Escaping in 2014 -

Another year has passed sharing the beauty of our homes and area with so many families.  While Western North Carolina had its challenges in 2013 with the government shutdown and rainy weather, it didn't stop many of you who come to our Mountains annually.

The rain made our waterfalls spectacular and our plants lush.  We hike year-round; rain or sunshine.   In fact one of our favorite rainy day hikes is to Rufus Morgan Falls .  A good rain jacket and waterproof boots (or dry pair of socks and shoes in the car) are recommended.  Little springs and streams pop up all through the hike and the wildflowers are a sight to behold in late Spring and early Summer.

We've welcomed many of you back as return guests over the past several years.   It's a testimonial to us and we are thankful.  We work hard to keep our homes well maintained, updated and always comfortable.  

Franklin is such a great spot to base your activities because of its central location.  Away from the hustle and bustle of tourist locations, you can enjoy all the area has to offer and return to the quiet side of the mountains.    We recommend spending at least a week.  You'll then be able to enjoy the diversity of the area.  If you've never rafted, come and learn.   And if you've already done that, step it up a notch to the next river level of intensity.  Or instead enjoy a slow tube float on the river.   Fishing is terrific and scheduling a guided trip is the way to go.    Photographers - several of our area professionals offer workshops.  Zip lining is becoming so popular and we guarantee you'll be talking about it for many days after.  Festivals are abundant in our area, arts & crafts, pottery and music.
Just a few of our favorite Day Trips:

• Franklin to Highlands, National Geographic has featured it as one of their Drives of a Lifetime.  Travel along the Cullasaja Gorge where you'll pass three waterfalls, one of which is Dry Falls (you can walk behind the Falls and not get wet). We are just 25-30 minutes from Highlands.  Shop, eat and travel on to Cashiers and some of our favorite hiking spots.
• The Smoky Mountain National Park and the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, taking in a visit to see the Elk in Cataloochee.
• Asheville and its terrific downtown shops, art galleries and Biltmore Estates, Farm and Winery.
• Cherokee for its history, arts and Casino.
• The Blue Ridge Parkway, we get on in Balsam and take it to Asheville or to Cherokee, or one way one day and the other the next.  Summer temps are a good 5-10 degrees cooler!
• Fontana Lake, rent a boat for the day; fishing or swimming/sun bathing.
• Downtown Franklin - shop and eat, antiquing, museums, and Saturday nights "Pickin on the Square" entertainment.  Also check out concerts and entertainment at Smoky Mountain Performing Arts Center, and indoor activities for the kids at the Fun Factory.
• Keep a day free to simply relax, read a good book, gaze at the mountains and nap.

Booking a vacation rental is the best way to travel.  You'll save money by eating in.  And, you will return every evening to comfort of your a"home away from home" to put your feet up with a beverage of choice and just chill.  Quiet, peaceful and stress free.

Plan your 2014 escape now.

 

Multi-generational vacations ~

Getting back to the basics and unplugging

Many of our vacation rental guests are multi-generational families.  Grandparents, parents and their children (grand-kids).  The grandparents visited our mountains when they were young and later brought their children.  Then, those children grew up and are bringing their children.   What a great way to spend time with grandma and grandpa.  Reflecting and sharing memories from long ago.  Sharing old and finding new places.   Memories that truly last a lifetime and are passed down through the generations. 

So, unplug and get outdoors.  A great hike to a waterfall, swimming in a lake, rafting, kayaking, teaching a child to fish or canoe, or simply exploring the woods.  Whether the grandchildren are small or now teens/adults, it's never too late to do this.  Getting the mind to relax and take in things you can actually see and feel, not photos and videos someone else has posted online.

