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

More Good Eats From Martha

OK..this turned out amazing. I had the yummy granola french toast at OVER EASY in Asheville yesterday and I have been scheming my own since. By Joe I think I’ve got it. I experimented on Gary and will try it out on guests tomorrow. Gary gave it 5 stars.

See what you think. xx00

Serving size 4 (2 pcs each)

Preheat oven to 375

INGREDIENTS

8 Slices bread. (I used a thicker cut 9 grain.)
1/4 cup honey
4 TBL butter
1 cup cereal or granola ( I used Kashi blueberry cluster oak flakes),
1/4 cup pecans
6 eggs
1/4 cup orange juice
zest of one orange
1 tsp vanilla
dash of salt

Melt butter in a large cookie sheet with sides. Whisk in the honey. Spread with pastry brush and add a bit of honey and butter in equal parts, if you need more to spread.

Put the cereal and the pecans in a plastic bag and give them a good bashing. Then spread them on a plate.

Whisk all of your other ingredients as you would normal french toast.

Dip your bread in your liquid and then in your crunch, only on one side. Mash down on your bread, allowing a good bit of crunch to adhere.

Place your bread crunch side down on the honey butter mixture.

Bake for about 20 minutes until your top is a bit brown. DO NOT BURN the bottom.

Flip out onto a plate showing off your yummy caramel crunch.

As you can see Gary added some bananas. I had mine with a tiny bit of maple syrup. There are so many ways to dress this up. I also liked my choice of cereal. You need something with a bit of sweet already added. Rice Krispies or Shredded wheat just wouldn’t do it,  if you know what I mean.

You might also note that I have a lot of egg compared to most recipes. I like my french toast eggy…more protein…a little less guilt.

So from pet-friendly Ponder Cove let us say….BONE appetit!

Marble Butterflies Found in Madison County

As reported By Associated Press

11:36 a.m. EDT, May 2, 2011

MARSHALL, N.C. (AP) — A colony of Olympia Marble butterflies has been discovered in Madison County.

The Asheville Citizen-Times reports Monday that the species noted for its golden marbling and olive-colored wing markings is more commonly seen in the U.S. prairies and considered a rare find in an eastern state.

Biologists first encountered the butterfly colony April 17 and confirmed it with additional sightings the following weekend. It was the first time a breeding colony of Olympia Marble butterflies has been seen in North Carolina.
A Nature Conservancy spokesman says the butterflies’ sensitivity to pesticides and other chemical hazards means that Madison County’s natural environment remains relatively pristine.

When visiting pet friendly Asheville and hopefully staying with us at Ponder Cove don’t miss the Biltmore.

From article published on ezinearticles.com…

Biltmore Estate Embraces Pooches Past and Present

I recently grabbed my dog Buck to check out how dog-friendly the Biltmore Estate really was. We knew dogs were welcomed on the grounds. So we assumed that we’d be walking some trails, cruising some gardens and home we’d come. AU CONTRAIRE…We were allowed all over the place and a good time was had by all.

I always park at the Arboretum and then hike up the stairs to the estate. I just love this garden area that leads to my favorite vantage point where I view our beloved blue hills. It is right above the wisteria that leads to the house. Dogs are not allowed inside the house itself much to the chagrin of my pooch. He reminded me that since the Biltmore had been the home to St. Bernards, Russian Wolfhounds and Sheepdogs he was certain the pets past wouldn’t mind. He eventually understood that we all must do our part to preserve such an heirloom. And risky it would be to allow pets within the walls of the famed home.

While frolicking on the front lawn we met up with some traveling pooches, one delightful cocker and two mini dachshunds. With a bit of a scramble and entanglement of leashes the introductions were made and the consensus from the dogs was that they were having a marvelous day. So, we trotted on. After a wonderful romp around the grounds and a stop off at the Bass pond we then jumped in the car and headed for Cedric’s, the pub in Antler Village named after Vanderbilt’s infamous pooch. We were looking forward to lunch at the Biltmore’s dog-friendly restaurant and so it came to be, of course al fresco. The staff was delightful and treated Buck with genuine Biltmore hospitality.

