Arbor House News and Views

Hard to believe it is November and the leaves are now falling on the ground waiting to go in the mulch pile.  My goal this year is to grind them all up to  use in the flower beds.  The flower beds still have blooms since we have not had a frost to kill off the plants.  Hard to believe that the same plants have produced flowers most of the summer into the fall.  This past weekend I bet I cut my last flowers to bring in the house.  It will not make me sad to put the garden to bed for the winter. I will try to wait until  the warm spring  weather to get out there again . Each year I rush it and end up spending hours and hours working in the flower beds.  It was worth all that work this year with all the beautiful plants and flowers.  Hopefully I can dust off my paints this winter in the studio and work on some paintings either in WC or oils.  Running a B&B is never boring so I am sure I will have plenty to keep me busy.

Carolyn and Sisters,
Me and my best friend came to celebrate my graduation from grad school. I had no idea this girls weekend would be so fantastic. Your beautiful B&B set the stage for a spectuacular weekend. This is an amazing house. Absolutely, positively lovely. Your hospitality has been a true labor of love. I, we felt so cared for! The breakfasts have been great. Thank you for such a wonderful stay. We will be back soon.

NC

Just took a walk around the lake and enjoyed the fall leaves. We are at peak this week and now the rains will start making them fall early.  I would have enjoyed having them around another week or so. Can't complain about the rain we needed it so much, has been a dry summer and fall. 

Lovely house, lovely gardens, lovely people, lovely peace.
This should be on the "must stay" list of NC B&B's. COngratulations on creating a restful place of beauty. It is inspiring. Thank you.
Charlottesville VA

We are enjoying cool nights and warm sunny days. The color on the leaves seem to be popping out more each day. Last night there was a slight rain and it made the leaves look even prettier today with the dark bark.
This past week it was cool enough in the mornings to have a small wood fire in the fireplace . Will look forward to more cooler weather and good hiking weather.
See you soon.

A wonderful relaxing and nurturing retreat! A beautiful home at the most amazing place on earth. Carolyn and Dave are masters at their craft and we are so grateful to have experienced in their joy.
We hope to be back soon.
Orlando, Fl

Carolyn and Dave,
Thank you so much for a nice relaxing B&B. The food and service were "outstanding"! We loved everything . The view was remarkable, we so needed a vacation. It was time to slow down before our busy season starts. Every thing was perfect. The Lookout Room was awesome. We had a hard time picking which room to stay in.
Texas

We enjoyed our 3 nites here so much.   The view, setting, food and accomodations were just lovely. You did a great job on the decorations. Feels just like "home". Thanks for a lovely time.

South Carolina

Roses are red
The mountains are black
Arbor House Inn-
Is leader of the pack!



A most excellent stay.
Kansas

Carolyn and Dave,
Thank you so much for making our stay a memorable one.  You both are very pleasant, making us feel at home. The breakfasts each day were scrumptuos. We fell in love with the Lookout room and are already planning another visit. Walking around the Lake, sitting on the balcony and just waking up to the awesome view was so relaxing. It doesn't get any better than this! Take care, I'm sure we will see you again in the near future.

Pittsboro , NC

The weather couldn't be nice , cool temps and sunny to go for a walk around the lake. It's an easy .55 of a mile loop around the lake and you can get to it by just walking down my garden path . The leaves are just starting to show some color and looks like a pretty fall with good color heading our way.  Up on the parkway near Craggy Garden the color is starting to turn and we can watch the progression of the color wave marching down the mountain range as the fall progresses.
Come take a stroll around the lake and walk into town to enjoy all the shops and great places to eat.

Looks like we are heading for some frosty mornings. This morning we were in the high 30s so no damage to the potted plants and fall blooming flowers.  In the paper this morning  was an article that told about 3 feet of snow at Mt. Le Cont  in TN  last night.  I have hike up there in the spring and stayed in the overnight cabins.  Glad we haven't planned a fall hike there.

The kitchen smells of cooking walnut rasin  pumpkin muffins , apples , bacon and coffee brought down the guests early for breakfast this morning. All we needed was the wood burning fire in the dining room and it would have felt like a holiday. 

Come join us for a big country  breakfast  and then a walk around the lake or into town to work it off.

What a great sanctuary for a mountain retreat- rejuvenation of the soul! We so enjoyed just soaking in the beauty of the view, the walks around the lake and the hospitality of Dave and Carolyn.
Special memories we will cherish for months and years to come...

