A Valentine's Day Getaway For Conscious Couples

A Valentine’s Day getaway can be a happiness cure for conscious couples. But there are some things to consider. Nina Zapala, an award-winning public relations professional, writer and entrepreneur, addresses opposite personality traits and the need for external validation vs. a liberated you — passionate, self-fulfilled and engaged. Read on if you desire a loving Valentine’s Day getaway.

Couples Argue Once A Day While On Holiday

Bickering is relatively common while on holiday. As many as 40% of couples argue every day while on vacation, according to Holiday Auto. The study of 2,000 couples also states, “One in 10 couples break-up after a vacation.”  Nina also witnessed this as a travel professional. In speaking with hundreds of travelers, she realized the majority weren’t all that happy with their partners. This info is another reason Nina developed Unpack Your Personality: Your Soul’s Journey to Self.

What Is The Happiness Cure For Conscious Couples?

If you want to enjoy a truly loving getaway with your partner, it begins with you ⏤ falling in love with you. If you depend on external sources, a beautiful location, fine dining, and other niceties to bring you love, this is a falsehood. Counting on external things to bring you happiness is a form of codependency. Similarly, seeking external validation from a partner to make you happy is also a form of codependency. Another person can’t fill you with peace, joy, passion, and happiness; this is an inside job; self-validation.

After meeting hundreds of vacationing couples Nina learned that happiest of them all had one thing in common… read on to learn more.

Winter Adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Blue Ridge Mountain Host features a beautiful 10-county region of Western North Carolina. Visit their website for more info on all there is to see and do in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains!

A winter escape to the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains is an invigorating, rosy-cheek feeling experience. Visitors come for the mild winter weather surrounded by snow-dusted peaks, making it easy to access winter adventure and cozy times.

Outdoor Activities

The best cure of the winter blahs is a dose of fun, and you don’t need to go far to find a place to play. Here are some of our favorite ways to get outdoors in the winter.

• Located in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, and just 30 minutes from Asheville, is Wolf Ridge Ski Resort and Vacation Rentals. With slopes for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing this place is offers something fun for the entire family.

• Imagine experiencing a massive cavern, complete with unusual stalactites and stalagmites with Eastern Pipistrelle bats, salamanders and blind trout. Take a drive over to Linville Caverns, where you can step inside a mountain at the only show cavern in the NC Blue Ridge. With a constant 52-degree temperature inside the cavern, this is an amazing adventure in any season.

• There’s nothing like taking a driving tour of the spectacular waterfalls in and around the Blue Ridge. There are clearer views and just amazing ice formations during the cold snaps. Be sure to bring your camera.

• Pearson’s Falls and Glen is a natural attraction in the foothills of the Blue Ridge between Tryon and Saluda. With a 90 foot waterfall and 275 acres of rich cove forest, this is a perfect winter time stop.

• Catch views of the beautiful falls at Looking Glass Falls, a roadside waterfall near Brevard.

• Douglass Falls near Barnardsville is a high and free-falling waterfall with an easy half-mile hike to the falls in a virgin forest.

• Head over to Old Fort and check out Catawba Falls in the southern tip of the Pisgah National Forest. At 100-feet high, Catawba Falls is one of the exceptional waterfalls in the Blue Ridge.

  Mountain Views That Go On Forever

  There’s no end to the hiking season in N.C.’s Blue Ridge Mountains and no end to beautiful vistas. Trails are less crowded and there are views you would never see during the summer. Here is where to visit.

  • Starting out in Asheville, head over to Bearwallow Mountain Trail. This short hike provides 360-degree views towering over the Hickory Nut Gorge, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

  • For a family and pet-friendly hike to a beautiful waterfall, check out the Moore Cove Falls Trail. This 3/4-mile hike takes you to one of the prettiest and most accessible waterfall hikes.

  • There really aren’t rattlesnakes on the trail to Rattlesnake Lodge. This pleasant three-mile hike takes you to the ruins of a historic private lodge and follows the Mountains to Sea Trail. It’s close to Asheville and follows an old wagon train road with spectacular views and lush forest.

  • Lovers Leap Loop Trail is a local favorite where your feet are officially on the Appalachian Trail. It’s a lovely drive to Hot Springs, a small trail town nestled in a valley beside the breathtaking French Broad River. Climb to the summit for amazing views from Lover Leap along the two-mile trail. Follow the white blazes of the AT through town and along the banks of the river.

  • And while you’re there, be sure to check out the trail at Max Patch, a short scenic drive from Hot Springs. You’re still on the AT on a grassy, bald mountain with 360-degree views. At an elevation of 4,629, Max Patch is one of the most beautiful summits in the Southeast.

  Indoor Activities To Escape The Cold

  Whether you’re seeking wintertime thrills or searching for long winter views and magical ice sculptures made from waterfalls, there are plenty of indoor attractions to keep you warm and toasty this season around the Blue Ridge. Take a break from the snow sports and choose some indoor happiness at these cozy spots.

  • Natural hot springs have been used for healing and wellness for centuries. Soak in the naturally heated water at the Hot Springs Spa, just a short drive from Asheville. Book an hour or two in a private tub right on the French Broad River. The heat in the hot spring water helps sooth those aching muscles and you’ll feel more relaxed and less stressed.

  • There’s no better way to warm your soul than art. Whether it’s a symphony performance or an artist’s masterpiece, art brings out emotions to make you feel alive. A winter visit to the Blue Ridge Mountains is the perfect time for cultural exploration.

  • The museums in the Blue Ridge Mountain region provide a fun, enlightening way to stay out of the cold. Many museums are open year-round and offer unparalleled collections of art on view. The Folk Art Center, located right on the Blue Ridge Parkway, is one of Asheville’s most popular attractions with juried artisans from the Blue Ridge and nine southern states represented through exhibits and daily craft demonstrations. Open daily, year-round.

