#I think I have no choice but to go back to Cades Cove soon

[myfriendtheghost]

shut up I’m going to vom

[getthatshitouttahere-blog]

Begin at the Beginning

On Friday, February 3rd, I saw a coworker that I had not seen in several months. My jaw could not help but drop when she entered the room: She had lost so much weight I hardly recognized her. I asked her what her secret was, and she said it was good ol’ diet and exercise. Instead of yawning, I was actually immediately inspired and asked for her advice. She told me that it was all about counting calories, and working out consistently: Having a proper calories in and calories out ratio. Math. Ew. I have been inspired before to “get healthy and lose weight”, but for some reason, this chick and her results lit a fire inside me. I decided to be original, so I started on Monday. Monday February 6th to be exact. Not that you care so much about the exact date. I’m just putting it here because I am a forgetful person and would have no clue when this journey started without putting it in permanence on the interwebs.

You may think this next bit is unrelated and needless TMI, but just bare with me… So I am a creepily frequent dreamer (as in, dreaming while sleeping – not like a daydreamer, or an inspiring “follow your dreams” dreamer). My dreams are almost always so realistic that I often have a hard time re-orienting myself when I wake up. I have had instances when I cannot remember if a certain event was in a dream, or if it had actually happened. Yeah, it’s weird. Been seriously considering seeing a doc about it. Anyways. Sunday night (the night before I started adding math to my diet) I had an incredibly vivid dream that I was at my goal weight. I woke up with the feeling of having just touched a flat belly, having a back devoid of flab, and thighs that didn’t rub together when I walked. Oh gawd it was heaven. Well, the rest of the dream was pretty weird, but those details really are unimportant, and I want you to read the rest of this post without getting too creeped out, but feeling thin and fit was heaven. Moving on.

So I went through the rest of my day with the memory of that dream, the memory of what it felt like to be thin and fit, and the determination I felt just three days prior when I had spoken to my coworker. It is now Friday and I am still going strong! I am celebrating this because in the past, I would have given up by now. I have not had a single piece of food outside of my calorie limit, and I could not be more proud! I have always been an avid snacker: eating whatever shit we had in the pantry, and often having four meals a day instead of just three.

I cannot remember the last time I was thin. I have always been out of shape, and I have never been able to run much further than to the kitchen and back. I have always dreamt of being able to proudly wear a cute swimsuit to the beach, hike up a mountain without quitting half way, flaunt my favorite outfit without having to suck my belly in, run a 5k, and own a pair a pants for an extended length of time before the rubbing together of my thighs wore a hole on the inseams.

I hate New Years resolutions, mostly because I never follow through with them. I decided that this year, however, I am going to reach my goal weight of 135lbs. William and I want to have a baby soon, and I am determined to attain my goal weight before becoming pregnant. Being the lazy, food loving, often un-motivated person that I am, I need some accountability. So that is why I am going to post my progress here. It will be a bit of a diary, a memoir, and an accountability forum.

For starters, I am setting up some rules for myself:

I will count my calories EVERY DAY, for at least the first month, until my food choices become habit. I will not weigh myself more frequently than every two weeks. Being a woman, my weight tends to fluctuate depending on the time of the month, and I do not want to get discouraged by the number on the scale. I really want to just weigh myself every month, so that I can see the changes more drastically, but I think it is important to track my progress more efficiently than that. Also I am really impatient. I will allow myself a cheat meal or day at least once a week–and I will not feel guilty about it. I will work out at least 3 days a week this month, then 4 days a week in March, then 5 days a week by April, 6 days a week by May, then in June, begin training to run in a 5k in the fall. I will be reasonable with my weigh-in goals. While ideally I would like to lose 2 pounds a week, I know that some weeks will be harder and different than others, so I will have capable goals by certain dates: I am 5′5″ and I currently weigh 196lbs. 185 by St. Patrick’s Day. 170 by William’s graduation day on May 18th 150 by my 30th(!!!) birthday on August 24th Finally, reach my goal of 135 before a friend’s wedding on October 14th. Things I will physically be able to do when I reach my fitness goals: At 170 lbs, I will be at the max weight to join a rock climbing gym. I will be able to run a 5k, I could hike several miles without quitting, and I will be able to bike all 11 miles at Cades Cove.

