Took a 2 day jaunt to Cherokee, North Carolina, to visit the Cherokee Reservation, see the outdoor play, Unto the Hills, and visit Harrah’s Casino. Traveling through Maggie Valley found several beautiful sites..
While on the road came across this sign and decided to make a visit. Have been praying for fertility on several of my daughter’s friends, let’s hope St. Margaret heard..
During covid the Church streamlined services on line as did many churches.
The Church
The interior – one side of the church is entire windows. Even if not religious what a view.
Front View
Side View
Chapel to Mary – lit a candle. Visiting a new church one is allowed 3 wishes. Made mine.
The Church also has a retreat center.
During the Pandemic many have found their faith. What a beautiful spot for reflection.
On the Blue Ridge Parkway is the country estate of the Cone Textile Mills owner, Moses Cone, and his wife Bertha. Here the king of denim lived for 7 years prior to his early demise. As the couple had no children the Estate was eventually donated to the National Park Service. It is currently undergoing a 2 million dollar renovation by the Park Service.
Let’s take a peek:
The renovation
The view from the porch – priceless..
A must see – renovated home will be available Spring 2022
This mountainous town lies in Watauga County, North Carolina. While unsure if Daniel Boone lived in this actual town, according to Auntie Google he used Western North Carolina as his home base and this is where hundreds of his descendants still reside. Born to Quaker parents in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, he lived in Western North Carolina longer than any other state.
As an explorer he led family and settlers across the Mississippi into Indian lands. He was known for his hunting and trailblazing abilities and said to be educated and good natured. Interesting fact – he knew George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.
This fascinating pioneer left us at 85 years of age becoming one of America’s greatest folk heroes. Let’s end this passage with a laugh from one of his quotes reflecting his honesty..
I can’t say as ever I was lost, but I was bewildered once for three days.
This small town has an interesting collection of shops.
For anyone interested in Thrift Shops, there were three..
Don’t you love the name of the last shop, Junk In The Trunk..
Next, 100 Main for dining pleasure…
Am told they have a fantastic ham sandwich with avocado here..
And you’ll never forget Myra’s. Even Marilyn Monroe stopped by..
Great ice cream and Saturday Breakfast Buffet for $5.99
Marilyn even remembered her mask!
Haven’t seen one of these in an age.
And for those into Italian, right behind Myra’s..
Old World Baking Company — Stop by for a cup of joe, a croissant.. This shop is coming back post-Pandemic. The friendly owner was washing down the sidewalk as I passed. He’s getting ready for you…
Then take a book,
or play some bocce..
Bocce
A little history – Bocce started in 5200 BC in Egypt and spread throughout the continents. It’s present form is an Italian game, and as Waldensian’s originated in Italy they brought this game with them. This court lies on the grounds of their church.
This religious group dates back to the Middle Ages. They resided in Italy wishing to read and preach the Bible, however, this was not allowed during those times. Only the Pope and priests had this ability.
Their Italian Homeland, li Guigou d’Pral
They continued to read and preach the Bible, and because of this were persecuted. The church called for their extinction so they hid when following their beliefs.
Typical Waldensian Dress
After centuries of persecution many members of the Waldensian’s left their European home settling in what was to be known as Valdese, North Carolina. A community remains here with a museum explaining their journey. It is a fascinating legacy. If interested in religious history I encourage visiting this lovely small town. The visit begins with a movie and a well versed Waldensian docent leads patrons through their history.
208 Rodoret Street South Valdese, North Carolina 28690
The Museum
After the movie there are several placards explaining the journey of the Waldensian’s.
Exhibits explain how the group survived when they arrived in North Carolina in 1893.
The Waldensian’s selected this area of North Carolina due to it’s railroad access. However, working the land was not easy for farming. They built a saw mill generating lumber for building homes and the women began bakeries. Wine making was another industry. They eventually branched out into the textile industry.
On Main Street there is an interesting memorial with murals dedicated to the Waldensian’s.
But my favorite was the 125th anniversary railroad memorial.
It was here on May 29,1893 where 29 pioneers began their life in the United States of America.
Other Summer Events
During mid-July there is a play, From This Day Forward, which describes the journey of the Waldensian’s.
There also is a summer festival the second Saturday in August.
Followed the signs finding Cramerton, North Carolina.
This community is undergoing a massive home construction phase under the expertise and guidance of this company.
Their offices are located in a restored home and behind the home are community gardens..
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Some of the homes..
Under construction..
Completed, and aren’t they gorgeous??? Plus these homes are near the lake which was seen in the former blog…
The Town of Cramerton is networked into the Carolina Trail System. Here are some views of the Cramerton portion of the Carolina Thread Trail.
There is a walkway over the water to an island which has a playground for children, and trails.
The town also has events for their residents. According to placards a July 4th event at the gazebo and yoga classes on the island are planned. What fun and great way to meet neighbors.
On the grounds of the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is the Persimmon Trail. Seek this out as it is a lovely, easy to walk trail, and a perfect end to your visit. On the trail you will find folks walking, jogging, riding their bikes, and lovers holding hands. It is also attached to the Carolina Thread Trail which is a 300 mile long network of greenery, blueways, and trails in 15 counties, 2 states, reaching 2.9 million people according to Auntie Google. .
Throughout the trail are signs naming the trees and other vegetation. Nice touch and a good learning tool for children.
The path has many twists and turns. Place small colored items at these junctures to ensure you find your way back to the parking lot. And of course pick them up upon return.
I would be remiss if I did not mention that this lovely garden has many events occurring throughout the year.
During the summer there are:
Garden Nights with live music..
Movies on the lawn..
Horticulture Highlight Walks..
Jazz at the Garden..
The horticulture team also provides answers to your gardening questions and can be reached at horticulture@dsbg.org. They request a photo of the plant and ask you be as specific as possible in your request.
Young Retiree Needs a Life 