HISTORIC, BUCOLIC ALTAPASS ORCHARD OPENS MAY 1ST

ORCHARD OPENS FOR THE SEASON! Open Mon, Wed-Sat: 10-6; Sun: 12-6; Closed Tuesdays. During apple harvest mid-Sept through October The Orchard will be open 7 days/week, 10-6.

The Altapass Orchard is located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 328.3, down in a valley, with the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains serving as backdrop. There are many wonderful, unique places to visit on the Parkway, and you can read our blog on it to get a description of many of them (linked below).

But my personal favorite is the 102-year-old Altapass Orchard. Admittedly, there is a circuitous connection - as with everything here – through people at the Orchard to people at The Cove at Celo Mountain, which endears it to us even more. One-half of the Orchard is owned by The Blue Ridge Parkway, and the other half is held in trust by The Altapass Foundation. Bill and Judy Carson and Kit Carson Trubey are the conservators of the Foundation. Bill, a former rocket scientist, is the bridge partner of Cove at Celo Mountain estate owner, Susan Crutchfield (see our blog on the Crutchfields linked below), and Susan and Kit teach bridge lessons in our surrounding towns of Burnsville, Spruce Pine and Little Switzerland.

Altapass Orchard encapsulates just about everything loved and written about this area – great beauty, natural goodness (of award-winning heritage apples), live traditional mountain music – free - 5 days a week, clogging and dancing (clogging lessons!), preservation of culture through oral storytelling, a monarch butterfly program, homemade fudge and ice cream, authentic crafts and specialties, hayrides, picnics on special holidays, a food wagon and more – all in a casual setting. Bill is the storyteller of the Altapass history for the hayrides - a history steeped in the nation’s saga of Indians, settlers, railroads, and war battles.

The Orchard has been featured in National Geographic, won the prestigious Charles J. Parker Award from the NC Tourism Industry Association, and has been written up in numerous publications - including Southern Living, Our State and Blue Ridge Country. The Today show is doing a 3-day shoot this Tuesday for the 75th anniversary of The Blue Ridge Parkway. Altapass Orchard is one of the sites that will be filmed for an eventual weekend Today segment. About 60,000 visitors come through Altapass Orchard each year. There are 3,000 apple trees in production now, and at its peak, 125,000 bushels of apples were packed and shipped out of the Orchard.

Check their calendar of events, http://www.altapassorchard.com/calendar.htm, to find which day to include them on your trip itinerary. Especially if you live in a large city, this will be one of your most enjoyable WNC country adventures. You won’t want to miss this!

For more information on Altapass Orchard: http://www.altapassorchard.com/
For our blog on The Blue Ridge Parkway: http://coveatcelo.blogspot.com/2010/02/beauty-on-blue-ridge-parkway-with.html
For our blog on the Crutchfields – The Cove at Celo Mountain Estate Owners: http://coveatcelo.blogspot.com/2010/02/meet-estate-owners-at-cove-at-celo.html

Confirmed: President Plans Spring Vacation in Asheville

OK, no, I don’t have a direct line to the White House, BUT the Asheville Travel Blog assures us that the President and the First Family are vacationing in Asheville next weekend. I have been telling you how incredibly beautiful this area is – so much so that it IS the destination place for many who can vacation or retire or relocate anywhere they wish. However, like most things, there are secret places that are even more incredible than the first one you came to enjoy.

So, the First Family really needs to be staying in Burnsville and touring The Cove at Celo Mountain. They might choose an estate lot with tranquil Ayles Creek running through it or one with a gorgeous waterfall for their post-presidency residence. Then, again, maybe one of the 6 Cabins at Celo (exquisitely appointed) in the wooded area would be more to their liking.

When the President was here during the campaign, he stayed at The Grove Park Inn. This is historic, legendary and lovely – famous as the getaway for F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, media moguls and high-profile actors and writers. I hope they enjoyed the world-famous grotto spa (ranked #13 among Best Hotel Spas in the World.) The President ate at 12 Bones, fabulous barbecue with a unique twist - blueberry chipotle ribs, jalapeno cheese grits and corn pudding are occasional flavor offerings. Now, these are famous, wonderful choices. But, he might want to try our gorgeous new hotel in Biltmore Village, The Grand Bohemian. Tupelo Honey, the Noodle Shop, and Corner Kitchen (Biltmore Village) are wonderful. Honestly, every restaurant I have ever tried in downtown Asheville has delicious food. The bodyguards can take the girls to The Orange Peel for great music; Michelle can shop at Bellagio’s (art to wear) and Ten Thousand Villages for gifts for those back home (a fair trade store for artisan crafts from around the world); and they will all want to visit the 30 + galleries (don’t miss Blue Spiral.)

