Deena Bouknight

Varying hikes to Rabun Bald fire tower offer a grand experience for everyone.

After extensive hurricane damage, Chimney Rock State Park reopened offering limited-hours access by reservation with breathtaking hikes and panoramic views in the Hickory Nut Gorge area near Asheville.

With house-made dough, locally sourced ingredients, and inviting indoor and outdoor spaces, Slab Town Pizza offers a gourmet twist on the classic pie experience.

Just beyond Clayton, Georgia, the Warwoman Dell trail offers a scenic hike through forested history and three stunning waterfalls—all in the footsteps of a legendary Cherokee woman.

At Highlands Smokehouse, guests enjoy more than legendary pit-smoked meats—they’re welcomed into a rustic, mountain-style retreat where fresh sides, bold flavors, and a warm atmosphere redefine the barbecue experience.

Just a few hours from the Plateau, Fall Creek Falls and Rock Island State Parks offer dramatic gorges, towering waterfalls, and unforgettable hikes—perfect for a weekend escape into nature’s grandeur.

Just off NC 106, a 3.7-mile stretch of the Bartram Trail offers quiet bridges, lush blooms, and the soothing sound of mountain water—a hidden gem for Plateau hikers.

Accept no substitutes – a meal at Las Margaritas is a full-on seduction of the senses. You’re invited to play – 127 Highway 64 in Cashiers. This being the Plateau in the middle of the Busy Season, reservations are a good idea – (828) 745-6900.

Though her little waterfall is next to Frolictown, be on your best behavior – Granny’s almost certainly watching.