"North Carolina, USA" North Carolina by TheTravelSlut

North Carolina Travel Guide: 4,628 reviews and 9,663 photos

The view from the Grove Park Inn in Asheville

I love the mountains of western No. Carolina best

From the Outer Banks at the Atlantic Ocean to the highest point east of the Mississippi River (Mt. Mitchell at 6,684 feet above sea level) and from hiking in the foothills to snow-skiing at Beech Mountain and from birdwatching to fishing, I have found that there is something for everyone in North Carolina.

The state is rich in history and has everything from the Research Triangle of the Raleigh-Durham area to rural countrysides that have not changed in the past 100 years.

Driving the mountains is fun & fulfilling but seeing the Smoky Mountains, Appalachians & Blue Ridge Mountains from the air or some high point vantage point to me is breathtaking.

If I were to ever leave Florida, this is where I would like to live as it reminds me so much of where I grew up in Michigan and where I most recently lived at North Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

One way to sum up how I have experienced North Carolina people comes from a story from the Cherokee Tribe (Trail of 1,000 tears):

One evening an old Cherokee tribe leader told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said “ Grandson, the battle is between two “wolves” inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.”

He continued, “The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”

The grandson thought for a moment and then asked, “Grandfather, which wolf wins?”

The wise Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

Vistas like this are seen in western No. Carolina

Lakes and mountains in every direction

I love the countryside and this area in particular.

It is different than many other places in America and it's not just the surroundings but perhaps the genuine hospitality of the people.

Simple things a person tends to forget are here in North Carolina.

Back to nature, the way it was, and should be

Bear Lake Preserve near Asheville

The area changes dramatically through the seasons and the photo below is typical of the terrain and natural beauty of western North Carolina.

The area is also full of history which makes it even that much more appealing overall.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Panoramic views, country living, and laid-back residents
Cons:Property development is a booming business
In a nutshell:Relaxing in a porch swing, looking out over a vista of mountains

Last visit to North Carolina: Nov 2007
Intro Updated Jan 11, 2008
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angiebabe Jan 7, 2008 at 4:21 PM

Hi, a good friend is in South Carolina - so hope to get there to see her one day - and the areas around here
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Hexepatty Sep 7, 2007 at 6:56 AM

My brother lives in Fayetteville, I'm part cherokee and I want to stay at that resort in Asheville! I'm glad I'm here, TS... Come visit. We are 1 hr North of Charlotte; 1.25 hr west of Asheville! HUGS!
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willy_wonka Sep 20, 2006 at 9:19 PM

the grove park inn looks like a fabulous place to stay for one so classy and refined like yourself! :)