Wish me luck!

[aroundshegoesagain-blog]

This Is My Year

On Friday, February 3rd, I saw a coworker that I had not seen in several months. My jaw could not help but drop when she entered the room: She had lost so much weight I hardly recognized her. I asked her what her secret was, and she said it was good ol’ diet and exercise. Instead of yawning, I was actually immediately inspired and asked for her advice. She told me that it was all about counting calories, and working out consistently: Having a proper calories in and calories out ratio. Math. Ew. I have been inspired before to “get healthy and lose weight”, but for some reason, this chick and her results lit a fire inside me. I decided to be original, so I started on Monday. Monday February 6th to be exact. Not that you care so much about the exact date. I’m just putting it here because I am a forgetful person and would have no clue when this journey started without putting it in permanence on the interwebs.

You may think this next bit is unrelated and needless TMI, but just bare with me... So I am a creepily frequent dreamer (as in, dreaming while sleeping -- not like a daydreamer, or an inspiring “follow your dreams” dreamer). My dreams are almost always so realistic that I often have a hard time re-orienting myself when I wake up. I have had instances when I cannot remember if a certain event was in a dream, or if it had actually happened. Yeah, it’s weird. Been seriously considering seeing a doc about it. Anyways. Sunday night (the night before I started adding math to my diet) I had an incredibly vivid dream that I was at my goal weight. I woke up with the feeling of having just touched a flat belly, having a back devoid of flab, and thighs that didn’t rub together when I walked. Oh gawd it was heaven. Well, the rest of the dream was pretty weird, but those details really are unimportant, and I want you to read the rest of this post without getting too creeped out, but feeling thin and fit was heaven. Moving on. 

So I went through the rest of my day with the memory of that dream, the memory of what it felt like to be thin and fit, and the determination I felt just three days prior when I had spoken to my coworker. It is now Friday and I am still going strong! I am celebrating this because in the past, I would have given up by now. I have not had a single piece of food outside of my calorie limit, and I could not be more proud! I have always been an avid snacker: eating whatever shit we had in the pantry, and often having four meals a day instead of just three. 

I cannot remember the last time I was thin. I have always been out of shape, and I have never been able to run much further than to the kitchen and back. I have always dreamt of being able to proudly wear a cute swimsuit to the beach, hike up a mountain without quitting half way, flaunt my favorite outfit without having to suck my belly in, run a 5k, and own a pair a pants for an extended length of time before the rubbing together of my thighs wore a hole on the inseams.

I hate New Years resolutions, mostly because I never follow through with them. I decided that this year, however, I am going to reach my goal weight of 135lbs. William and I want to have a baby soon, and I am determined to attain my goal weight before becoming pregnant. Being the lazy, food loving, often un-motivated person that I am, I need some accountability. So that is why I am going to post my progress here. It will be a bit of a diary, a memoir, and an accountability forum.

For starters, I am setting up some rules for myself:

I will count my calories EVERY DAY, for at least the first month, until my food choices become habit.

I will not weigh myself more frequently than every two weeks. Being a woman, my weight tends to fluctuate depending on the time of the month, and I do not want to get discouraged by the number on the scale. I really want to just weigh myself every month, so that I can see the changes more drastically, but I think it is important to track my progress more efficiently than that. Also I am really impatient.

I will allow myself a cheat meal or day at least once a week--and I will not feel guilty about it.

I will work out at least 3 days a week this month, then 4 days a week in March, then 5 days a week by April, 6 days a week by May, then in June, begin training to run in a 5k in the fall.

I will be reasonable with my weigh-in goals. While ideally I would like to lose 2 pounds a week, I know that some weeks will be harder and different than others, so I will have capable goals by certain dates:

I am 5′5″ and I currently weigh 196lbs. 

185 by St. Patrick’s Day.

