North Carolina

Multi View Greetings from North Carolina

North Carolina is an enchanting state to me.  The state is one of the original 13 colonies and has a long history.  From the Atlantic coastal areas to the mountains in the western part of the state, North Carolina has a wide variety of beautiful landscapes, a number of vibrant modern cities and a multitude of interesting towns.  One glance at The Smoky Mountains and you realize they are aptly named.  The popular movie “The Hunger Games” had many of its filming location sites in North Carolina. 

Although I have traveled through the state many times, the western mountain region is the area I am most familiar with.  Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, each of the mountain towns seems to have its own character.   

Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina

Several years ago my husband and I toured the Biltmore Estate in Asheville.  For anyone who enjoys exploring castles and mansions, this one is unique with many stories to explain the history of the building or the reasons for the décor of each room.  The grounds and the gardens are at their best in spring and early summer, but enjoyable year around.  Not far to the west of Asheville is the Cherokee Reservation which includes a welcome center, the Oconaluftee Indian Village, a museum, various demonstrations, pottery classes and other activities.  I enjoyed the time we were there but would enjoy another visit to see more.   

Grove Park Inn - Asheville, North Carolina

Last year was my most recent trip to North Carolina, when once again I found interesting places to explore.   We took the trolley tour around Asheville and found the River Arts District area where you can learn to make blown glass items, the downtown Art Deco section including an area where some of the buildings are replicas of the New York Times Square area, the Biltmore Village, boutique shops near the entrance to the Biltmore Estate, Grove Park Inn and several historic areas.    The Trolley Tour was great because you are allowed to hop on and off so you can take your time in each area and then just take the next trolley to another area.  In the downtown Grove Arcade we discovered a wonderful Italian restaurant with excellent sandwiches for lunch.  

Patton Avenue looking west in Asheville, North Carolina

 

The lovely water color postcards in this post are ones I purchased on our last trip.  They are reproductions of original painting by Ann Vasilik.  

For more information on the beaches of the coastal area, the craft beer or tobacco road tours, wineries or the many attractions in the cities of North Carolina, visit the website at http://www.visitnc.com/ for all the places to see in North Carolina.  Each of the cities and the Cherokee Nation also have a website for more detailed information.