Pisgah National State Forest, North Carolina

Pisgah National Forest covers 157,000 miles including 40 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are 9 campground areas (5 group areas) and over 340 trail miles. You could spend years exploring the park, but you probably have a job and things to do, so I’ll tell you about my favorite portions of the park and surrounding areas.

The Davidson River Area is a good spot to start out. To get to DRA, look for Brevard, NC which is known as the land of waterfalls around NC. Where NC 280 and US 276 join, take 276 NW. The park area is about 1 ½ miles from the 280/276 intersection.

On 276 (which is a scenic highway), you see Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock. You can see these natural attractions from your car, but that is kind of defeating the purpose of visiting the “land of the falls.”

Be sure to take your swimming suit too, since Sliding Rock really is a natural slide of slick rock. You line up with a rope to help you pull up the mountain side and then slide down the rock into the stream-fed pool below. That is sure cold I can promise, but you will remember sliding on Sliding Rock. I slid as a kid, and then I took my boys back so they could slide too.

On into Brevard, take 64 if you want to see more waterfalls. Two good ones are Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. You can walk behind Dry Fall and drive your car behind Veil Fall.

Those are really the big name falls I’ve mentioned. You’ll really have an “experience” if you do take the time to hike into the woods and make your own discoveries. The boys and I went in deeper and found a fall with a vine to swing out and drop into a big pool. The boulders were huge. We swung and swam, and the boys even did karate forms on top of the boulders. I would tell you where that fall is at, but I have no idea. We just followed a trail marked with a tie after parking on the side of the road.

From what I understand there are 100s of falls back in the Pisgah. You can ask around, and locals can direct to favorite spots or you can explore and just happen across really neat spots like the one the boys and I found.

With all that water, you can imagine that there are fish. This is the big trout fly fish area. That is when you stomp up and down in the cold stream dragging all your stuff with you while constantly throwing the fish line out and reeling back fast. My uncle talked me into doing this, so I know it is sure not sitting on the creek bank waiting for a fish to come or not. Anyway, some folks love trout fishing. My dad is one, and he says this is a good area. I will take his word for it.

There is the hatchery nearby, which is why the fishing is so good I guess. You can visit the hatchery. My boys thought that visit was neat. Millions of fish waiting to go into the streams and be caught. The boys got to throw fish food in to the fish on that visit. Just look for the Fish Hatchery signs, and stop. Folks working there will answer questions and let you feed the fish.

Another neat place to stop off is the Cradle of Forestry on 276 near the waterfalls. The Pisgah Forest is the first protected forest with studies for students to learn more about nature and cutting out trees while leaving some and planting new trees. You see the old school house and learn about the educational field of forestry. It may sound pretty dull, but it was a good stop. I’ve been about 10 times I think, and I always enjoy Cradle of Forestry.

When you’re ready to bunk down for the night, you can camp there at the Davidson River area. There are 161 spaces set up in loops. Some are in meadow areas and others lightly wooded. Each site has a table and grill. Each loop has a bath house with hot water. There are also some group camping spots with pit toilets and back country camping is allowed with some really gorgeous scenery.

If you’re more of a motel person, then you can stay in Brevard. They have several inns and B&Bs. There are also some new motels at the main intersection. I would check ahead and know where I would be staying rather than driving in and taking a chance.

Once I went into Brevard late at night, and the rooms were filled up in the chains. I saw a motel sign on a side road. I think I stayed in the Howard Bate’s garage motel. The man was quite sloshed and it seemed to me I stayed right in his house when the newspaper thumped up against the door the next morning. I will say the fellow was nice though a bit hung over the when I gave him his paper and checked out (handed him the key actually).

The only time I would suggest Brevard as the home base is during the summer during the Brevard Music Festival. Over 70 performers play music of all types. Some of the music is free, and some shows include a fee. If you plan to stay in the summer for the music festival, then you need to reserve several months ahead.

Since Ashville is only 30 miles away, I would say that staying in Ashville makes sense. You have the full range of sleep-over options in Asheville even if you don’t plan ahead. There are lots of restaurants and cultural activities in the Asheville area. It doesn’t take long to drive into Pisgah which is part of the land holdings owned by the Vanderbilt family (built the Biltmore House and donated the land for Pisgah to be saved for all to enjoy). Be sure to visit Biltmore House which looks like a palace and is the largest privately owned home in the US.