Florida

Dear  Carolyn and Dave,

Thank you for a lovely stay. We tremendously enjoyed your picturesque setting- a jewel on the lake and your beautifully tended gardens. We admired your artistic taste and touch with which you furnished the extremely comfortable rooms. And breakfast was delicious - a real treat.
Our only requet is that we did not discover you sooner! But we will be back in May for WWC graduation and we will look forward to sharing this wonderful place with family.
All good wishes-
MA

Carolyn and Dave,

   You 've thought of everything to make this an amazing stay. This was only to be a long pause in our trip back home but instead became a high point of our vacation. Fabulous b'fast with a grand hike to wear if off. Will be emailing you both for the recipe for the apples and details of your Oregon trip.
Thanks.
WI.

It has been a long time coming but the wonderful fall breeze and crisp mornings are finally here. We bought the first load of firewood for the fire place in the dining room .  Our guest like to wake up to the smell of a real wood fire and hear the crackling sounds as they come in for breakfast.
My garden is going to seed and the little birds are loving it.  We were lucky to see some of the fall warblers coming through and yesterday saw a couple of rose breasted grosbeaks in our pecan tree.
Soon the trees will start putting on the fall show with the colored leaves and it is going to be a good one this year from everything we have heard.
Come join us for the sights and delights of fall in WNC.

Just got back from a hike on the Mountain to Sea trail up on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  The leaves are showing a little hint of color and the sky is Carolina Blue.  We are all enjoying the cool fall temps in the mornings and then a warm up in the afternoons. This past Sunday I went on a seven mile hike up on the trails in Montreat (very close to Black Mountain) and enjoy  hiking some on the old toll road leading up to MT. Mitchell.  It is so nice living here in the mountains with all the hiking trails and path available to the public to enjoy.

Come enjoy the 10 days of country fair fun. The fair opens today and runs through Sept. 19th.  Lots of rides, games and food. A weeklong local music stage opens 4:30 daily and is free with the fair admission.
Enjoy  plenty of mountain music including a competition for best old-time and bluegrass bands. Winners of those contest get to open for newgrass star John Cowan on the fair's closing day Sept. 19th.
The center piece is a big chairlift which covers the fairgrounds with spectuacular vews.
Visit http://www.mountainfair.org/.   for more information.

 Never a shortage of new things to do in the mountains.  The movie Dirty Dancing was filmed at Lake Lure back in the 80's.  Now on Sept. 17-18th there will be a lakeside film screening at 7PM. A family dance festival will be from 9 am - 4 pm on the 18th at Morse Park Meadows, followed by "time of Your Life" Gala at 6 PM at Firefly Cove .

Dear Carolyn and Dave,
 We've had a wonderful time in this area. We have been asked many times on our trip to North Carolina
"why choose here to visit?" It's not the usual destination for us 'Brits' to choose , but we've found so many great places to visit, the weather has been superb and our stay here at Arbor House is out of the world. Whether we will fit into the seat of the plane home is another question after the delicious food you have served us! Many thanks to your both, continue with all your great talents Carolyn.

England

Carolyn and Dave.
Thank you so much for your hospitality We LOVED the room. Amazing balcony view, great setup, bath .etc.  Thanks also for coordinating the flowers and champaine, and the orange snapdragons . Thanks for letting our friends check us in and set up our room for us.  We had a wonderful midnight dinner on the balcony with our boxed food from our wedding reception - very romantic.  A wonderful place to begin our honeymoon and our marriage together.  We will definitely be back and will recommend you to other.

NC couple

Good news in the Asheville paper this morning.  According to the front page article the leaves are
"Thanks to highter temperature and less than average rainfall  Mathews said that this fall should put on a better show  :Because of the hear and especially the drier spring and summer seasons, colors should be a better and richer this year.  Peak still uncertain, peak color changes depend on the first frost date of the year Mathers explainded, "If frost  comes later than usual because of the higher temps so will the peak color season.

Yeah,  come see us and check out the colors.

Dear Carolyn and Dave,

What a treat your B&B is! Makes me want to go build the Craftsman style bungalow my husband and I are planning.  Your hospitality was a lovey respite for my friend and I.  We took delight in your gorgeous gardens and the lake views. You sited your home beatuifully! But most of all, we enjoyed your gracious warm hospitality and interesting conversation. Carolyn- I especially appreciate your info on Roads Scholar, and the understanding of the the artistic soul. You might very well have opened new vistas for my photgraphy. Thank you!!!
Warmest wishes,

Guest from NC

I  know it is a stretch to think we have a yacht club up the mountain in the small Lake Tomahawk but it is true.  Today the men were out racing their small remote control sail boats out on the lake.  It you go up to our Lookout balcony and squent your eyes you can almost think you are up in the Alps looking down at large sail boats out on a lake.  See it doesn't take much to entertain us here in Black Mountain.  Come relax with us!

