Road Trip: Brevard, NC

Brevard, North Carolina, is an excellent choice for a holiday road trip, and it’s conveniently located within driving distance of Gwinnett. Located in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, Brevard offers a mix of natural beauty and holiday charm. The downtown area is a real gem, with a delightful array of artistic treasures waiting to be […]
Pit Stop: Edenton Bay Oyster Bar

Have you ever made a quick pit stop on your way out of town and accidentally stumbled upon a hidden gem that absolutely blows your mind? Maybe you wander into a local establishment and discover the cutest, quirkiest collectibles of your dreams. Maybe you ate at a gas station diner out of convenience and were […]
Road Trip: Hickory, North Carolina

In the foothills of North Carolina, between Asheville and Charlotte, resting at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is the city of Hickory. This artsy community is the perfect road trip destination for those looking to explore North Carolina’s major cities and mountain ranges while still enjoying the charm that can only be found […]
Day Trip: Polar Express, Great Smoky Mountains

A popular holiday book (and movie- Tom Hanks fans) by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express tells the story of a magical train ride on Christmas Eve, taking a young boy to the North Pole to receive a special gift from Santa himself. The story comes to real life when families board the board The […]
Road Trip: Hot Springs, North Carolina

Predominantly seen through the eyes of Appalachian Trail backpackers and its few residents, Hot Springs, North Carolina is worth checking out for yourself. With a year-round population of just 563, it’s the definition of a hidden gem. Hidden in a valley between two blue ridge mountains, that is. The town is most well known for, […]
Road Trip: Highlands, NC

At the place Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina all meet, surrounded by Nantahala National Forest within the famed Blue Ridge Mountains, adventure awaits. The appropriately-named mountain town of Highlands, North Carolina sits 4,118 feet above sea level and is the highest town east of the Mississippi River. The perfect mountain retreat, Highlands boasts incredible […]
ROAD TRIP: BEECH MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA
DISTANCE: 250 MILES, FIVE-HOUR DRIVE SNOW MUCH FUN! With an average snowfall of 84 inches creating a winter wonderland for skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snowshoeing and sledding, Beech Mountain is quite literally North Carolina’s coolest town! Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains at a base elevation of 5,506 feet, Beech is the highest ski resort […]
ROAD TRIP: MAGGIE VALLEY, NORTH CAROLINA
Distance: 150 miles, three-hour drive Located on the fringe of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and two national forests, Maggie Valley, North Carolina has been a popular family resort town for decades. Described by many as “laid-back,” “old fashioned” and “kitschy – in a good way,” Maggie Valley is only 35 miles west of downtown […]
ROAD TRIP: BRYSON CITY, NORTH CAROLINA
A popular holiday book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express tells the story of a magical train ride on Christmas Eve, taking a young boy to the North Pole to receive a special gift from Santa himself. The book comes to life at the Bryson City Depot, where families can board The Polar Express […]
ROAD TRIP: CASHIERS, NORTH CAROLINA
DISTANCE: 120 MILES, 2 AND A HALF HOUR DRIVE Situated at 3,484 feet above sea level, the mountain town of Cashiers on the Cashiers/Highlands Plateau is packed with unblemished natural resources including the Blue Ridge Mountains, Great Smoky Mountains, crystal-clear lakes, tumbling rivers and a trail of cascading waterfalls. Cashiers combines a pristine mountain environment […]