Most of our journeys start with a single purpose in thoughts after which unfold into one thing far richer than anticipated. What began as a easy getaway to a live performance of a favourite band changed into a layered mountain journey — one stuffed with shut encounters, scenic wonders, and moments that reminded us why the Blue Ridge has such a long-lasting pull.
My husband and I kicked off our current highway journey in Weaverville, North Carolina, an enthralling mountain city simply north of Asheville, the place our journey actually took flight.
Avian Adventures at Curtis Wright Falconry
We spent an unbelievable morning with Jeff and Samantha from Curtis Wright Falconry, studying the traditional artwork of falconry beneath their watchful eyes and alongside magnificent birds. Having a hawk glide onto your gloved hand — feeling the ability of its talons and the grace of its wings — was merely unforgettable.
It left us each awestruck and much more deeply appreciative of those wild creatures. It’s additionally splendidly kid-friendly, providing households a uncommon probability to attach with nature up shut. This journey had been on my radar for years, and I’m so grateful we lastly did it.
Whereas in Weaverville, we additionally made a brief cease on the Vance Birthplace State Historic Web site. This quiet, informative go to supplied a glimpse into the area’s Nineteenth-century life and the legacy of Zebulon Vance, a Civil Struggle governor and later U.S. senator.
Strolling the grounds and seeing the reconstructed homestead helped us admire how deep the roots run right here within the Blue Ridge. It added one other layer of which means to our time within the mountains.
Exploring Grandfather Mountain
From there, we slowly drove by the picturesque Pisgah Nationwide Forest towards Grandfather Mountain, a rugged icon of the Blue Ridge. It’s well-known for its sweeping vistas, jaw-dropping Mile-Excessive Swinging Bridge, distinctive rock formations, and unforgettable encounters with wildlife.
The thrilling views in the midst of the Mile-Excessive Swinging Bridge.
We crossed the bridge on foot, taking in its dizzying views, snapped numerous photos, and loved the clear however crisp breeze blowing at that prime elevation.
As we drove again down the mountain, we visited the Animal Discovery Middle to see cougars, eagles, elk, bears, and otters up shut. We additionally explored Cut up Rock and Sphinx Rock, placing pure formations that really feel nearly otherworldly. One look and guests can inform how the names have been derived.
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- Views of Cut up Rock from the path.
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- Indicators alongside the trail directing hikers towards Cut up Rock and Sphinx Rock.
One sudden delight was my husband working the Forrest Gump Curve, proper the place they filmed that iconic scene — an absolute deal with because it’s one in all our favourite films. The climate was lovely, and we saved pulling over, drawn out of the automotive by views too good to hurry previous.
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- Coming into the Mile-Excessive Swinging Bridge.
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- Carol’s husband strikes a pose on the Forrest Gump Curve.
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- A large view of the Forrest Gump Curve.
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- Able to sort out the Mile-Excessive Swinging Bridge.
As a result of we made so many further scenic stops alongside the best way, we didn’t handle our time properly and missed some waterfalls on our itinerary. However that’s not one thing I remorse — at all times take the cease.
In case you go, plan to see Elk River Falls and Linville Falls. My buddies’ pictures are breathtaking, and waterfalls at all times appear to heal the soul a bit.
Bidding Farewell in Beech Mountain
We wrapped up our journey in Beech Mountain, the city with the best elevation in japanese America. Typically recognized for snowboarding, this spot additionally turns into a vigorous summer time retreat in the course of the hotter months.
Catching a wild bear on a stroll round city in Beech Mountain.
After checking into our cabin, we explored downtown, rode the scenic carry, and performed a enjoyable spherical of mini golf. Better of all, a bear unexpectedly crossed proper in entrance of us — a heart-racing reminder of simply how wild these mountains nonetheless are.
Different actions included biking on the slopes, mountaineering, disc golf, and fishing.
We initially selected this space due to a band my husband and I needed to see in individual, and the remainder of the journey developed from there. The live performance popped up on my social media feed sooner or later, held in a spot we’d by no means explored or thought to. We have been up for the brand new expertise, so we booked it, and that was that.
That night, we unfold out our blankets for an out of doors live performance with the Pink Clay Strays, music echoing by the hills. The venue was cool, actually on the ski slopes in entrance of a stage. (No pun supposed!)
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Whether or not you come for the wildlife, the hikes, or music beneath the celebrities, Western North Carolina labored its magic as soon as once more — mixing pure magnificence, journey, and easy joys into a visit we’ll always remember.
Useful Hyperlinks for Your Personal Journey
Images by Carol Thompson
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