  • Tucked into the Blue Ridge foothills is the Hamilton Williams Gallery and Studio, a contemporary craft gallery and pottery studio with a curated collection of modern craft provided by local and regional artists. The restored 100 year-old building provides a welcoming and cozy space to linger and explore.

  • The Toe River Arts Council Spruce Pine Gallery connects the arts and the community in a large gallery offering changing exhibitions and a well-stocked gift shop. Relax with a cup of hot coffee steaming in a handmade mug beside the wood stove.

Get Cozy And Warm With A Good Drink

During the winter, the pace slows down and everything becomes more peaceful. And it’s a wonderful time to warm up with a glass of wine, a home-brew or a crafty cocktail in the NC Blue Ridge.

• Visit Biltmore Winery and enjoy a complimentary tasting of their handcrafted wines. Wine hosts take you on a journey through the wine making process and you can taste the deliciousness of reds, whites and sparkling wines by the glass.

• The Bold Rock Mills River Cidery & Tap Room is a short drive from Asheville and you can learn about the process behind the cider crafted from locally sourced Henderson County apples. They have complimentary daily tours and hard cider tastings. An apple cider a day keeps the doctor away!

• Spend some time strolling through the Grove Arcade, one of Asheville’s architectural jewels. Savor great champagne at the Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar. You won’t be a loss for places to eat either. Some of the city’s most eclectic dining options are all under one roof.

Top Cultural Winter Experiences in the Blue Ridge

A winter experience in the Blue Ridge is imbued with cultural experiences meant to energize and delight your wanderlust senses while fulfilling your winter itinerary.

• The Blue Mountains are home to a rich tradition of music that has shaped American music for generations. Follow the Blue Ridge Music Trails to find music year-round at festivals and jams. The music here is part of the fabric of community life.

The NC Blue Ridge boasts a number of theaters ranging from local productions on black box stages to the official playhouse in the state. Cozy up with a bag of hot, buttered popcorn at independent cinemas or catch a local production in a thriving creative community.

• The Fine Arts Theatre is home to Asheville’s art and independent films for over 20 years. The theatre is open daily.

• The Tryon Fine Arts Center brings Grammy-award winning music, art, education and world-class art exhibits, along with classes, film series, great shows and fabulous music.

Winter Warmers

While making the most of your wintertime Blue Ridge Mountain experience, a cozy accommodation is the ideal way to warm up in your wintry surroundings from the comfort of your warm armchair.

• Echo Mountain Inn Bed & Breakfast is a charming country inn not far from Asheville in beautiful Hendersonville. You can cozy up around the large fireplace and play some board games for some old-fashioned fun. Or spend some time putting together a challenging jigsaw puzzle. Enjoy a hearty and healthy breakfast each morning and get ready for your day out and about.

• Spend some time in Black Mountain at the Red Rocker Inn, featuring newly renovated elegant guest rooms, many with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and antique claw-foot tubs. Grab your cup of hot chocolate and stargaze around the fire pit. And there are delicious, home baked cookies for you every afternoon!

From one end of Western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge to the other, there is no reason that the change in seasons should stop you from entering your vacation mode. So grab your cozy sweater and get ready to plan your ultimate winter getaway.

When An Ordinary Tour Just Won’t Do

One of the best ways to get to know a city is by taking a tour. It's always lovely to stroll around a city's downtown area and see the sights and capture some unique history.

But I discovered there’s more to a town when looked at from a bird’s eye view. The amazing team at Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours helped organize a recent group tour and we were able to see a part of Asheville’s best views from high above the city.

You sit back and order some handcrafted cocktails, craft beers, local wines, and small plates of yummy food while learning about Asheville from the early years.

And then you get van-chauffeured to the next rooftop bar stop. A fun time indeed!

Visit Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours

Unpack 16 Personalities With Nina Zapala: A 2020 Resolution for Self Growth

Happy New Year! Travel expert Nina Zapala explains how to unpack 16 travel personalities for a 2020 New Year's resolution for self-growth.

Unpacking travel personality types, your personal truth, may be the smartest New Year's resolution you'll make. So why not begin the new year with a new outlook?

How many resolutions have you kept over the years? We probably can all say we’ve dropped more than we've kept. So why is personality typing its own resolution for self-growth?

According to U.S. News & World Report, 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. What exactly goes wrong in this process? Many say resolutions don’t work because:

• They are too vague.

• There is not enough understanding. What’s the why behind the resolution?

• We might not know who we truly are.

• The resolutions may not be relevant.

• Or maybe we’re just not ready for a change.

We put a lot of pressure on ourselves crafting goals and then try really hard to achieve them. A question to ponder… Have you identified your genuine self to know what you really need for self-growth and self-acceptance? This question is essential for keeping and achieving successful resolutions.

Many of us will read a “tip list” for 2020 resolutions, get a few ideas, and think, “Hey, this one sounds good. I’ll give it a try.” Well, what if this program doesn’t resonate with your personality type? Epic Fail!  

Learn more how travel triggers can inspire self-growth by visiting Nina’s blog.

You Know You Want To Go To Italy!

Italy is always on the top of my travel list. And there’s no better way to discover the art, the history, the food and the people that are Italy than with Private Italy Tours Ltd. They present small group tours of Italy through its most beautiful and inspiring regions.

Your own villa. Cooks who prepare your meals. Private guides. Exceptional hotel accommodations. Full time bilingual tour leaders. Only 10 to 14 guests in each tour. Experience Italy at the pace of Italian life. They provide all the support while you enjoy Bella Italia — your own private tour of Italy.

Since 2003, Private Italy Tours Ltd has accompanied over 1,100 guests across Italy. They offer six unique and unforgettable itineraries: Venice & Tuscany, Umbria & Le Marche, Lake Region & Northern Italy, Southern Italy (Sicily and Amalfi Coast), Puglia and Basilicata, and a special tour examining the Florentine and Flemish Renaissance in Florence and Amsterdam.

For an introduction to the 2020 Art Tour, click here.

Most importantly, you will meet the people of Italy – the true heart of the country and culture. Private Italy Tours Ltd brings Italy to YOU!

