Cottages in Appalachia: The Cozy Countdown

The Appalachians are home to the US’s most-visited national park.

Shocking, right?

With parks like Yellowstone, Joshua Tree, Yosemite, and Zion all on the docket for American travelers, many are surprised to learn that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park comes out ahead… as in, far ahead.

In 2023, the Great Smoky Mountains welcomed over 13 million travelers, which was seconded by the Grand Canyon with only 4.7 million visitors.

There are a few factors that make the Appalachians so popular.

First and foremost, they’re most accessible in terms of distance from major cities and road quality. Second, they’re also more family-friendly, making them ideal for larger group vacations.

Lastly, and more importantly, the Appalachians feel safer and slightly less ‘wild’.

Try to name a cozier mountain range. I’ll wait.

The Appalachian range offers misty, romantic views, along with thousands of miles of mellow hiking trails. It’s not about steep climbs but relaxing strolls that take you into the heart of the US’s loveliest range.

And what bodes better for calming forest stays than cottages? (Go on. I’ll wait again.)

If you’re looking for a cozy cottage countdown in this atmospheric mountain range, then look no further. Here are the best cottages in Appalachia for hunkering down this autumn.

Best rustic cottages in Appalachia

Cozy Cabin, Green Mountain NC

Located around 50 miles from Mount Mitchell and Asheville, you get the best of both worlds at this cozy cabin.

Want to visit a major Appalachian national park? It’s just a short drive away. The same for the quaint town of Green Mountain.

Want to disappear into the rolling hills? That’s also easy to do. This log cabin has all the woodwork you’d expect in a cottage stay—along with newer features like renovated floors.

What I love is that it’s integrated into the surrounding forest, offering a highly immersive Appalachian experience.

Book here

Cozy Lake Cabin, Monroe NY

In Monroe, visitors get all the best cabin amenities with one added plus: Lakefront access. The grounds include a short dock and an outdoor firepit so you can soak up the lake, forest, and rolling hills that disappear on the horizon.

Though it’s not totally off the beaten path (there are neighbors), the mature tree coverage curates a very secluded cottage vibe. No matter the season, it offers a fantastic escape into the Appalachians.

Best of all, it’s located only an hour or so away from New York City.

Book here

A Warm Hearth, Fairfield, VA

This cottage isn’t quite like the others. As in, this is a semi-earthen home modeled after the hobbit houses of Middle Earth in the Lord of the Rings series.

The plus side? Hobbit houses are super cozy cottages.

The trade-off? The interior decor is also modeled after Middle Earth.

But that might not be a downside if you enjoy fantasy worlds. And even if you don’t, the cabin’s fantasy-driven accents are earthy and bespoke.

In other words, I’d stay here even though I don’t care about hobbits. (I’m more of a vampire girly.) From the stone hearth to the circular doors, this cabin is delightfully Appalachian—just with a Middle Earth twist.

Book here

Modern cottages in Appalachia

The Cottage at Marsh Creek, Downingtown, PA

With a modern interior and a more suburban location, this cottage isn’t ideal for those who want to stay smack in the middle of the Appalachian range.

That being said, there’s plenty of room to enjoy the fresh air and lovely scenery—and an outdoor hot tub for late-night nightcaps.

Plus, guests are only a short drive from Marsh Creek State Park, a hidden Appalachian gem. The park is one of the most unspoiled choices for exploring the Appalachian hills. While it’s usually full in summer, the park slows down in autumn.

Book here

Cozy Mountain Cottage, Afton, VA

Looking for views straight from the patio? This cozy mountain cottage has absolutely everything you’ll need for an immersive and relaxing Appalachian trip.

Though the cabin is small, it has plenty of outdoor areas, including a fire pit and furniture. That’s an ideal spot to enjoy the rolling mountains that surround the property.

On the outside, it’s pure rustic and country Appalachian joy. On the inside, guests get a sleek and modern hotel-caliber rental. (Drop me off here in October. Come back in March. I’ll be fine alone.)

Book here

Innisfree Farms Cabin, Triadelphia, WV

Wood-paneled walls, a wood-burning stove, and a cobbled-stone fireplace—need I say more? I’m in love with the rustic-yet-modern design of this rental, along with its cozier autumn and winter features.

