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Explorer’s Guide to Hayesville and Brasstown

Child playing by Lake Chatuge near Hayesville NC

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

downtown murhpy

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

a person boating on lake santeetlah in the nc smoky mountains

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

Sunset in the Smoky Mountains of 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

Ice Skating in Highlands, NC

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

Downtown Bryson City in the NC Smoky Mountains

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

Sylva Mural

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

bluegrass at folkmoot in waynesville

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

pinnacle park hiker

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

Blue Ridge Parkway

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.

Sunset in Cherokee NC

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 […]

Franklin, NC the Real Gem of the Smokies

Franklin downtown street festival

If the beautiful scenery and Southern hospitality aren’t enough, Franklin, NC boasts rich history and unique museums. The Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum is situated in the “old jail”. Among the thousands of specimens of native and foreign stones is the 2 ¼ pound ruby pulled from a local ruby mine in the Cowee Valley. The Ruby […]