I first wrote this article back in 2020, when a backyard picnic was less “cute idea” and more “the only way David and I were seeing another human beings.” Fast forward a few years, and what started as a quarantine safeguard has turned into one of our favorite regular traditions — right up there with…
North Carolina
12 Romantic Inns in Western NC for a Cozy Fall Getaway (2026 Update)
There is nothing quite like fall in the North Carolina mountains. The air turns crisp, the leaves along the Blue Ridge Parkway are gorgeous shades of gold and crimson, and every cozy inn porch suddenly feels like it is exactly where you are supposed to be. If you are searching for romantic inns in Western…
Banner Elk NC Guide 2026: Things to Do, Where to Eat and Stay
Banner Elk is the most recent stop on my North Carolina 100 County Tour, and this one I tackled solo. What I found was a High Country town that is easy to fall for — walkable, welcoming, and full of people who made a solo traveler feel like a VIP. Here is my Banner Elk…
5 North Carolina Dog-Friendly Getaways Worth the Road Trip
If you have a dog who side-eyes you every time the suitcase comes out, this one is for you. Ruthie B has logged some serious miles with us this year — from a tree tent in the mountains to a porch swing on the coast — and along the way we have found a handful…
Blowing Rock, NC Guide 2026: Things to Do, Where to Eat and Stay
Like so many spots in the North Carolina mountains, Blowing Rock shines in every season—though there is just something extra special about visiting in the fall. Crisp mountain air, colorful foliage, and cozy small-town charm make it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. On a recent visit, I made a return stay at the…