Their guests’ enthusiasm for exceptional tours is reflected in their testimonials and they are proud of the level of confidence expressed in the quality of services.

If itinerary planning in Italy is what you seek, Private Italy Tours Ltd offers support for independent individuals, couples or small groups of travelers who wish to explore on their own.

And their itinerary planning service includes Italy villa rentals and hotel reservations, private guides in any city required, restaurant recommendations and reservations, museum vouchers, rail tickets in Italy, car rentals, and step-by-step itineraries – all of the assistance you require.

Discover and explore a world of seclusion and retreat where the worries of travel won’t be a burden. Come home again to Italy with Private Italy Tours.

Private Italy Tours Ltd was founded in 2003 by Mark Gordon Smith. He has traveled across Italy for over 45 years and is the author of several books about the experience of traveling in Italy. Join one of his small groups for what has consistently been rated a “Five-Star” experience in Bella Italia.

Ten Simple Ways To Inspire Happy Travel

Fellow traveler and blogger, Nina Zapala, offers up 10 simple ways to inspire happy travel this Thanksgiving season.

She was motivated to put this list together by a need she once had to make things perfect.

God bless her Mom, who would rant and rave, trying to get it all done while also keeping up with five little kids. Wow! Her mom was really a superwoman!

Nina says she’s been known to spiral out of control because she forgot to make a dish, while a variety of delicious dishes are on the table. Or visited a relative’s home, and always wanting to be the pleaser, will eat stuff she normally wouldn’t.

And even worse, she would force her son to do the same, under the guise of politeness.

Not sure how to squeeze it all in?

Check out these 10 Tips from Nina!

How to Explore the Blue Ridge Mountains in Three Days

Make the most of your next three-day weekend by exploring North Carolina’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

This outdoor-lover’s mecca and cool cultural hub offers beautiful views year-round, delicious food, tons of history, live music, and miles upon miles of mountain exploration.

Not sure how to squeeze it all in?

This itinerary will help you discover some of the region’s best attractions and achieve the ultimate Blue Ridge Mountain experience.

Day One –  Explore Asheville and Biltmore

With a downtown full of historic Art Deco buildings, hidden-gem music venues, craft beer and delicious restaurants, you’ll quickly learn why Asheville, an eclectic mountain town, has beckoned travelers to enjoy its relaxed bohemian vibe for years.

Start your journey with a visit to America’s largest private home. Biltmore, a 178,000-square-foot chateaux built by George W. Vanderbilt in 1889, is a testament to the opulence of the Gilded Age. The expansive estate offers visitors the chance to tour the home, stroll through the massive gardens designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, and explore the grounds by foot, bike, or on horseback. The estate is also home to the most visited winery in the country, which you can visit. The winery tour includes free samples or you can upgrade to a paid tasting to try their selection of bubbly.

After you’ve explored all Biltmore has to offer, head over to Historic Biltmore Village located just outside the gates of Biltmore. Originally modeled after a small English village it’s now home to beautiful art galleries, shopping, and dining.

In the afternoon, head back to downtown Asheville to explore the multitude of independent shops, farm-to-fork restaurants, and craft breweries. Enjoy the many lively street performances, walk along the Urban Trail to learn about Asheville’s history, and participate in one of the many guided tours – there’s a comedy bus, a literary tour, an architecture tour, a rooftop bar tour – the list goes on.

Be sure to save room for dinner and immerse yourself in Asheville’s foodie scene with offerings from grab-and-go shwarma to slow-cooked Southern cuisine or a flight of wine at the Grove Arcade, home to some of Asheville’s finest restaurants, wine bars, and other dining options.

Afterwards you can dance the night away at a street festival, nightclub, or on Friday nights during the warmer months at the drum circle in Pritchard Park.

Day Two – The Blue Ridge Parkway

No trip to the mountains is complete without a hike to take in the area’s beautiful scenery. Head north of Asheville to Mitchell County and then hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway for a lovely ride up to Mount Mitchell State Park, which at 6,684 feet boasts the highest peak east of the Mississippi. You can grab a bite at the on-site restaurant before continuing your journey south on the Parkway to Craggy Gardens. The Craggy Gardens Visitor Center is located at mile post 364.4, with the spur to the trails and picnic area at mile post 367.6. Take a short hike up Craggy Pinnacle trail and discover a stunning 360-view of endless peaks and forested slopes.

Keep heading south and you’ll find the Folk Art Center. This is definitely worth a visit to find beautiful handmade crafts from the Southern Highland Craft Guild. As you continue your drive, you’ll find the “Peak of the Parkway” at Pisgah Inn offers panoramic views and the perfect picnic spot at Milepost 408.6. There’s also a restaurant on site. As you continue your journey through the Pisgah National Forest turn off at the US-276 intersections and head south to visit the Cradle of Forestry, a 6,500-acre heritage site and learn about the beginnings of scientific forestry in America.

Continue down 276 until you reach Brevard, located in Transylvania County, famous for its 250 waterfalls throughout the region. Drive over to Looking Glass Falls, one of the most popular and spectacular waterfalls in the state and one of the most accessible roadside waterfalls. For a fun evening, downtown Brevard offers plenty of incredible dining options and unique boutiques, antiques and many more shopping options for everyone in the family.

Day Three – Explore The Foothills

Begin your day just relaxing and enjoy the slower pace of downtown Black Mountain, located just east of Asheville. Hang out on one of the many rocking chairs around town and take in the lovely scenic views. With plenty of local independent shops and assorted restaurants, galleries and breweries, this walkable and historic town will be the perfect place to make yourself at home and breath in the mountain air.

Hop in your car and head south to spend some time at the Hickory Nut Gap Farm. Nestled in the rolling foothills, this is a fun place to visit with the kids. Just down the road Looking Glass Creamery has a store where you can purchase their award-winning cheeses. Be sure to pack up your cooler and take home some local cheeses, meads, hand-made sausages and ham.

