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October 2, 2020 by: thetraveler

Some of My Favorite Things from Asheville and Beyond

Let me start by saying this has been a long overdue post.  In the last couple of years, my life has been filled with loss and life changes.  Although I was still traveling in these previous two years, but not as extensively as before, my life’s drastic changes did not allow for much activity on the website.  This pandemic and spending some time in Asheville and Western North Carolina have allowed me to put some things in perspective, allowed healing, and helped me to find a much-needed peace I was missing.  I hope this post gives you some great information and reveals how the Appalachian Mountains can benefit the soul.  

Exploring Asheville and its surroundings during a pandemic has made me appreciate its beauty even more. With most businesses, bars, and restaurants closed and travel impossible, it pushed me to venture out and explore nature’s wonders and work on my photography. Like most, the pandemic left me exploring my own backyard and finding ways to satisfy my desire to travel.

Asheville, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, provides an excellent base camp to exploring western North Carolina. Whether its scenic drives in the mountains, chasing waterfalls, hiking, breweries, or gastronomy that brings you joy; Asheville and beyond allows you to indulge.

Some of my favorite finds and activities in Asheville and beyond during the pandemic are:

Scenic Drives Along the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway encompasses 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina, and throughout it has scenic overlooks. The views along the parkway are breathtaking from its highest peak at 6,684 feet to its brilliant array of color during Fall, ever mile brings something new and exciting. I spend much time pulling off at an overlook, grabbing my Canon, and trying to capture the perfect lighting over the mountains before the moment disappears.

 Fascinating facts and discoveries along the Blue Ridge Parkway:

  • The highest peak in the eastern United States, Mount Mitchell, is located in Yancy County, NC
  • The deepest gorge east of the Grand Canyon, Lineville Gorge, is located in Pisgah National Forest
  • The highest waterfalls east of the Rockies, Whitewater Falls, is located in Sapphire, NC
  • The Southern Appalachians are some of the oldest mountains in the world.
Glassmine Falls Overlook
Lane Pinnacle

Chasing Waterfalls

A favorite summer pastime in Western North Carolina are waterfalls that become swimming holes for all to enjoy. This summer I found myself chasing waterfalls; being a midwestern girl and living a couple of miles from Lake Michigan, spending my summers at the lake are some of my fondest memories.  North Carolina has over 250 waterfalls, which makes it easy to find the calming effects of water. There are several waterfalls within an hour of Asheville, some off the roadway, and others within a short hike. Best viewing is always after a rain event, so watch the weather before planning your excursion. A few of my favorites are:

Looking Glass Falls
Soco Falls

Scenic Lakes and Beaches

There is something to be said about a lake being surrounded by mountains; if you ask me, it’s the best of both worlds.  The serenity and peace that both elements bring when together always leave me speechless and grateful. Several lakes within an hour of Asheville provide walking/hiking trails, marinas, fishing, camping, and sandy beaches.  A few of my favorites to enjoy are:

Lake Junaluska
Lake Junaluska
Lake Lure

Breweries and Wineries

Asheville and Western North Carolina has a little secret; there are over 45 breweries in the area, mostly microbreweries and a few commercial! Asheville only trails behind Portland, Oregon, for the number of breweries per capita in the US.  Not only can you find craft brews in the area but also ciders, hard seltzer, mead, and of course, wines.  As a long-time beer fan who is now gluten-free, it hasn’t been easy, but I have been able to find several beers that are gluten-free and low in gluten to enjoy.  To my surprise, Asheville and Western North Carolina have over 30 wineries, many producing old-world European style grapes.  Not only will you get gorgeous mountain landscapes and breathtaking views, but you can also listen to live entertainment, and enjoy great food while you sip and taste. Some of my discoveries are:  

Burntshirt Vineyards
Point Lookout Vineyards
New Belgium Brewery

HISTORIC HOMES AND INNS

In Asheville, you will find the Biltmore Estates and the Omni Grove Park Inn, which provides excellent views, food, spas, and plenty of things to do and see. I’m not going to lie my favorite place to have Sunday brunch is at the Blue Ridge in the Omni Grove Park Inn, everything is so flavorful, and you are surrounded by beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If brunch is not your thing, I love having a cocktail watching the sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains from the Sunset Terrace at the Omni. It’s a beautiful property. Make sure you take a walk around the area.

