Tag: travel

Asheville · Chimney Rock · Linville · Outer Banks

Travel: My NC

Suzanne StrengthLeave a comment

from-the-lake-to-the-mountain

My state is so beautiful.  To the east we have beaches and to the west we have mountains.  Truly, something for everyone.  If  you come visit, don’t miss these bright spots:

  • Grandfather Mountain: A mountain that is over 300 million years old and rising nearly 6000 feet above sea level is right here in North Carolina!  Enjoy the mile high swinging bridge, walking and hiking to see the wild animals, and the nature museum!  Definitely one of my favorite places.  For more info: Grandfather Mountain

  • Biltmore Estate:  This home is the largest private residence in the United States.  Built in 1895, this 250 room French Renaissance Chateau boasts 175,000 square feet!  On a tour, not only will you get to see this gorgeous home, but you’ll see the beautiful gardens, visit the winery on site and explore the village.  I recommend you come at Christmas when the estate is decorated.  For more information: https://www.biltmore.com/

  • Chimney Rock: Do you like magnificent views?  Well, you need to get over to Chimney Rock.  Hiking, animal den for learning and even animal encounters, rock climbing, music and checking out the gorgeous flowers: just a few of the activities that await on your mountain adventure.  For more info: https://www.chimneyrockpark.com/

  • The Outer Banks: The Outer Banks are islands right off of the coast separating the mainland from the Atlantic Island. Special because of their beauty, lighthouses and plenty of wildlife, people flock here to enjoy the wide open sea views and diving to see the ship wrecks off shore.  Life is slower here and in some places the population is sparse.  Come here to relax!

Clingman’s Dome: At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The observation tower on the summit of Clingmans Dome offers spectacular 360° views of the Smokies and beyond for visitors willing to climb the steep half-mile walk to the tower at the top. On clear days views expand over 100 miles. Unfortunately, air pollution often limits viewing distances to under 20 miles. It’s seven miles to the end of Clingmans Dome Road and there are scenic pullouts with endless views of ridges and valleys along the way. The road ends in a large parking area from which a 0.5-mile trail leads to the summit. The trail is paved but steep and leads to an observation tower on top. For more information, visit: Clingman’s Dome

GA · Savannah

Savannah, Georgia Trip

Suzanne StrengthLeave a comment

I’ve been dying to visit Savannah forever.  I’d always heard it was a charming city, and Paula Deen being there didn’t hurt either.  What I found surpassed my high expectations.

Wormsloe Historic Site:  The famous tree lined with gorgeous oaks leads to the ruins of a former plantation owned by Noble Jones in the 1700’s, who arrived with the first settlers from England.  It is the oldest standing structure in Georgia.

Laurel Grove Cemetery South:  I loved driving through this old graveyard and looking at beautiful, historic grave sites.  Weirdly enough, this was probably my favorite part of this trip.

Bonaventure Cemetery:  Hauntingly beautiful cemetery located on the Wilmington River.  Featured in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

Gingerbread House:  This gorgeous home was built in 1899 and is used primarily as a venue for weddings and bridal parties.  It’s a great example of the Gingerbread style from Germany’s Black Forest region. Largest of the cities municipal cemeteries at 160 acres…and you can drive through.  My VERY favorite stop in Savannah.

Tybee Island Social Club: We visited on Easter so they only had a specific brunch menu, but it was delicious and flavored well. The best part about this experience was the patio seating and the live music.  Really cool place!

Vic’s on the River:  This was our favorite restaurant in Savannah.  The food was amazing, the view was even better, and on the wall is a map of Sherman’s march from Tennessee to Georgia hand drawn by Union soldiers.  Tons of history, a must visit!

Below Zero. Tucked in the Savannah Seafood Shack on Broughton, you can watch them make your ice cream as you wait in line! Rolled ice cream originated in Thailand and can only be found in a handful of cities: New York, Atlanta and now Savannah!