Blue Ridge Explorer: Sapphire Valley Evening

After returning to Sapphire, NC around 4 p.m., my mom and I enjoyed our final night in the Sapphire Valley taking in the scenery one last time. Our condo at the Fairway Forest Diamond Resort, is located in the heart of the Sapphire Valley Resort, which includes pristine golf courses, recreation, walking paths and nearby […]

Blue Ridge Explorer: Lake Toxaway, NC

One of my favorite spots in the North Carolina mountains is Lake Toxaway. Hidden in the Sapphire Valley, roughly sixty miles southwest of Asheville, near Cashiers, NC, Situated at 3100 feet, Lake Toxaway has long enchanted travelers to its peaceful and serene waters. Its pure waters and meandering shoreline, nestled against rugged peaks and […]

Blue Ridge Explorer: Lake Glenville, NC

From my Blue Ridge Explorer Adventures… August 2020 On our way back to Cashiers, we detoured at Lake Glenville… Located 8 miles north of Cashiers off scenic NC 107, Lake Glenville (Thorpe Reservoir) is the highest elevated lake east of the Mississippi River. Lake Glenville is a hidden hideaway of 26 miles of pristine shoreline […]

Judaculla Rock – Stories in Stone

My adventure to Judaculla Rock-Stories in Stone. August, 2020 (during my Blue Ridge Social Distanced Trip) After a quick detour in Dillsboro and Sylva, we continued towards the college town of Cullowhee. Home to Western Carolina University, Cullowhee is a mountain paradise for recreation lovers. WCU is known for its quality music and arts programs, […]

Blue Ridge Explorer: Dillsboro to Sylva

Dillsboro North Carolina to Sylva North Carolina After a brief stop in Franklin, my mom and I continued northeast on mountain byways. The route winds wonderfully through the peaks of the Blue Ridge and crosses sweeping mountain valleys. Each mile of the journey a window to a new adventure and breathtaking view. “Hey mom, we […]

Franklin – Treasure in the Nantahala

Franklin, NC is steeped in history, and arguably one of the most cultural significant spots in North Carolina. Sheltered by the Blue Ridge Mountains in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest, the area of Franklin has been a central settlement for centuries from early Mississippian cultures to the Cherokee and beyond. Before European settlement, […]

The Land of Waterfalls – Cullasaja

After enjoying the views at Lake Jocassee we crossed the state line into North Carolina, driving to Cashiers. Located at over 3,500 feet, Cashiers is cradled by soaring mountains and is rooted in its rich history and local culture. Cashiers is home to local eateries, markets and coffee shops…it is a popular resort town and […]

Lake Jocassee – Lost and Found

The peace and serenity of a lake can calm a soul. The Blue Ridge Mountains are full of hidden lakes ideal for recreation and relaxing. After enjoying the spectacular views at Whitewater Falls, my mom and I drove south across the border into northwestern South Carolina to explore Lake Jocassee. Crystal clear rivers and streams […]

Whitewater Falls Adventure

On Tuesday, August 4th 2020, my mom and I explored the wild mountain scenery of North Carolina and South Carolina, driving to Whitewater Falls to Cullowhee NC and beyond. After breakfast, we left Sapphire and headed south on Highway 281 towards Whitewater Falls. The ten-mile journey wove through lush forest and winding curves with scenic […]

Mountain Escape

“The mountains are calling and I must go” – John Muir COVID-19 has sidelined us all from traditional summer activities and vacations. Quarantine fatigue has left all of us longing to get outside and away from the constant stream of bad news. I have always loved the tranquility of relaxing in the mountains…eager to enjoy […]