forge TN are huge vacation destinations complete with theme parks, ski resorts, and other fun attractions.
10 Challenging Escape Rooms in North Carolina to Visit
Escape rooms in North Carolina are a unique way to spend an afternoon (or evening) with friends and family. For an hour or so,
The 7 Best Restaurants in Winston-Salem NC to Visit
My wife Emma and I are foodies, so for us an outing to the big city simply must involve getting something special to eat. We
What is Bluegrass? The History & Evolution of Appalachian Music
[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
The 25 Best North Carolina Music Festivals in 2023
[Updated September 15, 2023] The state of North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Appalachian Mountains are all well-known for their considerable musical influence.
20 Incredible Places To See the Blue Ridge Mountains in Fall
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
The 10 Best Things To Do in Robbinsville NC & Graham County
Located near the southern shores of Lake Santeetlah, the small town of Robbinsville NC is utterly unlike most of the 50+ Blue Ridge Mountain towns
The 55 Best North Carolina Waterfalls to Visit
[Updated September 13, 2023] Chasing waterfalls in North Carolina is serious business. Transylvania County (which rightfully bill itself as “the Land of Waterfalls”) alone has
The 25 Best Places to Visit in North Carolina for 2023
[Updated September 12, 2023] My wife Emma and I have lived on our homestead near Elkin NC for years, and we traveled the state frequently for
The 10 Best Things to Do in Winston Salem NC
The city of Winston-Salem is centrally located in North Carolina’s Piedmont region, between the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and the NC low country. It’s
30 Fun Facts About Appalachian Scots-Irish History & Culture
“O Bessie Bell and Mary Gray, they were two bonnie lasses…” Written by a long-forgotten author in the 1700s, this poem memorializes a haunting tale
The 12 Best Hendersonville Apple Orchards for Apple Picking & More
[Updated August 15, 2023] Did you know that North Carolina is the 7th largest apple producing state in the USA? Or that Hendersonville Apple Orchards
The 10 Best Cherokee NC Campgrounds to Visit
There are many fine Cherokee NC campgrounds that make a fantastic hub for exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains of
The 20 Best North Carolina Hiking Trails
Although there are always a myriad of things to do in our home state, hiking in North Carolina ranks high among my favorite activities. Many of
The 15 Most Haunted Places in North Carolina
[Updated August 8, 2023] North Carolina’s state history is deep and sometimes sordid, with lots of interplay between cultures, humans and nature, and even some
Fall in North Carolina: 25 Great Places to See Fall Colors in NC
[Updated August 6, 2023] Fall in North Carolina is particularly special because the autumn leaves are around for an extended amount of time. The vibrant fall
The 25 Best Pumpkin Patches in NC
[Updated 8/6/2023] When autumn rolls around there are tons of fun activities and annual traditions to look forward to. But you could argue that none
The 20 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the Smoky Mountains
Autumn annually amazes western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee visitors with fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains. In our experience, the best scenic views in the Smoky
The Best Lake Day Gear & Accessories for Summer
My lady and I are HUGE lake day lovers, and have been for years. Since travel is work for us, a day at the lake
The 10 Best National Parks in North Carolina to Visit
With all of its natural beauty and rich (yet sometimes turbulent) history, it’s unsurprising to realize that so much of the state of North Carolina
The 7 Best Restaurants in Franklin NC & Macon County
After managing various restaurants in Atlanta for 7 years and reviewing restaurants professionally for 28 years, I’d like to think I know a few things about
Asheville River Arts District: A Guide to Galleries & Restaurants