170 by William’s graduation day on May 18th

150 by my 30th(!!!) birthday on August 24th

Finally, reach my goal of 135 before a friend’s wedding on October 14th.

Things I will physically be able to do when I reach my fitness goals: At 170 lbs, I will be at the max weight to join a rock climbing gym. I will be able to run a 5k, I could hike several miles without quitting, and I will be able to bike all 11 miles at Cades Cove.

For those of you following and would like inspiration as well, follow the link on this page for my secondary blog, where I will post some recipes, my meal plans, workout plans, my progress, and other stuff. 

Wish me luck!

[janerchambers88]

15 Most Charming Mountain Getaways Down South

Summer or winter, there’s nothing like heading up, up, and away into the mountains. Let’s explore some charming cabin vacations down South where the welcome’s warm and the scenery is second to none.

Southern Mountain Getaways With Small Town Charm

We’ve chosen 15 charming mountain towns where you can have a fantastic getaway, whatever the season. These places are blessed with a small-town air and breathtakingly scenic backdrops of forested peaks and endless sky. Take your pick of quaint cabin vacations in the South, whether you fancy fall foliage, winter snow, spring greenery, or summer splendor. That’s the wonderful thing about the great outdoors—it’s open all year round!

Once you know where you’re going, it’s time to get that cozy mountain rental sorted. There’s plenty of choice, ranging from cabins with forest views to quaint downtown apartments just steps from the local restaurants. When you book a vacation rental, you have access to amenities like a full kitchen, bubbling hot tub, and loads of space, so you can check in and feel right at home

Here are 15 southern mountain getaways we think deserve a closer look. When you’re finished browsing, vote for your favorite at the bottom of this list!

Helen, Georgia

Time for an adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Start with a ride on the Unicoi Zip Line or an afternoon of horse trekking on a Chattahoochee Stables tour. Add a few rounds of mini golf, some tubing on the river, and maybe a vineyard tour to round a perfect day during your mountain getaway. Evenings in Helena are meant for kicking back with a beer and a plate of the Bavarian-style cuisine this place is famous for.

See all Helen rentals on FlipKey!

Mountain View, Arkansas

First stop in Mountain View should be the Ozark Folk Center State Park, where you can learn about local history, traditional craftsmanship, and folk music. Leave some time to browse the antique stores in the afternoon, then at the end of the day catch some live folk music, especially exciting in the warmer months when the musicians spill out into the town and play in the open air.

See all Mountain View rentals on FlipKey!

Brevard, North Carolina

Come to Brevard to experience the stunning natural beauty of Transylvania County. With its tumbling waterfalls and cycling trails with jaw-dropping views, this mountain getaway is sure to delight. Spend a day kayaking on the French Broad River and retreat to your private cozy cabin as the sun goes down.

See all Brevard rentals on FlipKey!

Hiawassee, Georgia

“We felt like it was just us on that mountain. Sitting in the chairs on the huge back porch with a steaming cup of coffee was just what I needed. The view was breathtaking. The cabin was perfect.”— FlipKey Reviewer

Hiawassee is perched on Lake Chatuge, a beautiful spot for boating, jetskiing, fishing, and more. This really is a four-season cabin getaway, with the Georgia Mountain Fair in summer, the blooming rhododendrons at Hamilton Gardens in the spring, eye-catching leaf tours in the fall, and foggy lake vistas and snowbound scenery in winter.

See all Hiawassee rentals on FlipKey!

Highlands, North Carolina

Book your Highlands rental and set out to discover the Nantahala National Forest. Go fly fishing in the Chattooga River, enjoy a round of golf with mountain views at the Old Edwards Club, and drive right under the Bridal Veil Falls. In town, you can stroll around the art galleries and round off your day with a meal at Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro.

See all Highlands rentals on FlipKey!

Hot Springs, Virginia

Hot Springs is a top choice for snow sports, with good snowboarding and skiing amenities on offer at the Homestead Resort. Alternatively, take your bike out along the Hidden Valley Trail or rent some clubs and hit the Cascades Golf Course. Whether you prefer snow-covered slopes in the winter or verdant mountains during the summer, Hot Springs offers mountain getaways like no other.

