Stories of the Southern Smokies — Chapter One
Keepers of the Mountains In the Southern Smokies, the mountains are not just scenery—they are shared responsibility. They are shaped, protected, and carried forward by people and places that understand stewardship as a way of life. These are the keepers of the mountains. And in Hayesville, North Carolina, that spirit is reflected not only in […]
Celebrate Smoky Mountain Holiday Traditions
Not much beats the Smoky Mountain holiday season! Enjoy a cozy and festive holiday escape with gorgeous winter mountain views and the small-town charm of the holidays. Wander among dazzling light displays, ride the Polar Express, enjoy a parade down Main Street, and support local small businesses while checking gifts off your list. Get a […]
🍂 NC Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage Forecast 2025
Fall is on its way, and the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina are ready for a spectacular show of color. Thanks to healthy summer rainfall, cool nights, and crisp autumn air, this year’s foliage is expected to be especially vibrant. As always, the magic begins at the highest peaks and gradually flows down into […]
Explorer’s Guide to Highlands and Cashiers, NC
Discover Highlands and Cashiers, NC – mountain havens offering luxury stays, stunning waterfalls, quaint village charm, and outdoor adventures in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Free Things To Do in the Smokies for the Budget-Minded Traveler – Part 5
Pisgah Forest and Cherokee Edition This is part five of a five part series that will help stretch those vacation dollars a little further by exploring free things to do in the Smokies of North Carolina. Part one – Waynesville, Maggie Valley, and Sylva Edition Part two – Bryson City Edition Part three – Franklin […]
Free Things To Do in the Smokies for the Budget-Minded Traveler – Part 4
Fontana, Robbinsville, and Lake Santeetlah Edition This is part four of a five part series that will help stretch those vacation dollars a little further by exploring fun free things to do in the Smokies of North Carolina. Part one – Waynesville, Maggie Valley, and Sylva Edition Part two – Bryson City Edition Part three […]
Free Things To Do in the Smokies for the Budget-Minded Traveler – Part 3
Franklin & Highlands Edition This is part three of a five part series that will help stretch those vacation dollars a little further by exploring free things to do in the Smokies of North Carolina. Part one – Waynesville, Maggie Valley, and Sylva Edition Part two – Bryson City Edition Part three – Franklin & […]
Free Things To Do in the Smokies for the Budget-Minded Traveler – Part 2
Bryson City Edition This is part two of a five part series that will help stretch those vacation dollars a little further by exploring free things to do in the Smokies of North Carolina. Part one – Waynesville, Maggie Valley, and Sylva Edition Part two – Bryson City Edition Part three – Franklin & Highlands […]
Free Things To Do in the Smokies for the Budget-Minded Traveler – Part 1
Waynesville, Maggie Valley, and Sylva Edition This is part one of a five part series that will help stretch those vacation dollars a little further by exploring free things to do in the Smokies of North Carolina. Part one – Waynesville, Maggie Valley, and Sylva Edition Part two – Bryson City Edition Part three – […]
Explorer’s Guide to Hayesville and Brasstown
In the westernmost regions of the North Carolina Smokies, Hayesville and Brasstown in Clay County offer visitors stunning mountain vistas, pristine lakes, glorious hiking and biking trails, rave-worthy dining, and the nicest folks in the nation. Seriously, Hayesville placed #4 in Reader Digest’s Friendliest places to live in America! Lake Chatuge is a paradise for […]
Explorer’s Guide to Murphy, NC
Buckle up explorers and travelers! You’re heading to one of the most charming and peaceful, yet outrageously adventurous small towns in the NC Great Smoky Mountains – Murphy, NC! Geographically, Murphy is located in the westernmost county of North Carolina and serves as a gateway to the Smoky Mountains. It also provides easy access to […]
Explorer’s Guide to Fontana and Robbinsville, NC
Spending time in the natural world is easily the most reliable and enjoyable way to reset your sensibilities. A vacation in Robbinsville, NC and the Fontana Recreation Area along the Western North Carolina and Tennessee border, drops you squarely into Mother Nature’s lap. Here you will watch your everyday cares fade like clouds into the […]
The Explorer’s Guide to Franklin, NC
Well known for its neighborly ways and charming historic downtown, Franklin, NC is a destination of its own. With a population of about 4,000 people and surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains, it is by definition a small town with its own unique heritage. Serving as the seat of Macon County in Western North Carolina, […]
A Winter Escape to Highlands
If you’re looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season – from work, responsibilities, and tackling never-ending to-do lists – then a winter getaway to Highlands, North Carolina, is exactly what you need. Things To Do In Highlands During The Winter In Highlands, you can ice-skate on Main Street, snow-tube […]
Bryson City Exploration Guide – Top Things To Do
Known as the place where you can take “a big vacation in a small town,” Bryson City, NC is a destination for history fans, train lovers, and, especially, outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll want to spend at least two full days here to sample the things this town offers and longer if you want to enjoy all […]
Sylva Exploration Guide – Top Things To Do
Part of the charm of exploring the Great Smoky Mountains is found in the small towns tucked into the mountain landscape. Sylva is one such town, located in the heart of Jackson County (population approximately 2,500). It’s central location in Western North Carolina makes it a perfect base camp to explore the region, but you […]
Waynesville Exploration Guide — Top Things to Do
Located in the heart of Haywood County, Waynesville is the largest North Carolina town west of Asheville (population approx. 10,000) . Waynesville’s historic downtown and Main Street invites visitors to stroll the brick sidewalks, shop in boutiques and galleries and pull up a chair at a local pub or taproom. Waynesville offers easy access to […]
Dillsboro Exploration Guide – Top Things To Do
Located in Jackson County, Dillsboro, North Carolina is the ideal getaway for a weekend or longer. Surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest and located along the banks of the Tuskasegee River, this charming and artsy town offers a relaxing atmosphere, family activities, shopping, and great food. Just 45 minutes west of Asheville, Dillsboro is a […]
Maggie Valley Exploration Guide – Top Things to Do
Located on the eastern edge of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Maggie Valley is a short drive to the gorgeous Cataloochee Valley section of the park and the quaint town of Waynesville, North Carolina. The area offers beautiful views, outdoor adventure, wildlife encounters, family activities, old time music, and small town charm. Pick a […]
Exploring Cherokee, NC – Things To See & Do.
Home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Cherokee, North Carolina, offers visitors a wide breadth of experiences. It’s a small town in the Great Smoky Mountains that is big on outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and natural beauty. Here you can taste local cuisine (read: fry bread), learn the rich history of the tribe, shop […]