I spend several hours a day out in the gardens and it shows.  All our guests love sitting up on the deck looking out over the flowers and plants . It make me feel like all my time spent is worth while when I  see the guests going along the garden paths trying to name all the different plants, flowers, butterflies and birds. It is a labor of love. Each day I cut flowers to put on the tables and in vases around the house. It is nice bringing the outside in so all can enjoy the flowers.


Carolyn and Dave ,

Thank you for the comfy place to land and relax. I loved hanging out in garden in the evening amongst your beautiful flowers.  The breakfast was yummy.

Carolyn and Dave,

Once again a fabulous stay at our home away from home.  Your graceousness never ceases and the comforts here really make us feel at home.
P.S.
The gardens are beautiful.

It's a good thing there  is an outdoor pool nearby at Lake Tomahawk for people to cool off today.  It's sad that today is the starting of Bele Chere in Asheville and it is going to be a record hot day. The crowds will still flock in for the weekend and enjoy all the shows and street vendors. 

Black Mountain is getting ready for their fall festival , Sourwood Festival, the second week of August. The town sponsors a talent show, art and crafts booths downtown and food vendors. 
The name of the festival , Sourwood , comes from the native tree and is a good source for the bees to make Sourwood honey  A beekeeper comes to the fair with a working hive of bees and sells the sourwood honey he has collected for the year.  It is a very good light sweet honey that goes great with hot biscuits.

Dear Carolyn and Dave,
Your B&B is lovely and your hospitality is genuine. Though we only were able to stay one night, we are rested and refreshed. God bless you and your family.  P.S. Happy hiking and golfing. It's a beautiful area!

Virginia  Couple

Carolyn and Dave,
We could not have had a better time. We enjoyed our suite, your town and the surrounding area.
Thanks for all your great recommendations and your southern hospitality.

Ohio couple.

This is a picture of the plane crash I wrote about in the blog today.

The Swannanoa Valley Museum is sponsoring hikes this year that will cover all the ridges around the valley of Black Mountain.  This past Saturday we did a five plus mile hike up on the Balsam Ridge. The group of 35 started out at 8:30 drove up the Blueridge Parkway to Steppes Gap and started our hike. We had to hike up a mile on a road before we started on the trail that took us to the Mountain to Sea trail. Lots of down this trip and not so hard as the last month .  We visited a old plane crash site and saw the remains of the plane.  Crashed back in 1930's and was a small engine plane.  The summer weeds are doing well even without rain and we had to do some off trail hiking to get to some of the out of the way sites which was difficult.  It's was a fun day and we got back home around 4:30. 
The museum offers several hikes led by guides who will not get you lost in the woods.  Come join in the fun and see the mountains from a different point of view.

Dear Carolyn and Dave,
What an idyllic place for respite you have! We enjoyed every single minute in your woodland hideaway. The setting and gardens are superb. The inn-luxurious and so homey.
Your hospitality, good cooking and warmth were so welcomed. We can't wait to come back to enjoy the comfy bed and wonderful shower. Wish we could have stayed longer.
Thank you so much. 

 Happy guests!

Carolyn and Dave,

Thank you so much for everything! It was our first time visiting this area and your B&B was the perfect place to stay. Breakfast was delicious and the room was so comfortable. It is too bad we were only able to stay one night. We hope to come back again sometime soon. Thanks again.

 New York

It has been wonderful to come here from the bustle and heat of D.C aand spend some quiet time watching the light on the water and the clouds in the sky. Thank you for being such gracious and helpful innkeepers ( not to mention good cooks and exceptional gardeners) and for providing us with a place to recharge our batteries.

Washington , DC

Carolyn and Dave,

An absolute delightful 3 days  at the Arbor House in "Lookout"! We truly appreciate the many little touches that made our stay so special. From the front entrance to the back gate and all the 'in betweens" you have thoughtfully planned your B&B dream to be a joy filled experience for all who enter your home.
Thank You.
Sincerely from the heart.