New River State Park, North Carolina

New River State Park near Boone, NC is really three park-ettes sprinkled along the edge of the New River. Since most of the land is family owned along the New River, these small state areas offer access to one of the oldest rivers in the world. In fact, geologists think the New River is second only to the Nile in age.

In 1965, Appalachian Power Company applied to dam up the New. The outcry from locals was so loud that 26.5 miles running from Dog Creek up to the Virginia state line were set-aside as a “State Scenic River.” Other titles added include “National Wild and Scenic River” (1976) and “American Heritage River” (1998). In other words, this section of the river is carefully protected and won’t end up damned under.

The best way to see the river is to canoe or to inner tube. This is a wide and easy flowing stream with lots of vegetation along the banks. If you’ve never been canoeing, if you’re teaching others to canoe, or if you want a lazy romantic ride down the river, then The New is just perfect. If you’re a thrill seeker, then you probably want to head for the Nantahala.

The state park areas are good places to park and put in your canoe. The Wagoner Road Access is at River Mile mark 26 (southeast of Jefferson). The US 221 Access is at River Mile 15 (northeast of Jefferson). The third area Allegheny County part of the park can only be reached by canoe, so you won’t be parking there. There are also bridges along the New River that can be used as launch spots if you have someone to drop you off.

If you don’t own a canoe, then you can rent at Zaloo’s Canoes 800-535-4427 or www.zaloos.com. They help you jacket up and then launch for either a 2-hour trip or for an overnighter. The boys and I went on the 2-hour trip last time, and we are thinking about the overnighter for our next visit. We had a terrific time. The water was slow and shallow so that the kids could learn to paddle and steer without getting swept along and ramming into everything like when we went whitewater rafting this year.

You can camp at the state park areas, but these are primitive spaces. You’ll find a picnic table and grill as well at pit toilets and drinking water and that’s about it. If you want hook ups, then try River Camp USA (800-RIVERCAMP or www.rivercamp.net) or New River Canoe and Campground (336-372-8793). Both campgrounds have canoe rentals on site with pick up.

Fishing is good in the New. Smallmouth bass fishing is some of the best in the state. You can also catch muskellunge. Those are the largest fresh water game fish you can catch. They are stocked downriver of US 221 bridge. You probably need to wade in or fish from a flat bottom fishing boat, since the banks are very vegetated and much of the land is private. If you are over 16 years, then you need a NC fishing permit. You can get those at bait stores, community stores, or even at Wal Mart.

Be sure to visit the Frescos if you go to New River State Park. They are right near Zaloo’s and alongside the river. You’ll see the signs though they are small and you need to watch for them.

The Frescos are fabulous wall paintings in very small rural churches. Ben Long studied Fresco painting in Italy and returned to North Carolina with dreams of painting and of keeping the art of Fresno painting alive. Fresco painting is basically taking color and plaster and the wall is the painting or vice versa. Bigger churches would not take a chance on Long and his group of young painters-in-training, but these small churches decided to let Long paint on the walls.

You’ll find 3 very small Episcopal churches with huge paintings on the walls. One is of Mary pregnant and another of the Last Supper. Pregnant Mary causes a bit of a stir in North Carolina. Outside the churches are plants and flowers of all kinds. These look like storybook spaces, but they really are functioning churches.

Another neat place to stop is in downtown West Jefferson at Main and 4th Street. That is the Ashe County Cheese Company, which is the only cheese-making factory in NC. You can see cheese being made and buy fresh cheese. Call 336-246-2501 if you need for information on the cheese factory.

If you don’t get filled up on cheese, then try out the Garden Gate Café on East Main Street or Lily and the Three Bears Sandwich and Bakery in Glendale Springs. The Café has veggie dishes, soups and salads. Three Bears is known for the yeast bread with home-smoked meats, pies, sticky buns and such. If you want home style cooking, then Greenfield Restaurant is a good bet.

Just a little ways outside of Jefferson in Laurel Springs, you can go to an old fashioned barn dance. From 7pm to 11pm every Saturday, live music and dancing at Mountain Music Jamboree makes for a fun evening. You can order food and soft drinks, but they don’t have alcohol at the dance hall.

New River is a neat spot to visit and canoe or tube. You can stop by and take a short 2-hour trip and see the Frescos or you can stay over and enjoy the river and camp. There are also a few motels and B&Bs in the area as well as cabins for rent. I would say this is best for a weekend getaway trip. That gives you time to unwind and enjoy the river plus see the sites in the area.