See all Hot Springs rentals on FlipKey!

Birmingham, Alabama

A picturesque mountain town cradled by the Appalachians, Birmingham welcomes outdoorsy types, so pack your mountain bike or hiking gear. You’ll need them if you plan to explore Oak Mountain State Park—the Red Trail is particularly recommended for avid cyclists. Locals recommend filling up for breakfast at neighborhood favorite Bogue’s and relaxing with a craft beer in the evening.

See all Birmingham rentals on FlipKey!

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

“Great location. Beautiful home. Clean. Well stocked with everything needed to relax. Even stayed an extra night because it was so nice. Would come again and recommend.”— FlipKey Reviewer

When visiting Pigeon Forge, you must take a driving tour to fully appreciate the epic scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains. Wind along the tree-lined roads, and be careful not to miss Cades Cove, a valley where you’ll find pioneer log cabins and grist mills, and maybe some white-tailed deer or coyotes. There’s also the Dollywood theme park and water park, part-owned by local country-singing legend Dolly Parton.

See all Pigeon Forge rentals on FlipKey!

Slade, Kentucky

The main attraction in Slade is Natural Bridge State Park, with its sandstone bridge and scenic hiking trails. Next door you can see the geological delights of the Red River Gorge. From spectacular cliffs and roaring waterfalls to fields of beautiful wildflowers, there’s nothing quite like a mountain getaway in Slade. Book your cabin rental to get one step closer to discovering it all.

See all Slade rentals on FlipKey!

Dahlonega, Georgia

Here in the Blue Ridge foothills, you can pan for gold in the river, sample the goods in a local winery, and explore the historic center filled with 19th-century buildings. Make sure you stop in at the Dahlonega Gold Museum for some fascinating gold rush history. Ready for an adventure? Leave town and head west to see the impressive 600-foot Amicalola Falls and wander through the surrounding state park.

See all Dahlonega rentals on FlipKey!

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is a breath of fresh air, any time of year. For a bit of local history, take an audio tour of the grand Biltmore House, then set off on a hike through Craggy Gardens, culminating in a picnic with soaring views. When you’re not exploring the beauty of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, retreat to a comfy cabin on the outskirts of this majestic mountain town.

See all Asheville rentals on FlipKey!

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

“The barn is the most beautiful cabin I have ever seen. We enjoyed our stay & will be back again soon!” — FlipKey Reviewer

Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains and known for its flowing natural springs, Eureka Springs is an idyllic cabin vacation destination down South. Spend a day soaking in a spa or choose a high-octane tour of the treetops with Ozark Mountain Ziplines. Just 11 miles north you’ll find the Promised Land Animal Park, complete with a petting zoo for the kids. With its awe-inspiring beauty and vibrant downtown packed with enticing shops and places, this alluring mountain town boasts something for everyone.

See all Eureka Springs rentals on FlipKey!

Shenandoah, Virginia

From summer hiking to winter skiing, there’s plenty to keep you entertained in the Shenandoah Valley. Grab a mountain cabin hideaway to make the most of those inspiring valley views, and spend your days touring the wineries, seeing the splendid formations in the Luray Caverns, or fishing in the Shenandoah River.

See all Shenandoah rentals on FlipKey!

Burnsville, North Carolina

Burnsville’s a friendly little place, known for its quaint town center, its local arts and crafts scene, and its farmer’s markets. Hop in your car to track down the area’s 200 Quilt Blocks, painted squares mounted on local buildings. This charming mountain town is just a short drive to lovely Asheville and a couple of hours’ drive from our next and final pick, Gatlinburg.

See all Burnsville rentals on FlipKey!

