Camping in Asheville NC: The 15 Best Campgrounds to Visit

Black Mountain Campground in Pisgah National Forest NC

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 most beautiful nature in the country. Camping near Asheville, North Carolina is as big of a draw as the city itself. Within an hour’s drive of downtown Asheville, it’s … Read more

The Moon Eyed People & Other Cherokee Legends

Museum of the Cherokee Indian

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 offer a glimpse into their unique world, which is full of mythological stories and supernatural beings.  Many of the supernatural beings in Cherokee legends mingle with humans, or even part … Read more

Autumn at Land of Oz: A Wizard of Oz Theme Park Near Banner Elk NC (2024)

The Scarecrow & Dorothy at the Land of Oz

[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 Oz theme park. Tucked away in the small town of Beech Mountain NC, the Land of Oz welcomes guests with costumed characters, vibrantly colored plants, delicious treats, and beautiful views of … Read more

The 24 Best Pumpkin Patches in Georgia to Visit

Best Pumpkin Patches in North Georgia

[Updated 8/16/2023]  When the autumn leaves begin to transform into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, many avid “leaf peepers” start getting excited about all the fun activities where you can experience Fall in Georgia.  From apple picking and corn mazes in Georgia to simply enjoying the exquisite natural beauty of the Blue Ridge … Read more

The 15 Best Things to Do in Hiawassee GA & Young Harris GA

Panorama View at Brasstown Valley Resort in Young Harris GA

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains less than 4 miles from the border with North Carolina, Hiawassee GA is a relatively small town (2.07 square miles) on the shores of Lake Chatuge. Known as “Georgia’s Lake and Mountain Paradise,” the town was named after the Cherokee word Ayuhwasi, which means meadow. It was settled circa 1820, … Read more

25 Best Things to Do in Boone NC (Blue Ridge Parkway MM 291.8)

Downtown Boone, NC

[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 County. This hub of North Carolina’s High Country is a slice of the Blue Ridge Mountains that’s choc-a-block with outdoor activities and other attractions. Boone was named for American pioneer/explorer … Read more

The 15 Best Cabin Rentals in Bryson City NC

Eagles Nest - Bryson City cabin rental

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 attractions such as Mingus Mill, Deep Creek waterfalls, the Road to Nowhere, Newfound Gap, and Clingman’s Dome.  To the west is Fontana Lake, to the east is Cherokee NC, and the … Read more

The 10 Best North Carolina Distilleries to Visit

NC Distilleries - South Mountain-Donald Smith

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 of a cultural institution. North Carolina auto racing heroes like Junior Johnson are reputed to have developed their formidable driving skills while running bootleg liquor. This morphed into stock car … Read more

Hiking the Deep Creek Trail to 3 Waterfalls in Bryson City NC

Bridge on the Deep Creek Trail 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 a year, GSMNP is the most visited of all the US National Parks. The park was commissioned by the US Congress in 1934, and officially dedicated in 1940 by President … Read more