Carolina on My Mind

Article and Photography by Leslie Joy Ickowitz

Intro:

In my mind I’m going to Carolina.
Can’t you see the sunshine?
Can’t you just feel the moonshine?
Ain’t it just like a friend of mine to hit me from behind?
Yes I’m going to Carolina in my mind. ~James Taylor

Southwestern North Carolina boasts an impressive concentration of nature’s eye-candy awaiting those with a passion for scenery, a sense of adventure, and an affinity for relaxation. Having spent 12 childhood summers there and a few vacations since, I still fondly recall carefree days captivated by the shear magnificence of it—the fragrant, fresh air, the rolling foothills and mountains, the thunder of rushing rivers and waterfalls, the stillness of secluded lakes, the whisper of whistling wind and rustling leaves, the sprawling meadows sprinkled with wildflowers and the forest canopies of towering trees.

As day turns to night, stars light up the sky and the enchantment of the great outdoors continues with campfires, roasted marshmallows and sing-alongs amidst a cacophony of chirping crickets. This is the stuff of which memories are made.

There’s nothing quite like nature to stimulate creativity and to energize mind, body and soul, making a visit to Cashiers and Highlands, North Carolina an excellent choice as the place to recharge the troops on a family vacation or corporate retreat.

Michelle Bauer, a Bay Area businesswoman, gathered her family together for a multi-generational Thanksgiving celebration in Cashiers. Cozily nestled in a private vacation home featuring “glorious vistas,” she opted to dine-in alongside the people she loves most.

Her surroundings weren’t too shabby either. “I loved the crisp air, the lovely neighbors and homes nearby, [and] the great tourist attractions in Asheville and Cashiers and Highlands,” Michelle says before adding, “[It’s] a sportsperson’s paradise.”

From river rafting, fishing, horseback riding, bird watching, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, rock sliding, rock hopping and…you get the idea, an abundance of options ensures no-one will tug on your sleeve complaining of boredom. And all this is in addition to embarking on golf outings, antiquing, village strolling and delectable dining. Not to mention chasing butterflies and catching lightning bugs.

Within close proximity to the Nantahala National Forest—a fantastic spot for river rafting on the Nantahala River, Pisgah National Forest—featuring Sliding Rock, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and sixteen waterfalls speckled throughout the area, Cashiers and Highlands are literally spilling over with activity.

Whether your idea of the ideal day involves kicking back and skipping stones or climbing to the top of a cloud-covered peak, day trips are a great way to take it all in. Promising a stunning visual feast and to the delight of shutterbugs, driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway and winding country roadways reveal the peaks and valleys of North Carolina’s mountainous terrain and make reaching your destination an exhilarating part of the adventure.

For some manufactured Carolina fun, nearby in Maggie Valley, your inner buckaroo will have a blast on a visit to Ghost Town in the Sky—an adventure theme park celebrating the good ol’ Wild West.

A hearty helping of civilization isn’t too far away in Asheville where you’ll find more outdoor recreation along with culture, music and art festivals, dining, nightlife and shopping. Pair Asheville with an excursion to Chimney Rock National Park and you’ve got all the ingredients for a fun-filled journey.

North Carolina’s natural treasures serve as a reminder that the best things in life are free, allowing you to give your wallet a vacation too.

Despite its single-traffic-light size, Cashiers is a charming destination worthy of awe and inspiration. From hiking in the footsteps of history along the Appalachian Trail to swinging on the front porch all day, perhaps the quickest way to feel like a kid again lies in a North Carolina vacation. To best way to go is to hop a flight to Asheville or jump in the car and head north. When your jaw drops from the extraordinary beauty, chances are you’re there.

About the Author
Leslie Joy Ickowitz is president of Empire Public Relations and a personal travel concierge with 12-years experience creating custom vacations for couples, singles and families. Call 813.382.4387 or email: Leslie@EmpirePublicRelations.com for more information and white-glove service.