Canaveral National Seashore
Year: 2018
Hebron Colony Falls
A true hidden treasure, Hebron Colony Falls (aka Hebron Rock Colony) can be accessed via a short trail located off Old Turnpike Road in Boone or from the Boone Fork Trail, which begins at Julian Price Memorial Park (Milepost 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway). Characterized by a series of scenic mini waterfalls amid a field of huge boulders, Hebron Colony Falls is very popular among Appalachian State University students. It’s a rather strenuous and strategic journey to the top but worth it for a remarkable view of the surrounding wilderness.
Remembering Sonny’s Grill
All that’s left of Sonny’s Grill is this commemorative plaque that can be found in front of the outdoor patio at Six Pence Pub in downtown Blowing Rock, North Carolina. A beloved local institution opened on December 13, 1954 (note that the plaque erroneously states 1955), by the late Sonny Klutz, Sonny’s Grill served as the archetypal small-town eatery where you could fuel up with a delicious ham biscuit, stack of sweet potato pancakes or juicy hamburger fresh off the grill. Author Jan Karon even alluded to Sonny’s as “Mitford’s Grill” in her popular Mitford series of books, which were inspired by Blowing Rock. Unfortunately, Sonny’s closed its doors for good in 2009 and is greatly missed.
Grandfather Trail
We hiked a very small portion of the strenuous Grandfather Trail at Grandfather Mountain the other day. The Grandfather Trail winds its way from the Swinging Bridge Parking Area for 2.4 miles to Calloway Peak with plenty of majestic views along the way. Due to time concerns, we had to abandon our effort before reaching some of the more perilous ladders and cables along the route (believe me, this trail is not for the timid!). However, we plan to knock the entire trail out next time. We’ll be back!
Tartan Restaurant, Linville
Whenever we spend the morning at Grandfather Mountain or hiking a trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway, we head to the casual Tartan Restaurant at 31 Coffey Road in Linville for lunch. A local favorite, the Tartan boasts a diverse menu, reasonable prices and friendly service. It is open daily from 7 AM to 2 PM. Check it out!
Linville Falls
“The grand sublimity of the scenery which is hereabouts presented to the eye, cannot be surpassed by any in the world. Language fails to describe it, and the pencil of the artist can give but a faint conception of its beauty and magnificent grandeur. Here it is that man feels his insignificance and trembling kneels with awe and fear. We have seen Niagara in all its artistic splendor, and we have seen what was called grand scenery, but never, never, have we seen anything to equal the scenery of Linville Falls, nor do we ever expect to see the like again until we revisit them.” —Henry E. Colton, Mountain Scenery: The Scenery of the Mountains of Western North Carolina and Northwestern South Carolina, 1859
Mast General Store, Valle Crucis
”All general stores are satisfying to visit, but one of them, the Mast Store, is a destination.” – Charles Kuralt
Flat Rock Trail
One of my favorite short hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, the Flat Rock Trail is an easy, 0.6-mile self-guiding loop that takes hikers to an extensive rock summit that affords spectacular views of the surrounding area, including Linville Valley and Grandfather Mountain (when it is not shrouded by the clouds and fog!). Informational signs can be found along the journey that provide details about native plants, trees and geological features. The Flat Rock Trail parking overlook can be found at Milepost 308.3.
Wandering Florida 