Grandfather Mountain, N.C.

March 10, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Western North Carolina is spectacular with natural mountain beauty and Grandfather Mountain epitomizes this. As their brochure states,

“A mountain majestic enough for the greatest adventure – or the very smallest.”

The road to the mountain is curvy and steep. Be attentive in the drive as this trek is not for the ill equipped. Then this vision appears and the saga of the drive is forgotten.

A short jaunt from this vision is the sign for the venue and information cabin.

To the left is where tickets are obtained and the booth to the right is mountain road entry.

Learned the mountain was sold out for the day, however, in checking further the ranger found a cancellation so was able to visit. WHEW! Since numbers are limited due to covid, the site has a web site for reservations, http://www.grandfather.com. Be sure to book prior to the journey. Cost for the visit is expensive for families, there is a base fee then per person charge, but worth it. Recommend starting early in the day as there is better chance to see the animals in their habitat at this time.

After obtaining tickets, and passing through the booth, the adventure begins…

A reminder for those with breathing problems.

The first stop off.

This is a short and easy trail for those wishing a reprieve from the drive. Beyond this trails become steeper and are for moderate hikers. There are picnic benches throughout the site with impeccable views. Bring a lunch as the cafeteria is currently under renovation. And warm clothes are a must. Was glad to have warm mittens, a scarf, and ear muffs. Bring the same as with increasing elevation weather changes are fast and unpredictable.

Famous rock formations that children will love to explore.

From this parking lot there is a paved walk to the Animal Habitat or you may drive to a parking lot closer to the Habitat. Was told several years ago there was a tamed bear that roamed the Animal Habitat, however she has since passed. This area also has an open Fudge Shop, with candies, cocoa, or coffee. The adjacent cafeteria building has open rest rooms with a short exhibit regarding the area and an over priced gift shop.

Back to the Habitat..

A bad picture of a majestic bird, The Bald Eagle

The Bald Eagle has a wing span of 6 to 7.5 feet and saw this grandeur during the visit, however capturing it on film was another challenge..

He was a little to fast for the camera lens but here’s the flight landing.

The Elk

The Cougars

The Otters and Bears were hiding during the visit. Here’s what is available in signage and sculpture.

On to the Mile High Swinging Bridge..

Parked in Bridge Trail parking lot for a hike to the Bridge. Seeing this sign changed my thoughts as the trail was moderate, steep, and laden with rocks. The time was 3:45 so back tracked and drove to the Bridge.

Once at the Bridge the weather became intense with strong winds. Tried to go over the Bridge however due to balance concerns decided to observe from afar. Here are some pictures.

While there rangers were busily chaining the entry to all hiking trails surrounding the Bridge. This can be understood and would not want the job of trying to find adventurous hikers after hours on this mountain.

Here’s the garb worn at the top.

What an amazing visit and day..

Catch me in my next adventure..

Pisgah National Forest: Linville Falls

March 7, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Just down the road from Linville Caverns is Linville Falls, North Carolina, which is nestled in the Pisgah National Forest. There are many trails along this 16 mile dirt road managed by the National Forest. There is a cabin for information but with covid it was closed.

Drove another 3 miles up the mountain and located this view. Priceless!

There are several Falls along this route, however, was told this to be the best.

Most hikes in this area are for those with moderate hiking skills. Wear good hiking boots and watch every step. The sites next to the path are lovely and the water tasty.

The Linville Falls

Took another path above the falls to capture this.

Enjoy the view!

March 7, 2021March 7, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

These caverns lie deep beneath Humpback Mountain in Linville, North Carolina. Fishermen discovered them in 1822, and Civil War deserters used the caverns to escape the war. In 1937 the Caverns officially opened its 8 levels, or rooms. The green walls indicate the presence of cooper in the caverns. It takes 125 years for 1 centimeter of cavern growth. Let’s take a peek…

Note the copper minerals causing the green color in the cavern wall

Looks like a crocodile to me – your thoughts??

There is much water flowing next to the walkway – wear boots when visiting as the water has been known to rise to walkway level.

This was a favorite spot of Civil War deserters. Cobbler tools were found here.

The grounds outside the Caverns are equally lovely with places to picnic and walk in the stream. Children were having much fun at this site.

The gift shop on the grounds has interesting items at reasonable prices and staff are very helpful.

What a fun family day!

Smith-McDowell House and Museum

March 7, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

This historical home was built in the 1840’s as a summer home for a local Asheville hotel owner. Besides owning the hotel he also owned a toll bridge which was the only town access. This savvy businessman owned 100 slaves who worked in his residence and hotel. In 1850, 13% of the Asheville population were slaves, and the area was a prime tourism site. It was a gateway to the West and visitors felt the climate cured tuberculosis.

The owner could watch from the balcony of his home bridge tolls being paid.