But it’s the outdoors that count, too. The patio offers a perfect place to soak up the surrounding forest. It’s only a short walk from Oglebay Park, along with hiking trails that criss-cross the property.

There’s even a bass-filled pond for those who want to do a little fishing in the middle of the Appalachians. Best of all, there’s room for friends and family with three bedrooms that sleep a total of six guests.

Book here

Luxury cottages in Appalachia

Luxury Cottage, Greenwood Lake, NY

It’s quirky, it’s modern, and its patio is designed for soaking in the great outdoors. Seriously, the porch wraps around this brand-new property, offering a great view of the private Greenwood Lake below.

The rental is ideal for winter stays, as it’s near the Mountain Creek Ski Resort and the Mt. Peter Ski destination. Thanks to its higher elevation, you can also enjoy the view of some of the Appalachian’s tallest northern peaks from this property.

Book here

The Maury River Treehouse, Rockbridge Baths, Virginia

This cottage is one of the most unique I’ve ever seen.

Its label of ‘treehouse’ is thanks to its interior design, which includes plenty of timber framework. Even the inlaid lighting is designed to frame and highlight the excellent wood features.

The large windows are also ideal for soaking up views of the surrounding forest. Located on the Maury River, guests also get a peak into the rushing river—and, of course, an outdoor fire pit area located only feet from the shore.

My favorite feature has to be the elevated and covered patio, which includes a large flatscreen television.

Book here

Best US Airport Hotels for Solid Stopovers

You never hear people rave about an airport hotel.

I chalk that up to the nature of these stays. They’re often used for large-scale work conventions that run for a week or a weekend. If not for work, travelers usually end up at these hotels thanks to significant delays at the airport.

That’s certainly my case.

I’ve only stayed in airport hotels when my flights were disrupted enough to cause an overnight stay. In each case, the airline ferried me to an airport hotel with a few vouches in my back pocket.

I slept, I woke up, I left—promptly.

But that doesn’t mean airport hotels aren’t worthy of a longer stay.

In fact, if you find yourself stuck in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Orlando, you might want to stick around for a few extra days.

Here are the best US airport hotels across the country.

TWA Hotel at JFK

Back in 1962, a post-modernist architect named Eero Saarinen completed a project for TWA on the grounds of JFK.

The TWA terminal was a powerhouse of modern design—and people loved it enough to save it from a potential 2001 demolition. The terminal has since been turned into one of the coolest boutique stays in the city.

The architecture in the lobby and shared spaces is grand, modern, and entirely memorable. But there are other kitschy additions that callback to the building’s original opening in 1962, including a glam-retro hair salon, a curling rink on the (retired) tarmac, and even a cocktail lounge inside a retro airplane.

Book here

H Hotel at LAX

If you’re staying at LAX—one of the US’s largest airports—you’re going to have a solid range of airport hotel options.

I vote you go with the H Hotel. Its design and overall feel are the standard and slightly elevated fare you’d expect from a Curio Collection by Hilton.

But it’s the heated pool that caught my attention. While many airport hotels offer basic indoor pools, this heated option is located outdoors and with a pretty solid view. The cherry on top is the H Hotel’s rooftop terrace, a perfect place for a late-night drink.

Book here

Grand Hyatt at SFO

As with Los Angeles, San Francisco isn’t short on stellar airport hotels. This time around, I suggest staying at the Grand Hyatt.

It’s one of the best-rated hotel stays I’ve ever researched—I’m talking a 5/5 from TripAdvisor based on 1,700 reviews and a 9.2/10 from Booking based on 1,500 reviews.

So, what the hell is going on at this hotel? Well, it’s definitely a lux pick.

From its marble countertops to its chic breakfast lounge, there’s an emphasis on high-end features. It also offers Sky Train access directly to the airport—which is a bit more efficient than other airport shuttles I’ve seen mentioned at other airport hotels.

Book here

Hyatt Regency at MCO

Hyatt is back at it with a seriously elevated stay at Orlando International Airport—one that’s even higher-rated than its SFO offer.

