The Beauty of Fall

Our busiest time of year is almost here - Fall Peak Leaf Season.  Visitors come from around the world to take in the cool weather, the clear mountain views and the beautiful leaf colors of vibrant reds and golds.

While we are rather booked up, we do have the last weekend in October available (due to a recent cancellation).  This is, in my opinion, THE best time to visit.  The leaves are changing, the weather is perfect for snuggling by a warm fire, hiking, enjoying the many fall festivals, and simply taking a deep breath and relaxing before the holidays take over. 

Our color continues into the first part of November and then the leaves begin to fall.  We love to head for a hike amongst the glory of it all, enjoying a shower of leaves and shooshing in those that are slowly covering the trail.

Our next favorite activity is spending the day driving along the Blueridge Parkway, stopping for a picnic and just taking in the breathtaking vistas of Fall in the Mountains.  Franklin, NC is perfect for basing your visit. Our central location makes it easy to visit nearby towns where elevations vary allowing you to enjoy a full array of color changes.

Relaxation Found

Relaxation is not easily found these days. Children, family and work commitments seem to make the idea of doing nothing a dream we hope for once or twice a year.    When we do go on vacation it's all about planning every day's activities, but we fail to plan on time for doing nothing.   "Escaping" is the key word. 

At first when I think about doing nothing I feel guilty.  Too much to do, can't just lay around and be idle.  I read an article lately about training yourself to do nothing.  Start by doing nothing while you are waiting in line, at the doctor’s office, on the train or aiplane.  Wait, without reading a newspaper or magazine, without talking on the phone, without checking your email,  without doing any work, without worrying about what you need to do later. Check out the environment, close your eyes for a few minutes, or notice the artwork or music playing.  Wait, and do nothing.

I'm trying not to be on the cell phone or check my Blackberry in the car, even at the traffic light.  It's tough, I might miss something for a few minutes, or an hour!!!  But, it makes me think about other things and enjoy the drive.  I'm amazed at how many restaurants or shops are open that I have missed noticing.   And, I'm able to enjoy music which allows me to be more relaxed.

We all know the mental and physical advantages of relaxation are huge.    We sacrifice too much of our well-being pursuing the ideal of faster, higher, stronger, and/or caught in the fear of our economy,  our jobs and businesses.  Our worries are huge.  It does take a toll on our health.

Relaxation doesn't have to mean sitting or sleeping, it can mean taking the time to do what you love without worries. My favorite things - a walk in the woods, a picnic, a scenic drive with no time constraints. I love to read and I don't mean emails.   My family gave me a Kindle last year. It's a great way to carry books with me wherever I go, encouring me to take time to read. Relaxing in the mountains, reading on the deck or porch is my favorite way of escaping. Taking time to cook recipes I haven't had a chance to do is relaxing to me. I also love to get away with friends to simply catch up or to getaway with my parents - it's a great time to enjoy just the two of them without planning a lot to do. They are in their 80's and being busy is not on their agenda.  I love my garden, tending to the flowers is my way of forgetting my worries for a little while.  And, best of all, taking the time with just my husband to get up late, make a great breakfast, and catch up on all that's happened during the week.

Stop and enjoy the moment and be grateful for the privilege of doing absolutely nothing for as long as you possibly can.

If you want to Escape and get yourself on the right path to relaxation - come visit the Mountains of Western North Carolina.  Refresh, rejuvenate and be sure to plan a day or two of doing nothing.


I am so busy doing nothing... that the idea of doing anything - which as you know, always leads to something - cuts into the nothing and then forces me to have to drop everything.  Jerry Seinfeld

A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in

Longing to get away?  Think Western North Carolina.  Relax, take in the beautiful mountains, cool off under a waterfall, take a nice walk in the woods, have a leisurely lunch or picnic, catch up on those books you've been trying to read, and nap. 

"A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you've been taking."   Earl Wilson

Escape all by yourself, or bring your partner for a romantic time away.   

Many of our guests are coming for multi-generation get togethers - - creating new memories for Mom & Dad, kids & grandkids.

