The Appalachians

“It is not the number of breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away” is a quote I see frequently and certainly subscribe to, but the thought physically manifested itself in the Appalachians this May.

What amazing hills, mountains, valleys with shades of green in such numbers that a painter’s pallet would overflow. And then you would turn a mountain’s corner and there would be this beautiful flood of Mountain lupines in purples, yellows, reds.

The Cascades along the Blue Ridge Parkway gifted us a beautiful hike and the sounds of snow melt rushing down the mountain. The Park Service has highlighted much of the foliage with small descriptive signs, but the names of the plants give you the hint of what is the colors of the trail…blazing rhododendrons, goldenrod. The views that make you stop in amazement gave us a beautiful day, but report upon report talks about modern industry polluting the skies of the Parkway and clear days are becoming an exception rather than a rule. This view is also such a strong reminder of our responsibility to stop our reckless habits.

We found a cabin for our week called “The Yearling”. A log cabin with wood burning fireplace beautifully furnished and equipped with quality kitchen ware. I mention the kitchen as I cooked most of our meals and often we would sit on the deck watching our small part of wonderful. What a time to dream and plan just the two of us still “in love after all these years”.

The brook behind the cabin had its’ own small cascades from the snow melt and, although, I took video only memory can replay the beauty in picture and sound. The doors and windows were always open so we would not miss one moment of that wonderful sound. And the air! cleaned daily by all the trees that surrounded us.

Now if you ventured into the towns I want to mention some of our favorites. We stayed outside of Boone which is home of Appalachian University, the Rustic Tuscan Restaurant, several great golf courses (via David), and shopping that focused on local designers and artists. The prices of all items mentioned above were very reasonable.

One day was spent traveling to Jonesborough, Tennessee which was a couple of hours from Boone. The treat waiting in Jonesborough is the International Storytelling Institute. We were traveling in the cusp season, but fortunately got there as the Storytelling summer was beginning and enjoyed an hour of a professional storyteller. He unfolded years of growing up in New York focusing on his family’s personal dedication to civil rites. And this town houses many historical sites, such as, the first building named after George Washington which I am going to assume is not an arrow through the apple tree fable. The blue plate special is collards, pinto beans, and corn bread for 4.50.

And Asheville, North Carolina was a constant blend of joy and surprise. The Biltmore, the largest privately owned residence in America, is a blend of art in architecture and sustainable farming. I want to return for the Christmas season as staff said it is impossible to describe the décor and ambiance the house takes on. It has a wonderful aura about the home which feels like a legacy left by the owner and his wife, the Vanderbilt’s, who were happy there.

The town of Asheville has wonderful restaurants focusing on farm to table fare. We got a good recommendation in a little private book store for a restaurant called The Market Place. Our waitperson told us the 50 year history of the restaurant as well as bringing us delicious cocktails and dinner.

The people of Asheville deserve a special note of thanks. We were always greeted with warm hospitality whether it was on a tour of the Biltmore or the chocolate designers at The Chocolate Fetish on Haywood. The desk clerk at the Doubletree asked about our day calling us by name and pointed out the historical grounds of the hotel which was the Biltmore’s Dairy. We should have spent at least two days there instead of the one.

We always enjoyed returning to our cabin, the running brook, the tree cleaned cool air of the evening. And we truly had a week of moments that took our breath away.