We recently escaped quarantine for a trip to the United States to reset Cassie’s tourist visa. We also had the chance to pick up the paperwork for our family unity which will allow Cassie to easily make the switch from Tourist to Resident. Our destination was in Piney Creek, North Carolina to visit family tucked away in the foothills of the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains. 

We spent 10 days in the Piney Creek area and really enjoyed our time being out in Nature and seeing the glory of being away from the cities and immersing ourselves in nature and country living. We did not get to everything on our checklist but we wanted to share with you the top things that we got to do in this wonderful area. 

1. Float one of the oldest rivers in the world | The New River

Estimated at 360 million years old the New River winds its way through Piney Creek on its 320-mile journey to the Kanawha River. 

If you choose that this is one of the activities that you want to participate in make sure you talk to a local about safety. In the ten days we were in the area the river swelled to about twice the size and the current felt like it doubled in its power. With seasonal rains especially being at the bottom of the gorge the rains make this river very fast and unpredictable. 

What to bring:

• inner tubes: We borrowed from our family, however, there are many local and big-box stores in the area that will sell or rent floats.  
• beverage of your choice, 
• water shoes 
• life jacket 

2. Thistle Meadow Winery

Down a country road in the mountains of Piney creek is Thistle Meadow Winery. One of our family members who has been coming to Piney Creek for years said that she had yet to travel the 7 minutes from the house to visit the Winery. We had just finished up with a one-hour horse ride and thought why not. 

Thistle Meadow Winery was a delight with outdoor seating and a wine tasting room that was truely inviting even with the pandemic. We ordered 2 tastings ($5.00 per tasting that includes 5 wines). With a little guidance from the experts and a cool tasting tray, we were off to sit in their outdoor picnic-style area and taste what turned out to be some delicious wines. 

Our favorite wines at Thistle Meadow were the “Hooker White” Pinot Blanc and the “Italian Stud” red. Much like many tasting rooms if you buy a couple of bottles they give the tastings for free so we bought a bottle of the “Hooker White” after we were done and headed on our way. 

What to Bring:

• An appetite for good wine
• Clothing for cold weather if you want to do your wine tasting in the outdoor area. 

3. Burnthill Stables

If you want to explore the sights in a unique way make sure to give Burnthill Stables a call and take a misty morning or afternoon to ride one of the horses through the hills in the surrounding areas.

Starting at the red barn and coral on top of the hill your group will head down across creeks and up and down hills seeing beautiful views as you go. We chose the 1-hour ride which was affordable at just $25 and it was long enough to make us a little sore the next day. 

The staff at Burnthill Stables are more of a family than a corporate stable tour company. Grandpa, Grandma and the grandkids who are absolute experts on a horse make you feel comfortable showing you how to ride and make sure on your journey that you are safe and make it back in one piece. They allow the horses to be free to roam and run throughout the 1-hour trip which can be fun and terrifying at the same time but overall a thrilling activity. 

What to bring:

• Clothes for riding a horse
• Long pants
• Close-toed shoes
• Raincoat

4. Cascade Falls Hike

Cascade Falls is located in E.B. Jeffress Park about 30 miles from Piney Creek in the town of Idlewild, North Carolina. It is a beautiful scenic drive thru the foothills of the blue ridge mountains with many places to stop and take in the sites of the valleys below. 

Cascade Falls hike takes about 45 minutes to complete with stopping by the creeks, bird watching and overall taking in the natural beauty of the woodland area. The elevation change from start to finish is approximately 270 feet. The main attraction is obviously the waterfall but if you are a fan of nature hikes you will enjoy the serenity of this peaceful place. 

What to bring:

• Hiking boots
• Rain jacket
• Umbrella
• Some snacks for the picnic area at the beginning
• camera

5. Red Dog

After a long day of horseback riding, waterfall hikes or floating you will need something to eat. We were recommended to come and try the food at the Red Dog bar and bistro. Our first impression was the wonderful logo that has a picture of a cat instead of a dog as you would think. Our second impression was that this was more than just a highway restaurant. The food was seasonal and fresh and the staff was friendly and kindly sat us in their outdoor seating area. 

The Red Dog is a popular spot with the parking lot full of cars and almost all of the seats full for the dinner service. We ordered a bunch of sides: crawdad hushpuppies, grilled shrimp and a house salad as well as their custom-made Red Dog Ale by Laconia Ale Works. We were not disappointed and the food was wonderful. We would highly recommend if you are in the area to stop and grab some food or a drink. 