Availability - two weeks remain in August at The Pond House, lots of September dates are available and a few Fall October dates remain at The Cottage House.    Check our calendar on line and book now.  Visit our Website

Reconnect, Reflect, Relax, Soothe the Soul

  

Summer - Reconnecting with Friends & Family

It's been a busy Spring and while we do have some May dates available, June, July and August are almost totally booked!  Check our availability calendar, it is up to date.  It seems that reconnecting with family is a common thread among both previous and new renters.  The Cottage works so well for three generation getaways.

The Pond House is still my favorite place to grab two other couples and enjoy hiking and exploring, then returning back to the house for lots of wine and cookouts together.

Maybe it's time for a girlfriend getaway, escape work, the kids and catch up with each other. 

And, guys or girls - how about letting us coordinate fly fishing instructions and guided fishing trips based at either The Cottage or The Pond House.

So, since our calendar is almost filled for Summer, plan ahead for Peak Fall Leaf Season.  Many great dates are still available.  From mid-October to early November the leaves are changing all around us.  Higher elevations begin early October and mid-October, our area the peak in my opinion is usually late October.  I also love November, through the 15th.  Leaves are falling and a walk in the woods is a colorful experience. 

Views are so gorgeous in November with all the shades of red and gold.

Early Spring Fever

Okay, my excitement of winter snow is gone and I'm looking forward to a little warmth. 

One of my favorite times of the year is Spring.  The woods seem to come alive with new wildflowers that just can't wait to pop out from a winters sleep. 


Come enjoy the four seasons in the mountains of Western North Carolina. 


April dates are booking fast, May is open, including Memorial Day, and several open dates in June.  Ten days are available in July at The Cottage, otherwise we're booked!  Check out the availability calendar and plan your getaway.

A Snowy Season

We've had some beautiful snows this season.  For us in the south it is a wonderful thing!   Having lived in Wisconsin for many years growing up, I haven't always felt the same.  But, since I've been in the South for almost 30 years, the shoveling and painful memories of northern winters have left me and now I look forward to a good snow.  Of course, I can also appreciate it more knowing it won't be there but a few days. 


Here's a couple Cottage photos.  Come experience the serenity of a moonlight walk, snow angels or just curling up with a good book and a roaring fire!

Western North Carolina is gorgeous year-round!

BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!

Ah, how the mountain views are so much clearer in the winter.  Cold, crisp air, snow clinging to the rocks and cliffs, icicles on the waterfalls  - a photographers dream. 

Nothing is better than getting away from it all and fine tuning your relaxation skills -- enjoy just doing nothing.  Sweats, or your favorite comfortable jeans, a good book or two, DVD's you just never find time to watch, several great bottles of wine, easily prepared comfort food (think chowder, chili, or a roast in the oven).  and maybe a nice port or hot chocolate for sipping before bed.

The Pond or Cottage can make that dream come true.

Come, snuggle by the fire and enjoy a quiet romantic weekend away.

Winter is also the best time if you are looking for just that right piece of property for retiring or building your dream home some day.  We know this from experience.  You get a better idea of views, layout, neighbors, etc. without the leaves on the trees and underbrush to climb through.  We like to say, come for a visit and stay a lifetime.

"Baby, Its Cold Outside" is an old pop song with words and music by Frank Loesser. Loesser wrote the duet in 1944, it's been performed by many.

Baby its cold outside ...I really can't stay (but baby it's cold outside)
I've got to go away (but baby it's cold outside)
This evening has been (been hoping that you'd drop in)
So very nice  (i'll hold your hands, they're just like ice)
My mother will start worry (beautiful whats your hurry)
My father will be pacing the floor (listen to the fireplace roar)
So really i'd better scurry  (beautiful please don't hurry)
but maybe just a half a drink more (put some records on while i pour)
the neighbors might faint (baby it's bad out there)
say what's in this drink (no cabs to be had out there)
I wish I knew how (your eyes are like starlight now)
to break this spell (I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell)
I ought to say no, no, no, sir - (mind if I move closer)
At least I'm gonna say that I tried - (what's the sense in hurting my pride?)
I really can't stay - (baby don't hold out)
I ought to say "no, no, no sir" (mind if I move in closer)
at least I'm gonna say that I tried (what's the sense in hurtin' my pride)
I really can't stay (oh baby don't hold out)
Ah, but it's cold o u t s i d e ...