 A Happy Couple from Florida

The gardens at Arbor House are very dry right now but some of the drought type plants are doing ok.
The Black Eyed Susans are in full bloom and the birds are loving all the seeds from the other seed heads in the garden.  I try not to dead head too quickly because the birds want the seeds.
Hope the rains promised for this weekend give us a little moisture.

Dear Carolyn and Dave,

Thank you for your hospitality. We enjoyed the peace and quiet. We apprieciate the extras, the video library , all the books and magazines and the wonderful art. Thank you for the great breakfast.
This was a nice way to spend our 34th anniversary.

Guest from North Carolina

Dear Carolyn and Dave
I couldn't think of a better way to spend our anniversary than here! we have truly enjoyed our stay here and cannot wait to come back. You two have made this trip so enjoyable for us. We cannot than you enough!

Guest from North Carolina

The weather has co operated and given us a cooler weekend to enjoy sitting out and watching the Black Mountain fireworks on the 4th.  Last night we enjoyed sitting out on the park lawn to listen to a free concert. The Black Mountain Parks presents on Thursday nights during the month of July and part of August concerts by different musical groups.  The band that played last night did lots of motown and had many people up dancing to the music.

There is still time to come join us on Thursday nights and enjoy the music.  We provide the lawn chairs and there is a  local diner   present each week to serve a light dinner for a small cost.

A true blue flower is hard to beat.  The gardens are still pretty but could use a little rain. Our guests have enjoyed sitting outside on the deck for breakfast this week.
The view of the lake looking up to the Blue Ridge Mountains couldn't have been prettier this morning.
 We serve breakfast between the hours of 8 and 10 am so if people want a little extra vacation sleep in we are happy to work with their schedule.
This morning we started with a fresh strawberry , yogurt and granola parfeit  followed by fresh peach
and granola pancakes and smoked sausage.  A selection of juices, coffees and teas are always available for breakfast.

Want to try some white water rafting , canoe down a river, climb a moutain or view some water falls?
Arbor House B&B is the place to stay to enjoy these day trips and then return home to a peaceful setting

on the deck watching the sun set over the mountains.  Don't want to watch the sun set well then dance the night away or listen to music at the local music pubs and a great local brewery with some of the best brews to be found. Asheville beat out Portland, Oregon as the national brew city for the US.  That means you can try out lots of different types of beer made here in the moutains on Western North Carolina.

Looking for a fun thing to do for the 4th of July.  The town of Black Mountain offers a great fireworks celebration on the 4th with street dancing to follow. In the afternoon there is a small parade and lots of shops to browse.  Just up the street to Montreat you can enjoy the day with games and activities and a real square dance shin dig  that is so big the dance has been moved out to the tennis courts and beyond.

The musuem offers a program that lets you hike up a mountain for hot dogs then hike down to a viewing site on the mountain to watch the fireworks going off all down the valley and then see the Black Mountain fireworks from a birds eye view.  The hike ends with a night hike down the mountain around 11 pm.  I've done this twice and it is a great way to spend the evening.  Last year there were 40 people at least hiking down the mountain carrying lights and it was neat to be back towards the end watching the lights snaking down the curvy path.

Thursday nights around Lake Tomahawk are getting to be a lot more fun.  The parks department summer concerts have started and last Thursday night's entertainment was wonderful.  Kit Williams and her band did an outstanding night of song and music . The weather was great to sit out on the lawn listening and eating a picnic style dinner provided by a local BBQ place.
For the next 7 weeks the concerts will run from 6 -9 PM and the music will vary each week.
We supply the lawn chairs for our guest so come on out to enjoy a fee evening.

On top of Old Smoky , well almost. But we did go to the top of Pinnacle, the highest mountain on the Blue Ridge Mountain Range.  Saturday 25 brave hikers were dropped off past the Mt. Mitchell State Park entrance and hiked 6 hours down to the bottom of the ridges to Montreat.  The hike took us to the top of Pinnacle ( 5,665)  to Rocky Knob ( 5,240 ) down the ridge and back up to Greybeard ( 5,408)
down to Walkers Knob and then on to Greybeard Falls and Pot's Cove before ending back down at Montreat (3,000)  . 

Come check out the mountains and the rooms named after them.

The garden couldn't look prettier. Most of the spring flowers are in bloom and I am starting to set out annuals now the frost free day is clear.  The roses have everyone on the lake path sniffing the air to figure out where that wonderful scent is coming from. 
During the hot summer months it is delightful to sit out under the shade and relax with a good book or a glass of wine .