Now, I know the thought of traveling with family isn't stress free for everyone.  But the secret is separation and letting go of the need to control or plan activities for everyone.  You don't have to do everything together.  While its great to hike together as a family, go horseback riding, take a scenic drive and picnic, there are some days that a few may want to hike and others just want to sit on the porch, read and gaze at the mountains.  You might need to escape for a few hours and take a walk/hike as a couple.  The guys may want to go fishing and exploring, while the girls get in some shopping and antiquing.  Some like a good museum, and others are bored stiff.  It's okay.  At night you can come together and cook out.  Or plan breakfast together in the mornings.  Sharing what you did the day before over coffee. 

So, maybe this has you thinking about how great this could be... the next step is choosing the right spot for your multi-generational escape.  Not only do I recommend vacation rentals because we own them, but we rent homes when we travel ourselves.  They work so well for many reasons.  With the above recommendation on separation in mind, you should find a home that has enough bedrooms for each couple/child, etc.   What's important is that each couple, singles, or the kids have their own space to escape.  You can get up when you want and go to sleep when you want without waiting for the others.  You can go to bed early and read a book, because you choose to.  

The best part of a vacation rental is you can cook meals in - saves so much money!   Being cramped in a motel/hotel room with kids is a nightmare.  And, again, you are eating out every meal.  Coming back after a day of activities and cooking out or just relaxing on a deck or porch is great.  Plan to take turns cooking.  Breakfast can be easy, not a planned time, whenever each person rises.  No rush.

Discuss with your family their needs and wants, thinking logistically about sleeping arrangements.   Are your parents active, or will they just want to enjoy relaxing, simply listening to the birds, gazing at the mountains.  What activities will your children enjoy, and what things can you do together in the area you decide to visit. 

To give you an idea on how well a home can work, I'll use one of our vacation rentals, The Cottage.  It's not a huge house but it has separate spaces and sleeps 8.  The lower level is great for the kids or grown teens.  Their own TV, their own bath, their own beds.  You can be upstairs and not listening to cartoons and irritating children's programs.  Or, if your children are grown, this is a terrific spot for grandma and grandpa to escape, go to bed early, watch whatever TV programs they choose at night and at the volume they might need.  My father was hard of hearing and had the TV blaring, which was very difficult for the rest of us to sit and have a conversation when he was watching TV.  The lower level was perfect.   

We sometimes have inquiries for many more than our home can sleep.  People say, "we can sleep on the floor", the kids can "crawl in bed with us", etc.   What kind of vacation would that be?   We don't approve more people than our bedrooms sleep in our vacation rentals.  For many reasons, but one of which is, we know what works, and we know if you are going to spend money on a vacation, make sure you don't go home more stressed than when you left!


Now that both my parents have passed, I cherish those memories of travel together.  We went many places, including Hawaii and The Grand Canyon.  They loved the Western North Carolina mountains.   I don't pass a stream or lake without thinking of the times my Dad and I stood fishing. 

Life is short, so get out and spend it with those you love.  Make new memories, re-live the old ones.

 

 

 

Pam Pringle, Timber Frame Rentals

Franklin, NC

 

Link to our vacation rental homes

This blog post is about vacationing with your immediate multi-generational family.  Mom, Dad, Kids, and Grandparents.  Sometimes you can get carried away with planning and other family members want in; i.e. your other siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.  That becomes a family reunion and quite a task to pull off with finding accommodations and coordinating places that host all of you getting together in one place.  It's a difficult endeavor and becomes an event not a vacation. 

Anytime of Year is a Good Time to Visit Us

Spring in the mountains is a beautiful time of year.  Early Spring, March and April stayed busy with Spring Break families enjoying an early getaway.   Most of our visitors made it a three-generation escape with Grandma & Grandpa, Mom & Dad and the kids.  These are memories that will last a lifetime.  I hear from so many visitors who return reminiscing about how they visited years ago as kids and now want their own children to experience it.  

May and June bring my favorite, the rhododendrons, and hiking in the woods for wildflowers is a favorite among many.   For those without school aged children, May is great time to visit because all the tourist spots are less crowded.