At the Biltmore Estates, America’s largest home, you will find a 250 -room chateau with 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. The estate includes restaurants, two hotels, and a winery.  There are plenty of activities to do throughout the year, which include hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, and more.  The estate gardens and grounds changes with the seasons.   I have been able to experience three seasons thus far.  After purchasing a Biltmore Annual Pass, I became a weekly visitor, and the estate has become a part of my workout routine for a quick 6-mile bike ride or a 3-mile hike. A girl must get rid of the Covid-19 fifteen. It’s a beautiful place to spend the day and a great introduction to Asheville.

Sunset Terrace At The Omni Park Grove
Omni Park Grove
Omni Park Grove
Biltmore Estate
Biltmore Grounds
Biltmore Gardens

There are plenty of things to do in Asheville and Western North Carolina, as you can see, I just touched the tip of the iceberg. The pandemic brought some challenges with businesses being closed or having limited hours.  I did not mention much about gastronomy because, like most, I became the chef, mixologist, and wait staff in my own home.  Some places for dining and cocktail experiences I enjoyed pre-pandemic are as follows: Antidote, Battery Park Book Exchange, Benne On Eagle, Biscuit Head, Chestnut, Curate, Early Girl Eatery, Forestry Camp, French Broad Chocolate Lounge, Limones, Over Easy Café, Posana, Sovereign Remedies, and Tupelo Honey Café.   

Hope this pandemic inspired you to explore and discover the heart and soul of the place you call home.

“If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Cheers,

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Comments

  1. Paula Taub says

    October 3, 2020 at 4:20 pm

    Asheville is a favorite place of mine and my friends. You enlightened me to pastimes outside of the bars and restaurants we usually go to. Thank you for the great post Thru your eyes.

    Reply
    • thetraveler says

      October 3, 2020 at 4:33 pm

      Thank you. It’s becoming a favorite of mine also. It’s something about the area that draws you in. Hopeful your pastimes here will continue on in the near future.

      Reply
  2. Janice says

    October 3, 2020 at 12:50 pm

    So gorgeous! Asheville has been on my radar for some time now. Thanks for the wonderful information.

    Reply
    • thetraveler says

      October 3, 2020 at 4:24 pm

      Glad I can help. Happy travels!

      Reply

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Looks like everyone who lives in #WNC knows when t Looks like everyone who lives in #WNC knows when the Blue Ridge Parkway closes due to weather, you can hike on the Parkway. Hands up, who did not know? 🤷🏾‍♀️ yes me, chile I did not know, but overjoyed to have discovered it!!! 

I have driven the Parkway many times throughout the year, but actually hiking it was an awesome experience.  Driving you tend to gamble to see which outlooks has a great view, less crowds and always stuck behind leaf peepers who are undecided on where to stop.  You also miss all her beauty in her glory because you are hyper focus, putting your driving skills to test and wondering how well your car handles a curve. Sometimes the drive can be more stressful than enjoyable. If you every get the opportunity to hike it when it's close to vehicles, it's a must!

Low 30's, 7 miles, 5275 ft elevation, 620 ft elevation gain, and 600 calories later my tail is tired! Too tired to make a cocktail so wine it is! Sipping On Sunday begins now😄! Happy Sunday Y'all! #blueridgemountains #blueskies #blueridgeparkway #wncmountains #winterhikes #hiking #greatoutdoors #naturelover #nature #landscapephotography
There are many ways to sweat out a great hair do, There are many ways to sweat out a great hair do, and a 1100 ft elevation gain is one of them. Give me a minute just having my GOT moment lol! 