To all you moms out there Happy Mother's Day. I was treated to flowers, cards and a long hike  today on the Mountain to Sea trail with a nice dinner promised at the end of the hike. Yesterday was spent partly working in the garden getting it ready for all the summer guests. The daisies are trying to take over the garden so I pull them up and put a sign for Free Dasies down by the garden gate and everyone who walks on the lake path can help themselves.
There was rumors of snow up on top of the mountains and judging by the temps of 34 degrees here this morning I wouldn't doubt it could be true.  I feel sorry for the hikers on the AT who are probably wishing for some warmer weather about now. This will be a beautiful June to be on the trail with all the native rhododendron that will be in bloom .  It is a short ride up the Blue Ridge Parkway to go to Craggy Gardens to catch the rhododendron show locally.  If  you haven't seen them it is worth the drive.

Come check them out for yourself.

We live in one of the prettiest places in the world and so happy to wake up and look around to realize how lucky we are.  One of the best things to do is take a camera and just point and shoot and you can get a wonderful picture with out really trying.
Some people actually make a living here taking great pictures. One such person in Black Mountain is Joye Ardyn Durham and she owns the Ginko Tree Gallery in town.  You can see her work at www:artistwithcamera.com. 
If you are looking for a place to come photograph and want to join in a group , Joye is offering some classes. The hike-n-shoots will be photography instruction on an individual basis.  The groups will be small so Joye can show you things of interest. If you have questions about our camera or want to know more about composition this would be a great opportunity to learn and have  on the spot training.

So grab your camera case, put on your hiking boots and come on to Western North Carolina to see what we are all so excited about.

Looking back on that snowy winter I am now saying thank you for all the moisture that produced such wonderful flowers in the garden this spring.  It doesn't get any better than this.  The flower beds in the gardens are busting with colors and more are on the way.
This May and June the wild rododendron should be breath taking up on the Blueridge Parkway up at Craggy Gardens and up on Roan Mountain.
Yesterday we hiked a path on the Parkway up by Tanbark Tunnel up to Rattlesnake Lodge.  The lodge now is the remains of a family estate built back in the early 1900's.  There was a lodge, swimming pool, tennis court , spring house and more.   The mother would take the children and guests up for the summer and not come down until fall.

 When you come to visit I have lots of hikes like this to recommend for outtings.

Spring is here, the trees are in bloom and the pollen is flying.  It is nice to look out and see a green lawn and pretty flowers in the garden. We enjoyed a nice Easter Sunday with family and serving our guests.

WHAT OUR GUESTS ARE SAYING

April 2, 2010
Being enveloped in the quiet, surrounded by the mountains and the lake was fantastic. We loved being on the deck, daylight and star light were fully enjoyed. Can't think of a B&B more combortably designed. Home made cookies were appreciated and to our surprise the Easter Bunny found us!
He left goodies outside our room door. Orginal paintings and artwork add much to the lovely setting.
Thank you for a wonderful visit.
Tenn


April 6, 2010
Dave and Carolyn We came here to relax and this could not have been a more perfect setting. Everything was just wonderful. the two of you are a delight. In short, great hospitality, a great enviroment, and a great time! See you again soon.

South Carolina

Sunshine and cool temps made for a wonderful hiking day yesterday.  I joined the Swannanoa Valley Museum group of 38 people to hike a portion of the mountains that circle the Black Mountain valley.  The museum will host one hike on the third Saturday each month to hike all the mountain ridges that surround our town.  We started out at 9 AM after carpooling to the site and finished up around 3 PM.  We enjoyed a sack lunch up on the highest peak and then spent the rest of the afternoon working out way to Highway 9.  Can't wait until the next hike.  Wonderful hikes in this area and very easy to get to from our B&B.

The flowers are popping up everywhere and the Biltmore Estates flower beds are now open. The Biltmore web site has a blooming schedule to tell what flowers are in bloom and what's to come. It's worth the trip to see the blast of color.

WHAT OUR GUESTS ARE SAYING.

The past three days at Arbor House have been a very special first reunion for our family since mother died last July  We are planning to do this type thing at least once a year. Your delicious breakfasts, luxury accomodations and warm hospitality meant so much! We would love to come back. Maybe same time next year!
South Carolina

Dear Carolyn and Dave,
Our stay at the Arbor House has been wonderful and you are inkeepers "extra ordinaire" - Everything has been lovely. Our breakfast each morning was delicious and it was such fun to linger around the table in good conversation with our group and with you and Dave. We'll definitely be back to stay at the Arbor House and we'll tell all our friends.
South Carolina

Sore muscles this morning attest to the fact that spring can't be far away because yesterday was a garden clean up day.  It's work now but this spring , summer and fall the gardens are so pretty and provide such enjoyment to all the guest. The spring bulbs are showing lots of green and soon we will have flowers where the bare spots are now.

