Hey, Y'All -- Help Me Out!

It's time -- a little bit late, actually -- to make summer plans!

Tom and Anastasia will be working at Brevard Music Festival throughout the festival season, and for Christmas our kids gave us the gift of two nights at a B&B there. We're scheduled for August 1 and 2.

Here's where you come into the picture: What else should we investigate, do, see, enjoy on our trip? We'll travel I-81 in at least one direction, and we already know to spend at least one night in Asheville and to see The Biltmore. We've never been to this part of the country before. It appears that the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee are not terribly far. Should we go there? We're not interested in Dollywood, but would like to know what else there is to see and do in that area.

Any thoughts, friends?


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Salem Stitcher said…
Be sure to check out Asheville's Downtown area. There are wonderful shops and restaurants, very eclectic. There are so many great little towns in that area. My favorite is Black Mountain, 15 minutes east of Asheville. Also worth the drive is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.
Saturday, May 09, 2009 8:25:00 AM
*karendianne. said…
That'll be so nice, Nancy. I have no ideas to contribute as I've never travelled up that way.
Saturday, May 09, 2009 9:08:00 AM
Marydon said…
Smokey Mts. absolutely. Get your GPS out & program it for that path ... it'll show you all the DO's to do.

Everything Salem Stitcher suggests is a must do ... this is a breathtaking part of our country ... meander & enjoy every bit of it. The mornings you wake up to the heavy mist in the valleys, capped with mt. peaks above ... awesome.

The best way is to take every single country road to pick up the ambiance of this area ... forget the freeways, forget Dollyland altho is it fun driving thru to get a Krispy Kreme donut in the AM.

Enjoy! TTFN ~ Marydon
Saturday, May 09, 2009 11:52:00 AM
Knitting Auntie (aka Sharon) said…
we have done the smoky mountains a number of times - its a wonderful vacation spot. do the national park, there are lots of inexpensive things to do there, and if you have the time i would suggest skyline drive, monticello (if you like history) and luray caverns if you like beautiful nature....email me if you want more advice, its one of my favorite places on earth.
Saturday, May 09, 2009 1:06:00 PM
Unknown said…
Oh Nancy - it's absolutely no use asking me :o) but I hope you have a lovely time when you do go - what a lovely gift from them
Saturday, May 09, 2009 2:08:00 PM
Mrs. Goodneedle said…
I'm thinking that you could take a tour around the area of Goodneedle's home...
Saturday, May 09, 2009 3:35:00 PM
SusanC said…
Hendersonville is another nice town to visit, lots of interesting shops. Pisgah National Forest, the Cradle of Forestry, Blue Ridge Parkway and the Folk Art Center are other worthwhile visits.

You will also be within easy driving distance of MaryJo's Cloth Shop in Gastonia. NC just off I-85.
Saturday, May 09, 2009 3:54:00 PM
Jeanne said…
I was going to suggest The Blue Ridge Parkway and Mary Jo's, but Susan C beat me to it. I loved the Biltmore and would go again. Have fun.
Sunday, May 10, 2009 4:22:00 PM
Karen L. said…
I also would suggest the Folk Art Center up on or near the Blue Ridge Parkway since you will want to see the sights from there anyway. It's a wonderful place filled with local made items of every sort and type. Hiking the trails was our favorite thing to do up that way. If you do go to MaryJo's, take a list or you will freak out when you walk in the door as there is so much fabric to see. With a list, you can start looking calmly .... then freak out later when you have to leave before you have seen everything! That whole Asheville area is beautiful! Don't miss it. (Formerly a South Jerseyite now living in the Triad of NC.)
Sunday, May 10, 2009 8:13:00 PM
The Calico Cat said…
Boltmore is the only thing on my list, so I am of no assistance...
Monday, May 11, 2009 6:03:00 AM
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