On Your Next Trip to Western North Carolina, Check Out the Area's Newest Award Winning Winery

Many Lowcountry residents take a weekend road trip to the mountains of western North Carolina for a reprieve from the heat of the summer months to enjoy the many cooling waterfalls and hiking trails of Pisgah Forest and Dupont State Forest. After a morning of recreation, the late afternoon hours are the perfect time to savor another cultural amenity the mountains around Hendersonville offer, fantastic wine vineyards. One of the area's newest wineries was recently awarded top honors in a USA Today Readers' Choice poll.

After a scenic drive and a wrong turn on Green Mountain Road--even GPS occasionally gets it wrong--we could see the winery's tasting building perched high above the road on the side of the mountain. Just ahead, the sign marking the entrance to Stone Ashe Vineyards. We ascended the long, curving driveway to the spacious parking area. Rows of grape vines covered the sloping terrain beyond the perimeter of the pavement in a symmetric blocking pattern--a future harvest to be crushed, pressed, clarified, aged, and bottled.

We entered the 3100-square-foot Chalet-designed building trimmed with cedar timbers, which included a catering kitchen, bar, covered patio, and deck. A 25-foot cathedral ceiling framed with Douglas fir timbers towered high above the tasting floor beyond the bar. There were plenty of wood tables for sitting with a large stone fireplace on one wall surrounded by a compliment of comfortable seating. Large windows afforded beautiful views of the surrounding mountain vistas. 

When it comes to wine, you could put almost anything in front of me, and I would think it was good. My friend, more refined and knowledgeable about wine than me, made the perfect choice of a slightly bubbly 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Rose Wine.

We chose to sit on the open patio on black Adirondack furniture. The view from our chairs was majestic, overlooking the descending vineyard and valley with lightning streaking down onto the surrounding high peaks. The company rewarding and the wine refreshingly dry.

Beginning in 2010, Craig and Tina Little left their careers to pursue a dream. They started their search for American soil that would match their beloved Bordeaux region of France. After three years, they found the ideal site. They discovered an area in North Carolina near Hendersonville rich in 'stony ashe' soil providing internal drainage, steep slopes for high-density planting and external irrigation, and a micro-climate suited for efficient photosynthesis and elegantly balanced fruit. Their find would cover 67 acres of beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain real estate. The couple then mated grapevine clones from France with California rootstock, and Stone Ashe Vineyards became a reality.

Wine tasting is from 12-6 Thursday through Monday and is $15 per person. You will get to choose five wines to sample from their current selections. The staff was friendly and polite, and the facility was clean and beautiful. Reservations are not required unless you plan on coming with a party of five or more. Locally sourced charcuterie boards and snack boxes (spicy pimento or hummus) are available to purchase and paired with any of their wines.

Stone Ashe Vineyards offers seven wines on its website: 2019 Petit Verdot-$44.00, 2021 Sauvignon Blanc-$38.00, 2021 Chardonnay-$29.00, 2021 Riesling-$28.00, 2021 Cabernet Franc Rosé-$29.00, 2019 Coppedge Hill-$44.00, and 2019 Davenport-$40.00.

Stone Ashe Vineyards has a full catering kitchen that can serve wedding receptions and special events such as private events, bachelorette parties, and corporate outings. Its modern farmhouse motif and warm decor are the product of Polish + Pop Design of Charleston, S.C. For information, visit the website or call 828-551-5643. It is located at 736 Green Mountain Road.

Stone Ashe Vineyards was named the Best New Winery of 2022 in a USA Today Readers' Choice poll that ended July 18. This North Carolina viticulture jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains gives California's Napa Valley wineries a run for their money.

A Memorable Trip to the Land of Waterfalls in Western North Carolina--Brevard and Hendersonville

Deep in the hardwood rain forests on the mile-high mountain peaks of western North Carolina flows a network of streams and cascading waterfalls, over 250, to be more exact. Over the years, it has become a mecca of activity for outdoor adventure enthusiasts seeking to conquer the area's maze of trails to reward their effort with a cooling plunge on a warm summer day into the deep pools etched out of the rock at the bottom of the tumbling mountain waters, or maybe, just to snap a memorable picture to take home with them.