A short, scenic ride down the road, discover the quant mountain towns of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. For lunch, find out what the locals love about the Tree Tops Restaurant at the Lodge at Lake Lure. The beautiful views and hometown hospitality of Lake Lure is a sanctuary for cozy vibes.

Close out your trip where all the best of the mountains are brought together in one place at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park. 

With unique hiking trails for all levels, one of the highest waterfalls in the East, a 26-story elevator built inside the mountain, and some really cool animals, Chimney Rock is a hidden treasure of Appalachian beauty and adventure waiting just for you.

Gift From The Sea

It’s time for a road trip to the beach! There is no better time to travel to the coast then in the fall. The temps are dropping and the beach is less-crowded. Of course, you’ll find me on the beach any chance I get during the summer. But going in the fall holds a special place in my heart.

Before you go, grab a copy of my favorite beach book that should really be in your library. Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s Gift From the Sea might appear a bit dated, but trust me when I say it’s still quite relevant. This is a genuine, heartfelt and thoughtful little book that really will never become dated or obsolete even though it was published in 1955 in what some may call a simpler time.

“I need the sea because it teaches me.”

Anne Morrow Lindbergh shares a personal and spiritual philosophical exploration that will resonate, leaving you feeling alive and cleansed. With the combination of sun, sea and sand, you’ll be reminded of the importance of just being you.

“The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. To dig for treasures shows not only impatience and greed, but lack of faith. Patience, patience, patience, is what the sea teaches. Patience and faith. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach—waiting for a gift from the sea.”

“When you love someone you do not love them all the time, in exactly the same way, from moment to moment. It is an impossibility. It is even a lie to pretend to. And yet this is exactly what most of us demand. We have so little faith in the ebb and flow of life, of love, of relationships. We leap at the flow of the tide and resist in terror its ebb. We are afraid it will never return. We insist on permanency, on duration, on continuity; when the only continuity possible, in life as in love, is in growth, in fluidity - in freedom”

“Women need solitude in order to find again the true essence of themselves.”

“I find there is a quality to being alone that is incredibly precious. Life rushes back into the void, richer, more vivid, fuller than before.”

“Arranging a bowl of flowers in the morning can give a sense of quiet in a crowded day- like writing a poem or saying a prayer.”

“I am very fond of the oyster shell. It is humble and awkward and ugly. It is slate-colored and unsymmetrical. Its form is not primarily beautiful but functional. I make fun of its knobbiness.

Sometimes I resent its burdens and excrescences. But its tireless adaptability and tenacity draw my astonished admiration and sometimes even my tears.

And it is comfortable in its familiarity, its homeliness, like old garden gloves when have molded themselves perfectly to the shape of the hand. I do not like to put it down. I will not want to leave it.”

Celebrating Six Years of Speaking of Travel

Mark Twain once said, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

A big shout out to all of you following Speaking of Travel! The show is growing and more and more people are tuning in.

There is a reason Speaking of Travel is finding success as a regional radio show and as a global podcast... Every episode delivers a great travel story!

Speaking of Travel is in its sixth year. That’s over 300 travel conversations. And I have learned from each and every guest that travel helps you become a better person when you are open to new experiences, people, cultures and challenges.

Wherever you go, whether across the state or across the world, you come back with a greater appreciation for life and for people. And that’s how travel changes the world. And that’s what we need to be doing now more than ever.

Travel transforms your life and changes the way you think about yourself and the world. Tune in to Speaking of Travel and find out how traveling teaches you more than a job or classroom ever will.

The Speaking of Travel + Climate Listening Project Series presents a monthly educational series with industry leaders who discuss climate change and its impact on the places we love to travel, as well as how to become sustainable travelers. Guests include experts from Green Peace, PBS, Audubon, Dogwood Alliance, the Audubon Society and the Center for Honey Bee Research.

Speaking of Flying is a Speaking of Travel airport interview series highlighting passengers and their unique adventures through the Asheville Regional Airport. Find out where people are heading and also learn some valuable travel tips.

Do you love music? Speaking of Travel features musicians from near and far to talk about how travel influences their creative process and brings the world closer together through lyrics and melodies. From Bluegrass to Jazz and every genre in-between.

Each and every conversation on Speaking of Travel reveals at some point how travel has changed a life in some way or another. How meeting new people of all cultures, eating new foods and placing themselves into the unknown turns out is quite powerful and empowering! 

Travel is the best way to challenge yourself. It takes you to your limit and often pushes you outside your comfort zone.

Speaking of Travel brings you some of the most interesting and unusual travel stories from around the globe and from right here in our own backyard. This is the place to find inspiration to pack your bags and hit the road.

I'm excited to welcome listeners from the U.S., England, Ecuador, Spain, Germany, China, Nepal and Poland.

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New Belgium’s Community Ambassador Mike Craft and Sustainable Coordinator Sarah Fraser explain how kindling social, environmental and cultural change as a business role model works for the community.

They have an entire team of coworkers dedicated to understanding and improving New Belgium’s impact on ecosystems.

Dedicated to proving that business can be a force for good, come visit New Belgium Brewing in Asheville. Free tours and great beers!

Listen here!

 

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Miranda Peterson is the founder and owner of Namaste in Nature, a yoga, hiking and meditation respite in Western North Carolina that helps relive stress and anxieties while celebrating and appreciating nature.

Namaste in Nature offers multiple options for each person in the practices she guides so they are inclusive of everyone from beginners to experts. 

Miranda believes yoga is for every body and should be accessible to everyone. Namaste in Nature offers multiple options for each person in the practices she guides so they are inclusive of everyone from beginners to experts. 

 Listen  here!

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There's something so magical about getting the chance to travel to a new place, surrounded by a new culture, sights, food and people. Every trip becomes an adventure, a story and a memory. You may never know what’s waiting for you, but you always know it definitely will be worth your memory.

 Peter Krull and his wife Melissa Booth love traveling together and explain how this shared passion builds a happy relationship based on the excitement to discover the next adventure and escape their comfort zones.