Once again, that rating is thanks to a more luxurious stay that includes features like tropical garden sitting lounges and a grand, Art Deco-esque exterior.

Its restaurants, cafes, and pool are all appropriately high-end, while its in-room amenities include all the creature comforts that travelers are after—including designer bedding and quiet, insulated walls.

Every little detail feels more premium than anything airport-related should be.

Book here

Best Virtual Guided Tour Channels on YouTube

Virtual travel was one of the most interesting developments to take shape during COVID.

With millions of people trapped at home, alternative forms of travel grew. Thanks to a campaign from the Google Arts & Culture crew, dozens of high-profile museums and landmarks from around the world began launching virtual tours.

Since then, the trend has diversified.

While you can still find virtual tours of all stripes online (and from a variety of creators and providers), there’s a new focus: guided tours.

Unsurprisingly, some of the best virtual guided tour channels are on YouTube. Here’s what you need to know about this growing trend, along with the best virtual guided tour channels on YouTube.

What are virtual guided tours?

Guided tours explore cities, towns, and regions from around the world. Some also explore less urban areas, including national parks and remote monuments.

The goal is to showcase the very best of the area in order to educate viewers and entice them to visit. If you’re uncertain about a potential destination, a guided tour is the best way to get a feel for a place—virtually, of course.

Given its reach and accessibility, YouTube is home to the most high-quality virtual tour channels in the world. Each channels a unique angle and specialty.

From scooter tours to haunted location countdowns, virtual guided tour channels on YouTube cover just about every interest.

Looking for a way to travel the world without leaving your couch? Here are the best virtual guided tour channels on YouTube.

Best virtual guided tour channels on YouTube

Prowalk Tours

Prowalk Tours delivers seriously high-quality videos. Thanks to its multi-media efforts, viewers are treated to 4K footage from pedestrians, drones, and even scooters.

Their goal is to visually immerse remote viewers—and they do it exceedingly well.

The channel also goes above and beyond to showcase each tour route. I really enjoy that feature, as it helps you get a feel for a city spatially and make sense of your tour.

Even the audio quality stunned me. If you like cinema-quality tours, Prowalk Tours is your channel.

Start watching Prowalk Tours

City Walks

Ever considered bundling your virtual tours with treadmill workouts?

I know—it’s a bit of a stretch. (Get it?) But City Walks can turn any workout session into a highly unique travel experience. The channel offers city tours on foot, along with commentary.

City Walks includes a narrative from the channel’s host, exploring interesting factoids and also helping viewers situate themselves in the city.

That can go a long way in helping viewers make sense of what they’re seeing… and also distract them from that treadmill workout.

Start watching City Walks

4K Urban Life

You guessed it—4K Urban Life is a channel that films cities in 4K quality.

More specifically, videos are in ultra-HD. That high production element is thanks to the fact that this channel has professionals from Pro Art Inc. behind it.

That being said, the videos are overlayed with a basic playlist. I don’t mind the music and lack of commentary because—it bears repeating—the videos are insanely high quality.

That type of visual immersion is enough to let you get lost in a city. To keep going with this thread, I was pretty surprised by how much I liked the lack of map and narrative. It’s pure sensation here.

Start watching 4K Urban Life

WannaWalk

Want an unfiltered look at destinations around the world?

WannaWalk has a pretty hefty cultural element to it. The solo traveler who runs the account has one goal: to take you onto the streets to see what he sees. No context, no explanations.

I’m going to be blunt—I’m a little wary of this channel. It seems clickbaity with videos like ‘Worst Smelling Street in India’ that offer little explanation.

I’m also hesitant to support channels that involve filming strangers living in their daily lives. (It’s a slippery slope into ‘poverty porn’.)

But I’ll let you decide for yourself whether you vibe with WannaWalk. The channel has a solid following and an extensive list of unique videos. Additionally, you can learn a few facts along the way when you enable closed captioning.

Start watching Wanna Walk

Watched Walker

Art and history fans rejoice! There’s a guided tour channel just for you!

Watched Walker is a solo traveler (like WannaWalk) who got his start in London. Since then, the creator has ventured out to other popular cities that showcase the best in art and history.

