Skilled Nursing Communities
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
Lake James State Park offers weekend activities
Mar 18, 2010 4:15 am
NEBO -- Lake James State Park ranger Earl Weaver will lead a hike Saturday to identify some of the birds that can be seen around Lake James. Bring water and wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
Join an Easter Egg Hunt on Sugar Mountain slopes
Mar 18, 2010 4:15 am
SUGAR MOUNTAIN -- Sugar Mountain Resort will host its fourth annual Easter egg hunt March 21 on the ski lopes. A "golden egg" containing a 2010-2011 season pass will be scattered among hundr...
Brevard College hosts outdoor gear swap; paddling, cycling clinics
Mar 18, 2010 4:15 am
BREVARD -- Brevard College will host a community outdoor gear swap Saturday as part of the Banff Film Festival Weekend.
ADVENTURE OF THE WEEK: RATTLESNAKE LODGE
Mar 18, 2010 4:15 am
What: Hike to Rattlesnake Lodge.
Spring races in Western North Carolina
Mar 18, 2010 4:15 am
Edneyville Spring Fling 5K Run: Trail run starts at 9 a.m. Saturday at North Henderson High School. E-mail Bonita Siedentopf at Edneyville Elementary School at bsiedentopf @henderson.k12.nc.us. Regi...
Asheville-area race takes runners throughout Western North Carolina
Mar 18, 2010 4:15 am
Inaugural event will take runners on odyssey through Western NC
Town Hall meeting tonight to bring Google Fiber to Asheville
Mar 18, 2010 4:15 am
ASHEVILLE -- Asheville is calling for artists, musicians and filmmakers, brewers, entrepreneurs and small-business people, educators, faith leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, students and retirees,techies ...
Asheville to host Bojangles' Easter Eggstravangza March 27
Mar 18, 2010 4:15 am
ASHEVILLE -- Pack up the family, grab your baskets, and join Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department and the Easter Bunny for the area's largest free Easter celebration at the Bojangl...
Pisgah Fly Masters fly-fishing tournament on Saturday
Mar 18, 2010 4:15 am
BREVARD -- The third annual Pisgah Fly Masters fly-fishing tournament will be Saturday and Sunday in Transylvania County.
Rambo will take no prisoners -- who aren't willing
Mar 18, 2010 4:15 am
Rambo is a 5-month-old neutered male kitty who is generous with its love, quickly approaching a visitor with purring contentment. Of its eight siblings, this cuddly black and white furball will steal ...