Find out how they research and plan their trips and why travel feeds their dreams. 

Listen here!

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“Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.” – Jack Kerouac

Remember... Life is Short! Don't Postpone Joy! 

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park ROCKS

Want to find an easy way to inspire creativity while reducing anxiety and stress? Taking a walk in the woods and reconnecting with nature is just what the doctor ordered!

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is the perfect place to spend quality time unplugging and immersing yourself in nature. And September is a lovely time to get outdoors and explore all the Park has to offer. Grab your camera and take some photos as you spend quality time with your family and take in the wonderful sights of nature. Chimney Rock’s 2019 Summer Fun Photo Contest ends September 22 so submit your photos of your family hiking, sunlight making its way through the trees or of the fantastic views that make Chimney Rock so special.

And good news! If you miss the Summer Photo Contest, you still have a chance to enter and win. You can take all your fabulous photos and enter the Fall Contest running from Sept 30 - December 20.

They will use the winning entries on their website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes too! Just remember, photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park and there’s no cost to enter.

Between Saturday August 31 and Monday September 2nd, you can enjoy the last holiday weekend of summer experiencing what makes Chimney Rock the ideal place to play. Hike on one of the Park’s many trails or join Fox Mountain Guides for a real rock climbing experience.  

And be sure to join one of Western North Carolina’s most popular Annual events, The 11th Annual Flock to the Rock on Saturday, September 14th from 11:00 am -3:00 pm. Originally created to help folks understand why Hickory Nut Gorge is such a premier birding location, this event has grown in size and popularity every year.

You don’t have to be an avid birder to find something of interest at this event, but it may just be the reason you become one. Guided bird walks, raptor flight shows, live bird demos and workshops are a few of the ways you’ll discover that Chimney Rock isn’t just for the birds

Love to travel with your grandchildren? There’s really nothing like it. So save the dates for the Grandparents Day weekend, Saturday, September 7th – Sunday September 8th. What better way to get quality time together than at Chimney Rock? Coupons for free child admission with the purchase of one regularly-priced adult ticket are downloadable from the Chimney Rock website.

Whether you’re interested in taking an in-depth look at the unique flora and fauna of the Park during one of our guided hikes, learning all about wildlife in our Family Animal Encounters or enjoying a spectacular sunrise over Lake Lure at an early morning Annual Passholder breakfast, Chimney Rock is the perfect place for you and your family to reconnect with nature.

New in September!

Rock to Farm Tour Package 

Itinerary:

8am - 9am - Breakfast at the Old Rock Café

Start your day off with a hearty breakfast at the award-winning Old Rock Café, which prominently features a back deck that overlooks the Rocky Broad River and Riverwalk. Breakfast includes an entrée of your choice and a beverage.

 9:30am - 11am - Guided hike at Chimney Rock State Park

Partake in a guided adventure on the Hickory Nut Falls trail to the base of one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. This 404-foot natural wonder was highlighted in the epic film, “The Last of the Mohicans.” At the conclusion of this moderate, 1.4-mile roundtrip excursion, feel free to explore the many vantage points of the iconic Chimney Rock, which can be accessed via the Outcroppings trail or the state-of-the-art 26-story elevator.

1pm - 2pm - Lunch at Hickory Nut Gap Farms. Enjoy a scenic, 20-30-minute drive up the Hickory Nut Gorge to Hickory Nut Gap Farms. At 1pm, you’ll be offered a true farm-to-fork experience. Order lunch off of their new chef-inspired BBQ menu featuring 100% grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork and chicken and locally-sourced fresh produce.

2pm - 3pm - Guided tour of the Farm

A guide will escort you on a walking tour throughout the property to explore the 80 acres of working farmland. You’ll head to the top of UFO hill for a spectacular view, walk alongside the creek through old forest, see the grazing animals on pasture, and learn about regenerative agriculture. Learn about the farm's 100-year-old history and current farming practices. 

3pm - 4pm - Fall festival at HNG Farms

Finish the day off by enjoying the many activities of the weekday fall festival happening throughout the month of September. Visit baby farm animals, pick apples in the u-pick apple orchard, slide down the culvert slides, take a trip around the adult-sized trike track, participate in a farm scavenger hunt, and find your way through the meadow maze.

Additional Information

This day trip will include moderate-to-strenuous walking distances and terrain. You will want to wear comfortable hiking boots or shoes. Hydration is key, so be sure to bring plenty of water. Don’t forget your camera to commemorate your experience!

The guided hikes have mandatory start times of 9:30am at Chimney Rock State Park and 1pm at Hickory Nut Gap Farms, so please make sure you are at the rendezvous point for the tours at least 5-10 minutes beforehand. Transportation is not included. This tour package has a minimum of 10 people and a maximum of 15 people. Guests may book as individuals, but if the minimum is not met within 24 hours prior, the tour will be canceled. We will inform you in advance if that is the case.

For more info on fabulous September events, visit the Chimney Rock website.

We hope you’ll join us in celebration!

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Let's Go To Cuba With Small Footprint Travels

Good News Cuba Aficionados!

Speaking of Travel is collaborating with Small Footprint Travels on a new eastern Cuba trip scheduled for February, 2020.

Discovering this special and unique part of Cuba will be a rewarding and memorable experience for you so make your plans now to come along. This will be a fun adventure! 

In this beautiful part of Cuba, time stands still. The people are friendly and the landscape is breathtaking. Cuba is a bucket-list destination and there may not be many chances in the future to travel there easily. With Small Footprint Travels, you can just show up and join us! You’re sure to have a fun time and learn so much about this incredible country.

There are many reasons to travel to eastern Cuba with Small Footprint Travels and Speaking of Travel and here are just a few:

• If you have already visited Havana, you have only seen one-half of Cuba. Santiago and the eastern side of the island is very different. It is the home of Revolutions, Rum and Santeria.

• This may be our last chance to legally visit Cuba before there are more restricted rules for visiting Cuba.

