Mountain Mama – Asheville, NC

More Cousins!!!! in Liberty, North Carolina

East Jordan tends to be home base for family reunions and visits from cousins so our kids thought it was pretty awesome that they would get to see their cousins in their hometown of Liberty, North Carolina.  It was even better they could sleep over and be part of Maggie and Mitchell’s 11th birthday party.  We all got our fill of family, friends, and fun and loved every second.  Believe it or not our kids can be pretty shy but it didn’t take long for them to be running around with their cousins, making messes and playing with a house full of toys.  They didn’t want to leave the next day and talked about their cousins the whole way to Asheville.  I know these memories will stick with them a long time and we are so thankful for family and Southern hospitality.

Home away – Airbnb style

So far we have mostly stayed at Airbnb on our travels.  I don’t post about many but this was a mountain home, with a glorious view which is pretty much all we needed for the week.  It had a fire red maple which greeted us every day and was like living in a warm hug.  We enjoyed the ever-changing mountain views, fresh air and relaxation oh so much.

Biscuit Head

I’ve heard of places like this, but honestly didn’t really believe there were places where no matter what time you go there is a line out the door.  Well, folks, this is the spot.  Literally, any time of day we passed by, the line was out the door.  I’m not a huge fan of waiting for food but my husband is so we joined the crowd.  I didn’t even know I liked biscuits but this must have come directly from the gods.  It was amazing, along with everything else you can add to it, such as a flight of gravy! What?! Yep that’s real.

Lexington Glassworks

I’ve always been fascinated with glass blowing.  It is such an amazing art form, working with a molten material, blowing and spinning to get the right shape, not seeing the color properly until it cools I’m guessing it is extremely difficult.  Somehow these guys do all this and talk to an audience of on-lookers at the same time with smiles on their faces.  Lexington Glass has taken the art of glass blowing and made it a super cool experience for the public, they even have a bar here!  Their work is incredible, check them out.

Graffiti

If graffiti makes you drool head to Asheville, NC.  There are so many amazing pieces of street art hiding in alleys and really everywhere.  Then there is the river arts district which has entire buildings transformed with color.  Big props to all the talented artists using buildings as their canvasses.

Craggy Gardens Trail – Blue Ridge Parkway

Thick fog covered the mountains, we couldn’t see more than 20 feet in front of our car while driving and as you wind through the mountains it is pretty surreal and disorienting.  As eerie as it was it was also beautiful.  Matt and the girls were able to get outside for a short hike while I stayed in the car with the sleeping little guy.  A little wet and chilly but no complaints as it was still a beautiful hike.

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Sierra Nevada Brewery

We didn’t know Sierra Nevada had a factory near Asheville until we were talking to a local and he said we had to go check it out.  He described it as the “Disney World of beer,”  haha.  So off we went to see what this beer haven was all about and to grab some dinner, which was great.  The building and factory are Platinum LEED certified which is pretty incredible.  It also had one of the most beautiful live walls I have seen anywhere, including in magazines.  This would be my dream someday if I can get my green thumb working.  The building, restaurant, and factory are all magnificent and there was a self-guided tour which took us through the history the art of beer making.  We learned the company is still family owned as well which we always give cheers to.

The Biltmore Estate

It is impossible to comprehend just how large a 178,926 square foot house is, enormous is an understatement.  We saw a portion of this house and it took us a few hours.  The Biltmore is the largest privately owned house in the United States, aside from its impressive size it is intricately designed in both its structure and furnishings.  What made it extraordinary for us were the Christmas decorations strewn throughout the home.  I believe there were over 50 decorated trees and countless wreaths, bows, and garland, it was spectacular.  We didn’t stay long enough to see the lights at night but I’m guessing they would take your breath away.

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Biltmore Farms

We were able to get our fall fix at the Biltmore Farm.  Lots of giant leaves to toss around, animals to pet, space for gymnastics and old school games.  The land here is beautiful and chances to run free are much welcomed.  We love our travels but the East Coast has been pretty city heavy so finding open spaces are sometimes as much of a treat as anything.

Blue Ridge Parkway – Make time for the Mountains

Before our four-hour drive to our next destination Charleston, we decided we needed one more drive through the Blue Ridge Parkway before heading out.  The past few days had been a bit overcast but this morning, although the temperature was brisk, the sun was shining and the skies were clear, a perfect calling to the mountains.  Mid-morning we came upon a hike and with our big drive ahead debated if we should do it or not.  Our advice, always choose the hike!  I guarantee it will be worth it and you will never sit in the car and say, “I really wish we wouldn’t have done that hike,”  unless of course, you injure yourself or something of the sort.  The hike was spectacular, incredible clear blue views of miles and miles of mountains, and as a bonus, the kids were tired and more calm for our car ride.  Now that’s a win for everyone!

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