We started out with the rough idea that we were going to drive up to the mountains to spend a nice day looking at the changing colors in the trees. We started out heading for Boone by going through Blowing Rock on Highway 321. The fall display in Blowing Rock was simply stunning and upon coming to the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance, we decided that we had to change directions and follow the Parkway West to Asheville.
Just after turning onto the Parkway we reached one of the many turnouts that also act as mini park areas along the road. Here we found some friendly horses that loved attention. One even tried to eat Amber’s hair.
We next stopped at one of the many water features along the Parkway. This pond (which I can’t recall the name of,) named Simms Pond, was absolutely gorgeous. Several hiking trails surrounded the area, and although there were many people stopping to look at the beauty of this place… there was a peace at this pond that just settles over you as you soak in the colors and the vista. I can easily imagine this being the location for a monastery or temple. It begs quiet contemplation.
The next part of our journey took us up into the mountains. We got a lovely view of Grandfather Mountain and then the hills just lit up with colors so bright it looked as though they were on fire!
The final descent out of the mountains took us past the wonderful Orchard at Altapass. Live music, hayrides, delicious fudge, crafts, and local jams and jelly’s served up by some of the friendliest people I’ve met in North Carolina. (Which is saying alot!) This orchard is definately a must visit again for us as we loaded up on fudge and apple butter to hold us over for the rest of the trip down into Asheville.
This trip took the better part of an afternoon. If I were going to change anything, I think I would head out a little bit earlier and bring along a picnic lunch to eat at one of the many parks/overlooks that line the road. We happened to be filming a video postcard to send back home to California to show the family what North Carolina looks like. They are so jealous! I’ve always heard about New England during the Fall, but I can’t imagine anywhere having anything on North Carolina in the Fall.