But, if they really want to relax and get out in nature, they need to come to Burnsville and Spruce Pine. Let the Rivers’ Edge Outfitters plan the perfect fly-fishing, tubing, kayaking day. Hike our beautiful waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway. (The Presidential trip planners will want to read our blog about that to touch the high points!). Mountain Farm, the Blacksmith Festival, the TRAC galleries, the Burnsville Metric (hey, this family is in great shape and can easily do this 19th Riding of bikes along our South Toe River and beautiful mountains and valleys!) I think the perfect photo op will be with all of the First Family helping to bottle-feed the sextuplet baby Nubian goats at Mountain Farm – all up on Celo, of course!

For a verity-check on the President’s travel agenda: http://blog.exploreasheville.com/2010/04/president-obama-enjoy-your-asheville.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+exploreasheville%2FlCvS+%28Asheville%29

Helpful Links for the President’s trip planners:
The Cove at Celo Mountain: http://www.celoliving.com/
The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa: http://www.groveparkinn.com/Leisure/
The Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville: http://www.bohemianhotelasheville.com/
12 Bones Barbecue: http://www.12bones.com/
Tupelo Honey: http://www.tupelohoneycafe.com/
Noodle Shop: http://www.mountainx.com/dining/2005/1026noodleshop.php
Corner Kitchen: http://www.thecornerkitchen.com/menus/
Bellagio’s: http://www.bellagioarttowear.com/
Ten Thousand Villages: http://asheville.tenthousandvillages.com/php/stores.festivals/store.about_our_store.php
Blue Spiral Gallery: http://bluespiral1.com/
Rivers Edge Outfitters: http://www.riversedgeoutfittersnc.com/
The Blue Ridge Parkway Highlights from The Cove at Celo Mountain blog: http://coveatcelo.blogspot.com/2010/02/beauty-on-blue-ridge-parkway-with.html

MOUNTAIN FARM – UP ON CELO

We have baby sextuplets up on Celo, and you can see them in the TV special on ABC News– just follow the link below! Bring your children or the child within you out to the farm to help with the feeding. Baby Goat Day is this Saturday, April 24th, 10a-5p.

Mountain Farm is a sustainable 24-acre lavender, blueberry and dairy goat farm in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina. The owners, Jerry and Marilyn Cade, serve our community as medical doctor and nurse as well as running this incredibly beautiful farm. One of the most popular events in our area is the Lavender Festival, June 19-20, 2010, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - $5.00/person. This is a storybook setting with rolling hills and valleys and long-range views of our mountains. The weather is gorgeous, the animals adorable, and the lavender fields like stepping into another era. There will be homemade gourmet goat cheeses and ice creams, lavender lemonade, handcrafted soaps, artisanal bath and spa products, lavender plants for sale, a licensed massage therapist, children’s activities, wonderful food served picnic-style at Blueberry Cottage as you listen to live music and shop with local artists selling handmade pottery and other mountain crafts. Workshops include: Making lavender wands, sachets, wreaths, Garden tours and cultivation tips,Essential oil extraction demonstrations.
SHUTTLE PARKING

To see the TV special about the baby sextuplets: http://www.wlos.com/shared/newsroom/features/absolute-le/videos/wlos_vid_243.shtml
For more information on the events:
http://www.mountainfarm.net/babygoatday.html
http://www.mountainfarm.net/lavenderfestival.html
For more information on Mountain Farm:
http://www.mountainfarm.net/

FARMERS’ MARKETS OPEN APRIL 24TH!!