We were eager to find out all we could about Cedric. It seems George Vanderbilt’s trusted Saint Bernard was the first pet at the Biltmore. No one is sure how George came to own Cedric, but they do know that he brought him to Biltmore from Pointe d’Acadie, his summer home in Bar Harbor, Maine, sometime around the opening of Biltmore House in 1895. They went on to state the obvious and that life was good for a pet of the Vanderbilt’s. Cedric not only had free reign of at least the first floor of Biltmore House, which he often spent lounging in the Library or Billiard Room or sunning himself on the Loggia, but he also frequently accompanied his master and other family members on excursions throughout their vast estate.

With our bellies full we headed to Biltmore Farm which was just a hop, skip and a jump. The staff attendant could not have been nicer encouraging us to take funny pictures of our beloved Buckaroo using an old wagon and straw hats as props. We finished off our day with a stroll (trying to work off our yummy fish and chips) around the bike path with a view of the Swannanoa River.

If you choose to take in the house on the same day as your visit of the grounds note there are a few kennels. You must ask the gate keepers upon entering and you will be directed to them. You are the master of the lock and key if you are lucky enough to obtain an empty kennel. Pets must be leashed at all times for safety and comfort for all guests. Dogs are not allowed in the main house but we were welcomed in several of the other buildings. Of course we asked permission and were on our best behavior.

The Biltmore is a site you must see and it is truly more fun with your pooch in tow.

For other ideas when traveling to pet friendly Asheville read more…

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 …

Asheville in the Spring

I have had more fun the last two weeks. Along with super duper guests I  had the good fortune to entertain 4 very old friends that had never been to Ponder Cove. So, I too became a tourist checking out all that the Asheville area has to offer. The Biltmore was spectacular and it was a real treat to go through the house at this time of the year. FYI, the crowds are still low making it a great time to visit us.  Of course we strolled through downtown to enjoy the shops and great food. It is so much fun to entertain, especially New Yorkers, (you know how they are )and have them admit that the quality of food in Asheville is tres tres bon. We loved Laughing Seed for Vegetarian Fare, an evening at Limones and how can you miss a lunch counter stop at Woolworths. A good time was had by all.

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.

Congratulations to North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue

Exciting news for the Charlotte area. A dynamic new shelter has opened and they are working very hard to get up and running full swing. Please go to their website and see if you can offer assistance in any way. And most especially see if you can help Grace out.

Just in from North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue.

“We are in very special need for a foster for Grace. She is a scared little Daschund / Hound mix, that is super short and cute. She is very pregnant (we had no idea til she got here) and she is going to need a safe, warm environment to have her puppies in. She is also shy w/ people and we don’t think anyone has every shown this poor girl any love.”

More news….

“It is a very worrisome time for bully breed owners in North Carolina.  Due to recent tragedies, there has been a push for breed bans with rumors of statewide legislation.  A small group of knowledgeable people are trying to insure that any laws target the actions of specific dogs and their owners, not breeds, in order to protect responsible owners and actually address the real problem behind dog attacks.  In addition, they are working for legislation with provisions for the prevention of tragedies by better ordinances regarding animal care and abuse.

All dog owners in N.C. should be keeping abreast of these developments and supporting as you are able.  Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) hurts all dog owners, even if your breed isn’t singled out…YET.  That could change for you on any given day.  BSL has been disproven time and time again, yet people who don’t know better use it as a go-to solution after reading through inaccurate “research studies” on attacks, bite rates, and breed (mis)identification.

For you bully owners, we are advocating that you take your dog’s training to the next level.  By polishing up on your obedience and working on distractions, you can prepare for the AKC Canine Good Citizen’s Test and have a certificate proving that your bully is a well-trained, well-mannered dog and that you are a responsible owner.  This may just be the type of certificate that saves your best friend’s life when it comes time for the dogs to be singled out by authorities.

This will be a long journey, with many phases, and a need for much support.  We may call on you to contact your legislators, show your support by sitting in public meetings, or just get your well behaved bully into the public eye as much as possible by taking him with you to the local coffee shop for your Sunday coffee.  This is a frightening time, and we must all support each other, or dogs could pay with their lives, as they have in other cities and states across the country.”