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

  “The cabin exceeded our expectations. It is especially clean, and most importantly, comfortable. There is a home away from home feel to the cabin. It was far enough away from the noise and close enough to be convenient to the attractions of Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.” — FlipKey Reviewer

A family-friendly vibe, lively center packed with places to eat, and the splendid Smoky Mountains right at your doorstep—Gatlinburg ticks all the boxes for an unforgettable mountain getaway. Try your hand at horseback riding, fly fishing, and black bear spotting along 800 miles of hiking trails, and don’t miss the waterfalls of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

See all Gatlinburg rentals on FlipKey!

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post’s poll.

The post 15 Most Charming Mountain Getaways Down South appeared first on The FlipKey Blog.

[kevingbakeruk]

15 Most Charming Mountain Getaways Down South

Summer or winter, there’s nothing like heading up, up, and away into the mountains. Let’s explore some charming cabin vacations down South where the welcome’s warm and the scenery is second to none.

Southern Mountain Getaways With Small Town Charm

We’ve chosen 15 charming mountain towns where you can have a fantastic getaway, whatever the season. These places are blessed with a small-town air and breathtakingly scenic backdrops of forested peaks and endless sky. Take your pick of quaint cabin vacations in the South, whether you fancy fall foliage, winter snow, spring greenery, or summer splendor. That’s the wonderful thing about the great outdoors—it’s open all year round!

Once you know where you’re going, it’s time to get that cozy mountain rental sorted. There’s plenty of choice, ranging from cabins with forest views to quaint downtown apartments just steps from the local restaurants. When you book a vacation rental, you have access to amenities like a full kitchen, bubbling hot tub, and loads of space, so you can check in and feel right at home

Here are 15 southern mountain getaways we think deserve a closer look. When you’re finished browsing, vote for your favorite at the bottom of this list!

Helen, Georgia

Time for an adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Start with a ride on the Unicoi Zip Line or an afternoon of horse trekking on a Chattahoochee Stables tour. Add a few rounds of mini golf, some tubing on the river, and maybe a vineyard tour to round a perfect day during your mountain getaway. Evenings in Helena are meant for kicking back with a beer and a plate of the Bavarian-style cuisine this place is famous for.

See all Helen rentals on FlipKey!

Mountain View, Arkansas

First stop in Mountain View should be the Ozark Folk Center State Park, where you can learn about local history, traditional craftsmanship, and folk music. Leave some time to browse the antique stores in the afternoon, then at the end of the day catch some live folk music, especially exciting in the warmer months when the musicians spill out into the town and play in the open air.

See all Mountain View rentals on FlipKey!

Brevard, North Carolina

Come to Brevard to experience the stunning natural beauty of Transylvania County. With its tumbling waterfalls and cycling trails with jaw-dropping views, this mountain getaway is sure to delight. Spend a day kayaking on the French Broad River and retreat to your private cozy cabin as the sun goes down.

See all Brevard rentals on FlipKey!

Hiawassee, Georgia

“We felt like it was just us on that mountain. Sitting in the chairs on the huge back porch with a steaming cup of coffee was just what I needed. The view was breathtaking. The cabin was perfect.”— FlipKey Reviewer

Hiawassee is perched on Lake Chatuge, a beautiful spot for boating, jetskiing, fishing, and more. This really is a four-season cabin getaway, with the Georgia Mountain Fair in summer, the blooming rhododendrons at Hamilton Gardens in the spring, eye-catching leaf tours in the fall, and foggy lake vistas and snowbound scenery in winter.

See all Hiawassee rentals on FlipKey!

Highlands, North Carolina

Book your Highlands rental and set out to discover the Nantahala National Forest. Go fly fishing in the Chattooga River, enjoy a round of golf with mountain views at the Old Edwards Club, and drive right under the Bridal Veil Falls. In town, you can stroll around the art galleries and round off your day with a meal at Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro.

See all Highlands rentals on FlipKey!

Hot Springs, Virginia

Hot Springs is a top choice for snow sports, with good snowboarding and skiing amenities on offer at the Homestead Resort. Alternatively, take your bike out along the Hidden Valley Trail or rent some clubs and hit the Cascades Golf Course. Whether you prefer snow-covered slopes in the winter or verdant mountains during the summer, Hot Springs offers mountain getaways like no other.

