The Great Smoky Mountains:
For those of you unfamiliar with our area, I am listing some very informative websites on Highlands, the mountains, the blue Ridge Parkway, and destinations: **
Please contact me for websites about things to do!
I have to end this paragraph--running out of room--but you can see from the above that there is no lack of activities or destinations available, most of them with no charge at all.
Last Fall was a big one for us...:
After coming up to Highlands every year for 17 years and staying in a friend's house, we grew tired of trying to get the dates we wanted. Leaving from our August trip, the wife said to me, 'Wish we had our own place; we could come any time we wanted.' Just a slight pout, but I could tell she was sincere.
Two months later, after three more quick trips to scout and eyeball property, we closed on the Handcrafted Hideaway. We call it that because of the many native and handmade furnishings my wife filled it with, and the original furniture I make as a hobby.
Our three daughters all contribute--#1 knits a lot of our afghans and other accents; #2 crafted and fired our dishes, cups and mugs (she is a professional potter); #3 hand-paints glasses and other accents. Oh, yes-#3 also made the tile for the kitchen and baths that I have to install this spring.
In fact, I will be doing more renovation and upgrading in the months ahead; it is lovely and very comfortable now; I will make it better.
A glimpse into the different seasons:
We were fortunate to be able to visit in 3 of the four seasons last year.
August, all five of us were here before we bought the house. If you live in the South, or an area of the North that experience hot weather (we are from Florida), you will absolutely revel in the summertime temperatures--rarely above 70s but chilly or downright cold at nights. Feels marvelous (I hate the heat!)
We were a little late for leaf-peeping season in October, but the colors were still spectacular.
My wife and I came up alone the weekend after Thanksgiving. She loves Florida, and said she hates the cold. Friday morning it was 19 degrees on the deck, but it was the still and quiet cold that does not bother you. She had some wonderful walks in that cold.
Christmas week, we were all there again, #1 and #2 had their gentlemen this time and we had a great time. From hogging the fireplace, to eyeballing the holiday games, to cooking, to laughing--it was a precious time.
Bonus--it snowed on Christmas Day!
Other Activities:
White water rafting, snow tubing
