Scenes from the Blue Ridge Mountains

Back from the mountains - it was wonderful, weather perfect, nothing like cool, clear mountain air to make one happy to be alive. Asheville, North Carolina........................small city set like a jewel in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Sitting on the Sunset Terrace of the famed Grove Park Inn, we enjoyed lunch just as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda did in the 1930's. This was the view from our table across the town toward the mountains.

Driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway we made several stops to view beautiful waterfalls such as this.

On the drive from Waynesville to Chimney Rock we passed through Lake Lure. If you watched HGTV Dream Home 2006, you will remember the house was here above the lake enjoying the perfect view. The movie "Dirty Dancing" with Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Gray was filmed here.
Went to the top of Chimney Rock, 2200 feet up - but luckily didn't have to scale the mountainside, there is an elevator which takes you through the mountain almost to the top! Just have to walk across a small bridge and up 44 steps to reach the top for the view of Lake Lure and the surrounding mountain vistas.
These mountain trails were the site used for filming "The Last of the Mohicans" starring Daniel Day-Lewis.

Rushing creeks, masses of native Rhodedendrons covering the banks, budding but not yet in bloom.


How cute is this? Made fast a U-Turn to take this picture. Such a dear horse, stood there for the longest time "advertising" the stables - hope he gets special treats for being so patient!

Thanks everyone who wished me a good trip - as always I had fun but am happy to be home again. The cottage needs Spring cleaning - carpet cleaning tomorrow - and planning to get back into the garden.

For those of you who shared your love of Celtic/World music with me, I must tell you that Loreena's concert in Asheville on Thursday night was just fantastic. This composer/singer/musician is an amazing performer - her accompanying musicians wonderful - and it really was a night I shall always remember.

Asheville/The Blue Ridge/Music

Tomorrow I'm headed to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains for a few days. Base will be Asheville, that lovely town full of artists, galleries, craft shops, great vegetarian restaurants, the amazing Grove Park Inn, and America's largest private home, the stupendous and elegant Biltmore House and Estate. Have toured the Biltmore House many times and in all seasons. Last time was Christmas of 2005 and it was, as always, an amazing feat of holiday decorating like no other one can view anywhere.

Now, in Springtime, the gardens are my favorite part of the estate - along with the winery (with free tasting rooms - and they make some great wines) which was constructed from the former original dairy buildings.
Thursday evening I will be attending a concert in Asheville to see and hear the wonderful Canadian Celtic/World music of singer and composer Loreena McKennitt . I'm smitten with her music and her band - fabulous musicians playing a myriad of ancient instruments from around the world, such as the hurdy gurdy. Loreena is not only a beautiful singer, but a world traveler, who brings a true sense of place to her compositions and the way they are performed.

Will be back soon and hopefully have some good pics from

the mountains to share with you all.