• The population in eastern Cuba reflects more of an African heritage than in Havana. All of the revolutions in Cuba’s history happened first in the eastern part of the island. Rum was first made in Santiago and it’s the best!

• All transportation and lodging for this trip is arranged. A private air-conditioned bus will be your mode of transport along with our own driver and English speaking guide.

• Dancing is on tap with Salsa dance classes!

• This part of Cuba has far fewer tourists visiting than in Havana. We will be in small towns as well to experience authentic eastern Cuban culture.

• Small Footprint Travels is very experienced in leading small groups to Cuba. Their trips are fun and fascinating—they put you with the local people to discover the non-touristy Cuba.

• Discovering the Cuban culture is what they love to share with you.

• Again, you just have to show up! This trip has all the details ready for you!

• Small Footprint Travels creates “un-tours." Even though you travel in a small group (max is 12 people), you have free time to explore on your own.

Ready to join in the fun? Having traveled with Small Footprint Travels to Cuba, I can assure you this is going to be one good time!

For more information and to reserve your spot, email Benjamin Porter at benjamin@smallfootprinttravels.com.

Find out more!

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Does Not Planning a Vacation Mean Less Stress?

Nina Zapala is introducing the world to a revolutionary way to travel and it’s all about discovering your INNER TRAVEL GUIDE via travel personality typing.

A recent article in the New York Times, “To Reduce Travel Stress, Plan Less,” offers up some travel tips on how not planning a vacation may mean less stress while on holiday.

Nina’s phone lit up as her “SJ” traveling friends were like, “OH HECK NO!” You see, a person with sensing and judging functions are rooted in the physical and they love to plan and are often practical and realistic.

They’re not likely to plan less; in fact, just the opposite is true.

To see what your travel personality uncovers, visit Nina’s blog!

Find out more!

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Leap Frog Tours is a Trusted Name for Great Tours

I’ve lived in Western North Carolina for four decades and am always amazed at how little I know about my own community. So going on tours with Leap Frog Tours is helping me uncover stories and details of places right in my own backyard and making them come alive!

Choosing Leap Frog Tours means I’m directly supporting the local economy and people, helping to preserve the region for future visitors. And I love that about them!

 I had the best time on Asheville’s first Hemp Tour. Leap Frog Tours partnered with Franny’s Farm and we spent time learning about hemp and CBD. Our tour guide, Mark, is an amazing source of information on everything you need to know about the local hemp culture and we had an authentic and rewarding experience learning all about this new, emerging industry.

The tour ended at Bhramari Brewing Company for the launch of Franny’s Farmhouse Ale and the group bonded over a good brew. I would highly recommend taking this awesome tour!

Then I went on their RiverLink Tour to explore what’s going on in the River Arts area these days. I remember when RiverLink was established in 1987. The nonprofit was conceived at the Asheville Chamber of Commerce at a time when the French Broad and downtown Asheville was not an attractive place and the RAD was mostly a junkyard and a dumping area for trash.

 Today, thanks to visionaries like Karen Cragnolin, the innovative and restorative projects on our riverfront are creating a place for recreation and preservation for generations to come. I found out details about the history of the river I never knew, and what RiverLink is doing today and planning for the future.

 Garrett Artz, Executive Director of RiverLink and our tour guide, Mark, are both knowledgeable about the French Broad River and treated us to stories and history that came alive.

This time, the tour concluded at New Belgium Brewery for more fun. Our group hung out and chatted and we all had a wonderful experience!

 Regardless of whether you live in Western North Carolina, have guests in town or if you’re a visitor to this beautiful region of the world, there is a lot to see and do!

And going with Leap Frog Tours is the perfect way to create memories while traveling in their comfortable vans, with expert guides who have a deep knowledge of the history, geography, culture and traditions of the area and share them in an engaging and entertaining way.

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Visit Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park This Summer

Experience the best of the North Carolina mountains in one place at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, an international outdoor destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western NC, attracting visitors from around the world. And it’s only a lovely 25 mile drive from Asheville.

There is so much to see and do! You’ll find beautiful scenery, including 75-mile panoramic views overlooking Lake Lure, fabulous hiking trails, native wildlife and one of North Carolina's highest waterfalls (featured in the movie The Last of the Mohicans).

 And as a Season Passholder, you get 12 months of visits to the Park for only $32! This is less than the cost of two visits!

Plus you’ll get great discounts on programs, workshops and hikes and discounted admission for your friends who come with you, a discount on food, beverages and retail purchases in all Park outlets, and even more discounts at favorite local attractions and shops, including Biltmore, Lake Lure Tours, Mast General Store & others!

Where else can you get such a big return for such a small investment?

 Chimney Rock Management’s dedicated Green Team meets regularly to ensure sustainable practices are implemented properly and review additional opportunities to reduce the Park’s carbon footprint.

 This is a wonderful time to visit the Smokies! And no visit would be complete without a visit to Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, the best of the mountains in one place!

Listen to the latest on what’s going on at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park with General Manager Mary Jaeger-Gale. Have fun!

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Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

Thoughts From Nearly Two Years Around the World With Megan and Grant From Career Break Adventures

Like anyone acquiring a new a skill, we learned more than a couple travel lessons during our trip around the world. Some came the easy way, several the hard way, a few in English and most in dozens of other languages.

Two years ago we stepped away from desirable careers, ones that we had schooled for and built over more than a decade. Following a calling, we realized there was plenty to experience in life that couldn’t be fit into a short vacation.

We had the money but didn’t have the time to spend. To quote The Avengers: End Game (an ironically long movie), “No amount of money ever bought a second of time.” We grabbed our backpacks, hopped on a plane and started traveling long term.

We lived with foreign cultures, survived an earthquake, saw heartwarming beauty and incredible suffering, trekked the Himalayas, broke through ice in Antarctica, camped on the Serengeti, learned a new language, saw incalculable environmental destruction and infinitely abundant wildlife.

