Congrats to Alexa and John

Oh my …did we have fun yesterday. It was our privilege to help tie the knot for Alexa and John. The bride looked divine in her  chiffon gown with v neck. The bodice of the dress was accented by a cummerbund giving the effect of an empire waist. Accessorized by a hat redesigned from one of her moms with pearls encased within the veil to set off the lovely strand around her neck.

The groom wore a stunning black suit. But I must say he was a bit upstaged by his groomsmen Shadow and Odin. As the “boys” preferred black tie for such a momentous occasion.

Martha Abraham
Ponder Cove Wedding Editor
Access John and Alexa’s photo album

Fun and Free

You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to have a good time for your mountain getaway.  Why not look at this as your green vacation.  That’s right. You are going to enjoy the green of the mountains and save some green at the same time.  Check out all the “funness” you can have and save a dime at the same time.

YANCEY COUNTY is a great place to start. Check out the Ranger Station in Burnsville to gather a load of information outlining all of the great trails in Yancey and Mitchell County and Burnsville is the cutest town…not to mention…can you eat a hubcap burger? I will tell you where to get one. FREE!

PENLAND SCHOOL OF CRAFT is just up the road a piece.  This wonderful treasure dates back to 1920 as a national center for craft education dedicated to helping people live creative lives.  It is a wonderful experience to wander through the studios and gallery on this amazing knoll deep in our hills.  FREE!

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY is as green as you can get and it definitely doesn’t cost a dime.  Considered one of the top ten drives in the nation you will find breath-taking vistas.  Don’t just drive…stop and take in one or two of the trails.  We will even share our favorite ….SKINNY DIP FALLS. FREE!

MOUNT MITCHELL is the highest point on the east coast.  Most people think it is Mt. Washington in New Hampshire, but not so.  Meet up with the Blue Ridge Parkway and let it take you to this wonderful spot for the sheer pleasure of taking in these magnificent views. FREE!

WATERFALLS are a delight in North Carolina. Most are south of us but we are lucky to have Looking Glass Falls and Linville Falls within an hour’s drive.  This drive will take you into Mitchell County and more exploration of these hills. FREE!

MADISON COUNTY is our county and one of the most rural of the counties in close proximity to Asheville.  We are still lush with amazing country landscapes.  We can provide you with a our little map of drives and send you on your way to soak up some local color. FREE!

MAX PATCH is my favorite spot in all of Western North Carolina.  You will not believe the gorgeous vistas all the way to Tennessee.  You know the scene in The Sound of Music where Julie Andrews sings “The Hills are Alive”…..well, you would swear they filmed that scene right at the top of this incredible natural bald …AWESOME!  FREE!

MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC is alive and rich in these mountains.  Right here in Madison County you can appreciate our new tradition of enjoying Bobby Hicks every Thursday night at ZUMA.  Of course there is the long standing tradition at the Depot on Fridays.  FREE!

FESTIVALS, so many you can’t keep up.  Belle Chere, L.E.A.F, and more.  FREE!

BOTANICAL GARDENS are a well kept secret here close by.  Part of the University of North Carolina, this hidden treasure boasts of 10 acres of native flora of the Southern Appalachians.

PONDER COVE……..or hang with us and do absolutely NOTHING!

Paula and Clay Tie the Knot

Is this not the most scrumptious couple. We had a ball watching these two, seal the deal. There was no denying the thrill of it all. We wish them well and can’t wait to see these two again. If you want to share in their big day enjoy their pics. We love you two. xxoo

Is this not the cutest photo ever????? It was such a pleasure to watch these two seal the deal right here at the cove.

To quote their vows…penned by themselves, “It is not only marrying the right partner, but being the right partner.” I do believe that sums it up. These two certainly deserve each other in the most  joyous of ways.

So, let’s just say this marriage has the official Ponder Cove seal of approval.

For more photos of Josh and Andrea …

Congrats to Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue for their recent very successful Grapes for Goldens Gala. And congrats to Ponder Cove as well for being their small business of the month.

NRGRR is dedicated to helping unwanted Golden Retrievers through rescue, rehabilitation and adoption. It is unimaginable but Goldens may be surrendered for a variety of reasons, products of broken homes, family disinterest, found as strays or dropped off at shelters.

When Goldens enter the NRGRR program they are given a medical exam, neutered and then placed in foster care until loving homes are found.

NRGRR is managed and run by volunteers and their territory includes the eastern part of North Carolina from the Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) to the coast. So, any of you Ponder Cove fans from the triangle area jump on board if you can help as a volunteer, a foster family, offering a donation or better yet adopt one of their wonderful dogs.

Enjoy a Zip Lining Good Time on a Night Time Canopy Tour

Calling all nature lovers, adrenaline junkies and night owls!

Starting this Spring, Navitat will be running nighttime canopy adventure tours! That’s right–the same soaring zip lines, sky-high platforms and canopy views formerly only offered in the light of day will be open for a different kind of fun. The tours will start at dusk on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Evening tours may not be for the faint of heart! By the end of the tour, you’ll be careening around the sky in almost total darkness, making an exciting experience even more exhilarating.

Enjoy  the chance to see it all in a very different light than ever before with artfully illuminated trees and the shine of millions of stars in the sky.

Night tours are intended for guests who have already completed a daytime canopy adventure at Navitat, and will be offered in smaller groups beginning in April. Tours go on sale February 15.

Congratulations on your Wedding Day

Apologies to Brad and Donna for being so far behind with my  postings. We were so fortunate to host their wedding on New Years 2010. As you can see the bride was beautiful and the groom handsome. Enjoy their album and you will see for yourself. It was truly a special affair as we watched them say their I DO’s. After sealing the deal the took for for a  big night on the town to ring in the New Year in Asheville.

I am still offering one free Biltmore day ticket with every December reservation. Let me hear from you today. There is still room to cuddle by the Ponder Cove fire.

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. This is what we woke up to….eight inches and counting. It is glorious here at Ponder Cove. Luckily we made that mad dash to the grocery yesterday as we “ain’ta goin” anywhere. Merry Merry…and if you don’t believe Asheville is the best place to celebrate the holidays, just ask Santa.