Fun Things to Do in Raleigh NC

In today’s edition of American Nomad, I’m sharing a few of my favorite things to do in my hometown of Raleigh North Carolina. Quick Facts: Location: Raleigh is in the Piedmont Region of North Carolina…NC has a diverse terrain from Mountains to Piedmont (hilly region) and the Coastal Plain (and gorgeous coast). Why visit Raleigh? […]

Must See in Asheville NC

Tucked in the beauty and mystery of the smoky Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville North Carolina is a hub for culture, arts and moutaineers seeking adventure. I’m blessed to live only a few hours from this mountain jewel and try to visit Asheville several times a year. No matter how often I visit I never tire […]

Looking Glass Falls Byway

Not ready to return to the hubbub of Raleigh quite yet, my mom and I decided to take a scenic detour before heading back to I-40. Upon leaving Sapphire, just after 10 a.m., we drove east on Highway 64 towards the quaint mountain hamlet of Brevard NC. I considered attending Brevard College for music, but […]

Blue Ridge Explorer: Sapphire Valley Evening

After returning to Sapphire, NC around 4 p.m., my mom and I enjoyed our final night in the Sapphire Valley taking in the scenery one last time. Our condo at the Fairway Forest Diamond Resort, is located in the heart of the Sapphire Valley Resort, which includes pristine golf courses, recreation, walking paths and nearby […]

Blue Ridge Explorer: Lake Toxaway, NC

One of my favorite spots in the North Carolina mountains is Lake Toxaway. Hidden in the Sapphire Valley, roughly sixty miles southwest of Asheville, near Cashiers, NC, Situated at 3100 feet, Lake Toxaway has long enchanted travelers to its peaceful and serene waters. Its pure waters and meandering shoreline, nestled against rugged peaks and […]

Blue Ridge Explorer: Lake Glenville, NC

From my Blue Ridge Explorer Adventures… August 2020 On our way back to Cashiers, we detoured at Lake Glenville… Located 8 miles north of Cashiers off scenic NC 107, Lake Glenville (Thorpe Reservoir) is the highest elevated lake east of the Mississippi River. Lake Glenville is a hidden hideaway of 26 miles of pristine shoreline […]

Judaculla Rock – Stories in Stone

My adventure to Judaculla Rock-Stories in Stone. August, 2020 (during my Blue Ridge Social Distanced Trip) After a quick detour in Dillsboro and Sylva, we continued towards the college town of Cullowhee. Home to Western Carolina University, Cullowhee is a mountain paradise for recreation lovers. WCU is known for its quality music and arts programs, […]

Blue Ridge Explorer: Dillsboro to Sylva

Dillsboro North Carolina to Sylva North Carolina After a brief stop in Franklin, my mom and I continued northeast on mountain byways. The route winds wonderfully through the peaks of the Blue Ridge and crosses sweeping mountain valleys. Each mile of the journey a window to a new adventure and breathtaking view. “Hey mom, we […]

Franklin – Treasure in the Nantahala

Franklin, NC is steeped in history, and arguably one of the most cultural significant spots in North Carolina. Sheltered by the Blue Ridge Mountains in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest, the area of Franklin has been a central settlement for centuries from early Mississippian cultures to the Cherokee and beyond. Before European settlement, […]

The Land of Waterfalls – Cullasaja

After enjoying the views at Lake Jocassee we crossed the state line into North Carolina, driving to Cashiers. Located at over 3,500 feet, Cashiers is cradled by soaring mountains and is rooted in its rich history and local culture. Cashiers is home to local eateries, markets and coffee shops…it is a popular resort town and […]