The home transitioned through several owners in its lifetime with the Western North Carolina Historical Association eventually purchasing the property. There are few original pieces however this period home is appropriate to time and era. Here are some of the rooms:

For Black History Month there was an exhibit on area black citizens at the home. As individuals left slavery they began businesses and grew their entrepreneurial talents. Varied paths were chosen. Many developed businesses in laundry, sewing, hair dressing and boot legging. Others continued to work the land, and later some began businesses in auto repair. A fascinating exhibit.

Omni Grove Park Inn

March 7, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

What an amazing place of beauty! A must see. Words cannot describe, but the pictures will do the trick.

Across from the falls is the hotel spa. Need to reserve in advance.

The Hotel also lists an antique car museum which due to time constraints I did not explore. There are walking trails and an elaborate fitness center on property grounds. Prices for food and drink are reasonable and Christmas is an amazing time to schedule a visit.

Asheville Art Museum

March 7, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

This Museum was an eclectic art representation and while not a fan of this type of portrayal, I enjoyed the visit.

Let’s check it out together.

The Ceramic Exhibit

Much of the art is done by local North Carolina folk.

Portrait Exhibit – this was my favorite, a homeless man.

Video Exhibit – This conversation was extremely well done and captivated my attention. Should you ever get the chance, take it in. Black men of all ages, geographic, educational, and social levels discuss issues of the black community. What an eye opener giving much to ponder.

A mishmash of favorites…

Zelda Fitzgerald, (1900-1948), was an accomplished author and artist. She was the wife of F.Scott Fitzgerald, a famous author of the early 20th century. While he is credited as an outstanding author much of his work was facilitated by Zelda. She struggled with bipolar disease prior to the inception of medication and died in a fire at Asheville’s Highland Hospital in 1948. She was a brilliant painter of water colors and oils as seen below, and on display at the Museum. Her paper doll collection is exquisite and I had the honor of viewing it 15 years ago in Connecticut. What a talent she was.

And Childe Hassam, another favorite..

It seems like every available museum space is used for art. Here is the elevator art..

And on the roof is a sculpture garden, however, I believe nature won the show on this. Don’t you agree????

Governor Vance Birthplace

March 7, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Visited this home unaware of the Governor’s history. He was a lawyer with strong oratory skills known to have a rash temper and often a stump speaker. A stump speaker is one who stands on a stump and delivers speeches.

The Governor was initially against separating from the union though others prevailed and he followed. A civil war fighter he was eventually exonerated and then returned as Governor under the then re-unified Union. As I read the placards describing his actions post civil war I became confused. When I queried the historian at the site she merely stated the Governor was a white supremacist and racist.

His home plantation was once 888 acres and the family monies were acquired via his grandfather’s surveyor skills and land purchase. At one point there were 18 slaves working on the property.

Following are pictures of the reconstructed plantation.

Inside the home..

Other out buildings..

Slave Quarters

Governor Vance’s office with his portrait

The Family Tree

Botanical Gardens at Asheville

March 7, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Another treasure located as I was lost.. What is that saying when we are lost we are found?. Regardless, this was a meditative and restful place for a short visit. Would like to return when the weather warms and the area is in bloom. In the meantime, take a stroll with me.

And time for a rest..

Asheville: The Thomas Wolfe House

March 7, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Thomas Wolfe is one of America’s foremost authors. He grew up in Asheville before taking New York and the world by storm with his writings. His boyhood home was one of charm and elegance. It was here he grew up with his mother and eight siblings while she ran a boarding house. During peak season in the early 20th century she had as many as 40 patrons paying $1.50 a day for lodgings and meals. Asheville was thought to be curative for those with TB and the like during this era. Listening to the docents story of Thomas’ mother it is no wonder Thomas had stories to tell. What a fascinating visit.

There also is a museum associated with the home. Here many treasured Wolfe items are housed. The State has done an impeccable tribute to their native son and this is a must see.

Here are a few pictures of the home.

Guest Rooms

Not far from the home is the burial place of Thomas Wolfe. It is cemetery filled with many notable citizens, government officials, and the burial site of O Henry. At Thomas’ grave site visitors leave change and pens, (as I did), in a token of gratitude.

Jamestown Flea Market

March 7, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Came across this find while exploring Morganton in an effort to locate their historical district. You never know what you’ll find when you make a wrong turn.

A few rules before your visit..

Guess they really don’t like dogs but they have a booth that sells them.

Start your visit through the main entrance. In this enclosed area is an array of different types of shops ..

There also are silk flower booths, several honey and sauce vendors, and many Mexican restaurants with good prices and tasty food. This area of NC has many Mexican restaurants mainly started by those who work the farms and pick vegetables.

Outside vendors are plentiful with wares from tools to personal hygiene products being sold on these tables.