In October in western North Carolina, the leaves are brilliantly colored and there’s most likely a definite chill in the air. Here the Appalachians crouch beneath a thin layer of smoky haze. This is where we’ll run into Mara Adkins once again, on her way to visit yet another of her former conquests. But that’s another story told on another website (here).

Fall is a beautiful time of year, when harvest yields her bounty. We’re gearing up for the holidays and various family celebrations. And looking for places to go to view the wonderful scenes Fall provides. One such place is on my list of destinations I so want to visit. The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, with its extensive gardens…ah…who would want for more?

Well, there is more. There’s an arboretum nearby, botanical gardens, Carl Sandburg’s home, and Pisgah National Forest.

Weather permitting, you can stay busy for several days. And if you’re not into all those outdoor activities, they have the Asheville Mall, a Folk Art Center, an Art Museum, and the beautiful Basilica of St. Lawrence. Plenty for you to do while your more outdoorsy-type family members hike around gazing at flora and fauna.

And please don’t leave the area without a drive through at least a part of the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. That’s where I like to make my entrance to the area. The scenery is breathtaking and there are so many wonderful stops you can make a long the way. I won’t name them here. You can follow the Blue Ridge link to find them. Quaint little towns, lots of antiquing opportunities, and so many natural trails and byways you couldn’t possibly visit all of them. Well, unless you plan to stay in the area for a very long time.

I daresay, Mara Adkins enjoyed her short spell in western North Carolina. She encountered a bit of a mystery there, so if you haven’t already read Chapter Ten of A Dozen Apologies, you might want to head on over there now. And be sure to stop in at On the Ledge to read the hero interview (see links below).

Thanks for stopping by––