Hanging Rock State Park - North Carolina

Hanging Rock State Park is in Danbury, NC. This is what we would call the foothills area. North Carolina is divided into the mountain, piedmont (where I live), and then beach area. The foothill area is where you shift from piedmont to mountains. So, you have the mountain look and feel but not the large size moutains like the Blue Ridge or Appalachian. Basically I would call the Hanging Rock Park area "mountain lite."

If you want a little taste of the mountains but don't want the harder drive angles or the slightly colder weather in our mountain areas, this would be a good bet for a day or overnight trip.

Hanging Rock is a rocky type small mountain area which you probably guessed from the name of the park. These are rocks in with lots of plants and trees (unlike the Rocky Mountains which are much rockier with fewer plants). The steams and the river in the area with the rocks make lots of pretty waterfalls.

The Visitor Center is nice. YOu can stop in and use the bathroom and see a video about the park before you begin your day or visit. In the summer, check to see about special hike programs with a guide.

Hanging Rock is a great area for hiking, because it is not as steep as the heavy mountain zone. You can get a hard climb with the rocks like on Moore's Trail at 4.2 miles and rated strenuous, but you can also take easy trails like Chestnut Oak Nature Trail which is less than a mile and very easy walking. Chestnut is a good trail for small children. There are 11 trails in all totaling 18 miles with a good range for almost any hiker.

Rock climbing is available at Cook's Wall and Moore's Wall (but not in other areas of the park). The height is around 400 feet with two miles for climbing. These are not beginning climb areas and, you do need to register on that and have the proper safety gear.

Hanging Rock has 2 picnic areas with around 100 tables. These are easy to get to and are clean. They have a couple of shelters in case of rain. If you want to buy food, then they have a light snack bar at the swimming area. I would suggest bringing a picnic, but it is nice to be able to get a snack during swimming hours.

Swimming is in the lake. Water temp for July and August works for me. I find the water cold early and late in the season. Lifeguards are on duty. But I would suggest a good buddy system esp with kids, since you can't see to the bottom of a lake.

You can also canoe or row boat on the lake. They have rentals. YOu can't bring your own boat here. Motor boats are not allowed at all.

Fishing is OK on the lake and in the streams. You need a license in NC. The main fish are bass and bream. My Dad loves to fish, and he says this is not a prime spot. It is fun for kids though, and my two boys enjoy it.

Camping is available (individual and also a group area). There are 73 sites--first come first serve. These are camp ground style rather than back woods type spots. You can use a camper, but you can't use hook ups. Campers use a bathhouse which is well maintained. If you like roughing it, then you won't find that here, and if you like luxury camping, then this is not the spot either.

You can also rent a cabin. They house six people. Although I have not rented a cabin, they look nice and the area is pretty for cabin visiting. Cabins have 2 bedrooms, kitchen and living room. You have to sign up beforehand. In the spring you must stay at least two days, and in the summer you have to stay for a full week to get one.

One thing I would mention is that the park is closed at night after 9pm. You can't get in or out unless you have an emergency situation. So plan to hang out in the evenings at the park if you stay at Hanging Rock.

Hanging Rock does not have bike trails or playground equipment.

If you want to contact the park the address is: PO Box 278, Danbury NC 27016 and phone (336) 593-8480 or fax (336) 593-9166.

Overall I like Hanging Rock for a day trip (esp since I live close). The area is pretty esp the waterfalls. The hikes are easy (though you can take on more difficult hikes). I would say this park is best for families and particularly parents with small children.

Get a Fresh Made Bagel in Downtown Asheboro

The Bagel Shop is on Fayetteville Street in downtown Asheboro, NC.


Select from many delicious varieties and all made fresh in the Bagel Shop.


Bryan Vaughan opened and operates the Bagel Shop. Really nice guy.

I checked out The Bagel Shop in Asheboro, North Carolina this weekend. The owner, Bryan Vaughan, put together the town festival - a Chili Cook Out (April 2009). I was asked to help judge the chili, and we were home based in the shop.

My son didn't get to attend the Chili Cook Off, since he was helping with the Kennedy Hall Legion yard sale fundraiser. He loves bagels, so I thought I'd bring him home a treat.

