Exploring the Smokemont Campground in Cherokee NC

Bradley Fork Trail 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 Mountains camping experience. Located along Newfound Gap road, just a few miles from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and myriad other activities and attractions, Smokemont offers a perfectly secluded spot for … Read more

25 Beautiful Birds of Georgia

Birds of GA - Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

[Updated on February 16, 2023] The state of Georgia is filled with a variety of natural habitats, ranging from fertile Piedmont and hardwood forest to coastal beaches and the rolling hills of the North Georgia mountains.  Soaring above it all, there are more than 300 different species of birds in Georgia! Some of these fascinating flyers find … Read more

20 Best Things to Do in Bryson City NC & Swain County

Downtown Bryson City seen from the Oconaluftee Loft Balcony

[Updated October 28, 2025] Bryson City is surrounded by Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the north, Fontana Lake to the west, Cherokee NC to the east, and the Nantahala National Forest to the south.  So even a shortlist of the best things to do in Bryson City NC could include dozens of exciting activities … Read more

30 Fun Facts About Virginia State History and Culture

Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway in VA b

The state of Virginia packs seemingly endless natural beauty and historic sites into its 42,775 square miles, including the Jamestown Settlement and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Add to that the state’s rich culinary, local music, and visual art scenes, and you have a wealth of fascinating and fun facts about Virginia to discover.  Founded in 1788, this … Read more

Hiking the Schoolhouse Falls Trail Near Cashiers NC

schoolhouse falls 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 backcountry wilderness area and bear sanctuary that is part of the Nantahala National Forest in Western NC. There are nearly 30 miles of excellent hiking trails in this valley, winding their … Read more

20 Things to Do in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia

Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia

The Virginia mountains encompass much of the western half of the state. Most of the mountain lakes, stunning summits, and incredible scenic vistas are part of the Blue Ridge Mountains range. The Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia offer an endless assortment of natural attractions, including activities ranging from camping and hiking to snow skiing and driving … Read more

The 15 Best Hendersonville NC Restaurants for 2023

Outdoor Patio at Never Blue, a Downtown Hendersonville Restaurant

[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 a fantastic, foodie-friendly assortment of restaurants to lure visitors.    The Hendersonville eateries we explored during our recent visit proved the town, which lies just 20 miles south of Asheville, … Read more

Exploring the Davidson River Campground Near Brevard NC

Pisgah National Forest -Looking Glass Falls by Makasana Photo

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 explore Pisgah National Forest. This prime Pisgah campground boasts several of its own attractions. But it’s also just a stone’s throw away from many of our favorite North Carolina waterfalls, … Read more