See all Hot Springs rentals on FlipKey!

Birmingham, Alabama

A picturesque mountain town cradled by the Appalachians, Birmingham welcomes outdoorsy types, so pack your mountain bike or hiking gear. You’ll need them if you plan to explore Oak Mountain State Park—the Red Trail is particularly recommended for avid cyclists. Locals recommend filling up for breakfast at neighborhood favorite Bogue’s and relaxing with a craft beer in the evening.

See all Birmingham rentals on FlipKey!

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

“Great location. Beautiful home. Clean. Well stocked with everything needed to relax. Even stayed an extra night because it was so nice. Would come again and recommend.”— FlipKey Reviewer

When visiting Pigeon Forge, you must take a driving tour to fully appreciate the epic scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains. Wind along the tree-lined roads, and be careful not to miss Cades Cove, a valley where you’ll find pioneer log cabins and grist mills, and maybe some white-tailed deer or coyotes. There’s also the Dollywood theme park and water park, part-owned by local country-singing legend Dolly Parton.

See all Pigeon Forge rentals on FlipKey!

Slade, Kentucky

The main attraction in Slade is Natural Bridge State Park, with its sandstone bridge and scenic hiking trails. Next door you can see the geological delights of the Red River Gorge. From spectacular cliffs and roaring waterfalls to fields of beautiful wildflowers, there’s nothing quite like a mountain getaway in Slade. Book your cabin rental to get one step closer to discovering it all.

See all Slade rentals on FlipKey!

Dahlonega, Georgia

Here in the Blue Ridge foothills, you can pan for gold in the river, sample the goods in a local winery, and explore the historic center filled with 19th-century buildings. Make sure you stop in at the Dahlonega Gold Museum for some fascinating gold rush history. Ready for an adventure? Leave town and head west to see the impressive 600-foot Amicalola Falls and wander through the surrounding state park.

See all Dahlonega rentals on FlipKey!

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is a breath of fresh air, any time of year. For a bit of local history, take an audio tour of the grand Biltmore House, then set off on a hike through Craggy Gardens, culminating in a picnic with soaring views. When you’re not exploring the beauty of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, retreat to a comfy cabin on the outskirts of this majestic mountain town.

See all Asheville rentals on FlipKey!

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

“The barn is the most beautiful cabin I have ever seen. We enjoyed our stay & will be back again soon!” — FlipKey Reviewer

Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains and known for its flowing natural springs, Eureka Springs is an idyllic cabin vacation destination down South. Spend a day soaking in a spa or choose a high-octane tour of the treetops with Ozark Mountain Ziplines. Just 11 miles north you’ll find the Promised Land Animal Park, complete with a petting zoo for the kids. With its awe-inspiring beauty and vibrant downtown packed with enticing shops and places, this alluring mountain town boasts something for everyone.

See all Eureka Springs rentals on FlipKey!

Shenandoah, Virginia

From summer hiking to winter skiing, there’s plenty to keep you entertained in the Shenandoah Valley. Grab a mountain cabin hideaway to make the most of those inspiring valley views, and spend your days touring the wineries, seeing the splendid formations in the Luray Caverns, or fishing in the Shenandoah River.

See all Shenandoah rentals on FlipKey!

Burnsville, North Carolina

Burnsville’s a friendly little place, known for its quaint town center, its local arts and crafts scene, and its farmer’s markets. Hop in your car to track down the area’s 200 Quilt Blocks, painted squares mounted on local buildings. This charming mountain town is just a short drive to lovely Asheville and a couple of hours’ drive from our next and final pick, Gatlinburg.

See all Burnsville rentals on FlipKey!

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

  “The cabin exceeded our expectations. It is especially clean, and most importantly, comfortable. There is a home away from home feel to the cabin. It was far enough away from the noise and close enough to be convenient to the attractions of Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.” — FlipKey Reviewer

A family-friendly vibe, lively center packed with places to eat, and the splendid Smoky Mountains right at your doorstep—Gatlinburg ticks all the boxes for an unforgettable mountain getaway. Try your hand at horseback riding, fly fishing, and black bear spotting along 800 miles of hiking trails, and don’t miss the waterfalls of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

See all Gatlinburg rentals on FlipKey!

