Much like Lookout Mountain (which straddles the border between GA and TN), Bristol is a town in two states. The north side of its main street lies in the state of Virginia, while the south side is in Tennessee. Bristol is probably best-known as the birthplace of country music. But it’s also home to the Bristol Motor … Read more
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just a few hours south of Washington DC, Charlottesville is widely regarded as one of the best mountain towns in Virginia. Foodies will appreciate the fact that C’ville consistently ranks in the Top 20 for having the most restaurants per capita (along with much larger cities like … Read more
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 known as the Museum of the Cherokee Indian). I hoped the museum would give me some good background on the Cherokee people. It did not disappoint, and proved to … Read more
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
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 Great Smoky Mountains train ride. Train rides have a rich history in the Southeastern US, and carry a rich sense of nostalgia that bridges generations. Sadly, many old passenger trains have … Read more
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 Ridge Mountains. Named after early 19th century Cherokee leader Chief Junaluska, Lake Junaluska NC is one of the oldest man-made lakes in North Carolina. The Lake Junaluska Dam on Richland … 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
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
Winter weather in Virginia varies greatly, depending on whether you’re in the Virginia mountains or along the coast. But, as longtime VA residents, we generally find the Virginia climate agreeable– not too hot, and not too cold. So Winter activities in Virginia can run the gamut from snow skiing and snowboarding at mountain resorts to … Read more
Our latest visit to Gatlinburg, Tennessee elevated all our senses, seeing breathtaking scenic vistas, hearing local bluegrass bands, and tasting Southern cuisine from some of the best places to eat in Gatlinburg. We feasted on traditional Appalachian food (fried chicken, BBQ, fresh local trout), had some amazing Tex Mex, and enjoyed standard American fare as … Read more