The gold finches are starting to turn a lighter yellow and we have spotted a few yellow rump warblers in the tree by the deck. The blue birds are cleaning out the houses and the Carolina wrens are starting to sing. Yesterday I saw a male and female towhee under the bird feeders gathering up any seeds that fell.
Duck activity is picking up and the male and female wood ducks are flying up to the bare branches to check out the duck houses. It is going to be a stand off  between the owl and the duck to see who claims the duck house by my art studio.The owl has lived in the house all winter and may not want to give it up.

We are going to check out the Black Mountain golf course on Thursday to see if I can remember how to hit a golf ball.  The 17th hole is not my favorite. It is a par 6 , 745 yards for the guys and of course I get a break on the ladies tee but still I get my iron practice on that hole just getting to the green which to make things worse is on a hill side slope with water down the left side.  Who invited this silly game of golf  any way trying to put that tiny little white ball in a small hole in only 3, 4  or 5 strokes. At least when I garden I see some results.
The Black Mountain course is open to the public so bring your golf clubs when you come and give it a try.  I find my feet feel better in hiking boots and that is something I can talk about.

The saying "in like a lion out like a lamb" will hopefully be true for this March.  We woke up to a white covering on the trees and lawn this morning. Yesterday we had a nice day to take a walk up on the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the ice flows on the rocks and get the views of the mountains without all the leaves blocking everything.  The road was closed eight miles up from the Folk Arts Center so we could just park our car and join other hikers and bikers taking a hike without cars on the road. It's a special treat the locals enjoy during the winter.  You will see cross country skiers , hikers and some brave bikers enjoying the peaceful stroll and ride on the ridges.
The picture of the little snowman someone build on the bridge railing says it all. We've had it with snow this year and throwing up our hands. Enough already!

Three runners for the MT. Mitchell Challenge took off this morning for the run up to Mt. Mitchell.
We got up and made a hearty breakfast for them at 6 am and then took them to the start line in down town Black Mountain for the 7 am start. It is a very steep trail run starting at 2,400 going up to 6,654 and then back down.  The marathon runners turn three fourths of the way  up  and do a regular 26 mile run but the ones who run up to Mitchell will do the 48 mile plus run. Starting off  with a temp at 27 degrees and going up it will be about 6 degrees when they reach the top. The mountain tops are beautiful this morning , stark white with a morning sunrise shining on them and clear skys.  Last year it rained for 5 hours so the race was lucky today with just a slight breeze.
Looks like about 300 runners today with the average age in the 40's. The last lap of the race ends here at Lake Tomahawk so we get to watch all the runners come in for the victory lap to the finish line. My hat is off to them. I can hike with you all day but no thanks to running.
We had a full house last night so the other guests are still tucked away in their cozy beds and will sit by the wood burning fire to enjoy their breakfast.
Come join the fun next year , contact the Black Mountain Chamber of Commerce to find out about the entry for the race.  It is limited so first come get to race. 

The snow is melting and people are out enjoying the stroll around the lake path. Our guests this weekend had fun hiking on the Mountain to Sea trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway.  There was a little snow left on the path in the shadows but most of the trail was clear.  Hiking this time of the year is great because you can see long distances without the leaves on the trees and the underbrush.
We have 12 good hiking paths within 15 minutes of the B&B. Many guests will use the B&B as home base and go on day trips to the popular vacation sites like Chimney Rock, DuPont Forrest water fall hikes , Grandfather Mountain, the Biltmore Home , winery and gardens and up on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
I have books and maps of most of the trails and can help the guests decide which trail is suited for their time and skill in hiking.
Now is the time to start thinking about when the wild flowers are at their peak and the rhododendrons and mountain laurel are the prettiest.  Since we have had so much rain this winter the dog wood is suppose to be really pretty this year.
As you can tell I am looking forward to spring.  Bring your hiking boots and come join us.

WHAT OUR GUESTS ARE SAYING
We are coming back in May for our anniversary! Save the Lookout room for us for two nights.
Winston Salem

Next May we want the whole house , all four rooms for the weekend. We love it here. Breakfast was great.
Atlanta