Wow! These are some massive bagels. If you've only had bagels bagged at the grocery store, you don't know what you're missing. I like bagels in general, but Bryan's bagels are . . . WOW!

You know how bagels can be kind of rubbery tasting? Well, you don't get that texture at The Bagel Shop. Nope. These bagels are made fresh while you're watching, and they are nice and crusty outside and melt in your mouth tender inside. It's like the difference between getting a loaf of bread at the store and making your own sourdough bread. You don't know what you're missing, until you get the good stuff.

The Bagel Shop is right in downtown Asheboro. If you're on 64, then turn on South Park Street there at the school. This is also the area with the fast food joints and gas stations. Keep going on Park Street until you see Sunset. Turn right on Sunset and then hang a left on Fayetteville. The Bagel Shop is there on the left. You're just a couple of minutes off Highway 64. Very easy to get there.

The Bagel Shop is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. It's a great place for breakfast or lunch. And, you'll want to buy some bagels to take home too. They are really terrific.

Asheboro Chili Cook Off a Blazing Hot Success - April 2009

Residents of Asheboro, NC and visitors from all over enjoyed trying out the homemade chili at the First Annual Chili Cook Off.


This guy knows how to bring out the flavor. He has his hot chilis firing up the grill. Yum! Smells good and hot.


It takes a lot of time and stirring to make big pots of chili.


It did not take long for all this chili to disappear.


These young chili cooks were so personable that folks kept coming back just to say "hi."

The first ever (April 2009) Chili Cook Off in Asheboro, North Carolina was great fun. There were 20,000 to 30,000 people there who can attest to that as estimated by the police department.

Bryan Vaughan, the owner of the local Bagel Shop, came up with the idea to host the cook off. Forbes magazine had called Asheboro a dying town, and he decided to show them there's still plenty of life in this small Southern town which has been hit by the bad economy just like almost every other town in the state.

Residents of Asheboro got behind and excited about the festival, and several local businesses stepped up to sponsor the event.

The Chili Cook Off ran all day with the cooks setting up early in the morning and then the crowds rolling in around lunch time. The various chili chefs and groups handed out samples while live music on the stage had many dancing in the street which was closed off for the event.

I spent much of the afternoon at the Bagel Shop judging the chili entries along with the mayor of Asheboro, David Jarrell, Chris of Two Guys Named Chris from Rock 92, and "The Package" (the original Rhythm & Blues Comic) who wore his hot chili shirt.

Around 5 p.m. the winner of the contest was announced. Kevin Hill and Phillip Crawford had won us over, although we didn't have a clue who made the first rate chili. Turns out it was Kevin, the local butcher who owns Fresh Cuts there in Asheboro where residents can get meat cut to order as well as fresh seafood. Who would guess that the local butcher could make such a great bowl of chili? Perhaps he should sell chili in addition to meat.

There was also a Hot Head contest. They used high technology to image the heat on contestants. Two guys made it to the hottest level. Everyone thought the young guy who was sweating buckets was going to take it, but sweat cools the body down, so his levels dropped while the non-sweater was putting out the hot vibes. Someone cooled the Hot Heads down with buckets of water after the contest - whew - relief.

At the end of the night, one lucky lady won mortgage payments for a year on the raffle held throughout the day. Now. That's a grand prize for sure.

This was the first time Asheboro held the Chili Fun Day, and I hope that it will be an annual tradition. It was small town fun at its finest. People of all ages were out on a sunny day relaxing and enjoying good food and music. It was like a Southern family reunion instead of being organized to death. If a little kid got excited and jumped on the stage - no big deal. Someone snagged the kid, and the band members smiled and played on.

Getting Ready for the Asheboro Chili Cook Off - And I'm Going to be a Chili Judge

Eating Light Tonight. Judging a Chili Contest in Asheboro Tomorrow.

Greta Lint recruited me to be a judge at the great Asheboro Chili Cook Off tomorrow (April 18, 2009).

I'm coming up on the last week of classes and then exams, so I was not thinking on a road trip. But, I just can't pass up homemade chili. Yum!

Someone at worked asked me how I'd clean my palate with 40 chilis to try. The answer to that question is water. If the heat on one fries my taste buds, I'll break and have a soda cracker. Then, it's spoon to bowl again.

