ncmountains

Each time I capture the sweet scent of mountain air that is both crisp and has hints of wet mossy and leafy grounds, (add in the sound of cicadas chirping and pure silence otherwise), I’m transported back to some of my fondest memories on the hills of Black Mountain. My grandparents owned an idillic mountain cottage in Ridgecrest which is only one exit from downtown Black Mountain.

It’s amazing how a familiar scent can remind you of someone, somewhere, or a specific memory isn’t it?

The overwhelming peace I feel when we visit Black Mountain today may be due to sensory overload of these scents and memories but now that we travel here with our sons, we have the added bonus of new memories, new adventures and a desire to visit again and again.

The cottage was aptly named High Haven. Haven means a place of retreat or refuge. Set high on a mountain and tucked into nature, it was exactly that. Unfortunately, the cottage is no longer in the family but we still make it a priority to find a cute Airbnb and visit family and the area.

Here are a few pictures of a couple Airbnbs we have had the privilege of staying at, all within walking distance to downtown Black Mountain & Lake Tomahawk.

When we weren’t relaxing, reading, or napping on the expansive porch, playing cards, pingpong on a giant wooden table (which doubled as the dining table when the entire family was in town), or exploring in the woods and making a fort among the Rhododendron, we were sure to be on a hike, walking the quant downtown Black Mountain area, driving into Asheville (only 10 miles away), or dining in one of our favorite restaurants.

I want to highlight some of the best hikes, restaurants and our favorite things to do when we go back to visit.

COFFEE: The Dripolator Coffeehouse has been around the longest and still remains our favorite. They have tasty baked goods from another local business and serve up fresh coffee and my favorite latte. It always has the perfect creamy froth that hits just right.

The last picture is of the original paint colors, teal and red. While I loved the pop of red, the new blue and gold is my favorite design change of their exterior.

Dynamite Roasting Co was first introduced to us at one of our Airbnb rentals. They had fresh ground coffee stocked for us. We loved it and had to check it out for ourselves. We immediately saw why it’s also a local hotspot. Great coffee, pastries and more.

HIKING:

Catawba Falls, located in Old Fort – A 4 mile round trip hike takes you to the beautiful 100ft cascading waterfall. Although it is now a tourist destination, it’s still worth visiting. There is now a designated parking lot and bathrooms at the base of the trail. When I was a child, we had to walk through private property to get to the trail which was often overgrown because it was a hidden gem for the locals. It is no longer that way and is well maintained.

Our 8 and 6 yr. olds have no trouble hiking this trail. Our youngest is always in a hiking backpack until we get to the falls.

Tip: If you are commuting to Black Mountain via I-40 from the East, you will come to the Old Fort exit before climbing the mountain. You can easily take this exit and hike on your way to your final destination.

Along the trail you will find areas of the creek that you can wade in and swimming holes if you dare bare the chilly mountain water. Our boys love take a dip and to search for crawdads.

Once you reach the base of the Falls, take off your shoes, wade in the water and snap a photo. There will be plenty of people doing the same so there will always be someone to capture your whole family on your camera.

Lookout Trail, located in Montreat – A 1.5 mile out and back trail. Expect some steeper terrain near the top but I promise, it’s worth the views. Pack snacks or a picnic lunch. You will want to stay to take it all in.

Graybeard Trail, located near Montreat – 8 mile roundtrip

Lake Tomahawk in downtown Black Mountain is a short mulch pathway that goes around the lake. Beautiful views of mountains in the distance and a cute park for kids. Pet friendly. There is also a community pool you can pay to visit and tennis/pickle ball courts nearby.

Linville Falls – Just a 45 minute drive from Black Mountain and a little over an hour from Asheville. This is the perfect day trip adventure that can start with a tour of the Linville Caverns. After the tour drive to the trails which is only a 2 mile out and back. Finish the day by stopping at Linville Winery for a bite to eat and delicious refreshments. We recommend their pimento cheese spreads as one option. The winery is kid friendly and has a beautifully property for kids to explore while you watch them and enjoy the wines. If you’re traveling with kids, they will surely fall asleep on the way back to your rental.