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

The post 15 Most Charming Mountain Getaways Down South appeared first on The FlipKey Blog.

from Tips For Traveling https://www.flipkey.com/blog/2017/11/15/charming-mountain-getaways-south/

[mrrolandtfranco]

15 Most Charming Mountain Getaways Down South

Summer or winter, there’s nothing like heading up, up, and away into the mountains. Let’s explore some charming cabin vacations down South where the welcome’s warm and the scenery is second to none.

Southern Mountain Getaways With Small Town Charm

We’ve chosen 15 charming mountain towns where you can have a fantastic getaway, whatever the season. These places are blessed with a small-town air and breathtakingly scenic backdrops of forested peaks and endless sky. Take your pick of quaint cabin vacations in the South, whether you fancy fall foliage, winter snow, spring greenery, or summer splendor. That’s the wonderful thing about the great outdoors—it’s open all year round!

Once you know where you’re going, it’s time to get that cozy mountain rental sorted. There’s plenty of choice, ranging from cabins with forest views to quaint downtown apartments just steps from the local restaurants. When you book a vacation rental, you have access to amenities like a full kitchen, bubbling hot tub, and loads of space, so you can check in and feel right at home

Here are 15 southern mountain getaways we think deserve a closer look. When you’re finished browsing, vote for your favorite at the bottom of this list!

Helen, Georgia

Time for an adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Start with a ride on the Unicoi Zip Line or an afternoon of horse trekking on a Chattahoochee Stables tour. Add a few rounds of mini golf, some tubing on the river, and maybe a vineyard tour to round a perfect day during your mountain getaway. Evenings in Helena are meant for kicking back with a beer and a plate of the Bavarian-style cuisine this place is famous for.

See all Helen rentals on FlipKey!

Mountain View, Arkansas

First stop in Mountain View should be the Ozark Folk Center State Park, where you can learn about local history, traditional craftsmanship, and folk music. Leave some time to browse the antique stores in the afternoon, then at the end of the day catch some live folk music, especially exciting in the warmer months when the musicians spill out into the town and play in the open air.

See all Mountain View rentals on FlipKey!

Brevard, North Carolina

Come to Brevard to experience the stunning natural beauty of Transylvania County. With its tumbling waterfalls and cycling trails with jaw-dropping views, this mountain getaway is sure to delight. Spend a day kayaking on the French Broad River and retreat to your private cozy cabin as the sun goes down.

See all Brevard rentals on FlipKey!

Hiawassee, Georgia

“We felt like it was just us on that mountain. Sitting in the chairs on the huge back porch with a steaming cup of coffee was just what I needed. The view was breathtaking. The cabin was perfect.”— FlipKey Reviewer

Hiawassee is perched on Lake Chatuge, a beautiful spot for boating, jetskiing, fishing, and more. This really is a four-season cabin getaway, with the Georgia Mountain Fair in summer, the blooming rhododendrons at Hamilton Gardens in the spring, eye-catching leaf tours in the fall, and foggy lake vistas and snowbound scenery in winter.

See all Hiawassee rentals on FlipKey!

Highlands, North Carolina

Book your Highlands rental and set out to discover the Nantahala National Forest. Go fly fishing in the Chattooga River, enjoy a round of golf with mountain views at the Old Edwards Club, and drive right under the Bridal Veil Falls. In town, you can stroll around the art galleries and round off your day with a meal at Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro.

See all Highlands rentals on FlipKey!

Hot Springs, Virginia

Hot Springs is a top choice for snow sports, with good snowboarding and skiing amenities on offer at the Homestead Resort. Alternatively, take your bike out along the Hidden Valley Trail or rent some clubs and hit the Cascades Golf Course. Whether you prefer snow-covered slopes in the winter or verdant mountains during the summer, Hot Springs offers mountain getaways like no other.