9531 NC Hwy 93 Piney Creek, NC 28663 

336.359.8000 

www.RedDogNC.com

What to bring:

• Your appetite 

6. The River House 

If you are looking for a more fine dining option on your visit to the Blue Ridge Mountains you should definitely check out the River House. The restaurant is also a bed and breakfast located on the historic New River. The bed and breakfast has 12 guest rooms with jacuzzis, king-size beds and all the comforts you would need on a relaxing trip to the mountains. 

The restaurant offers local and international dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We had dinner here and it was an amazing experience and that is why we are recommending that if you are in the area that you should give it a try and if you don’t already have accommodations spend a night or two here and truely soak in the feeling of staying and relaxing by the river. 

What to bring:

• Your appetite

Other great places to check out when in the Piney Creek area:

• Kayaking in Riverside with New River Outfitters

• Mount Jefferson Hike

• Lansing Creeper Trail Park 

• Downtown West Jefferson District

• Virginia Creeper Trail (bike ride)

– Rent a bike and bike through the beautiful rural areas on the designated bike path

– Dip your toes in nearby creeks

– See historic trading post and houses 

– End in the town of Abington 

• Get drinks and dinner in Abington at the 4 star hotel The Martha Washington Inn & Spa

– Be sure to wander around this gorgeous hotel to see the giant pool, the wooden library and beautiful architecture

• Sliding Rock- Widows Creek Falls (in Stone Mountain)

– We did this several times when visiting family for summer reunions in Piney Creek. Some of the most fun we have ever had was sliding down this huge rock and plunging into the cold pool below it. A must do when in the Piney Creek area!

– Be sure to bring your swimsuit, a dry towel and “river shoes”

• Grandfather Mountain – see the swinging bridge

• Wilderness Run Alpine Roller coaster

• Grayson Highlands – see the wild ponies

Heading South from the Piney Creek Area:

If you are in Piney Creek which is in the beautiful Western part of North Carolina you may want to drive a couple hours south to explore the beautiful Asheville area. On your way you will see the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains aka Smokey Mountains. Be sure to stop while you are on the way in the Blue Ridge Parkway which boasts the best viewpoint stops to take in the panoramic rolling Appaclacian mountains. IF you have the chance to see this at sunset or sunrise even better! The colors of pastel or neon purple, pink, orange and blue will dazzle the eye, just make sure you have your camera handy!

Pisgah National Forest Area in the Greater Asheville Area:

You cannot go wrong here. The windy roads will lead you through some of the most untouched, pristine forest in western North Carolina. Pull over to picnic anywhere along the river that winds along the road. Dip your toes in the river (be sure it is safe and not close to any waterfall entrance points!) and watch the fools gold glimmer in the sunlight. This place is beautiful year long but especially in the summer as it is warm enough to get into the tempting, crystal clear river!

1. Looking Glass Falls

Unfortunately our family had said this was one of their very favorite parts of going to Pisgah National Forest however when we went, the waterfall seemed a little too heavy and tumultuous for our liking. We did get to marvel at its beauty though as we made our way down the manmade steep steps from the road and dipped our toes into the cold, deep current of the river below the waterfall. A few brave souls dared go into the pool under the huge waterfall. We will definitely go back when it is a bit hotter in the summer however! 

What to bring:

• Bathing Suit
• Towel
• Sturdy River Shoes

2. Moore Cove in Pisgah

This was one of the best hiking experiences we have ever had. It reminded us of being in the fairyland hikes like near Multnomah Falls outside of Portland, Oregon. The tall trees, the fresh air lead you down a couple miles until you reach the best part – the Moore Cove. This cove feels a bit like a natural grotto or small cave as it is carved into the side of the big rocky cliff. Towering above you is a waterfall of pure, cold mountain water splashing onto the rock below it and streaming down toward the bigger river at the base of the hike. 

We were crazy enough to go under the water fall. Be sure to have on water shoes (aka “river shoes”) so you can avoid slipping and tread very carefully on the wet rocks as you go into the towering shower. It was about as cold as you could imagine but there is nothing quite as invigorating as going under a waterfall. We are sure that the good, revitalizing energy it gives you is worth the freeze! We made sure to bring some snacks to munch on and a dry towel to warm us after going under the waterfall several times and screaming! One of the highlights of our trip for sure.

What to bring:

• Bathing Suit
• Towel
• Sturdy River Shoes
• Sturdy Hiking Shoes
• Snacks and water bottle

3. Sliding Rock at Pisgah

Another amazing place our family wanted to take us which they had thoroughly enjoyed before earlier in the summer. However it was closed when we went in September. They said the water levels were too high therefore it was too dangerous to go slide down. A very large natural sloped rock with the current of the river going down it – it is the perfect rock to slide down and plunge into the pool below it! We will definitely be making our way here again in the future.

