North Carolina chooses to celebrate the land and the landscape of the mountains in the state parks that surround the Smoky Mountains. From the peak of Mount Mitchell to the slowly flowing New River, the state parks of the state of North Carolina provide days of recreational opportunities for thousands of visitors each year. Whether you are wanting a simple day playing in the mountains or a strenuous hike to the top of a miraculous rock formation, check out the state parks of NC to find all that your travel needs desire.
Blue Valley Experimental Forest – This experimental forest was established in 1964. The purpose of this forest is to study the eastern white pine and other hardwood trees. Through the research that goes on in this forest, the understanding of the eastern white pine and hardwood trees in the mountains and foothills of North Carolina has increased and researchers have been able to help keep these forests vibrant and healthy.
Chimney Rock State Park – Chimney Rock’s main feature is the 315 foot spire of rock that just from the landscape and shares its name with the park itself. Once a privately owned park, the family that owned Chimney rock developed the stairway and elevator that give visitors access to the top of the spire and also hiking trails to other geological formations in the park itself, including the 404 foot Hickory Nut Falls.
Elk Knob State Park – This is one of the newest additions to the North Carolina State Park system. Right now it has just the basics: a park office, a contact station, a maintenance facility, picnic areas and a hiking trail. The hiking trail provides a glorious walk to the apex of Elk Knob.
Grandfather Mountain – Grandfather Mountain was added to the state park system in North Carolina in 2008. The acquisition of this property helps to continue the vision of the Horton family (the family that owned the area known as Grandfather Mountain and turned it into the destination that it is today). On top of the mountain you will find hiking trails, a swinging bridge and breathtaking views of the mountains around Grandfather Mountain. Add to that the events that take place on Grandfather Mountain each year, like the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and you have a destination that could monopolize your vacation for days at a time.
Mount Jefferson State Park – Mount Jefferson rises more than 1,600 feet above the surrounding area on the Ashe Plateau. From the peak you can see the Blue Ridge Mountains and of course the Ashe Plateau which spreads out in front of the peak. The lush forest on Mount Jefferson bring one of the widest ranges of plant and wild life that is to be found in the Southern Appalachians.
Mount Mitchell State Park – Mount Mitchell is the highest point east of the Mississippi River. Rising 6,684 feet above sea level, Mount Mitchell dominates the skyline. Though Mount Mitchell is often shrouded in mist and mystery, a hike to the top of the mountain provides the visitor with an amazing view of the surrounding valleys and mountains for miles around.
New River State Park – Camping, picnicking, fishing and best of all canoeing and flat water kayaking are just a few of the reasons to visit the New River State Park. Beautiful scenery and a pastoral landscape surround what may be the oldest river in the United States. You can drive through this beautiful area, taking in the natural beauty or you can jump in a canoe or kayak and float gentle down this slow moving river form one of the four river access points.
The Franklin Gem and Mineral Society started in 1971. The rockhounds of the area had a close kinship from many hours spent digging for gems in the mountains. It was no wonder that informal get-togethers turned into monthly meetings. In fact, by 1972 there were almost 175 people on the roles of the club. In 1972 they also opened the museum. This museum was a growing collection of the lapidary dreams of the rockhounds of Macon County. With the move into the jailhouse, they were able to expand the collection and improve on the exhibits. The club stills hosts this free museum and it is one of the highlights of any visit to downtown Franklin, NC.
The food is paired amazingly with décor and the atmosphere. The way the restaurant has been designed, it is quite and you feel as if you are the only people seated in the huge dining room. And if the décor and the atmosphere is amazing, you will be floored by the service. Polite, pleasant and professional are the catchwords for the day. Firstly, they allow you to make reservations. As one of the hot spots in the Smokies, the tables fill up fast. Secondly, they are nice. The wait staff treats you like you are the only person in the restaurant and your experience is their only concern.
Check out Paula Deen’s Kitchen at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. If you are looking for a memorable meal that will make you wish you had more room in your belly and more time in your schedule, this is the only place you need to eat while you are in the Smokies. Go in and try Paula Deen’s take on southern tradition.
Kermit Hunter was born in West Virginia. After a time in the US Army in World War II, he went on to manage the North Carolina Symphony. Over time, working with various theatrical companies, Hunter went on to his graduate studies program in Dramatic Arts at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While he was there several of his plays would be produced by the Carolina Playmaker’s. At this same time, the city of Cherokee started to look for someone to write a dramatic interpretation of the Cherokee people to be performed at an outdoor site in Cherokee.
Along with their shooters, they have tons of chocolate creations. From truffles ti brio to bark to fudge, their are more varieties of chocolate in this shop then you will find in more stores twice its size. You can find those items from the past that were favorites of yours as a child to new creations that are fresh from their research and development department. For instance, they have an Aztec “Spicy” Turtle. This creation is just the right blend of pecans, caramel and dark chocolate with just a bit of spice to make it interesting. Or maybe you are in the mood for something a little strange, like – Dark Peanut Butter Ritz Crackers. These are honest to goodness Ritz crackers that have had a layer of peanut butter spread on them and then dipped in wonderful dark chocolate. The slight bitter of the dark chocolate with the sweet of the peanut butter and the savory cracker is a treat that you will not believe.
Kiddie rides abound at the Tweetsie Railroad theme park. Inline cars, a merry-go-round, planes or any of a number of other rides have been built with children being the sole focus. This is a great time – while the kids are enjoying the rides – for parents, or anyone else to get something to eat in the park. The food is all carnival-type fare, and really good. From cotton candy and caramel apples to ice cream and hot dogs, all are available at the park’s restaurants or food vendors. Just be sure to ride everything you want before you eat.