Ideally located at the center of the Land of Waterfalls and the gates of Pisgah Forest is the mountain town of Brevard, considered the cultural jewel of the county called Transylvania. However, I use the term "mountain town" loosely because at the height of the tourist season, you will encounter your fair share of traffic and long lights as you navigate its busy streets. The town abounds with locally-run small businesses, restaurants, accommodations, galleries, breweries, points of interest, and a notable local tale. A close friend, who knows Brevard inside-out, told me the story of the town's famous white squirrel, which also has a festival named in its honor.

For my stay, I chose the quaint bed and breakfast called Pine Country Inn, circa 1883. The main house has eight bedrooms and two formal dining areas. Other accommodations include the Little Cottage, the Summer Cottage, and what they call Grandpa's dog-friendly Cottage. Its porches and verandas overlook a small valley and offer plenty of places to sit and swing to soak in the serenity. The owners are very hospitable, and one of the highlights was the personally cooked and served breakfast each morning. The drive up to the inn from Hart Road is a single-lane, twisty ride--hopefully, you do not encounter anyone coming down because somebody will have to give in and back up to their point of entry.

I picked this accommodation because of its proximity to Brevard and another town to the east called Hendersonville--almost equal distance to both, and close to Dupont State Forest. I would spend all my evenings dining in Hendersonville because it was closer to the numerous wine vineyards in the surrounding mountains.

I arrived at the Pine Country Inn on Tuesday afternoon around 3:30 after a 4.5 hour drive from Charleston. I purchased food in town, which I took to the inn, and for the rest of the day, I just chilled and made preparations for the following days.

Wednesday, my first day of trekking and sight-seeing, I went to Dupont State Forest, where I hiked to the stunning 150 foot High Falls. Other falls I visited in this park were Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. It was a 2-mile hike on the High Falls-Triple Falls loop.

Wednesday evening, my companion and I traveled to the Marked Tree Vineyard in Flat Rock, where we shared a bottle of Ghost House Red Wine--Rouge to deep purple in color with notes of black cherry, plum, violet, lilac and sage. As the server poured our first glass, she told us the story about the lone chimney standing outside the tasting room next to the main building parking lot and a ghost story, the inspiration behind the wines name. The chimney is all that remains of the former homestead. The meaning of the Marked Tree is about finding your path.

From the vineyard, we went to the Shine Restaurant in Hendersonville located on the town's iconic main street, a well-designed thoroughfare ideal for strolling and patronizing the many shops and restaurants. My companion ordered the Steak Frite, a roasted and grilled entre with duck fat fried potatoes and garlic aioli, all for $29.50. The duck fat fried potatoes were the attraction, which was shared with me for a first time taste. I ordered off the specials list, which was a serving of Wahoo, but I don't have the full details, $30.50. Wine and Moscow mule were our chosen libations. The food was palate pleasing, the company perfect, and conversation fulfilling, despite the boisterous dining area.

Thursday, I went to Pisgah Forest to take the ride on Sliding Rock, a prime attraction in the park. The line was long. I removed my shoes and shirt, got in line, and waited my turn. I slid down the big rock on the flowing water and plunged into the pool below. The cool water was a perfect refresher for the hot day. Well worth the $5. Next, I went to Looking Glass Falls. Close to the road, I descended the long run of stone stairs to the bottom. It was a calming experience watching the 60 foot falling waters. The falls created a strong wind that covered me with a fine mist.

Thursday evening, my companion and I went to the Stone Ashe Vineyard at 736 Green Mountain Road, my favorite of the two vineyards we visited. After a scenic drive and a wrong turn--even GPS occasionally gets it wrong--we could see the winery complex sitting high above the road on the side of the mountain. We ascended the long driveway to the tasting building. My companion, more knowledgeable about wine than me, made the perfect choice of a 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Rose Wine, slightly bubbly. The view from our chairs was majestic, overlooking the descending vineyard and valley with lightning streaking down onto the surrounding high peaks.

From the vineyard, we returned to Hendersonville and Brandys on Main, a small, intimate restaurant with walls lined with iconic pictures and a Humphrey Bogart statue overlooking the dining area. My companion ordered the Audrey Hepburn--Faroe Island salmon or NC mountain trout grilled and served with rice pilaf and sautéed seasonal vegetables for $28. I ordered The Simone--Jumbo shrimp with blue crab stuffing, broiled and served over rice with hollandaise sauce for $30. Wine and Moscow mule for libations. During the dinner, I learned about Silkies--fluffy, white chickens.

