Sunset picture

Posted by Arbor House NC Wednesday, July 27, 2011

We are enjoying  views like this from the deck overlooking the lake and up to the mountains. Some nights we get lucky and get these views especially after a rain . The clouds capture the colors and put on a show. I have to run get my camera and hope I catch the light just right. The mountain peak in the picture is Craggy Gardens up on the Blue Ridge Parkway not to far from Mt. Michelle.

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Hot summer days

Posted by Arbor House NC Saturday, July 23, 2011

It is amazing the garden is still blooming and looking good. We have had a hot week, not to complain since we are cooler than many places in the US.   This morning I went out and picked a beautiful bunch of flowers in the fog and they will be pretty in the house for almost a week.  I try to pick them before the sun gets to them and draws out all the moisture.
One of our guest is going to do a 65 mile bike ride tomorrow for about 8 hours.  It is part mountain trail and road. There must be 500 bikers in town getting ready for the ride tomorrow that starts down in Old Fort.  I have hiked the mountain trail they will be riding and no way would I get on a bike for that trail up or down.  More power to them!  Give me a flat rails to trails bike path anyday and I can ride forever. Forget these mountain hills and rough trails.

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Green eggs and ham

Posted by Arbor House NC Wednesday, July 20, 2011

I will do things to help guests if they are on special diets or have special food needs.  This morning I went to the garden and gathered some basil to add to my eggs dish for a guest.  I boild eggs for him and then put slices of ham in the broiled topped with swiss cheese. When it had melted I rolled up the ham and cheese and topped it with the sliced boiled eggs that I had heated in melted butter and basil. This was all topped with a rich butter lemon sauce.  As you can guess he was on a no /low card diet.
He said it was the best breakfast he had EVER eaten in his life.  Well done!!!!!

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Summer days

Posted by Arbor House NC Monday, July 18, 2011

I love the color that annuals bring to the garden.  They tend to be a little needy always wanting water and deadheading but the beauty of the flowers makes it all worth while.  We enjoyed the cooler weather this past week and know that we will be heading to some higher temps next week.  It's easy to find cool temps by going up the mountains near MT. Mitchell.  When I walk the path around the lake I can hear the children enjoying the cool water at the swimming pool.  It has gotten lots of use this summer.

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Lazy Sunday afternoon

Posted by Arbor House NC Sunday, July 17, 2011

Blueberry picking time and the bushes are loaded in my neighbors garden.  I trade him blueberry pancakes and French toast for breakfast for the berries.  We are still enjoying all the good NC peaches in season and all the fresh melons.  Breakfast is very colorful and healthy around here.

What our guests are saying,
" Thank you so much for such a lovely weekend! Next time we visit , our baby girl will be born! Your home in wonderful and your hospitality incredible. Thank you."
NC

" What a great place for a sister retreat! Deb and I had a wonderful time in your lovely home. We will be back another time with our husbands. Thank you for your hospitality"
TN and SC

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Busy July

Posted by Arbor House NC Saturday, July 16, 2011

We have been enjoying some cooler temps the past couple days but I have a feeling it is going to warm up again this next week.  Today the rim hike for the museum had to be cancelled due to fog and slippery conditions  on steep rocks.  I hiked the hike last year but felt sorry for all the hikers looking forward to the day hike today.  We will reschedule it for another Saturday.  The B&B is staying full for the month of July with just a couple of days with only a room or two to rent .  July and Oct. are our peak months and we enjoy all the guests here  now to enjoy the gardens in full bloom.

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Five stars

Posted by Arbor House NC Friday, July 15, 2011

***** Five Stars, Thanks for our first adventure at a B&B. We hope to be back to see you again someday.

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What our guests are saying

Posted by Arbor House NC Tuesday, July 12, 2011

"Our second visit to Arbor House was every bit as delightful as our first. The mountains in July were a surprise- so much cooler and enjoyable than what I had expected. You are wonderful hosts  and this is still our #1 favorite B&B. Thank you for providing such a restful and peaceful place to escape the busyiness of life in such a beautiful setting. "
From Alabama guests

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Come sit awhile

Posted by Arbor House NC Monday, July 11, 2011

It's hot outside but sitting on the front porch in the shade and catching a breeze is very enjoyable. The potted plants have gotten a little spoiled and want a little water everyday or else they wilt.
Think I will head up to MT. Mitchelle for a hike , it's always cooler up there and the trails will be pine scented and green.  The turks caps lillies will be in bloom along the parkway , like these I have in my garden.

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What our guests are saying

Posted by Arbor House NC Friday, July 8, 2011

July 2nd,
Our second week's stay here- we hope to return every year! Thank you for your gracious home and hospitality, for accomodation our vegetarian diet with scrumptous delectable breakfasts, for the comfy bed, the artwork , spacious bathrooom, the CD and DVD player , thick bathrobes , charming decor , spectucular location, a veritable Shangri-la! Carolyn , you are a true artist and a domestic goddess, and MASTERful gardener. Many blessings to you, Carolyn and Dave!

Guests from Virginia

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Foggy morning breakfast

Posted by Arbor House NC Wednesday, July 6, 2011

This morning our guests wanted to eat out in the cool foggy mist. At 6 am the foggy was so thick that it was hard to see across the lake.  I enjoy walk around the lake and enjoy the quiet and muffled sounds that the fog carries.  Yesterday we had a rather large thunderstorm with lots of rain so the morning flowers from the garden were fresh.

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Happy Fourth of July

Posted by Arbor House NC Monday, July 4, 2011

It must be summer, it hot and humid and we need some rain.  I just took a lake around the lake and you could smell the backyard burgers and hear the laughter of people gathering for a picnic.  The town of Black Mountain is having a street dance, games and music tonight before the fireworks start  at 9:30.
It's nice to be able to walk down town to see the fireworks and not have to drive the car and find a place to park. Hope you have a safe and fun holiday.

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Happy Red White and Blue to You

Posted by Arbor House NC Sunday, July 3, 2011

Happy 4th of July weekend to you.  Hope you have a good time with family and friends and a safe journey if you are on the road.
Our little town of Black Mountain will be celebrating with a parade , street dance and fireworks tomorrow night.  For the brave there will be hike sponsored by the museum that will hike up a mountain to view the fireworks from the mountain top and hike back down with flash lights at 11 pm.  It is an annual hike and anyone can pay a small fee to join the fun for a good cause.

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Hike the Blueridge Mountains

Posted by Arbor House NC Friday, July 1, 2011

If you are into hiking and like the thrill of walking and taking in views the Blueridge Mountains calls to you.  We are so lucky to have the park in our backyard and can hop on the Blueridge Parkway within minutes.  The mountain to sea trail runs along the parkway and they are many other trails along the mile markers as you travel the parkway. We have maps that detail the trails and shows the elevations.
If you just want to drive you car up to MT. Mitchelle you can get the same views without hiking. Somehow it like just desserts, when you hike and work up a sweat to climb up the hills the end result is wonderful.

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