It’s insane to realize that there are two different Crabtree Falls that are commonly associated with the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, but that is the world we’re living in. These two popular waterfalls get confused all the time– so much so that the Crabtree Falls page on Virginia.org (the state’s official tourism website) actually links to the … Read more
We’ve visited more than 50 towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains over the last 4 years, staying in some truly exceptional cabin rentals, hotels, and resorts. But Lakeview at Fontana Soaking Cabana Resort, which is located about 7 miles southwest of Bryson City and overlooks Lake Fontana, was like no other place we’ve stayed. This Smoky … Read more
[Updated July 31, 2024] Fall in the state of Georgia is one of our favorite times of year, and thankfully it’s just around the corner. We love it when the air turns crisp and cool (heat and humidity, begone!), and the kids head back to school (same to you, crowded attractions!). The myriad waterfalls and … Read more
Spanning 469 miles in North Carolina and Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway should be on the bucket list of any avid hiker or road trip enthusiast. With more than 200 overlooks along the ever-popular scenic route, you don’t have to get out of the car to savor stunning scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. … Read more
There are over 200 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. That stretch is riddled with marvelous Blue Ridge Mountain views that leave little doubt why the BRP is the most popular of all US National Parks. Virginia’s BRP highlights include the Peaks of Otter, Mabry Mill, Groundhog Meadow, and Mill Mountain. There are … Read more
Though it’s nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and steeped in a long history, Downtown Boone NC has the vibe of a young, hip, and happening town. We live about 90 minutes from Boone, but try to visit every month to sample the great restaurants. We often spend a little time exploring Boone NC hiking trails on … Read more
Now that Spring has officially sprung, temperatures are rising, wildflowers are blooming, and the peak season for exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains is just around the corner. If you’re anything like us, this time of year is perfect for getting out and enjoying the great outdoors, hiking trails, chasing waterfalls, and spending long, lingering days … Read more
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the premier scenic drives in the USA, and also the most visited national park in the country. Created by Franklin D Roosevelt to connect Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, construction of the BRP began in the 1930s. By the mid-1960s, most … Read more
There’s a wealth of beautiful things to see while driving the Blue Ridge Parkway. But the 200+ scenic mountain overlooks found along the way are the main attractions for most road trippers. That being said, stopping at all (or even most) of these overlooks while driving the 469-mile scenic route can be overwhelming. We know, … Read more
When we think of America’s most beloved scenic route, most people envision jaw-dropping Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks, amazing waterfalls, and/or the colorful foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Fall. Commerce and other signs of “civilization” rarely enter our idyllic picture of the BRP, which is America’s #1 most visited National Park. There are actually only … Read more