What to bring:

• Bathing Suit
• Towel
• Sturdy River Shoes
• Snacks and water bottle

4. Linville Falls Hike

When we first arrived in the parking lot we met a wonderful and adventurous couple, the Vandemic Nation (who you should absolutely be following on Instagram), who had been staying in the area in their van over a few days before we met them. It was a wonderful entrance and welcome to a gorgeous area you must visit if you are in western North Carolina or Asheville.

It is a mile or so down a gentle slope made of slabs of rock under a canopy of majestic trees before you reach the little viewpoint between two levels of waterfalls. To your left is a large pool under a medium sized gushing waterfall. It is absolutely stunning. To your right on the other side of the platform is an even stronger current leading to a long waterfall over a cliff.

Be very careful as the area can be slippery! There are railings to keep you safe, but tread carefully because when we went it began raining a few minutes after we arrived! If you go in the rainy season besure to bring a raincoat and proper waterproof hiking boots. (we did not, haha). It is a lovely area to picnic and hike with your friends or loved ones.

What to bring:

• Sturdy Hiking Shoes
• Snacks and water bottle
• Umbrella or rain jacket if rainy forecast

Other places to see and things to do in the Greater Asheville Area:

• Lake Lure

• Chimney Rock (epic scenes in Last of the Mohicans was filmed here)

• Black Mountain (nearby they shot famous movies Twilight and Hunger Games)

• Caverns & gem mine parks

• Zip lining

Asheville

The Pisgah area and falls is very close to Asheville. When you are tired out from the day of hiking, swimming under waterfalls and wandering in nature, drive 70 minutes southwest and eat dinner in the beautiful city of Asheville.

What is cool about Asheville is that in a mainly rural Southern area of the United States, you find a place that feels more like a little Portland or Boulder Colorado than somewhere in North Carolina. The town is very bohemian with hippie vibes and LOTS of great breweries. Historically a wealthy city made up of VIPs, the architecture in downtown Asheville with the backdrop of the blue ridge mountains will not disappoint. 

Be sure to stay at one of the many beautiful historic hotels in Asheville or else choose a funky airbnb a little outside the downtown in order to soak in the fresh, mountain forest vibes like we did.

Things to do in and near Asheville:

1. Biltmore House

Cassie visited this opulent home and estate when she was young and used to live in Charlotte, NC (as a pre teen and teenager). This is a must see if you are new to the Asheville area. It is very expensive to buy the tickets but worth it to see the French Renaissance châteaux like architecture, which is the epitome of the “Gilded Age.”

Roam around the 250 finely decorated rooms including 35 bedrooms, 3 kitchens and gigantic banquet style rooms you could imagine the Queen of England gracing with her presence. This House and Estate is the largest privately owned in the United States and was first opened to the public as a museum in 1930. It was built in the late 1890’s. It is worth it to see. Bring a picnic of snacks to eat if you can or after roaming the property all day you will probably feel like going out for dinner in nearby Asheville!

2. Wicked Weed Brewery – 

The food and beer here was exceptional. Do yourself a favor and sit under a heater lamp in the back patio area to grab a drink some food and be merry in good company. With a view of the stainless steel tanks in the glass room behind you and friendly service you are in the perfect place to decompress after a long day of hiking, swimming and being outside. 

Everything we tried on the menu was made of top, homemade quality and was really delicious. We couldn’t go wrong. And the knowledgeable waiter helped us pair each of our plates with the best beer and there was plenty to choose from! For beer lovers, this place is a must – the variety is endless!

3. Arboretum: Bent Creek Experimental Forest

We never got a chance to see this place but heard great things on the reviews online. Check it out if you have a chance. It is right in the heart of Asheville.

4. Asheville’s Arts District

Looking for cool galleries and artistic alleys full of creative and quirky style? Look no further than the arts district of Asheville. If you have lived in Portland Oregon like us this place will feel like you have stepped back into the “Keep [insert city name] Weird” movement.

5. Grove Park Inn 

Another place we never had the chance to visit but had heard from others it was an amazing place to go and sip on a fancy cocktail while getting cozy near the big fireplace. Check out the beautiful architecture and interior design in this swanky inn.

An Unforgettable Place: Western North Carolina

Western North Carolina, Piney Creek and Asheville are amazing places to visit if you have the chance. Take in the sights, breathe in the fresh air and dip your body into the many refreshing rivers and waterfalls as you find your serenity.

We have loved all of our time spent visiting family in Western North Carolina and especially at our aunt’s (previous) house in Piney Creek. It will always hold a special place in our heart for all of the wonderful family memories made there!