When it comes to spectacular cascades, it's tough to top Upper Whitewater Falls in the Nantahala National Forest in western North Carolina, near the South Carolina state line.

At 411 feet high, it's the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. A paved walkway from a parking lot leads to a great view from an upper overlook. A lower overlook is accessible via 154 wooden stairs. Read the rest of this entry »

Motorcycle enthusiasts should check out the Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge near Stecoah in scenic western North Carolina.

You won't meet nicer people than owners John and Charlene Powell, who are riders themselves. Their pretty 39-acre resort includes lodge rooms, cabins and a campground, plus covered storage for bikes. Read the rest of this entry »

My family and I enjoyed a unique glimpse of the South's rural past at Horne Creek Living Historical Farm near Pinnacle in northwestern North Carolina. Read the rest of this entry »

I found this charming log cabin on the lushly landscaped grounds of the Azalea Garden Inn in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Read the rest of this entry »

A trip to the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, located in the southwestern corner of North Carolina, taught me a lot about Appalachian culture–even without enrolling!

Since 1925, this unique school has helped preserve traditional mountain crafts, music and dance. Its History Center describes the school's fascinating origins. Read the rest of this entry »

If you're looking for new furniture, visit High Point, North Carolina, the "Home Furnishings Capital of the World".

There are more than 70 retail furniture stores here–we couldn't believe the quantity and variety of furniture. And because retailers can place special orders with nearby manufacturers, large discounts are available–plus no sales tax on orders shipped out of state. Read the rest of this entry »

Looking for a new place to ring in the New Year this December? Consider Clay's Corner, the "Opossum Capital of the World" in Brasstown, North Carolina. Read the rest of this entry »

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern North Carolina is a relaxing retreat: the Highland Lake Inn, near Flat Rock. This gorgeous 180-acre oasis offers a luxurious 16-room inn, the Woodward House…a historic 20-room mountain lodge…and rustic cabins and cozy cottages.

Tucked amid the Great Smoky Mountains in western North Carolina, the remote Fontana Village Resort offers not just relaxation and recreation, but also an up-close look at an unusual "company town". Read the rest of this entry »

We first saw delightful Looking Glass Falls, located in western North Carolina's Pisgah National Forest, at midday with an overflow crowd of tourists. Read the rest of this entry »

During a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains region of North Carolina, my wife, Grettis, and I found a fascinating attraction: Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokee. What we experienced here you just can't get from a history book! Read the rest of this entry »

During a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains region of North Carolina, my wife, Grettis, and I found a fascinating attraction: Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokee. What we experienced here you just can't get from a history book! Read the rest of this entry »