Others at the festival will be able to have beer. Asheboro has just passed a law for alcohol. That doesn't work so well for judging though, because you:

A. Get too full too fast.
B. Decide every bowl is fabulous and award everyone first place.
C. Wake up on the street in Ashboro the next morning wondering where's the nearest bathroom.

Speaking of the bathroom, I'm sure they'll have plenty of porta-potties. Unfortunately, I do not do well with those. The boys laughed and pretended they did not know me at the Lexington Barbecue festival, because I would go in one and come busting out coughing, gagging and not having gone. Then, I'd have to wait in line again and pray for a better smelling one.

I have come up with the perfect plan for that porta-potty problem. I stopped at Harris Teeter and got a pack of Immodium. This is not something I use (which is why I had to stop at the store), so the plan may backfire. Also, I suppose it will not help if I go too heavy on the water between bowls of chili. It is also possible that I may have to make a Sunday run to Harris Teeter for Ex-Lax. We shall see.

The other thing I am thinking on is - What to wear? This is girl pattern behavior. But, it could factor in. If I wear my hot low rider jeans along with taking Immodium, I may have to unbutton the button, and that would not look very professional. So, I am thinking it will be loose jeans (and do I have any after working all winter on a summer grill feature for Consumers Digest?) or elastic pants.

Given that it's supposed to be hot and sunny tomorrow and in view of the fact that the make up lady down at Belks tells me I'm a 2 (pale - for those who do not know), I suppose I will have to wear a hat. Hats do not become me, and I suffer greatly from hat head with my fine hair. Better than burned I suppose. I think I'll wear the one in the photo, so you can find me at the Asheboro Chili Cook Off. Just look for the woman in stretch pants, running out the door of the porta-potty, wearing a camoflauge hat. Once I catch my breath, tell me "hi."

I plan to go early and also plan to take my son's new TomTom GPS. Hopefully I do not end up at Bojangles, because the best I can tell that is his main program in there. Every Bojangles in every city comes up on his GPS map. Go figure. No gas stations. No hospitals. Just Bojangles.

The Asheboro Chili Cook Off is a full blown street festival, so I am also looking forward to hearing the music, checking out the kids playing in the Kid's Zone, and watching the Hot Head Contest. I'll have to buy a raffle ticket too, because the winner gets $8000 or up to $1000 a month toward mortgage payments for a year.

OK. Enough blabbing. I need to go take that Immodium (or maybe you do that in the morning - need to find reading glasses and check directions) and also must see about pants that allow room for eating 40 bowls of chili.

Yard Sale in Rowan County, NC - Kennedy Hall Legion Post 106

If you live in or close Rowan County, NC (that's in the Salisbury, NC area), make plans to visit Kennedy Hall Legion Post 106 on April 18, 2009 for a big yard sale.

The Legion members have collected items for the yard sale, and they also are renting yard sale booths at 20 x 20 feet for $15. If you rent a space, then you get to keep all your own profits. The contact for space is Randy at 704-431-4169.

The guys are making and selling breakfast as well. I've heard they are thinking about sausage biscuits. They are thinking that this will be mostly a morning project, but I don't have the exact hours yet.

If it does happen to rain, they have a nice building and also a shelter, so this is rain or shine.

This was my Dad's Legion Post, and I have so many memories of the things that Kennedy Hall Legion did for the community over the years. I always loved to go see Santa Claus at the Legion and get a treat bag, and the Easter Egg hunts were the highlight of Spring. My boys enjoyed these same activities after I moved back to the area.

The group also sponsors kids for Boys and Girls State. I had the opportunity to attend Girls State through Kennedy Hall Legion, and my son went to Boys State. They also offer yearly scholarships. All four kids in my family were awarded those and also my oldest son. The younger one is still in high school.

Kennedy Hall will always hold a real special place in my heart even though my Dad died in an accident on I77. The members and families at the Legion have always made it clear that we're still "family."

If you are close, do come out. You will find great deals, nice people, and help support good causes which are especially important during lean times.

Kennedy Hall American Legion is on Highway 801 with a Salisbury address, but most people will tell you it's basically in Woodleaf, NC. You get on Highway 70 or Statesville Blvd on the stretch between Salisbury and Statesville, NC. The turn for 801 is about half way between the two towns - around 12 miles either way. You can't turn wrong on 801, because there's only one direction to turn for that road. Drive a mile or less, and Kennedy Hall Legion is on the left. It's back off the road a bit with trees. The driveway loops, and there's plenty of parking.