Asheville

Do you believe in fate? I’m not very superstitious, but visiting the The American Museum of the House Cat [4704 Hwy 441 South Sylva, North Carolina, NC 28779] happened to be one of those kismet moments for me. I am well known as a crazy cat lady to my friends, […]

It was a gorgeous sunny day, warm, and balmy – what could be better? I was on my way to hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but seeing people joyfully splashing in the Oconaluftee River I became a bit conflicted. I love the water and wanted to join them. […]

Families come and count the stairs it takes to get to majestic Mingo Falls [6523 Big Cove Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719]. It is a short and well maintained, very popular, just .8 RT out and back following the creek. It does have a bit of elevation, some roots, and rocks. […]

This roadside waterfall feels like a hidden gem, while the path is short it a total adventure to get there. Soco Falls [US-19, Maggie Valley, NC 28751] comes up quick after the small sign, the road has a high speed limit and the pull off is small – be cautious! […]

Nestled between Asheville and Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a retreat owned by the Methodist Church on Lake Junaluska, but everyone is invited to enjoy the lovely property. One day I visited to kayak, the lake is surrounded by mountains – the county has 18 peaks over 6,000’! An […]

The national parks like Pisgah and Great Smoky Mountains get a lot of attention around Asheville, but there are some truly incredible state and private parks that are just as worthy of a visit. The Lookout Trail [Lookout Rd, Montreat, NC 28757] is located at Montreat Conference Center, less than […]

The national parks like Pisgah and Great Smoky Mountains get a lot of attention around Asheville, but there are some truly incredible state and private parks that are just as worthy of a visit. Just over an hour outside of Asheville is a magnificent waterfall equpit with a swimming hole, […]

The national parks like Pisgah and Great Smoky Mountains get a lot of attention around Asheville, but there are some truly incredible state and private parks that are just as worthy of a visit. Just over an hour outside of Asheville is DuPont State Forest [1300 Staton Road, Cedar Mountain, […]

Asheville has got personality. It is a mountain town with soul that pours out of every orifice. You only need to walk around town to see. There are murals all over the place. My favorite is under the bridge where Broadway and N Lexington Ave meet. You’ll see plenty of […]

Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar, 1 Page Ave #101, Asheville, NC 28801 The uniquely Asheville spot. If you’re going to grab one drink in the city, make it at this classy bookstore bar. The wine list is killer and the atmosphere is beyond compare for a bibliophile. Order […]

Woolworth Walk, 25 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801 A very unique establishment in the heart of downtown, well worth the walk. Inside an amazing gallery filled with local art is nostalgic old fashioned soda fountain makes you feel just as if you were in the 50s. What a combination! Grab […]

West Asheville Sunny Point Café, 626 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806 Breakfast for dinner means you can order wine and dessert, too. The café is known for impeccable brunch, but if you can’t make it in the morning or don’t want to deal with the crowds, come in the evening […]

Over my two weeks in Asheville I covered many trails, most to short popular overlooks, little mountains, and waterfalls. I wanted one hike to be proud of, and there was no better choice than tackling the highest peak east of the Mississippi River at 6,684′ in elevation: Mount Mitchell. Quick […]

Pisgah National Forest is a huge park and many of the top trails and sights are spread out. It’s a good idea to plot out where they are along the parkway so you save yourself time. In Part 4 we’ll cover the hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway that are […]