The Biltmore House Starts Its 2013 Festival of Flowers with Orchids

The planners at the Biltmore Estate never think small when planning events. The new tourist season begins each year with the Festival of Flowers and this year they return to one of Frederick Law Olmsted's plans for the gardens . . . orchids.

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Wright Brothers National Memorial: Kill Devil Hills NC

First in Flight. We see it on license plates and tourism ads but how many make it to the Outer Banks, to Kill Devil Hills, to where two brothers from Ohio changed the world?

While North Carolina claims the site, America claims Wilbur and Orville, two bicycle designers who read about the science that others were gathering on human flight and propelled it forward until they reached their goal.

The center of the Wright Brothers National Memorial Site is a 60 foot monument on a 90 foot hill. That's a lot of elevation on the Outer Banks and it offers a hint of the view from "up there" in a flying machine.

Journey to the memorial by plane and learn about two American heroes . . .

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Chimney Rock and Lake Lure North Carolina           

In 1902 Dr. Lucious Morse moved from Missouri to Hendersonville, just south of Asheville, for a more favorable climate to cope with his recently diagnosed tuberculosis. During one of his day trips he found Hickory Nut Gorge and the Chimney Rock rising above the gorge and did what you or I would do. He bought it.

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A Day on Watauga Lake

Remarkably, one of the area's best assets remains one of its best kept secrets. Just across the Tennessee border lies Watauga Lake, the easternmonst of the TVA lakes.

This 16 mile lake has a 100-plus mile shoreline over half of which is in the Cherokee National Forest. Public marinas, boat ramps and beaches are easily accessible from Highway 321 and the views are spectacular. It is the best place in the area for boating, fishing or just getting away.

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Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC     

Just 2 hours from Boone, a visit to the George Vanderbilt Biltmore Estate makes for a memorable day trip. See the house that is billed as the largest private home in America with 250 rooms. Visit the Biltmore winery, the River Bed Farm and the Deer Park. . . .

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The Parson's Table
Jonesborough Tennessee

Many in the Boone area will remember large billboards advertising the Parson's Table restaurant in Jonesborough, Tennessee. The restaurant closed after many years as one of the most popular restaurants in the region but the historic building has been purchased and a new business is beginning. . .

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The Crossnore School
"Miracle in The Hills"

The Crossnore School was started in the early 1900s by Drs. Mary and Eustace Sloop and the citizens of the Crossnore North Carolina area. Learn about this remarkable story that continues today. . .

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Watauga Lake Tennessee

Watauga Lake Tennessee is just 45 minutes from Boone but seems like a world away. This TVA mountain lake is spacious in every way. . . . 16 miles long, little boat traffic and unforgettable mountain views. You can go and come back in a day or stay in one of the many rental cabins available . . .

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Historic Jonesborough

Jonesborough Tennessee is just 1 1/2 hours from Boone and is a great place to spend a day. It has beautifully restored and maintained historical buildings, shops, restaurants, storytelling and more . . .

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