To close out the night and the highlight for the week, we went to the Flat Rock Playhouse to see "West Side Story." The theater is a beautiful venue with state-of-the-art sound, wood-beamed ceilings, comfortable seats, and wood all around--perfect for a mountain setting. There was a full house. The play was thoroughly entertaining. The actor, who played Marie, performed with strong vocals. When you are in Flat Rock, the theater is well worth checking out.

To sum up my trip to western North Carolina and the Land of Waterfalls, it was a week I will forever remember.

A Great Time In Corolla At The Outer Banks, NC-Fishing, Golfing, Wild Horses, And A Lighthouse

Never turn your back on a seagull. You may say that is a strange way to start a travel article, but in this incident it is quite fitting, as you will see. So, I will continue with my analogy. Seagulls are bold, opportunistic thieves. Their boldness goes way beyond rudeness. I was surf fishing in Corolla at the Outer Banks. As I tended my line in the water, trying to anticipate the slightess nibble, which takes complete concentration, the notorious bandits made their move on my unattended bucket and bait behind me. The incursions forced me to divide my attention between my submerged hook and the gulls. It was a frustrating cycle. Despite the unwelcomed distraction, it was an excellent fall day on the nearly empty beaches of the Outer Banks.

The temperatures have cooled, the crowds departed, many of the shops closed, and the numerous transplanters from Europe have left, but the Outer Banks is still a good choice if you like the beach, fishing, sightseeing, and just plain old relaxation. I stayed at one of the numerous houses available for rent in Corolla, which is on the north end. I stayed for free by invitation from a friend. It is here the main road, Ocean Trail or 12, comes to an end. You can drive out onto the beach and continue north for a distance of 10 miles until you can go no further, if that is what you want to do. Signs are posted warning you not to park your vehicles on the side of the road and also one that tells you not to feed the wild horses. Yes, wild horses, the very same horses that were featured in the movie "Nights in Rodanthe." The movie gave the impression the Spanish Mustangs were in Rodanthe, but that was incorrect. The mustangs are at the north end near Corolla in the National Estuarine Research Reserve. The majestic breed is teetering on the brink of extinction, so if you would like to see them running free, do it immediately if not sooner.

I spent a few hours at one of the main tourist attractions, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. The Lighthouse is still in service and totally automated with a beacon that flashes in 20 second intervals, 3 seconds on, 17 seconds off. Open to the public, I traversed the 214 steps up to the tower walk at 158 feet, a task the keeper did every 2 1/2 hours to pull the weighted chains before it was automated. My companions, Gary, Marcus, and Addison, along with several other tourists made the climb up to the top where an iron platform and rail encircled the top, some of them hugging the outside lighthouse wall, fearful of looking down to the ground far below. While at the top I met Michelle, a photographer from Virginia, who I conversed with for a short time. She had visited many of the lighthouses up and down the East Coast, including one near Charleston, SC on Morris Island. This was her fifth visit to the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Her photographs of the Outer Banks are beautiful.

The panarama on top was awesome. You could see across Currituck Sound to the Mainland and out over the Atlantic Ocean some 18 miles. The Currituck Beach Lighthouse Station, which includes numerous other restored buildings, is located in a park with a excellent view of the Currituck Sound. The Center for Wildlife Education and the historic Whalehead Club are also here. The Sound is the largest body of brackish water in the area with an average depth of 5 feet, pretty shallow. If you are a person who fishes, there are some species of salt water as well as fresh in the Sound. At one time it had a huge population of large mouth bass. In the park there are placards placed in strategic locations that tell the whole history and facts of interest, including why the lunker bass have disappeared. Be sure to visit the park at sunset for some pretty panaramas.

I could write alot more about my 9 day visit to Corolla and the Outer Banks of North Carolina, but you just have to check it out for yourself. It is worth a visit, and bring the family along too. If you are a golfer looking for incredible golf, take on the Currituck Club challenge, I did and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a breezy day to say the least, with 35-40 mph wind gusts. If you would like to learn more about what happened to the Rodanthe house read this article. If you would like to learn more about Corolla and attractions, check out the Corolla Guide. Hotels in Corolla, Hampton Inn. Vacation home rentals information, click vacation rentals.

Spring Awakening In Asheville, North Carolina-Rejuvinate Yourself

Winter has finally ended. Thank goodness for that little bit of revelation.Thinking about spring and a close destination you can take in for that long weekend getaway, think Asheville, Nc. Asheville pops up on national rankings for a variety of things: Modern Maturity named it one of "The 50 Most Alive Places To Be," Self magazine labeled it the "Happiest City for Women," it is one of AARP Magazine's "Best Places to Reinvent Your Life," and was proclaimed the "New Freak Capital of the U.S." by Rolling Stone. In the 2008 book The Geography of Bliss, by Eric Weiner, Asheville was cited by the author to be one of the happiest places in the United States. What makes Asheville the happiest place for women and the United States? Read the articles or just go there yourself and find out.