FARM-TO-TABLE FRESHNESS AT ITS BEST!
Even our Regional Library promotes our incredible farms and home vegetable gardens in this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The “Together We Read” project for 2009 chose Barbara Kingsolver’s book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle – a Year of Food Life as the project’s focus . Book club participants had lunch prepared with foods from our Farmers’ Markets and followed that with discussions in our libraries. We are serious supporters of our locally-produced food and sustainable agriculture. One of the best things about living in these mesmerizing mountains is the abundance of fresh, organically-grown produce, pesticide-free/antibiotic-free organic meats, handcrafted goat cheeses in the most luscious flavors, handmade gourmet vinegars and condiments, a variety of locally-produced honeys, homemade breads, locally-grown shitake mushrooms, and so many other delectables. Even the soul and spirit can feast on authentic mountain crafts for sale and live bluegrass music, with a few chairs placed around the musicians, where laden shoppers can sit a spell and just enjoy this wonderful, bucolic experience. You will want to take time to visit with the vendors and read about them online. (Links to farms are at the end of this blog.) You will be amazed at the impact our farms have in Western North Carolina and beyond. Many sell produce to restaurants in Asheville as well as our own towns. Elizabeth, from Firefly Farm, attended Duke University and sells the produce she grows during the Market Days. She also hosts magnificent, 5-course gourmet meals “down by the river” – up on Celo - a few times a year on her farm. The drive to Firefly Farm through the mountains and valleys is breathtakingly beautiful, the food fresh from farm to table with wine and live music. Seating is very limited, so get the dates and flyers from her while you are shopping the Farmer’s Market. Whatever Jake and Nana (Jake’s Farm and Nana’s Kitchen) are selling from their booth is incredibly delicious – from the homemade desserts, breads, and pizzas to the fresh produce. You will find your own favorite vendors and offerings. Other market activities often include such events as health screenings, face painting, and gourmet cooking demonstrations.
This is the 19th season of this Farmers’ Market, so they have had time to get this just right. Oh, there will also be plants – both ornamental and garden – and cut flowers for sale from local farms. You will want to get there early as many things will sell out very fast. Just don’t buy all the Oak Moon Creamery Mountain Mediterranean goat cheese (drenched with extra virgin olive oil, locally-grown garlic and fresh herbs.) I have dibs on at least one of them! Now all that is on Saturday.
When and Where for Burnsville’s Farmers’ Market
Date: Apr 24, 2010
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 12:30 PM
Organized by: Yancey County Farmers Market
Address: South Main Street
Burnsville, NC 28714
Phone: (828) 682-4108

On Wednesdays, head 15 miles down the road to Spruce Pine for our OTHER Farmers' Market. Here is what you will find there:
Featured vendors from Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties will be selling shitake mushrooms, rabbit meat, grass-fed beef, pastured chicken, duck and turkey. Organic and naturally grown produce: such as early broccoli and squash, fresh herbs, asparagus, blueberries, strawberries, organic apples, cider.
Eggs, artisan breads, take-and-bake pizza and assorted baked goods such as cookies, scones, and bars will be available. We have jams and jellies, honey, goat cheese and camembert cheese too. Our artists create hand carved stones, garden sculptures, glass nugget and stained glass pieces, skinning knives and kitchen cutlery, dried flower art, natural soaps and lotions as well as beeswax candles.
When and Where for Spruce Pine Farmers’ Market
(May-October)
The porch of Wildflower's
297 Oak Avenue (also known as Upper Street)
Spruce Pine North Carolina
Every Wednesday 2-5:30 pm May- October http://www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/M36489

For further information about our local farms:
Appalachian Seeds http://www.appalachianseeds.com/
Firefly Farm http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M13842
Bee Log Farm and Nursery http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M18494
The Mushroom Hut at Fox Farms http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M27083
Green Toe Ground Farm http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M7524
Bee Log Garlic & Flower Farm http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M18495
Oak Moon Creamery http://oakmoonfarm.webs.com/cheese.htm

For a great read and delicious recipe ideas for all your Farmer Market finds:
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle – A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver (http://www.animalvegetablemiracle.com/

APPALACHIAN THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER (ATRC) – UP ON CELO

We all have places that tug at our hearts – that speak to our souls and spirits. You know this is how we feel about the beloved Cove at Celo Mountain, if you have followed our blog. There is another place up on Celo where I am pretty sure you can feel the touch of angel wings. The Appalachian Therapeutic Riding Center, located in the breathtaking South Toe River Valley with our mountains in long-range profile, is a place of deep beauty on many levels. Executive Director of this non-profit, Miika Rolett, and teacher, Lisa Mauney – together with dedicated volunteers – work miracles with children and teens dealing with physical, mental, social or emotional challenges. Speaking from personal experience, there is not a volunteer there, or a parent, who cannot testify to the transforming experience of this special place in the lives of not only the children – but in those of us fortunate enough to have been touched by this healing process.

The website gives the background of the non-profit: The program was founded in 1986 as a pilot program with a grant from Blue Ridge Mental Health and was incorporated as a non-profit, 501-3C in 1987. It is currently funded by grants, donations, fees, and the Yancey County United Fund. In 2006, ATRC became a premier accredited operating center by North American Riding for the Handicapped Association or NARHA. Instructors: ATRC has two instructors fully certified by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. In addition, physical, occupational, and speech therapists are often involved, either hands-on in the program or as consultants.