Now, seven continents later, we can reflect and offer our key takeaways to other inspired explorers and aspiring travelers.

 1) Be a Traveler, Not a Tourist

Being a tourist is easy. Follow the crowds, go to the same places with all the other tourists, get some pictures, buy a mass produced souvenir, and leave with forgettable memories. But a little extra effort can transform the experience.

Do Internet research beforehand, reading articles, blogs and recommendations from other travelers to find less famous spots. Avoid joining tour groups and try to do it yourself. You will hit some roadblocks and stumble along the way, but this method creates some of the most unforgettable journeys.

 2) Pack Light

 Leave the luggage burden behind and pack like a minimalist. Dress in layers, bring clothes that convert, carry items with double purpose and leave the just-in-case stuff behind. Reducing your bag size will save a heap of hassle during your travels. Try to shrink your bag enough to carry onto the plane. This will ensure that you never lose your luggage and can get through the airport without standing in the bag check in line.

The reduced size makes it easier to move from place to place, helps you pack quickly and allows for more walking. This small step will give you less to worry about and more freedom to enjoy your vacation.

 3) Do It the Local Way

Instead of following the other foreigners, do what the locals do. Places geared towards tourists typically have higher prices and lower quality or authenticity. Search out spots frequented by locals to get a true taste of the culture.

Venture away from the tourist streets to find original restaurants and shops. Opt for home stays over hotels and take public transport to immerse yourself and get tips from people who live there. Learn some words in the language (or use Google Translate) and ask local people where they recommend to eat or visit. This will lead to a better adventure and save a lot of money in the process.

 4) Slow Down, Don’t Over Plan

Take a slower approach to travel. It’s about the journey, not the destination. Leave a cushion when planning and allow room for spontaneity and diversions. Jumping around and packing in the highlights leads to stress and damages the experience.

Slow travel lets you soak up your surroundings and have time to follow advice from locals and other travelers. You are less likely to miss connections or have your main event ruined by weather, and the flexibility lets you find cheaper and better options. Overall, your trip will be more enjoyable and less expensive.

 5) Protect Against Avoidable Risks

Overall, the world is a very safe place to visit, but there are some risks which can easily be minimized. Be a prudent traveler and take precautions to keep from being a target for pickpockets, theft or other scams which seek out clueless tourists. Deter theft by wearing clothing with secure pockets and carrying your daypack or bag in the front.

Don’t carelessly hold or stare at your phone on the street, instead make eye contact with the people around you and always be aware of your surroundings. Use an offline GPS map to discretely confirm locations and directions before walking or while in taxis. Be wary of unrequested advice. Listen to your instincts, if something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t.

6) Embrace the Bumps

Travel is not perfect. Cultures have different customs, countries vary in comfort standards, flights get delayed, things happen. Learn to expect and embrace the unexpected. Many of the most uncomfortable experiences are the most memorable encounters, and make the best stories.

Remember, money can buy experience, but not time. Use both wisely.

 Grant and Megan

CareerBreakAdventures.com

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Take a Trip to Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

Experience the best of the North Carolina mountains in one place at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, an international outdoor destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western NC, attracting visitors from around the world. And it’s only a lovely 25 mile drive from Asheville.

There is so much to see and do! You’ll find beautiful scenery, including 75-mile panoramic views overlooking Lake Lure, fabulous hiking trails, native wildlife and one of North Carolina's highest waterfalls (featured in the movie The Last of the Mohicans). There’s something for everyone.

 And as a Season Passholder, you get 12 months of visits to the Park for only $32! This is less than the cost of two visits!

Plus you’ll get great discounts on programs, workshops and hikes as well as discounted admission for your friends who come with you. You’ll receive a 15% discount on food, beverages and retail purchases in all Park outlets including The Old Rock Café, not to mention even more discounts at favorite local attractions and shops. Where else can you get such a big return for such a small investment?

 This is a wonderful time to visit the mountains! And no visit would be complete without a visit to Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, the best of the mountains in one place!

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Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín

The signature concert of The Defiant Requiem Foundation, Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín, tells the story of the courageous Jewish prisoners in the Theresienstadt Concentration Camp (Terezín) during World War II who performed Verdi’s Requiem while experiencing the depths of human degradation.

With only a single smuggled score, they performed the celebrated oratorio 16 times, including one performance before senior SS officials from Berlin and an International Red Cross delegation. Conductor Rafael Schächter told the choir, “We will sing to the Nazis what we cannot say to them.”

Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín is a concert-drama that was conceived and created by Foundation President, Maestro Murry Sidlin. It combines the magnificent music of Verdi with video testimony from survivors of the original Terezín chorus and footage from the 1944 Nazi propaganda film about Theresienstadt.

The performance also includes actors who speak the words of imprisoned conductor Rafael Schächter and others.

Praised by The New York Times as "Poignant... a monument to the courage of one man to foster hope among prisoners with little other solace," Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín will be performed in Asheville, NC at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 7:30 pm.

Led by Maestro Murry Sidlin, president of The Defiant Requiem Foundation and creator of this powerful concert/drama, Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín features the Asheville Symphony, Voices of Terezín Remembrance (a chorus comprised of singers from the Asheville Symphony Chorus, Asheville Choral Society, and other community members), and soloists Jennifer Check (soprano), Ann McMahon-Quintero (mezzo-soprano), Bruce Sledge (tenor), and Jongmin Park (bass).

Special thanks to Gail Wein, a New York-based music journalist who has written for The Washington Post, Playbill and Symphony Magazine, and was producer of National Public Radio’s Performance Today.

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Elkin Creek Vineyard

The site of a historic grist mill built in 1896, and gracing a special spot where two creeks join together to become one, Elkin Creek Vineyard is a one-of-a-kind destination.

Located one hour north of Charlotte, NC and only twenty minutes from the Virginia border, it is a hidden gem in the heart of the Yadkin Valley.

Guests can experience wine tastings in a warm and inviting tasting room, enjoy wine selections as they stroll by a gentle waterfall, or sit in a creek-side swing by the fire pit.