Today temps were 31 degrees and snow flurries coldest hike in my life.  The $10 fleece lined leggings from Sam's Club was put to the test and did the trick! Looking for a great lined, waterproof hiking pants; what are some of your favorites? #hiking #winterhikes #pisgahnationalforest #blueridgemountains #wnc #northcarolina #nationalforest #thegreatoutdoors
Been a little MIA this year, but would like to wis Been a little MIA this year, but would like to wish everyone a happy and safe 2021!!!

The best part of hitting the trails is the fur babies that you meet along the way! Meet Maggie Mae the Golden who enjoys blazing the trail and frolicking in the creeks of Carolina.

This month will be two years I said goodbye to my Emmie. She blazed many trails and adventures with me and was the best friend a girl could have and truly missed. A lot of times the dogs gravitate towards me while hiking and keep me company, I believe they sense the absence. Very thankful for the puppy therapy and joy they provide. #tailsandtrailstuesday #winterhikes #blueridgemountains
FYI I was trying to stage a pretty Xmas cocktail, FYI I was trying to stage a pretty Xmas cocktail, but the sanding sugar decided to ease it's way into the champagne lol.  Even with green champagne it's still dope if I may say so myself😄. And all gone, cheers!

Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noël, Feliz Navidad, Fröhliche Weihnachten,  Hyvää Joulua,  Gelukkig Kerstfeest! Wishing  everyone the gift of travel, exploring new lands, immersed in culture, and a wealth of memories along the way in the new year! And lets not to forget good fortune and health! Happy Holidays!
Late December waterfall chasing. #waterfallchasing Late December waterfall chasing. #waterfallchasing #pisgahnationalforest #wncmountains #northcarolina #winterhikes❄️ #hiking #thegreatoutdoors
As 2020 winds down I believe this picture captures As 2020 winds down I believe this picture captures my year (the "really" look). There have been a few  ups and downs, losses and gains, joys and concerns, peace realized, pivoting and lessons learned. 

I remain hopeful that 2021 will be a better existence for all. #2020 #yearofpivot
Something you should know about me, I hike for ple Something you should know about me, I hike for pleasure and fitness; which are totally different.  In order to get myself excited about a fitness hike, I have to have a end goal, that usually revolves around food and drink... So 5 miles and 600 calories later I ended my journey @monkpub .

Fish and chips made with beer batter trout and the Elixir of Saints (gin, house made seltzer, absinthe, rosemary etc). #delish #fishandchips #buylocal
As I begin to change my hiking boots for the seaso As I begin to change my hiking boots for the season, figure I would share what I'm wearing.  So my requirements for a good hiking boot; waterproof, lightweight, and comfortable.  Because my travels comes with different levels of adventure, I always travel with hiking boots.  Sometimes I'm in boots for 12 plus hours, so lightweight and comfort are important to me. 

I love Keen's Terradora Waterproof hikers for Spring, Summer and early Fall. I would not suggest submerging them in water, but are great in rainy weather and have the right amount of support and grip that I require. They are also very lightweight leaving room in the luggage for an extra pair of shoes😉.

The Merrell Thermo Chill boots I originally bought for a ski trip... I quickly learn skiing was not for me, and prefer to sit near the fireplace with a hot toddy looking cute... Anyhoo,  they have now become my Late Fall and Winter hikers while exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains. They are prefect for snowy trails and chilly weather; they provide warmth, comfort and keep my feet dry. Have excellent grip, but if the trails become too icy I can slip my ice cleats over them.

Welp as always happy trails to ya! #hiking #hikingboots #keen #merrell #thegreatoutdoors
#fbfriday I spy... Sunrise beach walks in Hilton #fbfriday  I spy... Sunrise beach walks in Hilton Head was a time of peace, reflection and discovery.  Take me back to beach life! Did you spot the little guy hanging out on the seaweed chilling 🦗? #beachvibes #beach #alanticocean #hiltonheadsc #southcarolina  #whitesandybeach
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