OAnn
By Hilda Ann Hellwig, Travel Writer
Always Loving The
MOUNTAINS OF
NORTH CAROLINA
Original
Originally, from New York, we love the sights and smells
of Fall. Livin
to themount
Living 35 years in Florida, our getaway every year is
to the mountains of North Carolina. The colors of the trees, vibrant
yellows, orange and reds, is so spectacular! The smell of
the crisp air, the falling leaves
and the sounds of waterfalls
take your breath away.
This year we stayed at
Schwab’s Bear Den. A wonderful
getaway place. An adorable,
bear decorated home in the
Smoky Mountains, in a town
called Waynesville. This lovely
getaway home sits right on the
edge of the Chattahoochee National
Forest. After going up a
steep driveway, the view from
the wooden porch is awesome!
Sitting on the rocking chairs in
the early morning, sipping coffee,
and wrapped in blankets,
we watch the sun come up
and the golden glow it shows
on the mountain top. Sunset is
also a wonderful relaxing time.
There are 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms,
kitchen, dining room
and of course a living room.
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the cool and cold evenings.
Schwab’s Bear Den is secluded
but close to everything.
You have the Great
Smokey Mountains National
Park to explore, Cataloochee
Ski Area, Bryson
City, Cherokee, Maggie
Valley, Ashville and
many more North Carolina
towns. There are
waterfalls to explore, the
trails of the Great Smoky
Mountains, horseback
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and craft shows galore in
the fall. There is so much
to do and see in North
Carolina.
We went to the Cataloochee
Ski Area to play
in SNOW! Should you wish
to go skiing or snowboarding,
the mountain summit elevation
is 5,400’. It is 740 vertical
feet, has 18 slopes, 3 chairlifts
and 2 conveyor lifts, it also
has a lighted terrain park. Inside
feels like your typical ski
lodge. You can bring your ski
gear or rent on the premises.
Or, if you are like me, just play
in the snow! It is a lovely ski
area and the staff is so helpful
and kind.
We also visited Cherokee,
it was the end of November,
and it was beautifully decorated
for Christmas already.
As we walked down Acquoni
Road, lined with shops of Indian
souvenirs, and the welcome
center, the wind was
blowing so hard the leaves on
the trees were falling like crazy.
It was so pretty to see all
the leaves twirling and tumbling
down.
In Maggie Valley we
stopped by the Elevated
Mountain Distilling Company
located at 3732 Soco Road.
A quaint, family owned distillery
that gives you the history
of ultra-premium artisan
whiskeys and spirits. You will
be charged $5.00/person which
will give you the tour, complimentary
tastings and you can
pick a souvenir glass on the way
out. A very nice place to stop
and explore.
If you want to go out for
Pizza, there is a very lovely
place to eat called the Rendezvous
Restaurant located at 70
Soco Road in Maggie Valley.
The price is great, food is awesome
and the staff is wonderful.
This is a must stop especially at
Christmas, the whole restaurant is decorated with different
themed Christmas Trees throughout. Absolutely beautiful.
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8 • FEB/MAR 2019 813.682.9364 FLORIDA WOMEN MAGAZINE