[Updated July 3, 2023] Over the last decade, Asheville has emerged as a progressive haven of arts and culture in the middle of the Blue
The 15 Best Things to Do in Elkin NC & the Yadkin Valley
[Updated 6/26/2023] Just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rocky ridges smooth out into the rolling hills and lively mountain streams known as the North
The 7 Best Restaurants in Mt Airy NC & Surry County
Mount Airy is often called Mayberry because it inspired the small town setting of The Andy Griffith Show. But quite a lot has changed in the
The 10 Best Things To Do in Hot Springs NC
Although we’ve visited 50+ Blue Ridge Mountain towns over the past 3 years, the town of Hot Springs NC remained a fixture on our bucket
10 Wonderful Yadkin Valley Wineries Worth Visiting
If you’re a food and wine lover and you’ve never explored the Yadkin Valley in NC, you’re really missing out! The Yadkin Valley region
30 Great Smoky Mountains Facts for Trivia Buffs
People head to the Smokies of North Carolina and Tennessee for many reasons. Some want to go on epic Great Smoky Mountains hikes, while others
10 Best Plaza Midwood Restaurants in Charlotte, North Carolina
Plaza Midwood, a neighborhood just southeast of Uptown Charlotte NC, is one of the fastest growing (and fastest changing) areas of the Queen City. As
The 20 Best Things to Do in Waynesville NC & Haywood County
[Updated June 7, 2023] When my wife and I explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s typically with two main goals in mind. The first objective
The 20 Best Things to Do in Brevard NC & Transylvania County
[Updated May 29, 2023] In the three years since we launched this site, we’ve visited more than 50 Blue Ridge Mountain towns in the search
The 15 Best Smoky Mountain Waterfalls to Visit
Of all the Great Smoky Mountains attractions, chasing waterfalls is arguably among the most popular and rewarding activities. The Great Smoky Mountain waterfalls are
Exploring the Mt Pisgah Campground in Canton NC
If you’re eager to spend time at one of the best campgrounds near Canton NC, look no further than the ever-popular Mt Pisgah Campground. Located
The 10 Best Things to Do in Franklin NC & Macon County
We’ve explored more than 50 different Blue Ridge Mountain towns over the last few years. Thanks to research skills I’ve developed over 25+ years as
The 15 Best Things to Do in Maggie Valley NC
[Updated May 22, 2023] Located about halfway between Bryson City and Asheville, Maggie Valley NC is a small mountain town with something of a split personality.
Where are the Blue Ridge Mountains? A State-by-State Guide
“Where are the Blue Ridge Mountains?” is a question we get fairly often, and it’s understandable why so many people are confused by the geographical
The 10 Best Things to Do in Mount Airy NC (& Surry County)
Though we’ve lived within an hour of Mount Airy, North Carolina, for the last five years, we’ve rarely found time to make our way over
The 20 Best Things to Do in Cherokee NC & the Qualla Boundary
[Updated May 9, 2023] Cherokee, North Carolina is not like any other town we’ve ever visited during our extensive explorations of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
15 Best Things to Do in Little Switzerland NC (BRP MP 334)
[Updated January 8, 2024] One of the things people don’t tell you about taking a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip is how remarkably uncommercialized this
The 10 Best Things to Do in Cashiers NC & Jackson County
We’ve visited around 50 different Blue Ridge Mountain towns in the last few years. And in our experience, the town of Cashiers NC is something
20 Best Things to Do in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina
One of the most common questions we get is, “Where are the Blue Ridge Mountains?” Most people seem to know that there are Blue Ridge Mountains
The Top 20 Waterfalls Near Brevard NC (Transylvania County)
[Updated April 24, 2023] In a region wrought with spectacular waterfalls, no place has nearly as many as Transylvania County, North Carolina. Encompassing 381 square
Visiting the Andy Griffith Museum in Mt Airy NC
Is Andy Griffith’s Mayberry a real town? That depends on who you ask. In our experience, many folks living in Mount Airy NC would like
