Absolutely gorgeous and moderate hike on Memminger trail loop to Big Glassy Mountain. Nice cool…read moreweather so peaceful so lovely!!! We enjoyed it very much!! Very scenic trail!

Tour guide Steve Weisburg gave us an amazing tour of Sandburg historic home ! The driver of the…read morehandicap van was so helpful and kind to all of us! ! Rangers were very informative!

The trains don't come around these parts any longer, the local historian at the visit center told…read moreme not since 2001 has the sounds of clanging train cars and the distinct wining of the diesel generators from the locomotives ramping up as the trains pull up this steep grade into town. The tracks are in disrepair so it's doubtful that they're ever feel the weight of cargo being transported across this mountainous region again, if it wasn't for the efforts of a few non-profits this section of rail would all but be forgotten. There are ongoing negotiations between the railroad and the community to convert approximately 30 miles of the abandoned tracks into a useful green space including a hiking and biking trail. Standing on the tracks gives you a different perspective and almost a haunting feeling, if you listen closely you may hear a train whistle in the distant or the railroad crossing in the center of town alerting the locals of a danger that no longer exist, I notice this crossing has no gates only the flashing signal and bells I wonder how many of the town's population of 800 have ever heard the sounds coming from these old signals that still stand like a monument to what once was considered the most progressive form of transportation and was instrumental in building America...

Located in the town of Saluda, this marker points out the railroad history. The rail is no longer…read morein use so you can walk it or take the nearby trail. The marker reads, "Saluda Grade. The steepest, standard gauge, mainline railway grade in the U.S. Opened in 1878; three miles long. Crests here." Online there is more information, "Railroad builders in western North Carolina faced the task of laying track up the steepest mountain inclines in the eastern United States. At Old Fort in McDowell County, the solution involved the use of tunnels and numerous curves. At Saluda in Polk County, workers on the railroad met the challenge straight on. The rugged geography of the Green River Gorge just west of the town posed a separate challenge for highway builders in the 1920s." "The Saluda Grade is infamous for the number of runaway train accidents. When talking about Cape Hatteras and the "Graveyard of the Atlantic," seamen tell tales of mishaps, triumph, and disaster. When veteran railroaders speak of Saluda, they do so with similar hushed tones." It's a neat spot and don't miss the Saluda Depot Museum nearby. [Review 20007 overall - 3448 in North Carolina - 982 of 2023.]

This marker stands in the parking lot of the Rutherford County administrative offices and points…read moreout the original founding of the town. It has the same text on both sides. It reads, "In 1787 fifty acres of land were purchased from James Adair for founding of Rutherford Town, which serves as the second county seat." Adair was born in Ireland and immigrated to the colonies in the early 18th century. He became a noted Indian trader, author, and planter, working extensively with the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Catawba tribes. Adair's writings, especially his 1775 book History of the American Indians, attempted to link Native American origins to the lost tribes of Israel--a theory now discredited but influential in its time. In 1786, Adair sold 50 acres of land along Cleghorn Creek to a committee tasked with relocating the Rutherford County seat from Gilbert Town. [Review 655 of 2025 - 4142 in North Carolina - 24216 overall]

My family and I spent the weekend in Hendersonville NC and decided to explore Carl's Sandburg Home…read more Carl Sandburg Home-located in Flat Rock North Carolina-offeres an educational lessons for all ages. My family decided to take a tour of the house, to our surprise there was no charge for the tour. Our tour guide, a sweet elderly lady, was fantastic, it was like I was a part of Carl Sandburg's family. The house is well preserved bringing you back to the 1800s. I gained an abundant amount of knowledge during the tour, it was roughly two hours. After the guided tour was over we stamped our Passport book, because the site is a national park. Don't forget your passport books! If you have younger children, don't be cautious about bringing them. You can also go on the actual site of Carl Sandburg's wife's goat farm. I had so much fun petting and brushing the goats. They were so friendly and calm. After our day filled with history and playful goats, my family decided to walk some of the trails, located on the property. The trails are well mapped out and easy to follow, which my family enjoyed. Also, your pets are welcome to join you on the trails. During our visits we were greeted with friendly staff members, who were eager to answer your questions. The grounds and bathroom were clean, and you could tell the grounds had regular maintenance. To my surprise Carl Sandburg's Home and surrounding grounds are accessible to all: youth, adults, and elderly. Offering ample parking including Handicap spots. In addition, the grounds were mostly flat, and there is a shuttle that runs if you are unable to walk through the grounds. If you have a free day during the week or on the weekend, I would recommend checking out Carl Sandburg's Home.

