The 10 Best Things to Do in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia

Things to do in Shenandoah Valley Virginia

We love our home in Harrisonburg VA because it’s close to so many wonderful Shenandoah Valley attractions and activities. Nature lovers and history buffs alike flock to this area all year-round for the national parks, vibrant Blue Ridge Mountain towns, and the plethora of festivals and activities. The Shenandoah Valley begins about 90 miles west of … Read more

Exploring Reynolda Village in Winston-Salem NC

Reynolda House at Reynolda Village in Winston Salem NC

If you find yourself looking for fun things to do in Winston Salem NC, look no further than Reynolda Village.   Of all the Winston-Salem attractions we’ve visited, Reynolda Village is definitely among our favorites.    We could easily spend an entire weekend there shopping, dining at local restaurants, walking the historic grounds, taking in … Read more

The 8 Best Train Rides in the Smoky Mountains of NC & TN

Riding the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad in Bryson City NC- Lake Fontana Train Trestle

The Smoky Mountains are renowned for their spectacular natural beauty. And in our experience, there’s no better way to see them than by taking a Great Smoky Mountains train ride. Train rides have a rich history in the Southeastern US, and carry a rich sense of nostalgia that bridges generations.  Sadly, many old passenger trains have … Read more

Visiting Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center in Waynesville NC

Perfect Sunset on Lake Junaluska in Waynesville NC

Ever since spending my boyhood summers on Lake Hartwell in North Georgia, I’ve become a lifelong lover of the myriad beautiful lakes in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Named after early 19th century Cherokee leader Chief Junaluska, Lake Junaluska NC is one of the oldest man-made lakes in North Carolina. The Lake Junaluska Dam on Richland … Read more

The 15 Best Georgia Mountain Towns to Visit for 2025

Best Mountain Towns in Georgia

There are lots of quaint Georgia mountain towns that offer Southern hospitality, and spectacular views, with Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains vistas stretching for miles.  The mountains in Georgia are a playground for nature lovers, with fun activities ranging from amazing hiking trails and waterfalls to river tubing, kayaking, horseback riding, zip lining, and more.  After … Read more

The 10 Best Things to Do in Chattanooga TN

Walnut Street Bridge, one of the Best Things to Do in Chattanooga TN

The fourth-largest city in Tennessee, Chattanooga (population nearly 185,000) has been a major town in the TAG (Tennessee-Alabama-Georgia) area since before the Civil War.    Originally known as a major hub for Southeastern railroads, the city of Chattanooga emerged as one of the region’s largest heavy industrial hubs in the early 20th century.   Convenient … Read more

The Best Places for Snow Skiing in Virginia

Best Places for Snow Skiing in Virginia

[Updated November 30, 2024] Curling up by a roaring fire in a cozy little mountain cabin rental sounds like the perfect idea of Winter fun. But there are a few places for snow skiing in Virginia that might have you donning your warmest clothes and heading outside!   Virginia is home to a good chunk … Read more

The 20 Best Romantic Getaways in NC (Hotels, Inns & Resorts)

romantic getaways north carolina

[Updated December 22, 2023] From the majestic mountains and scenic coastlines to history and all-out opulence, romantic getaways in NC can take on an incredible array of forms.  From the rustic nature of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the art deco architecture of Asheville to the massive dunes of the Outer Banks, options for wonderful romantic getaways in … Read more