Nursing Homes
Mountains - North Carolina
Area Info
One of the most popular retirement destinations in the United States today was once the part of the nation that nobody wanted. The Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina—the Blue Ridge, Great Smokies, and Black Mountain ranges—were the county's original high frontier, a forbidding barrier to westward expansion and a sparsely-settled and impoverished region. But that began to change after the midpoint of the 20th century, when highways, leisure time, and disposable income brought visitors to the high country in droves. Many fell in love and stayed...while others vowed to come back.
Whereas Florida's original attraction was its warm, sunny winter weather, the Appalachians offer the opposite: they're cooler in summer by about 15 degrees over the surrounding lowlands. Add in the fact that in winter they're a prime destination for skiers, and the recreational possibilities in the area rival those of any other area in the country. The cultural attractions have recently caught up as well, led by the city of Asheville, which offers a sophisticated arts and restaurant scene as well as serving as the center of traditional mountain culture—bluegrass music, clog dancing, and the unique crafts that thrived in the area's long isolation.
Asheville is also home to the Biltmore Estate, built by George Washington Vanderbilt in 1895. It remains to this day the largest private home ever built in America...and is still owned by Vanderbilt's descendants. Now, however, it is open to the public, and tours of the house and grounds are among the most popular attractions of the area.
Articles
Lifestyle Information from Asheville and Western North Carolina
Contest to find a name for Asheville's currency
Mar 20, 2010 5:45 pm
ASHEVILLE -- The Asheville Currency Project is launching an alternative paper currency for the Buncombe County area in late 2010. They are asking the community to help choose a name for the currency.
Add a dash of attitude with creative adaptations
Mar 20, 2010 4:15 am
Dear Jean and Richard: You're always talking about original art and chandeliers, a world very different from mine. I care about good design but have a limited budget, and usually settle for what's mo...
ASK A GARDENER: Watch for mealybug influx
Mar 20, 2010 4:15 am
Question: Several of our houseplants must have picked up something while they were outside last summer. I've seen a white, fluffy material on the stems of several and just noticed a dark color and st...
Long cold spell leaves window for early spring lawn treatment
Mar 20, 2010 4:15 am
Now that we are finally able to "think spring," lawn care seems to be on everybody's mind. The truth is, with spring being a bit delayed this year, it is getting late for spring fertilizing.
Asheville's Brunk Auctions to sell early American collection
Mar 20, 2010 4:15 am
Thomas Gray, whose great uncle made a fortune as president of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., is selling his vast collection of antiques March 29. Brunk Auctions of Asheville is handling the sale, in W...
Mar 20, 2010 4:15 am
Send items for the home and garden calendar to Polly McDaniel at pmcdaniel@CITIZEN-TIMES.com two weeks before the event. Or mail to McDaniel, Asheville Citizen-Times, P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 2880...
10 steps to a successful 1st vegetable garden
Mar 20, 2010 4:15 am
How about going to a place where you can relax, enjoy some sun, and get a little exercise and gourmet food? A place even your kids could find interesting? This "spa" need not cost much; in f...
Asheville home built around how a family lives
Mar 20, 2010 4:15 am
ASHEVILLE -- When John and Liz Gardner first met with their architect, they were surprised by the questions they were asked.
A little bit of magic at Asheville Western Carolina Home Show
Mar 20, 2010 4:15 am
A trip to the 35th annual Western Carolina Home Show, running through Sunday at the Civic Center, is like a journey to a homeowner's wonderland. There's so much stuff over there I never knew I wanted ...
Civil rights leader Andrew Young visits Montreat
Mar 20, 2010 4:15 am
MONTREAT -- Former Congressman, U.S. ambassador and Atlanta mayor Andrew Young was with Ethel Kennedy after her husband, Bobby Kennedy, was shot on June 5, 1968, at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles...
