Country stores and general stores were the original one-stop-shops in the South, offering everything from farm equipment to fresh produce. They served as the community hub as they sold the odds and ends for rural areas long before the days of online shopping. From 1865 to 1930 no institution influenced the South’s economy, politics, and the daily life of its people more than … [Read more...] about The Best General Stores of Western North Carolina
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North Carolina’s Most Charming Mountain Towns (That Aren’t Highlands)
The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. But it's far from the only one. Between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, visitors will find charming downtowns with local shops and restaurants as well as cozy inns and cabins. Our favorite North Carolina mountain towns have plenty of … [Read more...] about North Carolina’s Most Charming Mountain Towns (That Aren’t Highlands)
Best Southern Destinations for Outdoors Lovers
The South is a diverse region and while the cities like Nashville, Charleston, and New Orleans get all the glory, it's the great outdoors that really sets it apart from the rest of the country. It's home to one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world as well as one of only two everglades in the world. So whether you're an avid outdoorsman (or woman!) or just looking to … [Read more...] about Best Southern Destinations for Outdoors Lovers
Weekend Guide to North Carolina’s High Country
The Blue Ridge Mountains span through North Carolina in many different points, but the area known as the High Country is a favorite destination for all times of the year. Winter months call for skiing at the slopes of Beech Mountain or Sugar Mountain while the summer allows for drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway with the top down. Merlefest is a popular bluegrass … [Read more...] about Weekend Guide to North Carolina’s High Country
Riding the Tweetsie Ghost Train
Tweetsie has a unique hold on my mind. It’s the source of traffic in the fall. It’s the gravel lot my college boyfriend taught me to drive stick shift in. It holds the temporary traffic light whose removal signals the end of the tourist season in the High Country. As an undergrad at Appalachian State, I never made it over to Tweetsie. The $34 price tag was out of reach. So … [Read more...] about Riding the Tweetsie Ghost Train
