Our trip to the Smokey Mountains was fabulous. Bitter-Sweet in Asheville - but lovely to return to those mountains and some of those precious spots shared with my parents just 8 years ago and beyond. Stayed at the Bear Creek RV Park which was ok ... but not as good as the one in Franklin.
It was also delightful to be sharing a couple days in Asheville with our friends from Jacksonville, Kate and Richard Cordell. The Drum Circle was our meeting place, as it is for many most likely on every doggone Friday night of the year .. .the drummers get in the groove and the tourist and local onlookers enjoy the show.
I shopped til I dropped on Wall Street; which was even better when my son, Mark, and his family visited us up there from Atlanta. So much closer to visit than Florida and it worked perfectly. The kids got to see a 'real downtown' ...HA! Hard to believe we don't have that many charming little places to visit in our sprawling towns anymore. It was the first time we introduced them to HITCH also; and they loved it. The kids thought it was like a big tree house in the woods. Score!
Donna, my daughter in law, had never been to the famous Grove Park Inn, so it was a real treat to take her there and share in that most awe-some experience. Even Matthew went up the little ole mine shaft elevator. Nope, no photo!
A high point was really a high point --- 5000 ft in the smokey mountain high .... we traveled to Mt. Pisgah for breakfast at the famous restaurant and drove up through the Blue Ridge Parkway -- It was so much fun and Frank really really enjoyed that spot. Enjoyed a patio lunch at my parents old friends Ann and Ken Vasilik's house in the mountains the day before we left Asheville; and of course a stop off at the downtown Asheville City Hall to visit the Walter F. Ashe USS Asheville Memorial (looked great dad!) - it was the perfect way to end our trip there before leaving.
It was also delightful to be sharing a couple days in Asheville with our friends from Jacksonville, Kate and Richard Cordell. The Drum Circle was our meeting place, as it is for many most likely on every doggone Friday night of the year .. .the drummers get in the groove and the tourist and local onlookers enjoy the show.
I shopped til I dropped on Wall Street; which was even better when my son, Mark, and his family visited us up there from Atlanta. So much closer to visit than Florida and it worked perfectly. The kids got to see a 'real downtown' ...HA! Hard to believe we don't have that many charming little places to visit in our sprawling towns anymore. It was the first time we introduced them to HITCH also; and they loved it. The kids thought it was like a big tree house in the woods. Score!
Donna, my daughter in law, had never been to the famous Grove Park Inn, so it was a real treat to take her there and share in that most awe-some experience. Even Matthew went up the little ole mine shaft elevator. Nope, no photo!
A high point was really a high point --- 5000 ft in the smokey mountain high .... we traveled to Mt. Pisgah for breakfast at the famous restaurant and drove up through the Blue Ridge Parkway -- It was so much fun and Frank really really enjoyed that spot. Enjoyed a patio lunch at my parents old friends Ann and Ken Vasilik's house in the mountains the day before we left Asheville; and of course a stop off at the downtown Asheville City Hall to visit the Walter F. Ashe USS Asheville Memorial (looked great dad!) - it was the perfect way to end our trip there before leaving.
Easy to go on and on with loads of photos, but a quick summary .....
In Asheville: In addition to the above: Skinny Beats Music Store -- drum lessons and purchase of a new crystal bowl. Also, was there for the labor day festival in Hendersonville for the Apple Fest....had a good time, shopping and sight-seeing. I wasn't feeling all that well, but managed!
Frank and I decided we were so close to his ole stompin' grounds in Saluda and Tryon that we would go by and visit his family's old restaurant. It is still there .. up and running with the same bridge that his grandfather built many many years ago. It was a sweet moment. Even though they were closed, we trespassed and enjoyed listening to the creek woven in with the still silence in the back woods and off the main highways. Loved visiting the Caro-Mi!
And, of course, enjoyed the Arboretum and the Folk Art Center ... just places one must visit.
In Asheville: In addition to the above: Skinny Beats Music Store -- drum lessons and purchase of a new crystal bowl. Also, was there for the labor day festival in Hendersonville for the Apple Fest....had a good time, shopping and sight-seeing. I wasn't feeling all that well, but managed!
Frank and I decided we were so close to his ole stompin' grounds in Saluda and Tryon that we would go by and visit his family's old restaurant. It is still there .. up and running with the same bridge that his grandfather built many many years ago. It was a sweet moment. Even though they were closed, we trespassed and enjoyed listening to the creek woven in with the still silence in the back woods and off the main highways. Loved visiting the Caro-Mi!
And, of course, enjoyed the Arboretum and the Folk Art Center ... just places one must visit.
Visited Black Mountain and the Light Center out of Montreat and Lake Lure and crossed the path of fear of long windy back roads. .. glad I was with Frank and he was driving the truck. Stumbled upon the amazing Meditation Center there and educated myself on Chakra Light Session. They also had a great labyrinth ... it was my week and month for labyrinths for sure.
Decided to head on over to Franklin and take HITCH instead of just visiting for the day. GREAT DECISION. We loved Franklin, the Highlands, and Otto, NC. Met several really nice families in the RV park and ended up doing a
Ful l Moon Cer emony for them. So all in all, it was great.Franklin: Not much of a town, but surrounding and higher was The Highland area .... up up we went .. I loved it. Cool little mountain time and lots lots lots of shops. Picked up some cool jewelry and Native American feather arts, etc. On the way down, ran into the best little produce stand with a famous Skip Keller selling his produce.
Part of my purpose for going to that area was because I wanted to visit the Mountain Valley Center in Otto, NC....after another weaving thru a curving mountain road, we came upon a little house with a BIGGER banner .... was it the MVC? yep, it was and inside was full full full of everything I could ever want to add to my spiritual items. After purchasing a Tibetan Singing Bowl, Chakra Jewelry, Books, CDs, Candles, and more ... I spent time getting to know the owner, Dr. Jill Henry. Who knew? Not me...Dr.! She was the most down to earth woman and full of enthusiasm, light, energy, and joy. We connected. I came back that night for the drumming and labyrinth walk. I'm changed forever by her inspiration and journey.
One highlight of Franklin was the Pickin on the Square on Friday night. It did rain, but we managed to hang in there and enjoy the great music of Miss Kitty and her band. Music is always a leveler. Then, a little trip to Waynesville - that was an adorable town and shopping was pretty good too. I was happy and complete, Frank was happy and complete, and all was well and time to return home. A perfect 10 days and HITCH did great.
Glad to be home, but ready to go again SOON!
One highlight of Franklin was the Pickin on the Square on Friday night. It did rain, but we managed to hang in there and enjoy the great music of Miss Kitty and her band. Music is always a leveler. Then, a little trip to Waynesville - that was an adorable town and shopping was pretty good too. I was happy and complete, Frank was happy and complete, and all was well and time to return home. A perfect 10 days and HITCH did great.
Glad to be home, but ready to go again SOON!