The 10 Best Waterfalls Near Cherokee NC to Visit
There are plenty of fun things to do in Cherokee NC, which is located on the Oconaluftee River, just 10 miles from Bryson City and
The 20 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit
[Update January 23, 2024] Winnowing down a list of the best mountain towns in NC is a difficult task, and it’s much less rewarding than
The 20 Best NC Wineries to Visit
[Updated April 13, 2023] With a wealth of Asheville breweries earning the mountain town the nickname “beer city,” plus a wealth of breweries in Boone and Brevard, Western
Visiting Deerwoode Reserve Cabin Rentals in Brevard NC
We’ve explored nearly 50 different Blue Ridge Mountain towns since we launched this site in 2020. But we’ve probably stayed in less than a dozen
The 15 Best Hotels in Asheville NC to Visit
In the 15+ years we’ve been exploring Blue Ridge Mountain towns, we’ve had a chance to visit many of the best places to stay in
Visiting Mingus Mill in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Cherokee NC)
With the endless array of things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it can be difficult to figure out which activities and attractions to
The 10 Best Restaurants in Sylva NC & Dillsboro NC
As someone who has been reviewing restaurants for 25+ years, I found the quality and diversity of the restaurants in Sylva, North Carolina impressive, especially
10 Great Train Rides in North Carolina
If you want to explore the state the way travelers did before the advent of automobiles and airplanes, nothing beats taking one of the many
The 20 Best NC Swimming Holes for Summer
[Updated March 1919, 2023] There is nothing quite like getting to the end of a 90º+ day of working outside to remind you to appreciate
Hiking the Mingo Falls Trail in Cherokee NC
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is so studded with outstanding attractions (including myriad hiking trails and waterfalls), it can be difficult to know which ones to
The 15 Best Things to Do in Sylva NC & Dillsboro NC
When we started BRMTG in 2020, our mission was to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains in search of our future mountain home, then share our
25 Beautiful Birds of North Carolina
[Updated March 9, 2023] There are over 400 species of birds in North Carolina, including native and migratory species. This makes the state a great
Non-Venomous vs Venomous Snakes in North Carolina (ID Guide)
[Updated February 20, 2023] When it comes to snakes in North Carolina, some people have a deep, abiding fear that no amount of practical knowledge
Exploring the Smokemont Campground in Cherokee NC
Deep within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, at an elevation of 2,200 feet, the Smokemont Campground is a must-see for anyone wanting a true Smoky
North Carolina Wildflowers Guide (& Where to See Them in Western NC)
[Updated February 16, 2023] Western North Carolina is truly stacked with natural beauty. From the misty hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the towering trees
20 Best Things to Do in Bryson City NC & Swain County
[Updated February 13, 2023] Bryson City is surrounded by Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the north, Fontana Lake to the west, Cherokee NC to
The 15 Best Bryson City Restaurants for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
[Updated February 11, 2023] Compared to burgeoning mountain towns like Asheville NC and Roanoke VA, Bryson City is a fairly small town encompassing just 2.3
7 Covered Bridges in North Carolina You Can Visit in 1 Day
Covered bridges in North Carolina are one of those iconic images of America’s past. It’s that sense of nostalgia and romance that makes them
Hiking the Schoolhouse Falls Trail Near Cashiers NC
Schoolhouse Falls NC is widely considered one of the most popular Panthertown Valley waterfalls, and it’s not difficult to understand why. Pathertown Valley is a
The 20 Best Lakes in North Carolina (Mountains, Coast & Beyond)
[Updated January 25, 2023] As anyone who has ever visited will tell you, the state of North Carolina is truly a haven for nature lovers.