I like the focus on London here—it’s a massive city. The account takes viewers to unique places and unique times, like the West End when it’s abandoned due to rain showers or a central London stroll during the Euro finals.

Aside from London, Watched Walker has tons of content on Paris, Barcelona, and Madrid.

Start watching Watched Walker

Best Bed & Breakfasts in Colorado this Autumn & Winter

Anyone who loves nature usually loves Colorado, too.

Its natural wonders are worth a visit any time of the year. But thanks to the Rockies and their annual snowfall, visits in autumn and winter are especially ideal.

Whether looking to soak up fall foliage from hiking trails or enjoy the perfect ski trip in Aspen, visitors rightfully think of Colorado when the weather turns cold.

For me, this period is prime B&B season. When the temperature drops and the leaves change colors, we start dreaming of curling up by a cozy fire and sipping on something warm.

It’s a time for quiet reflection, spending time with loved ones, and enjoying seasonal treats like spiced ciders and apple fritters.

And while I love a good Airbnb rental and a solid hotel, places like Colorado are too full of rugged charm to avoid the allure of a bed and breakfast.

Looking for the ultimate in cozy travels? Stay at one of the best bed & breakfasts in Colorado as autumn ushers in the snowy winter.

Best bed & breakfasts in Colorado

Best big-city option: Capitol Hill Mansion Bed & Breakfast Inn

Denver

If you’ve spent any time in Denver, you might have noticed this stately building before.

The Capitol Hill Mansion Bed & Breakfast was once one of the most famous abodes in the city of Denver. In fact, it’s a State and National Landmark thanks to its historical appeal.

The interior and exterior have been renovated to maintain the charm and features of the original building. The result is a well-preserved glimpse into the past.

That being said, it’s the more modern luxury features that make this B&B stand out. There’s a gourmet fine dining experience available from resident chef Carl S. Schmidt II, for example.

Book here

Best for families & events: The Inn on Fall River

Estes Park

This location is a popular choice for wedding parties and large gatherings.

It offers a fantastic balance between charming communal spaces and natural wonders. The sound of the relaxing Fall River is never far out of earshot while towering mountains are visible from the patios and balconies.

I also enjoy the classic ‘feel’ that The Inn on Fall River offers.

It has all the woodwork you’d expect to see from a more rural B&B, along with plenty of outdoor spaces that let guests really enjoy their surroundings. I imagine that makes it ideal for families that also want to lounge around between busy hiking days.

Book here

Most historic bed and breakfast: The Avon

Silverton

Silverton is a former mining town that looks like something out of a picture book. From its dining to its museums, the town perfectly captures the feeling of the frontier days.

At The Avon, guests stay right in the center of the old town’s main street in a classic, red-brick building. It’s been newly updated to offer more modern amenities without losing its historical appeal.

I’m talking, there’s a large wood stove in the lobby and wooden rafters that look like they date back to the saloon days of yore. It’s mismatched and eclectic in all the right ways.

Book here

More luxurious bed & breakfast: The Nordic Inn

Crested Butte

Who says you can’t have a five-star experience at a B&B?

At the Nordic Inn, guests are treated to a unique stay in downtown Crested Butte that connects them to some of Colorado’s best skiing trails.

I love the alpine feel of this location. The communal fireplace is large and ornate with plenty of seating for guests to mingle at the end of a long day.

On top of that, its rooms have a simple and clean design that makes it more like a traditional hotel stay. Combined with the range of natural wonders in the surrounding area, that makes this a more luxurious B&B option.

Book here

Most romantic bed & breakfast: Romantic RiverSong Inn

Estes Park

Looking for intimacy at your B&B stay?

RiverSong Inn is a great choice thanks to its in-room amenities. Some options include wood-burning fireplaces, while others have jacuzzi tubs. Some even have cozy reading nooks and stained glass windows.

At RiverSong, there are dozens of romance-centric details to gush over. But I recommend taking a look at the rooms before booking so that you can request which one you like the most.

Aside from its romance-centric features, the B&B is also located within walking distance of amazing hiking trails.