It has been a long winter and many of us have been anxious to get on with spring's warmer temperatures. Of course, warmer temperatures mean more sun, and more sun brings more fun. It also brings the flowers to bloom and Asheville is an excellent place to observe the spring awakening. The Western North Carolina area is blessed with a variety of elevations and terrain containing a variety of plants, trees and shrubs in and around Asheville. It is also home to the Biltmore Estate with its beautiful gardens and Grandfather Mountain where the majority of the spring bloom appears at various times through the season.

This is a list of when and what to look for on your visit. March: Iris, Crocus, Narcissus "Daffodil", Yellow Violet, Spring Beauty, and Dutchman's Breeches. April: Phacelia, Cersis "Redbud", Yellow Lady, Rhododendron, Pink Lady, and Painted Trillium. May: Tulip, Violet, Dogwood, Trailing Arbutus, Mountain Laurel, Flame Azalia, Mountain Magnolia, Wild Cherry, Japonica, Trillium, Crab Apple, and Pinkshell Azalia. If you are like me and don't know a Phacelia from a Cersis "Redbud" take the opportunity to do some research and if you don't have the time, just go and enjoy it first hand.

Aside from flowers blooming, Asheville comes to life with spring activity. It is at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is the most visited national park in the United States. Hiking, fishing, swimming, tubing, rafting, horseback riding, and a host of other outdoor activity is available. Named a must-see destination in 2007 by Frommer's, it boasts a thriving arts community, a vibrant and inviting downtown, numerous historic and architectural attractions, and unique shopping options. Restaurants and dining are plentiful featuring all cuisines. Many restaurants also feature live music from jazz to bluegrass. A guided walking tour called Food Tours is offered. Also named one of the top 24 cities in the world for drinking beer! A great place to stay is the Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa overlooking Asheville. Don't give it another thought, take the trip.-Vacation Rick Travel

Visit Asheville's Top Attraction For a One of a Kind Experience

When you first see Biltmore House it looks like you could be at Disney World. The estate is the Vanderbilt's 250-room family home and country retreat in Asheville, NC covering 8,000 acres. This French Renaissance chateáu remains America's largest privately owned home. Some of its featured points are original art from masters such as Renoira, the Banquet Hall with a 70-foot ceiling, 65 fireplaces, an indoor pool, bowling alley, and priceless antiques. Formal and informal gardens, a winery, Equestrian Center, outdoor activities, and estate dining are all a part of the package. You can stay on the estate as well. Choose from the Inn on Biltmore Estate or the Cottage on Biltmore Estate. The Inn was awarded Four Stars by Mobil Travel Guide, Four Diamonds by AAA, and the inn is on Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List for three years running. The two-bedroom, two-bath cottage is complete with your own personal butler and chef ready to make every detail of your stay special. Click here for a virtual tour of the cottage. Enjoy all this and the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina for a vacation to remember.

Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa-A Cut Above the Rest

The Grove Park Inn Resort And Spa is one of the oldest and most famous of the grand resorts. Overlooking the Ashville, NC, skyline and the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was named to the National Register of Historic Places. Built from granite boulders hewn from Sunset Mountain, The Grove Park Inn opened in 1913.

 In the decades to follow it has become one of the South’s most famous and venerable resorts built on a long tradition of exceptional service and hospitality. The resort's lobby is known as The Great Hall measuring 120 feet across and features 24-foot ceilings and two gigantic 14-foot stone fireplaces. You get the feeling of spaciousness and mountain splendor.

A unique feature of the resort are the themed rooms called the Inspiration Series located on the Club Floor and Vanderbuilt Wing. This is a perfect location for parent getaways, honeymoons and anniversary celebrations. Choose it and you will experience one of the most enduring, original, and exciting resorts of America. Dine at the Sunset Terrace for a beautful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visit Package Deals for the best Grove Park has to offer.

Excursions:
-Accents On Asheville
-Asheville Historic Trolley Tours
-Blue Heron Whitewater
-Nantahala Outdoor Center
-Sandy Bottom Trail Rides
-Biltmore Estate