The 15 Best Hendersonville NC Restaurants for 2023
[Updated January 20, 2023] From Blue Ridge and Dahlonega GA to Asheville and Waynesville NC, nearly every great mountain town we’ve visited has had
Exploring the Davidson River Campground Near Brevard NC
Located off the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway (a.k.a. Pisgah Hwy) near Brevard NC, the Davidson River Campground is a perfect base for anyone wanting to
The 10 Best North Carolina Mountain Resorts to Visit
Many travelers envision their NC mountain getaways in terms of the best mountain resorts in North Carolina. Some resorts are steeped in history, romance, adventure,
The 14 Best Restaurants in Waynesville NC for Foodies
[Updated January 13, 2023] We’ve explored 40-50 of small towns in North Carolina over the last few years, from tiny burghs like Bryson City and Little
The 20 Best Things to Do in Hendersonville NC
[Updated January 5, 2023] For far too long, Hendersonville NC seemed like the Jan Brady to Asheville‘s Marcia, never quite garnering all the accolades and
The 10 Best Restaurants in Brevard NC for Foodies
We’ve visited 40 to 50 towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains over the past two years, from like Asheville and Roanoke to tiny burghs like Burnsville
Christmas Town USA: 10 Ways to Celebrate in McAdenville NC
[Updated October 27, 2024] For approximately 340 days a year, the tiny town of McAdenville, North Carolina (population 900) is a quiet community with a
The 20 Best Cabin Rentals in Boone NC
[Updated on 1/3/2023] Located about 85 miles northeast of Asheville, Boone NC is a popular mountain town that’s packed full of outdoor activities and attractions.
15 Fun Things to Do in Asheville NC in Winter
[Updated November 9, 2024] In winter, Asheville NC is still a great place to be. It’s cold enough for some snow and snuggles by a
The Top 15 Treehouse Rentals near Asheville NC
[Updated December 9, 2022] The Western North Carolina mountains have practically everything you could possibly want if you’re looking for a back-to-nature getaway. Home to
The 12 Best Brevard Breweries and Cideries to Visit
The state of North Carolina has developed a reputation as THE place for good beer on the East Coast. The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and
The 6 Best Places for Snowboarding in North Carolina
When it comes to skiing and snowboarding mountains in the Southeastern U.S., North Carolina is easily the best option available. But, that’s not to say
20 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in the Smoky Mountains (NC & TN)
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular of all the national parks in the United States. And if you’re looking for unspoiled natural
The Grove Park Inn Gingerbread House Competition (Asheville NC)
[Updated Nov 20, 2024] ***The 2024 Grove Park Inn Gingerbread House Competition has been temporarily replaced it with a “SUGAR & SPICE STROLL THROUGH ASHEVILLE,” due
20 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in the Blue Ridge Mountains
[Updated October 27, 2024] During the Christmas holidays, there are countless things to do in the Blue Ridge Mountains region, which stretches from the state
The 6 Best North Carolina Ski Resorts to Visit
The Best North Carolina Ski Resorts including some of the fun Ski Packages & Amenities you’ll find while skiing in N.C.
The 15 Best Great Smoky Mountains Campgrounds to Visit
A guide to the 15 Best Great Smoky Mountains Campgrounds to Visit, with camping options both inside and just outside the national park.
The 15 Best Christmas Towns in North Carolina
[Updated on October 27, 2024] It’s a bittersweet time when you’re watching the vivid fall colors of the NC High Country begin to fade. Sad
The 20 Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in NC
[Updated November 13, 2024] For us, making the most of Christmas in North Carolina includes spending time at home with family and friends, as well
The 10 Best Places for Snow Tubing in North Carolina (2024)
[Updated January 3, 2024] Though the tourist season may have its peaks and valleys, the North Carolina mountains are truly a nature-lover’s playground 365 days a
20 Awesome Things to Do for Winter in North Carolina
Summer in North Carolina is simply glorious, with lots of lakes, swimming holes, river tubing, and waterfalls to explore. And the spectacular beauty of fall
The 15 Best Campgrounds in the North Carolina Mountains
Tips for the best campgrounds in the North Carolina mountains, with info on campground facilities as wells as nearby trails & attractions.
