Blog

Exploring the Most Beautiful Towns in the Southern United States: A Regional Gem Guide The Southern United States has always held a special place in my heart. As someone who’s spent years writing about the majesty of the Smoky Mountains, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the South’s diverse landscapes and charming communities. From the […]

Beyond the Mississippi: Discovering the Underrated National Parks of America’s East Coast Unfair as it may be, America’s East Coast national parks don’t have quite the luster in popular consciousness as their cousins out west. In the minds of most casual travelers, the East Coast just lacks the spectacular views and epic landscapes west of

I-40 Closure: Flooding and Rock Slide Disrupt Smoky Mountain Travel The majestic Smoky Mountains have once again reminded us of their powerful natural forces. Heavy rainfall on Wednesday triggered flooding and a rock slide that has closed a portion of Interstate 40 – one of America’s vital cross-country highways – through the narrow corridor that

I-40 Closed Again: Rock Slides and Flooding Shut Down Key Mountain Highway As someone who’s explored the winding roads of the Smokies for over a decade, my heart sank when I heard the news. Interstate 40, that crucial lifeline connecting Tennessee and North Carolina through the majestic Great Smoky Mountains, is closed again. And this

Experience the Ultimate Adventure: Smoky Mountain Tubing in Cherokee, NC There’s something magical about floating down a crystal-clear river, surrounded by the ancient mountains that have stood watch for millennia. As someone who’s spent years exploring the hidden gems of the Smoky Mountains, I can tell you that river tubing in Cherokee offers one of

Guardians of the Trails: Meet the Rangers of Alum Cave in the Great Smoky Mountains There’s something magical about the Great Smoky Mountains that keeps drawing me back year after year. As someone who’s been fortunate enough to write about these misty peaks for over a decade, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for not just

Interstate 40 Closure: Rock Slide and Flooding in the Great Smoky Mountains Could Last Weeks Living near the Great Smoky Mountains has always filled me with awe and appreciation for these ancient peaks that stand as sentinels along the Tennessee-North Carolina border. But Mother Nature occasionally reminds us of her power in ways that disrupt

Resilience Amid Storms: Smoky Mountain River Ranch’s Journey Through Adversity The majestic Smoky Mountains have always been a testament to nature’s endurance, and nestled within Haywood County, North Carolina, Smoky Mountain River Ranch stands as a human parallel to this natural resilience. Having spent years exploring these mountains, I’ve witnessed firsthand how local businesses weather

I-40 Closure in the Smokies: Heavy Rain and Rockslide Impact Major Highway If you’ve been planning a trip through the Great Smoky Mountains anytime soon, you might need to rethink your route. The majestic mountains I’ve come to love over my years of writing about this region have once again reminded us of their powerful

Interstate 40 Closure: Heavy Rain and Rock Slide Disrupt Travel in the Smoky Mountains The majesty of the Smoky Mountains has once again collided with Mother Nature’s unpredictable power. As someone who’s spent years exploring and writing about these ancient hills, I’ve witnessed firsthand how quickly these serene landscapes can transform during severe weather events.