We had a terrific Sunday drive a couple weeks ago on The Blue Ridge Parkway.  The mountain views so clear.   We took a half day Sunday drive and explored our way from Franklin to Balsam and hopped on the Parkway towards Cherokee.   Wow the breathtaking vistas!    Great time to grab a picnic and head for a day of scenery.  If you are a motorcyclist, it's a terrific time, again because of less traffic.

Both houses have also been the destination of choice for "girlfriend" retreats.  We've hosted many visitors reconnecting with friends from all over the country as well as sister get-togethers, leaving the kids with the guys or grandparents.

We're booked almost solid June & July (just a few openings available).   A busy time for all those great outdoor activities...kayaking, rafting, fishing, hiking, gem mining, enjoying the Smoky Mountain National Park, Highlands, Cashiers, Asheville, Cherokee and all the summer festivals in our area. August has lots of dates open, come to the mountains and cool off in the waterfalls.

September is another great time to escape if you don't have school aged children. It's the calm before the mad rush in October to view our incredible leaf colors.   Plan a romantic escape just as a couple, or grab your best friends for a fun escape. Mid-September is the time to come and take a drive over to see the Elk in The Smoky Mountain National Park.  This is the time the elk bulls are bugling.  Elk in Cataloochee

Many dates still open in October & November.  The National Park elevations usually begin color change in early October through around the 15th, and our area and into Asheville is normally the third week through that last part of October.  Those deep reds and golds don't seem to come out until late October at the house.  As I've said many times, I also love early November when the leaves begin to fall.
Lots of activities in October & November. 

December - we are booked at both houses for Christmas.  But bring the kids in late November or earlier in December and book The Polar Express ride on The Great Smoky Mountain Train.  Franklin and several other nearby towns host Holiday parades and downtown shopping activities.  Franklin's Winter Wonderland, the first Friday in December, is one of our favorites.  Stores stay open late for shopping, storefronts are decorated with live window scenes, buggy rides and good old fashioned fun.  You can also visit The Biltmore House in Asheville, the Christmas trees and decor are incredible.  We also cut our own Christmas tree each year.  Many nearby farms, nothing like a truly fresh cut tree!

Check out our availability calendar online and make your plans before we're totally booked.  www.TimberFrameRentals.com

 "How beautiful it is to do nothing and then rest afterward."
Author: Spanish Proverb

Fun things to do:
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad,
Dillsboro Pottery Festival, 
Franklin Pumpkin Fest,
Gem Mining
Biltmore House, Asheville
Franklin Winter Wonderland
Play in the Smokies
Events
Waterfalls, photography & descriptions
Smoky Mountain Performing Arts Center in Franklin
Downtown Franklin's Pickin on the Square Saturday Nights



  

Let's think cooler weather!

We are all looking forward to fall and cooler temperatures.   I can't wait to enjoy the outside fireplace, snuggling under one of our faux fur throws with a cup of my favorite hot chocolate.    

October & November availability is getting tight, but the beauty of our area is the fact that you can base your stay from our home and take beautiful scenic drives experiencing all the varying colors of foliage.   My favorite time is late October into mid-November.    The Smoky Mountain National Park colors normally peak earlier in October.  So, no matter when you are able to get away, come and experience the colors of Western North Carolina.

Christmas is still available at the Cottage.  However, we are requiring a minimum 10 night stay.  Arrive December 22nd or 23rd and depart on January 1st of 2nd.  And, of course you are welcome to come earlier and stay later.   Inquire about our discounted rate.   Last year we have 8" of snow for Christmas.   We do decorate for the Holidays, so bring your loved one(s), gifts, and start a new tradition.   

