What an amazing few days at the cove….. Love was definitely in the air. Not only did Gary and I celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary but our guests Don and Marcia returned to Ponder  Cove (the scene of the crime) to celebrate their first anniversary. But wait there is more. Each of these three couples said there “I DO’s” and as usual we were honored to be in attendance. Left to Right meet  Stephanie & Dominick, Greg and Debbie, and Ed & Jennifer. Congrats kids…we love ya!

Yep, Buck got the job! He is now the official “on the beat” reporter for the Dog Travel Channel. Here is his first of many articles from his very own THE BUCK STOPS HERE column. Follow Buck as he reviews all the pet-friendly fun and frolic to be had in the Asheville area.

Whitewater Rafting

Asheville is the envy of many cities with its beautiful mountains and proximity to great rafting locations such as our French Broad River. Outdoor magazine named Asheville the top whitewater destination in the U.S.

It’s not a coincidence that many rafting companies have chosen to make the region their home.

The French Broad River’s long, peaceful stretches can accommodate family raft rides, while its whitewater rapids are exciting for kayaks and canoe enthusiasts. The wide river winds through Pisgah National Forest mountainside, offering eight miles of small and large rapids, with occasional placid pools perfect for swimming FOR DOGS and HUMANS.

The Nantahala River is ideal for families and beginners. The river meanders through the beautiful Nantahala Gorge, and even the most inexperienced paddler will enjoy this beautiful river that is dam-controlled, making water releases regular and predictable.

Adventurous rafters can challenge the fast-moving Nolichucky River, located near Spruce Pine and Burnsville, N.C. Hemmed in by one of the steepest and most beautiful gorges in North Carolina, the river requires considerable maneuvering around rocks and boulders to get through its many rapids and pools as it runs through the Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests.

“FRANKIE and JOANIE WERE LOVERS”

Have you ever wondered why in the heck anyone would own a B & B and let complete strangers into their home?  I wonder myself sometime but let me give you a really good example by introducing you to Joanie and Frank, first time visitors to Ponder Cove.

As the story was told….Frank and Joanie were high school sweethearts at the ages of 14 and 15.  Joanie’s family up and moved her to Pennsylvania from New York and let’s just say this romance was put on hold.

Time marched on. They married (not each other), had children, divorced and experienced wonderful careers.  But for Frank there was always an empty place in his life reserved for JOANIE, his first true love.

Through the years he was determined to reconnect. Now realize this was waaaaay before Facebook or Google. He searched phone records, organization records and school records. He talked to friends but no one had any news of Joanie. At one point he was even led astray with the devastating news that she had passed away. But Frank never gave up.

Magically, there was a reported Joanie sighting (yes, like Elvis) and with the exchange of phone numbers through friends the unimaginable happened. Joanie called Frank. Yep, this man had waited 60 years to hear that voice. I can only imagine the thrill.  It was just 6 months ago that Joanie stepped back into his life and took her place at his side.

For 4 glorious days we witnessed their devotion to each other as guests at Ponder Cove and it was an honor. So, the next time someone asks me why I am in the B & B business I have one answer, Frank and Joanie.

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Looking for a way to experience the funky arts-and-crafts side of Asheville? Check out the Big Crafty on Sunday, July 11, at Pack Place and Pack Square from 12 noon to 6 p.m. This larger-than-life festival features over 140 artists and crafters carefully selected for their innovation, creativity and eco-mindedness.
The result is a free event that has an incredible reputation for being the best in the region. The emphasis is on local hand-made creations, so each booth is a testament to originality and Asheville’s unique spirit.
The Big Crafty also features artist demonstrations, music by DJ Whitney Shore, live music, food and drinks. Short Street Cakes will have cupcakes available for purchase and micro-brewed beer from Pisgah Brewing and other local breweries will be available for a small donation.