Book here

Best Colorado Parks for Free Camping with a Camper Van

One of the main benefits of renting, buying, or living full-time in a camper van is the freedom of the open road.

Though camper vans require trade-offs when it comes to creature comforts, they offer one major plus: The ability to go off-road.

Sure, not all camper vans can handle uneven terrain. Even camper vans with sturdy constructions might struggle with unkept dirt lanes.

That being said, camper vans can navigate to some impressive locations, offering drivers the chance to wake up in unspoiled natural wonders.

They aren’t bound to campsites or even roads. In fact, camper vans with electrical and water setups can survive off-grid for weeks at a time. Assuming they can find a park or reserve that offers free camping.

What is free camping with a camper van?

Free camping is simply off-road camping that’s away from official campsites and plots.

Some camper van buffs use recommendations on where to find free camping from others they’ve met on the road.

Many also consult resources like iOverlander and the US Department of Land Management. Both offer helpful clues into where camper vans are allowed to camp ‘wild’ and whether the terrain is safe.

Unsurprisingly, states like Colorado—home to dozens of national parks, historic trails, and national monuments—are ideal for free camping in a camper van.

If you’re looking for the best Colorado parks for free camping with a camper van, start with these suggestions. But first, let’s cover the legalities of free camping.

Is free camping with a camper van legal?

Every national park and campsite has a unique set of rules on where camper vans can set up shop for the night.

Usually, campsites and parks divide their grounds into RV or tent plots. In these cases, camper vans should be parked with RVs, even though they don’t need an electric hookup.

If you want to go off-roading, that’s known as free or dispersed camping. Some national parks in the US allow free camping, while others don’t. Some might allow free camping for a small fee.

Always make sure to read the fine print—every park is different. You might also see free and dispersed camping referred to as boondocking.

Unless free camping is forbidden, feel free to venture out and park your camper somewhere remote. You can check out the official rules from the US Forest Service here.

Here are the most important rules on free camping from the US Forest Service: Use existing roads and paths to find a spot, don’t destroy the meadows (they’re fragile), no groups larger than 75, don’t stay for more than 16 days, and keep at least 100 feet away from local water sources to avoid polluting.

That’s about it.

Also, watch out for bears—especially in the Rockies.

Best Colorado Parks for Free Camping with a Camper Van

Indian Peaks Wilderness Area

This location is just south of Rocky Mountain National Park, offering all the wonders and views of the main attraction… without the bustle.

Plus, it’s located just outside Denver and Boulder, making it great for first-timers.

Visitors can explore the ground’s various maps, which include trail descriptions and information on where campers can park.

Because this wilderness site welcomes thousands of visitors a year, you can easily find roads that lead to great free camping sites. Just make sure to pay for your permit.

Mount Evans Wilderness Area

Mount Evans Wilderness Area is home to the US’s highest paved road, the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway. That should be at the top of the list for anyone taking their camper van through Colorado.

You can expect larger-than-life views from the area’s suitable parking spots. If Mount Evans Wilderness Area is too remote and rugged, you can instead camp at the Echo Lake Campground.

It’s located inside the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests—which are also worth exploring. Once more, make sure to obtain the necessary permits, as these are some of Colorado’s more popular outdoors destinations.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets. While locals might have spent time gazing at the stunning rockfaces here, it’s usually a surprise for out-of-towners.

The national park has three campgrounds, two on either rim of the canyon and one in the valley below.

For better views, stay at one of the rim campgrounds above. But if you’re more interested in disappearing into a full-grown forest, stick to the East Portal Campground below.

Or if you’re ready for a dispersed camping adventure, then you can also head off-road to find your own camping spot at the Black Canyon Dispersed Camping area.

This is a great place for first-time free campers to set up shop. You’ll notice well-worn trails from other campers and agile RVs, which makes finding a suitable and safe spot much easier.

Dinosaur National Monument

This park covers a whopping 211,000 acres—and most of that area is open for dispersed camping. Once again, you need to read through the rules and obtain the correct permits.

But once you’ve got your ducks in a row, you’ll have literally hundreds of miles to cover as you find a good spot at the Dinosaur National Monument grounds.

