Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina

Grandfather Mountain is recognized by the U.N. as an International Biosphere Reserve. Finally the U.N. can recognize something. As for me I find it to be a gem among gems. A nature museum to gain a little knowledge is our first stop where we can also see bears, deer, otters, and the majestic Golden and Bald Eagles. Not to mention a friendly Chipmunk or two. From there you can hike or drive the famous Forrest Gump (yes it was a location for the movie and Tom Hanks was here) road to the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The bridge itself is the highest swinging bridge in America. The view that surrounds you is amazing. Not to be outdone the Grandfather Trail/Crest Trails (not for those looking for a leisurely stroll) takes you to new heights that will take your breath away. MaCrae Peak is some 5939 ft. up and to get there you must endure the sometimes rocky trail that will lead you to a series of ladders that climb skyward up the rock face. There is an alternative to those ladders in the form of the Underwood Trail which might take most of the thrill out of the climb but as always I hike, and climb ladders so you don't have to. Once you reach the peak the view will be worth the adventure getting there. Enjoy that view and part of the climb on the video above.
 

Find out more:
www.grandfather.com

Back to the Mountains

Western, North Carolina is just up the block and around the corner from me. After years of enjoying my sea legs in Florida I found myself back in a more friendly climate. Central North Carolina gives me the buffer zone required to fend off the tropical delights we call hurricanes. The hurricane summer of 2004 is a distant memory now and my feet are firmly planted on the ground. Time to get those mountain legs back after all those years living in the flatlands. Where better to start than Western North Carolina.

Boone, North Carolina
Blowing Rock, North Carolina

An hour and a half west I found Boone, North Carolina home to Appalachian State University, and the Daniel Boone Inn. I'd tell you to enjoy the family style food at the Daniel Boone Inn restaurant but we seemed to arrive a biscuit too late as they closed a half hour early on a slow Thursday night. I enjoyed a nice salad instead at Ruby Tuesday's. They say the hair I found in my salad was a good source of protein but I'm not buying that.

A little farther south you will find a perfect roadside attraction called Mystery Hill and if the the hair in the salad won't leave you a little queasy then the main attraction at Mystery Hill will. I think I still lean when I walk after leaving there.

Then there is Blowing Rock, North Carolina which is a quaint little town with interesting shops and restaurants. A place to get out of the car and take a stroll. That is unless you have a wife who knows there is still room on the credit card for a shopping adventure. If that is the case take her to Blowing Rock itself which is some 4000 feet above sea level. A place where mysterious winds cause snow to fall upside down. I'll let you know if that is true when I attempt to ski later this winter.

The final stop is The Blue Ridge Parkway and trust me even if you only take a short drive on this 470 mile road you will thank me for it. You'll find plenty of lakes, overlooks, and hikes along the way.

www.visitboonenc.com

www.theblowingrock.com

www.blowingrock.com

http://www.nps.gov/blri