Blue Ridge Rising: Beautiful Burnsville

Today, our American Nomad adventure meanders the scenic backroads of Yancey County, a detour well worth taking. Just forty minutes north of Asheville, this beautiful region invites you into the heart of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, where stories of hope, resilience, and community echo through these old mountains. Yancey County is home to Mount […]

Blue Ridge Rising: Fall Fun from Asheville NC to Cherokee and Beyond

Cool crisp autumn air, enjoying pumpkin spiced or maple lattes, while cozying up in your favorite flannel before heading to pick apples and find the perfect pumpkin…Fall is when we come together to celebrate the season, while also taking time to reflect in the natural beauty of as the leaves paint the landscape with the […]

Autumn Fun in North Carolina’s High Country

While I cherish summer’s long, sun-soaked days, the first crisp chill of fall air ignites a quiet peace in the soul. The leaves, once verdant, surrender to a brilliant transformation, painting the mountainsides in fiery reds and burnt oranges. This is fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains—where heaven touches earth, and the cool air brings […]

A Crown of the Blue Ridge: Blowing Rock, NC

The charming town of Blowing Rock, often called “The Crown of the Blue Ridge,” is nestled amid the sweeping scenery of North Carolina’s High Country. It offers a perfect blend of mountain hospitality and unrivaled natural beauty that begs to be explored. This destination is a personal favorite of mine, a retreat where you can […]

Blue Ridge Back Roads: Beautiful Banner Elk, NC

Welcome back to American Nomad Traveler! Our journey through North Carolina’s High Country continues today in Banner Elk. This heavenly town, surrounded by the towering Blue Ridge Mountains, lies in the shadow of two major ski resorts, Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain. Banner Elk is more than just a mountain town; it’s a base camp […]

Roanoke VA – Star of the Blue Ridge

Today, we’re continuing our Virginia adventures with a stop at one of my favorite mountain towns: the resplendent city of Roanoke. This is a city profoundly shaped by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the mighty Roanoke River. Dubbed the “Capital of Virginia’s Blue Ridge,” Roanoke serves as a vibrant center for higher […]

Discover Serenity At The Peaks of Otter

Hidden in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge conveniently located within thirty minutes from the cities of Lynchburg and Roanoke, you’ll discover a crown jewel on The Blue Ridge Parkway, The Peaks of Otter. This spot at 85.6 on The Parkway is one of my favorite places to visit throughout the year. Named for the […]

Fun in Scenic Lynchburg VA

We’re continuing our Virginia adventures with a stop in the vibrant community of Lynchburg. Tucked into the scenic foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, roughly two hours west of Richmond, it’s a town steeped in history, culture, and natural wonders. Located on the banks of the mighty James River, Lynchburg originally grew as a ferry […]

Michelangelo to Montpelier – A Virginia Adventure

In early May 2025, my mom and I embarked on a five-day adventure, starting from our hometown of Raleigh, NC, and heading north to explore Virginia’s rich history. Our “Revolutionary Adventures” took us from the colonial streets of Williamsburg and a once in a lifetime Michelangelo exhibit at William & Mary’s Muscarelle Museum of Art, […]

20 Fun Things to Do in Knoxville, TN

Twenty Fun Things to Do in Knoxville TN: Knoxville is the heartbeat of East Tennessee; a city that pulsates with mountain vibes, history and of course that Rocky Top Volunteer spirit. The city has so much to offer – from college town vibes, history to the arts, a zoo, cool museums and ready access to […]