The Blue Ridge Mountains are among the oldest on Earth. Many rise 4,000 to 5,000 feet; some more than 6,000 feet.  They are ancient, beautiful, resilient, and emanate more energy than you can imagine. Rather like the Woman we celebrate with the Circle of Stones. Winding roads that lead past quaint villages and towns will carry you to them.  But it is so easy to be distracted.  A deer in a high mountain meadow glen. A wild turkey flushed from the hayfield. Mist making love to a mountain. Antiques for sale at a village flea market. The crunch of oak leaves next to a wild river gorge.  A waterfall plunging into a boulder-lined swimming hole. Welcome to our corner of the world. Here you can set your sights a little higher.  You can find what you have been looking for. And all the while you look, these ancient, feminine peaks will hold you in their arms.

(left) View from Chimney Rock looking out toward Lake Lure, named one of the world's 10 most beautiful lakes by the National Geographic Society.

Photo Key (from top):
   1.  Mountain view from the Blue Ridge Parkway
  2.  Chimney Rock looking toward Lake Lure
  3.  Handmade mountain lute
  4.  Wild flowers along Skywalk Trail
  5.  Antique farm machinery near Weaverville
  6.  Tulip tree blossoms
  7.  Hiking through Dupont Forest
  8.  Side view of Biltmore House from the Italian Garden
  9.  Cabin at the Cradle of Forestry
10.  Hickory Nut Gorge
11.  Bridegroom Jason on his wedding day
12.  Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

Exciting Things To See and Do Just a Stone's Throw Away:

  1.  The Flat Rock Playhouse
  2.  Carl Sandburg Historic Home
  3.  Brevard Music Center
  4.  Blue Ridge Parkway
  5.  The Biltmore Estate, Gardens and Winery
  6.  Grove Park Inn, Resort and Spa
  7.  Chimney Rock Park and Trails
  8.  Lake Lure boating, canoeing and kayaking
  9.  North Carolina Arboretum and Nature Center
10.  Fletcher Flea Market
11.  Great Smoky Mountains National Park
12.  Thomas Wolfe Historic Home
13.  Cradle of Forestry and the Pisgah Forest
14.  Hundreds of exceptional antique shops
15.  Dozens of challenging public golf courses
16.  Cherokee Indian reservation
17.  Linville Caverns and Grandfather Mountain

The list could go on and on.  The mountains of western North Carolina are one of America's favorite vacation destinations.  Indoors.  Outdoors.  Everywhere. There is something for every taste, every interest, every season, and every budget.

To extend your visit before or after the Circle of Stones, click on these links:
http://www.rutherfordtourism.com
http://www,ashevillechamber.org
http://www.HighCountryOutdoors.com/

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