See all Hot Springs rentals on FlipKey!

Birmingham, Alabama

A picturesque mountain town cradled by the Appalachians, Birmingham welcomes outdoorsy types, so pack your mountain bike or hiking gear. You’ll need them if you plan to explore Oak Mountain State Park—the Red Trail is particularly recommended for avid cyclists. Locals recommend filling up for breakfast at neighborhood favorite Bogue’s and relaxing with a craft beer in the evening.

See all Birmingham rentals on FlipKey!

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

“Great location. Beautiful home. Clean. Well stocked with everything needed to relax. Even stayed an extra night because it was so nice. Would come again and recommend.”— FlipKey Reviewer

When visiting Pigeon Forge, you must take a driving tour to fully appreciate the epic scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains. Wind along the tree-lined roads, and be careful not to miss Cades Cove, a valley where you’ll find pioneer log cabins and grist mills, and maybe some white-tailed deer or coyotes. There’s also the Dollywood theme park and water park, part-owned by local country-singing legend Dolly Parton.

See all Pigeon Forge rentals on FlipKey!

Slade, Kentucky

The main attraction in Slade is Natural Bridge State Park, with its sandstone bridge and scenic hiking trails. Next door you can see the geological delights of the Red River Gorge. From spectacular cliffs and roaring waterfalls to fields of beautiful wildflowers, there’s nothing quite like a mountain getaway in Slade. Book your cabin rental to get one step closer to discovering it all.

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Dahlonega, Georgia

Here in the Blue Ridge foothills, you can pan for gold in the river, sample the goods in a local winery, and explore the historic center filled with 19th-century buildings. Make sure you stop in at the Dahlonega Gold Museum for some fascinating gold rush history. Ready for an adventure? Leave town and head west to see the impressive 600-foot Amicalola Falls and wander through the surrounding state park.

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Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is a breath of fresh air, any time of year. For a bit of local history, take an audio tour of the grand Biltmore House, then set off on a hike through Craggy Gardens, culminating in a picnic with soaring views. When you’re not exploring the beauty of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, retreat to a comfy cabin on the outskirts of this majestic mountain town.

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Eureka Springs, Arkansas

“The barn is the most beautiful cabin I have ever seen. We enjoyed our stay & will be back again soon!” — FlipKey Reviewer

Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains and known for its flowing natural springs, Eureka Springs is an idyllic cabin vacation destination down South. Spend a day soaking in a spa or choose a high-octane tour of the treetops with Ozark Mountain Ziplines. Just 11 miles north you’ll find the Promised Land Animal Park, complete with a petting zoo for the kids. With its awe-inspiring beauty and vibrant downtown packed with enticing shops and places, this alluring mountain town boasts something for everyone.

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Shenandoah, Virginia

From summer hiking to winter skiing, there’s plenty to keep you entertained in the Shenandoah Valley. Grab a mountain cabin hideaway to make the most of those inspiring valley views, and spend your days touring the wineries, seeing the splendid formations in the Luray Caverns, or fishing in the Shenandoah River.

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Burnsville, North Carolina

Burnsville’s a friendly little place, known for its quaint town center, its local arts and crafts scene, and its farmer’s markets. Hop in your car to track down the area’s 200 Quilt Blocks, painted squares mounted on local buildings. This charming mountain town is just a short drive to lovely Asheville and a couple of hours’ drive from our next and final pick, Gatlinburg.

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Gatlinburg, Tennessee

  “The cabin exceeded our expectations. It is especially clean, and most importantly, comfortable. There is a home away from home feel to the cabin. It was far enough away from the noise and close enough to be convenient to the attractions of Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.” — FlipKey Reviewer

A family-friendly vibe, lively center packed with places to eat, and the splendid Smoky Mountains right at your doorstep—Gatlinburg ticks all the boxes for an unforgettable mountain getaway. Try your hand at horseback riding, fly fishing, and black bear spotting along 800 miles of hiking trails, and don’t miss the waterfalls of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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