Wake – Foot Sanctuary & Shop – Asheville, NC

In November, the husband and I took a one-night trip up to Asheville, NC. Since both of us had previously visited the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn, we mainly spent this trip exploring downtown.

Loading up on maps and brochures at the visitor center, we decided to take the Urban Trail Walking Tour. The short walk took us by landmarks, sculptures and historic buildings. Street performers serenaded us as we stepped in many craft shops – my favorite being an old Woolworth with the soda fountain still serving food.

As the day wore on, I realized I really needed a big dose of relaxation. The fresh air and mountains helped, but the previous week’s stress had done a number on my neck and shoulder and muscles. I needed a massage. Since I was technically in the “spa capital” of the world, I sought one out.

The Grove Arcade was built in 1929.
The Grove Arcade was built in 1929.

We had started our walk at the Grove Arcade and I remembered seeing a place that offered massages and foot baths. When we ended our walking trail, we went inside the indoor mall and I was able to book an appointment an hour later. That gave us time to explore the arcade. (more…)

Leaf Peeping on the Blue Ridge Parkway – Blowing Rock to Asheville, NC

Columbus Day Weekend – time to go leaf peeping!

This year, we only had one day for a jaunt up to the mountains. One day – not even a night – so we had to make good use of our time.

Heading out of Atlanta at 6:30 in the morning, we arrived in Blowing Rock, NC around 11:00 am.

Blowing Rock

The town of Blowing Rock is quaint – I know that’s an overused word – but it describes the town. Shops and restaurants line the main street through the town. Side streets boast inns and Bed & Breakfast places.

A full selection of fresh apples in Blowing Rock
A full selection of fresh apples in Blowing Rock

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Read more about the article Petit Jean State Park – Morrillton, AR

Petit Jean State Park – Morrillton, AR

It’s actually hard to write this post. Usually because I relish writing about my trip after the fact. But somehow I feel that if I write about it, I will be putting it to rest. I don’t want that trip to end.

Just a short drive from Little Rock lies Petit Jean State Park. Because the pickings are scarce in the AAA guide-book for Arkansas, I decided we better review what’s on the list. Petit Jean was the first state park in Arkansas, founded around 1921 with help from Stephen Mather of the National Park Service.

We started off at the point in the picture above. Overlooking the Arkansas River, we saw the remains of a building and a cemetery. It turns out this land was a former YMCA Camp Mitchell until it burned in the 1940’s. Later that decade, it was purchased by the Episcopalian church which leases the land to Petit Jean today. (more…)