[Updated Nov 2, 2025] Though the tourist season may have its peaks and valleys, the North Carolina mountains are truly a nature-lover’s playground 365 days a year. But you could make an argument that winter is the most magical time to visit the mountains of North Carolina. The crowds are smaller, the rates are cheaper, and … Read more
Whether you’re planning a girls’ trip, a family vacation, or a romantic getaway, visiting wineries in Virginia is a great way to see the beauty of my home state. You’ll find an abundance of great options all along the Virginia wine trails, from wineries in large mountain towns like Charlottesville and Roanoke to small towns in the … Read more
Tips for the best campgrounds in the North Carolina mountains, with info on campground facilities as wells as nearby trails & attractions.
[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 visited of all the U.S. National Parks. Part of it is located in the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee people, who occupied the territory prior to the 1830s … Read more
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.
From the Appalachian Trail and Bartram Trail to an endless array of State Parks, WMAs, and waterfalls scattered throughout the region, North Georgia is an amazing place for anyone who loves hiking. But even if you can’t make the drive to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains of North GA, hiking in Atlanta offers a surprising … Read more
[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 Georgia to southern Pennsylvania. From hiking trails that lead to sensational scenic vistas and breathtaking waterfalls to pastoral valleys filled with wildflowers and wildlife, there’s something mesmerizing about exploring this … Read more
Adventures in the great outdoors almost always offer a reward of some sort. Maybe it’s a waterfall, or a scenic mountain overlook. Maybe it’s a cool cave, spotting some interesting wildlife, or a trail through a meadow filled with North GA wildflowers. Last week I took an excursion to see a bridge. Specifically, the swinging bridge over the … Read more
Non-Venomous vs Venomous Snakes in Virginia, including ways to identify snakes, snake habitat & and what to do if you or your dog is bitten.
[Updated August 18, 2025] The infamous heat of summer in the Deep South will soon start to wane, thankfully replaced by the cool, crisp air that signals autumn’s arrival. This is that magical time of year when more and more people are increasingly inclined to explore outdoor adventures in North Georgia. Fall in the mountains … Read more