Category Archives: Outdoor Activities

sandy@willowwinds.com

Dupont State Park… “Tour de Falls” – May 11th and 12th

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May
7

Don’t miss Tour de Falls! This Spring has been abundant with rain which has resulted beautiful spring blooms and swelled the rivers, creeks, and waterfalls.   The “Tour de Falls” offers families and those who have limited hiking ability the opportunity … Continue reading

elizabeth

NC State Parks Celebrates 2013 as the Year of the Wildflower

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Apr
11

By Sandy McLeod The Western North Carolina area is blanketed with wildflowers every spring and fall. North Carolina State Parks has declared 2013 The Year of the Wildflower. There are two excellent opportunities to visit NC State Parks near Asheville, … Continue reading

elizabeth

See the Great Smoky Mountains by Train

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Sep
14

By Sandy McLeod   If you want to see the best of the North Carolina Mountains, consider taking the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad ride.  This old-fashioned train ride is awe-inspiring. Passengers journey through the Southern Appalachians and see parts of … Continue reading

elizabeth

Take a Drive on The Blue Ridge Parkway Near Asheville NC

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Aug
9

by Sandy McLeod A glance at any map will reveal that Asheville, NC is in close proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway.  There are five entrances to the Blue Ridge Parkway in and near Asheville. These give visitors easy access … Continue reading

elizabeth

Family Vacation Ideas: Short Hikes to Waterfalls Near Willow Winds

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Jun
21

by Sandy McLeod One of the best parts of a North Carolina Mountain vacation is dipping into some clean, crystal clear, cold mountain water.  For visitors coming from urban areas, swimming in pure mountain water is a welcome, life affirming … Continue reading

elizabeth

Family Vacation Ideas: Outdoor Activities at Biltmore Estate

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May
31

by Sandy McLeod For many who visit the Asheville, NC area, seeing Biltmore Estate is the number one item on their itinerary. A trip to Biltmore Estate provides a glimpse of the lifestyle of one of the wealthiest families in … Continue reading

elizabeth

Chimney Rock State Park Completes Renovation on Stairway to the Chimney

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Apr
19

by Sandy McLeod Since the State of North Carolina acquired Chimney Rock Park in 2007 from private owners, it has undergone a massive redo and expansion of public land holdings.  Building a new staircase to the Chimney was part of … Continue reading

elizabeth

Mountain Biking in Bent Creek in Asheville, NC

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Apr
14

by Sandy McLeod   Many come through the Asheville area in search of ever increasing thrills and challenges for mountain bike riding.  In the mountains of Western North Carolina, biking is a sport that requires endurance for uphill grades and … Continue reading

elizabeth

Early Spring means the most beautiful gardens  ever for  the Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds

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Apr
2

Spring has arrived a month early this year in the Woodland Gardens of Willow Winds.. This means that Easter is greeted with more beautiful color than ever before. As the last of our millions of daffodils display their colors, our … Continue reading

elizabeth

Key Places Where “The Hunger Games” Filming Occurred Near Asheville, NC

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Mar
30

In the summer of 2011, there were rumors around Asheville that a Hollywood film crew was on location near Boundary Road in Pisgah National Forest, close to the town of Barnardsville. National headlines confirmed that a film was being shot … Continue reading