Recommendations

When I asked my friends what they would suggest for you to do while you’re visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains, this is what they recommended:

Bill, retired Air Force; “I love golf so in the summers when I come up from Florida, I am sure to visit the Mt. Mitchell golf course about 1 hr. and 15 min. from Fairview northeast and Etowah golf course about 35 min. south. I say that because of the spectacular beauty and ease of play.”

Carla, buyer for Grovewood Gallery: “The ‘Handmade in America’ organization is booking craft and farm tours in the area. They would take you off the beaten track that most tourists don’t see.”

Allan and Kathy, authors; “When our grandchildren visit from Florida we like to take them hiking to the Dupont State Forest. It is one of the only places we know where you can see 3 different waterfalls on one short, easy trek.”

Jan, school teacher; “The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad starts in Dillsboro where they have awesome craft shops, too. I’d go there for a day trip. In fact, I’ll take YOU there!”

Suzanne and Steve, Doctor and nurse team; “Our favorite day trips include a short ride up to Hot Springs for a soak and massage at the Spa, followed by a gourmet dinner; or a quick trip down the road to Lake Lure for either a day of golf and a picnic or renting a pontoon for relaxation, swimming and fishing on the clear, calm waters.”

Darlene, banker; “If you haven’t been to the new spa at the Grove Park Inn, that would be a treat. You should see what they’ve done with waterfalls and rocks to look like an underground cave.”

Theresa and Gerry, health professionals:”We are avid hikers so our favorite day hike is to Shining Rock Wilderness Area in the Pisgah National Forest.”

Joyce, biking enthusiast, “There are 426 fenced acres of the Bent Creek experimental forest full of biking trails with everything from novice to advanced. Some of the best biking in the country is right here.”

Rick, consultant and Ducati motorcycle nut, “Fairview is just a day trip from Deal’s Gap. If you’re looking for twisties this is the place to launch from.”

Julia, IV nurse: “Smiley’s Flea Market is where I find treasures every Saturday morning…early.”

Greg, crafter and fishing enthusiast; “Fly fishing the river through Shelton Laurel is a lot of fun. Catching and throwing back the brown mountain trout is great.”

Dick, graphic designer: “I volunteer at the NC Arboretum and it’s becoming a popular spot because of its unique gardens like the ‘Flower Basket’ Quilt Garden and also the curator’s collection of Bonsai trees and scenes. We also have workshops on broom making, basketweaving, papermaking and more.”

Cathy, retired nutrionist; “What stimulates me are the classes at the NC Creative Retirement Center at UNC-A. They have classes in everything from square dancing to Understanding the Middle East. I take a class every semester.”

Re’al, house painter and hiking enthusiast: “The Appalachian Trail and the Mountains to Sea Trail are all close by. I like to attend the Hot Springs reunion in April to meet friends I made along the way.”