Lite fare is available such as an antipasta plate, homemade artisian bread, or our special Sunday treat of hand-made-to-order pizzas baked in an authentic wood-fire brick oven.

Winemaker Louis Jeroslow

The property includes four private cabins with luxury amenities. Elkin Creek Vineyard is also available to host your wedding or special event.

Since 2011, Elkin Creek Vineyard has been under the care of the White and the Jeroslow families.  Nick and Jennifer White and Louis and Carrie Jeroslow found each other through their experience working for the theatrical sensation Blue Man Group. The Whites discovered Elkin Creek Vineyard when they married there in 2008.

After the wedding, and while living in Las Vegas, both couples had countless sushi meals where future dreams were discussed. 

As they did, a similar vision emerged - to create a place where people can come to celebrate life's great moments as well as a place to find quiet sanctuary; a life that involved people gathering around great wine, delicious food and beautiful surroundings.

It was quite a surprise when previous owner, Mark Greene approached them when he was ready to move on to his next adventure.

Mark Greene and his wife established Elkin Creek Vineyard in 2001 after purchasing the century-old mill. The Whites and the Jeroslows are deeply honored to have been chosen by Mr. Greene and it is a dream come true to care for and nurture this magical place.

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North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley Wine Country

The Yadkin Valley Wine Region is nestled in the foothills of the famous Blue Ridge Mountains along the meandering Yadkin River. An easy-to-follow trail allows you to navigate your way through the heart of North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley wine country.

The Surry County Wine Trail is showcased in a full-color map brochure highlighting 16 wineries in and around Surry County, along with five breweries and distilleries. The map simplifies the experience of spending a day or two tasting wines and touring vineyards.

“It is great for people utilizing GPS in their cars or on their mobile devices to have a guide with addresses, phone numbers and websites for all the wineries,” says Jessica Roberts, executive director of the Tourism Partnership of Surry County. “That was the main reason the trail was created – as a navigational tool.”

The map gives a good geographical overview of all 14 wineries in Surry County, as well as two wineries just outside the county that work closely with their Surry counterparts. It has addresses for use in GPS devices, as well as phone numbers and websites for all stops on the trail.

The trail brochure details the varieties of grapes grown in the Yadkin Valley, along with information about lodging in wine country and a listing of annual events.

Photo of tim wahl by Bill Russ

“Our tourism partners, including wineries, breweries, distilleries and lodging partners, like having a brochure to give visitors to help them navigate,” Roberts says.

Surry County wineries have a tradition of sending visitors to neighboring wineries, which is now much easier thanks to the trail map. 

“Maybe people came to see us because of a recommendation from one of our neighbors, and then we’ll recommend another neighbor,” says Tim Wahl, winemaker and co-owner of Adagio Vineyards in Elkin.

“That’s something you don’t always get in other states, where there can be an hour between wineries. People really like to visit three or four within a day.”

Wahl likes the fact that visitors receive an up close and personal experience while visiting wineries in Surry County.“The personal stories behind the wineries are interesting,” Wahl says.

“We try to be there in person to give them a tour of the production facility and go through, step by step, how we make the wines and let them know why our wineries are unique.”

The Yadkin Valley became North Carolina’s first federally designated American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 2003 thanks to the efforts of owners Charlie and Ed Shelton of Shelton Vineyards in Surry County.

“We are proud to be the birthplace of the Yadkin Valley AVA, and this is an exciting time for visitor growth in our wine industry,” Roberts says.

To request a free map by mail, or to download a copy, visit www.YadkinValleyNC.com.

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Impact Travel Alliance Celebrates International Women's Day

Photo courtesy of Lokal Travel

On March 8, International Women’s Day, Impact Travel Alliance celebrated the female traveler and the travel businesses that support women around the world with four global events.

Planned by four Impact Travel Chapters to bring together the women and men who are passionate about travel and lifting women up, the events focused on helping women to unleash their inner explorer.

Several extraordinary women-led travel businesses and operators with programs that empower women were highlighted at events in New York City; Washington, D.C.; Hong Kong; and Kathmandu, Nepal.

Photo courtesy of Community Homestay.

“Thankfully it’s possible to find companies like the women’s global travel operator Purposeful Nomad or Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre in Laos that allow us as travelers to support female-run businesses that are also doing their best to support women globally. It’s important to take this day to shine a light on their work,” said Kelley Louise, Impact Travel Alliance founder and executive director.

“We also wanted to celebrate female travelers. Our community is full of intrepid women dedicated to exploring and doing good as they travel. It’s not always easy to travel as a woman, but we persist.”

Several organizations in the ITA community focus on empowering women through travel:

• Community Homestay in Nepal collaborates with an NGO to provide local women the opportunity to become entrepreneurs and ready their homes to house guests.

• Fernweh Fair Travel is a women-led NGO working to empower women, mostly young widows, and bring sustainable development to communities in India through responsible tourism.

• Purposeful Nomad runs female, small-group adventures around the world designed to empower women through responsible community engagement.

• The female-owned Andeana Hats operates sustainable tours for travelers to support the Quechua weaving community in rural Peru.

• The community tourism platform and travel operator Lokal Travel features a range of women-owned lodges, female-guided tours and more, like Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre, that highlight women and support their work around the world.

• Many of Urban Adventures’ day tours are hosted by local women and support area organizations. “The Olive Tree of Istanbul” tour visits a community center that offers education and support to Syrian refugees, including a women’s social enterprise program.

International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. For more information, visit www.internationalwomensday.com

Photo courtesy of Laura Grier

Impact Travel Alliance is the world's largest community for impact-focused travelers and travel professionals. Through education and advocacy around sustainable tourism, the organization aims to transform the travel industry into a force for good, and to help improve the world through business and leisure travel.

Impact Travel Alliance is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit with a highly engaged and active global community with 30 local chapters in cities around the world. For more information, visit impacttravelalliance.org.

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