Winter
time of year
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We drove 221, a road right below the Blue Ridge Parkway, and stumbled upon Anvil Arts Sculpture Garden. Some interesting work for sure.
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Tom’s Creek Falls (0.7 mile out and back, 72’ elevation). Just a short walk to the 80’ falls. There’s a trail that goes to the top and joins the Mountain to Sea Trail. Maybe the best part was the old Mica mine entrance across the stream, active front 1890-1920, that a man kindly pointed out to us. The mine is flooded now but still cool to see.
7.8
difficulty: 2
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We drove to Black Mountain to check out the town. It’s got a mountain town vibe but it’s so close to big city it also has that city feel.
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We got coffee from The Dripolator Coffeehouse, a very pretty Killer Bee Latte infused with honey and cinnamon.
https://www.facebook.com/thedripolatorcoffeehouse?mibextid=LQQJ4d
8
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We checked into Quality Inn, Black Mountain, NC for a short rest and then headed back out for a walk around Black Mountain town. One of the great things about earning Platinum Status with Choice Hotels is that we can request an early check in at their hotels at no extra cost.
Price: $186/2nights
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We picked up dinner from Taco Billy. Cozy taco joint serving creative market-fresh bites. I got the “Support Group” (cumin roasted sweet potatoes, sauteed spinach, Roots black bean hummus, avocado, and coconut crema, served on a plantain tortilla (vegan) and Chris got the “Good Lovin” (a sauteed medley of broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, squash, spinach, rice, garlic, and Monterey jack cheese, topped with sour cream on a corn tortilla). Very messy and absolutely delicious. This is a must eat spot.
9
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We took an after dinner walk around Lake Tomahawk Park (0.55 mile loop). It’s just a few minutes drive from downtown, and it feels a lot like a town walk, but it’s surrounded by beautiful mountains.
6
difficulty: 1
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