The 15 Best Restaurants in Helen GA for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Steak at Bernie's Restaurant in Helen GA

[Updated December 30, 2021] Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, about an hour north of the I-285 perimeter, Helen GA is known for its Alpine architecture, quirky character, impressive array of hiking trails, and annual Oktoberfest festival. There are lots of great attractions and activities in “Alpine Helen.” But until recently this unabashedly unusual … Read more

How to Get to the DeSoto Falls Scenic Area Near Helen GA

DeSoto Falls near Helen GA, photo by Jason Dominy

[Updated September 30, 2021]  Some experts suggest there are as many as 700 waterfalls in Georgia, although many of these remain remote and inaccessible to all but the hardiest of bushwhackers. Other than accessibility, there are a lot of other factors that play into the relative popularity of a given GA waterfall.  Some folks focus … Read more

The 20 Best Things to Do in Clayton, GA (the Gem of Northeast Georgia)

Downtown Clayton GA Shopping

[Updated November 26, 2021]   Cities like Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Helen, and Dahlonega GA have all earned accolades among the most beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain towns in GA. But after our visits to the city of Clayton, Georgia, we believe this gem of Northeast Georgia also deserves a place near the top of that list. The extensive … Read more

The 15 Best Waterfalls Near Helen GA

Horsetrough Falls Near Helen GA

[Updated September 13, 2021] Widely known as “Georgia’s Alpine Village,” Helen is a beautiful mountain town that offers a charming bit of Bavaria in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Although the town is relatively small (2.17 square miles, population around 600), travelers come from all over to experience a taste of the Alps in the southern … Read more

The 15 Best Boone NC Hiking Trails to Explore

Boone NC Hiking Trails

[Updated August 3, 2021] The Blue Ridge Mountain town of Boone NC is best-known for its Christmas tree farms and outdoor recreation opportunities, offering everything from mountain biking and rock climbing to whitewater rafting and snow skiing. The county seat of Watauga County has a population of around 20,000, which is pretty big for the Western … Read more

Non-Venomous vs Venomous Snakes In Georgia (Identification Guide)

Snakes In Georgia

“Why’d it have to be snakes?!?!”  This memorable line– spoken by Indiana Jones in the 1984 classic Raiders of the Lost Ark– reveals a bizarre truth. Even a badass, jungle-roaming, whip-cracking Nazi hunter can have an irrational fear of slithering reptiles. Just hearing the word “snake” can evoke feelings of fear in otherwise intrepid adventurers. Which … Read more

The 15 Best North Georgia Mountains for Hiking

Sunrise on the Blue Ridge Mountains in Black Rock Mountain State Park

[Updated July 18, 2021] If you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature, soak in stunning views, and tackle unforgettable outdoor adventures, look no further than the majestic mountains of North Georgia. Hiking through lush national forests along wildflower-strewn paths, crossing sparkling streams, and around mossy boulders has always been one of our favorite things to do in … Read more

Exploring the Blue Ridge Music Center Near Galax VA (Blue Ridge Parkway MP 213)

Blue Ridge Music Center Sign on Blue Ridge Parkway, VA

The Blue Ridge Music Center was established by an act of Congress in 1985 to celebrate the rich cultural history and ongoing musical traditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 17,000-square-foot facility is particularly immersed in the Round Peak style of the North Carolina mountains and the Galax and Grayson County style of Virginia.  But the museum … Read more

The 10 Best Waterfalls Near Blue Ridge GA

Couple relaxing on rocks at Helton Creek Falls near Helen, GA

[Updated October 20, 2021] Between the historic downtown area, delicious restaurants, wineries, gorgeous scenery, outdoor activities, and unique places to stay, it’s no wonder why locals and visitors alike recognize Blue Ridge as one of the best small towns in the state of Georgia. This tiny North Georgia mountain town offers countless attractions within its … Read more

Hiking the Blood Mountain Trail in Blairsville, GA

blood mountain overlook

Reaching the picturesque summit of the Blood Mountain trail felt very much like conquering a mountain, both literally and metaphorically. The strenuous uphill climb continues to get more challenging as you make your way to the top, with the promise of a spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains view like the dangling carrot-on-a-stick to keep you going. … Read more