Found this delightful place a stones throw from my cabin. What a gorgeous, well maintained nursery with reasonable prices and many types of plants. It certainly is the best greenhouse I’ve ever visited. Here’s a few pictures.
The gift shop area where I found a wine rack for 5 bucks!
And found a Rex Begonia to adorn my new statute at the cabin..
At last I found the place I was looking for! Here I met the delightful Rachel, a 20 year old Amish woman, barefoot, 5’2″, and slender. She showed me to “the store,” which was in their cellar. What an organized operation.
As I left the shop I inquired about the barn next to the house. Rachel gave me a tour. Here two of her brothers worked.
Some pictures.
The price list
The end to a perfect, rather expensive day…
Made a wrong turn while looking for the Amish gal who sold soap, lotion, and candles. Often in my travels when I make a wrong turn I come across something fascinating, and this was the case here.
Herman and his wife Emma, were pleasant and told me the soap vendor was their next door neighbor. While they had birdhouses, secret boxes, and buggies for sale, unfortunately, I was not in the market for those items.
They allowed me to take pictures of their operation, and Herman has quite a business. I spoke of Mark’s Tack Shop I visited in Pennsylvania and he was quite interested, so I mailed him a copy of the blog and the shop’s contact information.
Here are some pictures of his business.
Should you be in the market for a wagon or buggy, secret box, or birdhouse here is Herman’s contact information:
Herman J. Hershberger
2982 Hollis Road
Ellenboro, N.C. 28040
located between Hopewell & Hollis Communities
Closed Sundays and Religious Holidays
no phone service
While the Amish lack phone connection this young Amish man has quite a business. When I inquired about how he finds buyers, he stated they stop by, and I have a sign. It seems to be working..
The homes range in price with the storage home on the left $5500, the middle home, which has electric and a rear area for storage and bathroom, $16,900, and the brown storage area about $5000. They are well constructed and believe these were the prices he stated but don’t hold me to it.
Next: A Visit at the Buggy Shop
Always a fan of Amish folks I found this community of 30 families in Western North Carolina approximately 45 minutes from my home base. What a delightful visit.
Began at the Polkville park area on Saturday where the Amish and others have an open market. Visit early as she sells out quick!
Here for reasonable prices many baked goods were purchased.
Glad I have a good sized freezer at the cabin.
In speaking with the vendor she told me of other Amish vendors so I was on my way…
Unsure if I was on the right road, came across this and knew I was.
Next stop.. the Amish small house builder.
Came across this campground and trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It also has a picnic area for day visits.
The Crab Tree Trail is a moderate to strenuous hike taking approximately 2.5 hours. Wear hiking boots and be prepared for rocky and wet conditions along the path.
During the open season staff are available, but in the interim signage was accurate for the hike.
And the falls spectacular..
Upon completion of the Little Switzerland visits decided to hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway . The development of the Blue Ridge Parkway began during the Great Depression as the creation of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s, Civilian Conservation Corps. While road construction began in the 1930’s it was not completed until September 11, 1987, and sources say it remains uncompleted as land continues to be purchased by the government to protect mountain views.
The initial reason for the road was to connect the Shenandoah National Park of Virginia, to the Great Smoky Mountain Park of North Carolina, providing a scenic motor way for tourism. To date 600 million visitors have taken the road.
Construction was challenging due to the mountainous topography, snakes, and other concerns for the work crews. The Parkway has 26 tunnels which were blasted through mountains. The interiors of these tunnels are rock and gives insight to the challenges in creating this Parkway.
The Parkway is managed by the National Park Service and there are many parks along the 569 mile route. Traveling is challenging with narrow, curvy lanes. I noted many Road Closed Gates as I began the drive. Once dusk came I understood the reason for the gates as during much of the 20 mile trek in darkness visibility was 3 foot and the fog dense.
Recommend those interested in this ride, travel in day time hours with a full tank of gas or electric as this was the most frightening ride of my life.
However, for those thrill seekers…..
Coming back from Little Switzerland caught this sign and followed it. The venue opens April 1st and am sure there will be a bustle of families visiting. Prices are low and there is much to do. What a great place to bring kids..
Since the site was closed the day of my trek I investigated their web site to learn more. There is much available for kids of all ages. Check out their web site at: https://www.emeraldvillage.com/location for specifics.
A few more pics before I close…
Enjoy!
Not far from the hotels is a unique shopping adventure in this town of 46 population.
The Mall
In this a one of a kind bookstore you can read a book, have a coffee, and enjoy delicious baked goods in front of a fireplace or roadside.
And the books to select from..
The baked goods..
On the second floor is an art gallery with a selection of baskets for purchase also.
There is a restaurant on the property.
Across the street a Swiss chalet.
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This was the office of Dr. J.S. Howell, a dentist who treated the residents of Little Switzerland.
It is available for guests.
Some other homes along the route hang from the mountains.
What a beautiful spot.
On this day am taking a trek to Little Switzerland, North Carolina, which lies at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Never know what you can find on these roads and was delighted to find honey and jelly for sale by this gentleman.
Price was beyond reasonable 2 jars of honey for $15. and a jar of jam for $5.
A close up, will have to investigate Smokey Mountain Honey House on the next trip to Asheville.
The road to Little Switzerland is curvy, dangerous, and steep. Need to give full attention to the drive. This sign says it all.
However, the views are spectacular.
This site was across the street from a famous area hotel. Soon learned that most of the area was closed and under renovation till mid -April, but continued the visit without the usual tourist crowd.
This is the Skyline Village Inn, has 5 star reviews, and known for great food and beverage along with the view.
And another gem I found along the way.. This has a few shops on its property, and a spa.
Young Retiree Needs a Life 