It's common knowledge that Asheville is one of America's favorite destination cities, retirement communities, cutting-edge arts and crafts meccas, top college towns, Presidential-and-media mogul, high-profile getaway vacation spot, and a host of other Top, Best of, etc. But now the New York Times has highlighted how to spend 36 hours in Asheville. These are great ideas. The Presidential entourage always hits some of the highlights of the area.
But, quite honestly, we all want to know what the locals prefer, the better ways to enjoy this breathtaking natural beauty. It is also not so secret that we don't want everybody knowing our very special places. Mention to a local how beautiful this area is, and you will likely get, "Don't broadcast it." Of course, this comes from the new "transplants"as well. Asheville is wonderful for a visit, for hyper weekend entertainment. But to really experience what is so wonderful about these mountains and these people, you have to get out from the rush and crush of the world and the "entertain me" modal of living.
By all means, come enjoy the nightlife and fast-paced activity offered in Asheville, and then come home - to small-town America, to life lived close to the land, to a more relaxed, contemplative, thoughtful approach to interacting with the world. This begins at home - in a Cabin at Celo or a mountain getaway here at The Cove at Celo Mountain - simple elegance we call it. There are all the accoutrements of high-country living, near one of America's favorite destination cities, but far enough away to relax, to rejuvenate, and to re-energize.
There are places here for even deeper meditation and spiritual reawakening. Here in our hometown of Burnsville is a place set aside for future generations, for those in ministry or in need of quiet solitude. It was bequeathed by a benefactress (an aviatrix, a shepherdess, a world-traveler) of the past generation for those wishing a closer walk with God. "HIGH PASTURES is an interdenominational Christian retreat center, available to any group or individual who wishes to take the time from the hectic pace of everyday life to grow closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Uncluttered by hurried schedules and electronic influences, High Pastures is truly a place of sanctuary for the soul."
There is also QUIET REFLECTIONS Retreat - just a few miles from The Cove at Celo Mountain. "Quiet Reflections exists to provide a place—beautiful, serene, and uncluttered—where individuals may come to retreat from the world in order to spend time alone with God. We labor to create an atmosphere free from distraction, so that when God speaks, you are able to listen. We welcome all who would come genuinely seeking to be refreshed, spend quiet time, fast, seek God’s direction, and abide in Him (John 15:1-4)."
Another special place just off the Blue Ridge Parkway and near The Cove at Celo Mountain is Wildacres. "Wildacres Retreat is a conference center offering its facilities to non-profit groups conducting educational or cultural programs on topics such as music, art, science, religion, lapidary, craft and writing. It is also available for staff and board retreats for non-profit organizations." Originally the home of a supporter of the Ku Klux Klan and the producer of a movie that fomented that kind of mentality, this place of beauty and retreat now fosters the brotherhood of mankind through the connective force of art.
Come enjoy the experiences in nature and culture here that will both stimulate your imagination and calm and re-energize your soul and spirit.
The mountains are beckoning.