The Best Places for Snow Skiing in North Carolina
[Updated 9/16/22] The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains may not have the jaw-dropping 13,000- to 14,000-foot peaks you’ll find in the Rockies of Colorado or Utah,
The 10 Best Campgrounds in/near Bryson City NC
From a visitor’s standpoint, Bryson City is the ideal of what Western NC small towns can be: It’s walkable, wild, and packed with a mixture of wonder
The 15 Best Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
[Updated Sept 19, 2024] Straddling the boundary of North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses over 500,000 acres and is the most
The 25 Best Places for Horseback Riding In/Near Asheville NC
Whether you have your own horses or are new to riding horses, these are the top places for horseback riding in (and near) Asheville NC.
The Top 30 Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in GA & NC
[Updated Sept 3, 2022] It’s not difficult to understand why so many people love taking getaways to the Blue Ridge Mountains, which stretch 550 miles from North
The 15 Best Cabins in Cherokee NC for Rent
Cherokee, North Carolina is a town that’s immensely rich in culture and history, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s no wonder
Review of Mountain Springs Cabins in Asheville NC
Asheville NC is one of our favorite Blue Ridge Mountain towns to visit, and it shouldn’t be difficult to understand why. It’s a truly a
The 33 Best Western North Carolina Waterfalls for Hiking
[Updated August 20, 2022] Spend any time in the Blue Ridge Mountains you’ll quickly realize that Westen North Carolina waterfalls are a big thing here.
Exploring The 17 Best Asheville NC Breweries
[Updated August 20, 2022] For people visiting the North Carolina mountains (or for those simply seeking out great beer), the number of quality breweries in
The 10 Best North Carolina Haunted Houses
Exploring local hiking trails and waterfalls amid the chilly temperatures of fall in North Carolina is one way to give yourself goosebumps and make the hair on
The 35 Best Things to Do in Asheville NC
[Updated January 2, 2024] For a medium-sized North Carolina mountain town with a population of under 100,000, there is a surprising wealth of unique things
The 10 Best Places to Go White Water Rafting in North Carolina
The 10 Best Places to Go White Water Rafting in North Carolina including a list of outfitters, locations, rapid classes, tours, & fees.
Review of Aloft in the Smokies: Downtown Bryson City NC Cabins
When we started the Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide in 2019, we had two major goals in mind. The first was to explore the countless Blue
Kayaking in North Carolina: The 10 Best Rivers to Paddle
Kayaking in North Carolina: The 10 Best Western North Carolina Rivers to Paddle, includes the best kayak launch spots and local outfitters.
Camping in Asheville NC: The 15 Best Campgrounds to Visit
Asheville is beloved for its progressive vibe, anchored in a love of culture and arts, an array of lip-smacking restaurants, and surrounded by some of
The Moon Eyed People & Other Cherokee Legends
When we explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, we’re lucky enough to get a chance to experience the rich culture of the Cherokee Indians. The mountains
10 Best Cherokee NC Restaurants for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Choosing the best restaurants in Cherokee NC is an interesting challenge. Most major tourist towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains– such as Asheville NC, Blue
Apple Picking in North Carolina: The 15 Best NC Apple Orchards
[Updated 7/17/2022] Most people know Western North Carolina for its beautiful Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests, beloved NC state parks, charming Blue Ridge mountain towns,
Autumn at Land of Oz: A Wizard of Oz Theme Park Near Banner Elk NC (2024)
[Updated 6/11/24] Every year in September, visitors to the NC High Country have a rare opportunity to explore the child-like dreamland of a Wizard of
25 Best Things to Do in Boone NC (Blue Ridge Parkway MM 291.8)
[Updated January 9, 2023] Located just a couple of hours north of downtown Asheville, the town of Boone NC is the county seat for Watauga
The 15 Best Cabin Rentals in Bryson City NC
Bryson City is a charming little mountain town that’s packed full of outdoor adventure. To the north, you’ll find Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with ever-popular
The 10 Best North Carolina Distilleries to Visit
An important aspect of North Carolina’s state history, NC moonshine is filled with legends, folklore, and lots of liquor. In short, NC distilleries are something
Hiking the Deep Creek Trail to 3 Waterfalls in Bryson City NC
Spanning more than half a million acres, Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. Averaging over 14 million visitors
The 15 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hotels & Cabin Rentals in NC & VA
A guide to the 15 Best Blue Ridge Parkway hotels, cabin rentals, and B&Bs in NC & VA, spanning nearly the entire length of the BRP.