Winter - we will again be renting this winter.   We don't always get a lot of snow, but then sometimes we do.  Last year, lots of snow throughout the season.   The Pond House requires all renters to drive a 4-wheel SUV vehicle since the driveway is gravel and not plowed.   The Cottage's drive is paved, so we are able to plow.    You must be flexible during the winter month visits.   Snow and mountain roads don't always get along well.   There may be times when we can't get you in exactly on the day of arrival, or you may not be able to leave as scheduled.  So, while it's wonderful to plan a visit for snow, having an easy laid back spirit is a must.

Quite frankly, there isn't a bad time to visit Western North Carolina.  So much to do!

We have also started taking reservations for 2012.   So, book early!



 

Looking Ahead

We're booked for July, but August and September dates are available.  Many of the area schools head back to school early this year, so this is a great time to visit for all of you who either don't have children or they're grown.  You'll have a lot less crowds by mid to late August (rafting, tubing, swimming holes and scenic drives).  September, weather cools a bit, the outdoor fireplace gets lots of use again, and it's comfortable hiking weather. 

Labor Day weekend is available at both homes as of today. 

Our area will again be busy in October and early November with all the "leaf lookers".  We still have some great dates available.  Our peak leaf season is usually towards the end of October into early November.  And, if you can stay during the week (Mon.-Thurs.), you'll get a special deal (just mention our blog when you inquire).

Our favorite source for things to do in the mountains is http://www.stayandplayinthesmokies.com/play/

A waterfall guide http://franklin-chamber.com/whattodo/waterfalls.php

 

Plan your favorite activities and book your visit at The Pond House or The Cottage.



Bust Your Butt Falls

  

Hiking



Slow Tube floats on the River





Wyah Bald

 

Great Motorcycling Roads

 

Famous Tail of the Dragon





Cherohala Skyway



Cooling off in the Mountains

Looks like we're in for a hot summer!

But there's so many ways to cool off in the Mountains...

Cool off at a local water hole or under a waterfall. 

 

Take a picnic and swim at the lake  or

Tube or Raft on the Tuckaseegee River.

 

 Take a hike in the woods - enjoy the shade from the trees and cool off in the mountain stream.

A few dates remain at The Cottage during June & July.  Many August dates available at both The Cottage and The Pond House. 

Enjoy Festivals, local music such as Pickin on the Square in Franklin, Concerts on the Creek in Sylva, Music in the Mountains in Highlands.  Take a scenic drive to The Blue Ridge Parkway for a picnic where temps are 10 -20 degrees cooler. 

Our homes are a great place to base from - so much to do in the Mountains   Come for a visit, you'll never want to leave!

2011 Vacations

Every New Year brings a chance to re-think what's important and to make changes and set new goals.

One of mine is always to try to take more time with family and friends.  And, each year, I do a little better, but want even more.  This year brought up close and personal again how important it is to cherish every moment.  This year is a new year without my beloved mother, so life will be different and times together are now precious memories.

I get such a calming feeling in the mountains.  I look out and know that God is ever present.  The mountains give me the spirit to let go and relax.  I talk a lot about soothing the soul.  And, that is just what they do for me.  

We love sharing our mountain homes.  Giving others the chance to experience the calm and quiet.  It's our chance to get friends together and spend more time getting to know each other even more, not just an evening out to dinner but breakfast, lunch and dinner.  And, Neal and I love to go and spend time on us; hiking, driving the mountains, morning coffee gazing at the mountains, and afternoon wine on the deck or porch.  Just the two of us. 

Sharing our homes through vacation rentals has been a great experience.  Our renters share with us their vacation through our Guest Book comments.  I really enjoy reading about how their spirit is also renewed, the details of their vacation, and how much fun was experienced with friends and family, or the chance they had to escape just as a couple.

Our calendar is now open for 2011.  Connect, reconnect, make new memories with friends and family in the mountains of Western North Carolina.  So much to do, or do nothing and talk about your goals, read and escape.  My favorite phrase that sums it up is to come and "rejuventate the soul".


  “The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.”



Charles R. Swindoll quotes (American Writer and Clergyman, b.1934)