DINING:

In Black Mountain, NC

Fresh Wood Fired Pizza and Pasta – Nothing beats a wood fired pizza or calzone. You can’t go wrong with their menu. They also have seasonal salads. I still remember a summer salad I ordered that had grilled peaches, goat cheese, candied pecans and other toppings over a bead of peppery arugula which was tossed in a in-house vinaigrette. (chef’s kiss) A second location is in Asheville, 343, Depot St. West Asheville, NC

Louise’s Kitchen – Breakfast and Lunch only. So many amazing meal options.

Trailhead Restaurant and Bar – Delicious salads, burgers, sandwiches, and entrees

Black Mountain Bistro – A little more formal of a setting but still kid friendly

Goldfinch – Small plates, tacos, bowls and salads.

My Fathers Pizza – My family always loved creating our own pizza here and we often choose the pesto base. Delicious!

Bush Farmhouse (eclectic setting, amazing food by Chef Mark Henegan)

Open Oven Cafe – A must for breakfast or brunch. Open from 8-2PM daily, Closed on Tuesday

In Asheville, NC

Fresh Wood Fired Pizza and Pasta – (Same menu as above)

Salsas – Craft cocktails & Mexican fusion. I personally feel the meals are splittable. Be sure to start with their fresh salsas and guacamole, so good. Delicious margaritas and a robust menu.

Sierra Nevada – Located in Mills River, NC – The outside property is both kid and pet friendly. They often have live music playing in their amphitheater, outdoor lawn games, expansive outdoor seating, kid play area and a small trail just behind the amphitheater. This could be a few hours of fun and relaxation for you and your family to enjoy great food and tasty beer. Book a tour in advance. I don’t love most beer and thoroughly enjoyed the tour.

White Duck Taco – Located on the French broad river. Grab fresh tacos, sip on a tasty margarita and walk the greenway to local shopping.

New Belgium Brewery – Across the French broad, a short distance from White Duck Taco. They often host local food trucks. Here you can enjoy sitting on the back deck overlooking the French Broad River, hang out on the lawn and play corn hole, and tour the brewery.

The Marketplace Restaurant and Lounge – Farm to Table cuisine. We last visited here on our 1 year anniversary. You will walk down a cute bistro lit street. The meal was unforgettable. This is definitely a good celebratory restaurant. Their social gives a good overview of the ambiance, meals and offerings.

Chestnut Restaurant – Craft food and cocktails – We dined here one a getaway weekend at the Biltmore. This was yet again, another unforgettable meal. Just look at the menu!

Tupelo Honey – A chain restaurant with southern roots.

French Broad Chocolates – handcrafted chocolates in Asheville

To Do:

Walk around and explore the shops of downtown Black Mountain. There’s so many cute nooks around town that have shops, restaurants, breweries and more. You can easily walk to Lake Tomahawk from the downtown area but note, there are hills on the sidewalk lined streets.

Do one of the many hikes suggested.

Plan a day trip to Linville Caverns, Falls and Winery.

Take a day trip into downtown Asheville. Shop. Eat. Hike. Bike the greenways.

Visit the Nature Center. *If you are a NC Zoo Member and show your card, it gets you in free.

Visit Sierra Nevada in Mills River.

Visit New Belgium Brewery.

Tour the Biltmore if you haven’t done so before. There is so much to see and do on the grounds you could fill a day’s itinerary. Bike, hike, tour the house, grounds, gardens, and dine onsite.

Tube down the French Broad. We haven’t done this yet but it’s on our list for the summer. There are numbers companies that offer this experience.

Day trip to Sliding Rock. It’s 100% a tourist spot now but it’s a unique experience. It is certainly a favorite childhood memory of mine that started before there was paid entry and a line to slide down the famous rock.

Day trip to an Apple orchard during picking season.