The 20 Best Things to Do in Blowing Rock NC
[Updated June 14, 2022] Known as the “Crown of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” Blowing Rock NC is widely regarded as one of the most charming
Exploring Julian Price Campground & Memorial Park in Blowing Rock NC
Much of the press on the Blue Ridge Parkway celebrates it as a wonderfully preserved 469-mile scenic route. But much of what makes the world-renowned road
50 Fascinating Facts About Cherokee Culture & History
[Updated 5/27/2022] Before Europeans settlers began spreading throughout the southeastern United States, the Cherokee were the dominant Native American tribe in the Blue Ridge Mountains for
40 Facts About the History of the Banjo (From Africa to Appalachia)
American folk music, and particularly traditional Appalachian music, would be incomplete without the signature twang of the banjo. Along with the accompaniment of the fiddle, the
The 10 Best Places for River Tubing in North Carolina Mountains
Adventure travel is a great way to experience nature, and Western North Carolina has more than its fair share of hiking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting,
Camping in Nantahala National Forest (Campgrounds & Backcountry)
Occupying a huge swath of North Carolina just south of Bryson City, the Nantahala National Forest encompasses over a half-million acres of wilderness, with elevations
Exploring Oconaluftee Indian Village & Visitor Center in Cherokee NC
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians strongly resisted the Indian Removal Act of 1830, even as many other Native American tribes were forced westward and out of
30 Fascinating Facts About the Appalachian Mountains for Trivia Buffs
The Appalachian Mountains run north to south in the eastern third of the United States, passing through every coastal state north of Florida and all
Camping & Hiking in Mt Mitchell State Park in Burnsville NC
[Updated 9/20/2024] Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains near the town of Burnsville NC, Mount Mitchell looms large above the surrounding area. Rising
The 15 Best Blowing Rock Cabin Rentals (1 to 4+ Bedrooms)
Located just south of Boone, Blowing Rock is a tourism-driven North Carolina mountain town known as the “Crown of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” The town was
The Ultimate Pisgah National Forest Camping Guide
Pisgah National Forest offers more than half a million acres of wilderness to explore, stretching from near the southernmost reaches of Western North Carolina to
The Best Restaurants in Burnsville NC For Foodies
Located at an elevation of 2,825 feet, with a total area of 1.598 square miles, Burnsville is a relatively small North Carolina mountain town surrounded
Appalachian Folklore, Monsters and Superstitions
Stretching from Alabama and North Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian mountain range was formed millions of years ago before being settled by Native Americans and, later,
The 52 Best Hikes in North Carolina for the 52 Hikes Challenge
For those looking to take on a unique physical challenge, dive into some mental clarity, and explore a beautiful state, we’ve assembled a great list
The 25 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes for NC Day Trips
[Updated on March 9, 2022] The Blue Ridge Parkway road trip is truly an American classic. It’s possible to traverse the entire 469-mile route on
The 25 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls in North Carolina
The 25 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls in North Carolina, from Boone and Burnsville to Asheville, Cherokee and beyond!
Visiting the Chetola Resort, Lodge & Spa in Blowing Rock NC
After driving the Blue Ridge Parkway stretch between Downtown Asheville and Boone NC 4 to 5 times in the last two years, it’s become clear that
The 10 Best Restaurants in Banner Elk NC for Foodies
Located 16 miles west of Boone and 18 miles from Blowing Rock, Banner Elk ranks high among the most beloved small towns in North Carolina‘s
3 Great Places for Ziplining in Boone NC (and Other Aerial Adventures)
The Blue Ridge Mountains are known to blow visitors away with its jaw-dropping panoramas. Nature abounds in the region, with countless hiking trails, thunderous waterfalls, mountain