Meet John, Karen and Dexter, the perfect mountain vacationers. They did not miss a trick while visiting and marveled at our mountains and all the fun offered. Check out their itinerary as you plan your next visit.

Day 1) First night they grabbed dinner at Stony Knob after a long days drive.

Day 2) Laurel River hike, Max Patch, a swing into Asheville where Karen  discovered the key-lime pie truffles from Chocolate Fetish , Dinner Carmels

Day 3) Horseback riding at Sandy Bottom.  They loved it….couldn’t believe our mountain vistas.  Came home picked up Dexter and dined at Blue Mountain.

Day 4) A day on the French Broad with Blue Heron Whitewater. Dexter again waited patiently but it was worth the wait. He knew he was joining them at Salsas, one of the many pet friendly restaurant choices.

Day 5) The Biltmore, the Blue Ridge Parkway and a wonderful trip up to Mt. Mitchell to  take in the Sunset and a swing by Weaverville for one more Blue Mountain Pizza.

What did they miss you ask…perhaps an eclair from Well-Bred. NOPE…They did that too and agreed SCRUMPTIOUS indeed.  Shopping at TOPS… Did you really think a lady would leave town without a new pair of shoes?

It was a pleasure watching them enjoy every morsel offered by Western North Carolina. Through new eyes I am always reminded of my luck. I live here. Come visit and let me show you.

Till then,
Martha and her Ponder Cove posse

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!

I have been watching these dirty birds all day and dang they won’t fly away.

Cute I must admit, watching mom come and go. But these little critters are as big as she is and it is time to fly the coop. They are nestled under the roof of the Max Patch room making a terrible mess.

Asheville area mountains are tops for bird watching. Between the Blue Ridge Parkway, Chimney Rock, and the NC Arboretum you will definitely have a “bird’s eye view” of the birds. But the best by far is right here at Ponder Cove. Come and see us.

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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…

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.

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.

Enjoy our most recent article for the dog travel channel

THE BUCK STOPS HERE

Greetings from the Buckaroo  & Martha,  your “on the beat” reporters covering the Asheville area and owners of Bed & Breakfast at Ponder Cove, (pondercove.com/petfriendly/) Asheville area’s original pet friendly accommodation.  Join them as they keep you “in the know” for all the “dogeriffic” happenings and places of interest in Western North Carolina.

Martha and Buck Take on the Biltmore

The rumor was out there that the Biltmore had become one, if not the most dog-friendly attractions here in the Asheville area. Our guests had bragged about the over -the -top fun their K-9s had experienced. So, it was high time we checked it out for ourselves. Buck reminded me that he’d never had the pleasure. So, off we went.

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. Of course the wisteria was not in bloom but I did promise to bring Buck back in Spring when we could take in the visual and olfactory experience.  Buck being a bit “short in the pooch” couldn’t see without a boost. He agreed we are lucky to have the Biltmore in our backyard, not to mention the majesty of the Appalachian Mountains.

We made it to the house where Buck got a little barky when I explained that he was not allowed inside. 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 have mind would not mind. He then insisted he was channeling Cedric, George Vanderbilt’s first St. Bernard and that Cedric was calling to him. (Does this dog think I am that gullible?) 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 the 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 could not have been nicer encouraging us to take funny pictures of our beloved Buckaroo.  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.

The day was splendid and the visit to the Biltmore was all the more fun with Buck in tow. It truly allowed us to take in the gardens at a wonderful pace allow us to absorb the majesty of fame landscape architect, Frederick Olmsted’s vision.

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. 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.

By the looks of Buck’s wiggling butt, wagging tail and grin it was a “bone-afide” FIVE BONE EXPERIENCE and you know what that means. BUCK NOT ONLY STOPED HERE BUT HE WILL BE BACK!

You will find the Biltmore about 30 minutes from Ponder Cove (pondercove.com/petfriendly/) right in the middle of Asheville city limits.

Licks and kisses until next time…

Martha and the Buckster