Carry-On Countdown: Rolling Backpacks

There’s a carry-on for every type of traveler out there.

Whether on the hunt for a functional backpack carry-on or shopping around for the best rolling suitcases, hundreds of brands have taken up the charge to streamline air travel.

But what about luggage that combines the best of both these worlds—

Rolling backpacks, anyone?

Rolling backpacks are versatile in that they can be worn like a regular backpack for shorter getaways, then stuffed to full capacity and rolled around an airport for longer, international trips.

Though rolling duffels are a popular choice because they’re a bit larger and more rugged than backpacks, they aren’t quite as dynamic. Duffels are notoriously awkward to carry and won’t necessarily serve anyone well on a hiking trip.

A rolling backpack should be able to do it all.

So which rolling backpacks are worth your money? Let’s take a closer look at the most functional, comfortable, and dual-threat rolling backpacks on the market.

eBags Mother Lode Rolling Backpack

This rolling backpack is one of the smallest on the list with a capacity of 26L.

To be blunt, it’s also not the prettiest option on the market. But what eBags Mother Lode Rolling Backpack lacks in star appeal it makes up for with functionality.

This product has been on the market for a while. In fact, eBags is currently undergoing a transition to the Samsonite brand thanks to a recent acquisition. But if you’re on the hunt for an eBags original, you can find them on eBay.

Eagle Creek Expanse Convertible

As a trusted outdoors brand, it’s no surprise that Eagle Creek has a solid hold on the rolling backpack sector. Its bi-tech armor lite material is robust enough to survive busy airports and hikes alike.

With a packing capacity of 30L, it’s also got plenty of space for packing.

I’d recommend the Eagle Creek Expanse Convertible for travelers who don’t need to use the backpack function too often. Though I appreciate that this rolling backpack has pockets to hide its straps, some buyers have noted they’re not the most functional for long-term backpacking trips.

Shop here

Osprey Fairview & Farpoint

Osprey outperforms Eagle Creek when it comes to offering high-quality, dual-threat rolling backpacks. In fact, you can choose from its Fairview and Farpoint products.

The distinction in its Farpoint and Fairview products is gender. Farpoint rolling backpacks were created with the male figure in mind, while Fairview is geared towards women.

This is especially helpful for anyone who plans on doing a lot of backpacking on their trip, as the pieces are designed with ergonomics in mind, saving you back and neck pain.

Both types of convertible wheeled backpacks offer 35L of packing space, which is the largest on this list. But keep in mind that this space makes it easy to overpack. While you’ll have Osprey’s industry-leading design on your side, that won’t make a 40lb bag magically lighter.

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Kipling Rolling Backpack

Kipling is more known for its backpacks and handbags than its luggage. That makes the Kipling rolling backpack a unique product—one that’s built on the experience of functional handbags more than elite suitcases.

This 26L rolling backpack is ergonomic and comfortable when slung over the back thanks to its wide and padded straps. But it’s also got four wheels for easy rolling, which makes it particularly great for airports.

Despite weighing just over five pounds, many buyers have also noted how lightweight the bag feels.

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Everkie Atlas Wheeled Laptop Backpack

You guessed it—the key feature of this laptop is its reachable laptop sleeve.

That makes it ideal for business travelers who might need access to their devices at a moment’s notice. It also has six total outer pockets and dividers, which makes organization on the go a breeze.

In fact, Everkie dubs this the ‘mobile office’.

It’s functional as both a rolling suitcase and a backpack. Though its design isn’t particularly sleek or sexy, it’s durable and functional, and even includes added features like an outer bottle pocket.

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Kathmandu Hybrid Trolley 3.0

This 32L backpack hybrid is surprisingly agile thanks to its minimal weight. While this product was designed with outdoorsy types in mind, its sleek and simple design makes it great for just about any traveler.

Plus, its straps are ergonomic and designed for easy lifting. What I like about the Kathmandu Hybrid Trolley is its compression straps and dividers.

These interior features make it similar to a suitcase and easier to pack. For this reason, it’s become a favorite for backpackers heading to rugged and remote places like Southeast Asia.

Shop here