Impressive, but the real story behind this amazing group of people – and horses – is told most poignantly in an excellent amateur video by people who love this program as dearly as we do. If you need a day-brightener, take the 18 minutes to watch the video that has been uploaded to YouTube (linked at the end of this blog), or purchase your own copy through ATRC. When this video was shown at last year’s Derby Day fundraiser, you could hear a pin drop – and not just a few sniffles being wiped away - in what had been a festive celebration.

The book and movie, The Horse Whisperer, and the more recent book, The Tao of Equus, attest to the healing power horses can have on the human psyche and body. Another facility near us, Equinection, uses the Advanced Epona Approach of equine therapy to allow individuals the opportunity to experience this form of healing.

The year’s biggest fundraiser for ATRC is upcoming on May 1, 2010 at the Burnsville Town Center. It is the Kentucky Derby Party (Derby attire suggested – hats and all!) There will be pre-race activities, the Run for the Roses, the Kentucky Derby Dinner (all homemade by the Executive Director and her helpers), and big-band music and dancing with the Buddy K Orchestra. Seating is limited and tickets will sell rapidly, but do call if you would like to join us in celebrating this wonderful organization. 822-675-5630

http://www.atrcriding.com/9.html

http://www.equinection.org/WhoWeAre.html
The Appalachian Therapeutic Riding Center (Part 1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYw0GGuGLpI

The Appalachian Therapeutic Riding Center (Part 2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcAA8L7PR5I

In memory of one of the most tranquil horses ever to work with and love children - Cookies (April, 2010)

HEALTH CARE NEAR CELO

We are often asked about health care in this beautiful sanctuary setting up on Celo. We all tend to think that state-of-the-art medical facilities are only in the nation’s bigger cities, but rest assured that excellent medical care is available in our Asheville area.
AWARD-WINNING MEDICAL FACILITIES
Celo Health Center, within 10 minutes of The Cove at Celo Mountain, provides excellent care with 3 medical doctors and a Nurse Practitioner in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable. The wonderful new facility overlooks the South Toe River in the Celo community.
Mountain Medical Arts in Burnsville has an Osteopathic Physician who is also a Certified Yoga Instructor with a completely computerized practice. The Physician spends between 30-60 minutes with each patient.
Blue Ridge Medical Center - Yancey Campus - is within 20 minutes of The Cove at Celo Mountain and about 10 minutes from Mountain Heritage Estates and has doctors in internal medicine and pediatrics, a nurse practioner and remains open on Saturday and Sunday from 8:00-3:00.
The Blue Ridge Regional Hospital is within 20 minutes of The Cove at Celo Mountain and has been named a Top 100 Hospital by Thomson 2 years in a row. The Blue Ridge Regional Hospital is part of:
Mission Hospital in Asheville which has won so many awards and recognitions that only a few for 2009 will be named here:
*Top Three-Star Rating for Heart Surgery Program – 2009, 2008, 2007 (Society of Thoracic Surgeons)
*Stroke Gold Performance Achievement Award – 2009 (U.S. News & World Report)
*2009 Cleverley & Associates' Five Star Hospital List: Mission Hospital was ranked within the top 20% of hospitals in the U.S
*2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005: Mission honored as a Consumer Choice Award hospital
*2009: Mission is named a top performer by HQID in heart attack treatment and was rewarded for delivering high quality care in a total of five clinical areas by the Centers for Medicare& Medicaid Services
*2009: National Quality Forum Recognition
*2009 Mission recognized as a Best in Value Award Winner
*2009 Most Wired Hospital
*2009: NOVA Award for Lighten Up 4 Life
*2009: Mission named a member of NC Prevention Partner's Health Food Centers of Excellence
http://www.celohealthcenter.com/

http://www.missionhospitals.org/

http://www.spchospital.org/

FITNESS AND REHABILITATION CENTERS
Blue Ridge Fitness and Rehabilitation Center in Burnsville offers one of the finest fitness facilities in the area with state-of-the-art equipment, customized classes and rehabilitation resources.
Yancey Center for Physical Therapy offers excellent rehab and therapy after surgery (or injury from the numerous mountain sports in our area – this from personal experience!)
Cruz Chiropractic Life Center offers life-enhancing chiropractic services, cold laser therapy, and Health Coaching
http://www.spchospital.org/fitness.htm

http://www.physicaltherapist8.com/HealthPhysicalTherapist/John-Medina-Yancey-Center-For-Physical-Burnsville-NC-20312.htm

http://www.cruzchiropractic.com/