How in the world have I not reviewed the Carl Sandburg Home National Historical Park yet. I've come…read moreto just go to the park and typically head over there before performance at the Flat Rock Playhouse. I even leave a note on my windshield as parking for the national Park isn't allowed there on show days. Tours of the home can be done through reservations but the number on a tour are limited. You can still enjoy the park without a reservation though. The park is a good place to walk especially if you like hills. It is a a hike to get to the house but being in nature and enjoying the scenery is part of the experience. If you didn't get a reservation to tour the house you can view it on the outside as well as wander through the grounds and see the goats and chickens. Make sure to enjoy the beautiful views.

Another Small Town post office. When stopping in here to…read moremail packages or letters the employees are always very nice. It's a very small post office in the town of Ellenboro. There is never a line if you want to get in and out. I've been here a few times never any problems getting my mail shipped out. It would be a 5 star but the hours are not the best. Not so convenient closing earlier on Wednesday & during week and closed on Saturday.

what can you say, its a post office. No Saturdays, closed noon on Wednesday, they have po boxes…read morehere.

This beautiful Classical Revival structure is the Henderson County Courthouse and it was completed…read morein 1905. It was designed by Richard Sharp Smith, the former resident of the Biltmore Estate. Smith is also responsible for the Madison County Courthouse (Marshall), the Jackson County Courthouse (Sylva) and the Swain County Courthouse (Bryson City) among others. The building is two stories of gray colored stone atop a marble staircase with six stunning columns that rise to a pediment. Henderson County was established in 1838 from the southern portion of Buncombe County and is named for Leonard Henderson who was Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court (1839-1833). Hendersonville has been the county seat since 1847. There is street parking nearby and a parking lot adjacent. On a quiet weekend morning, there wasn't much going on so I had plenty of time to walk the grounds and peek through the front doorway. I'd love a tour but that was not available today. [Review 1144 of 2025 - 4373 in North Carolina - 24697 overall]

The Henderson County Courthouse was built in 1995 when the historic courthouse was condemned…read more Henderson County had also grown and outgrown the space the historic courthouse provided. Padgett and Freeman were the architects. The current courthouse was modernized and made ADA-compliant. It also meets the current fire codes and has a security system. If you are looking for the Historic Henderson County Courthouse, constructed with brick and the gold dome, that building is located at One Historic Courthouse Square, at the corner of 1st and Main streets. It was turned into a museum, so you can visit and tour the building when the Heritage Museum of Henderson County is open.

We've been traveling to Lake Lure for a number of years and have always parked our RV up the…read moremountain at Apple Valley Farms MotorCoach Resort for a week or so but spend a lot of time here with friends that also stay in the area at their timeshares in Rumbling Bald Resort - We always meet for lunch at La Strada's upon arriving then for cocktails at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn both located in the downtown area, this has been an annual tradition that we have come to love. We also spend time on the lake renting pontoon boats and cruise Lake Lure visiting lakeside restaurants and enjoying this beautiful lake and area. Unfortunately that wasn't the case this year, it was a different experience and no words or photos can do what has happen to the area justice, the world changed for the people and businesses of Lake Lure and the surrounding communities specifically Chimney Rock and Bat Cave when Hurricane Helene caused major devastation on September 27, 2024, when the Broad River overflowing its banks and destroying much of the infrastructure in the area. The storm brought flooding, mudslides, and widespread destruction to this western North Carolina region and although much progress has been made in the year since the flash flooding it still has a way to go before the area returns to some since of normalcy. Although the Town of Lake Lure was spared the brunt of the storm, the lake filled with debris and the damn was breached devastating the economy here. Having met so many locals here I know first hand they are very resilient and still depend on their neighbors for the most part through the continued recovery - we weren't going to let this terrible event stop us from returning here less than a year after the destruction, we felt visiting here would be more about supporting the community, they have worked hard to get back to living, everyone that I have spoken to appreciates the people that have returned to support their economy by spending money at the local businesses. I know it may take years for the area to return to the pristine place it once was but I have no doubt it will thanks to the people who call this home...

My kick ass bosses (woohoo Back2Health!) took the staff on a much needed weekend getaway to Lake…read moreLure. Apparently the best way for staff to bond is through jello shots and 20 ft dives into a lake. ;-) I'm not really big on the outdoors but this place was awesome. In one weekend I saw deer, a beaver, and squirrels. I'm pretty sure had I woken up early, gone out onto the balcony, extended my arms and sang, birds would have come to me. Our rental house had a pontoon boat, a paddle boat, and a canoe. The lake is huge, the water is so clear, and I really need to find out if the guy who owns the castle is single ;-) Water was cold-ish but so nice to swin in. Tiny little fish nip at your feet but nothing scarier than that. Consider it a free fish pedicure. Ingles is an awesome and huge grocery store. You must taste the pistachio muffins.

I came here today for what is an unusual and first time event for me. I intended to checkout a…read moreDanielle Steel book titled Titanic! It was recommended to me by Sue G. of Forest City, N.C.! She's a Yelp friend that I much appreciate! I trust her judgment in this matter; romance! Since my wife of many years told me that I didn't have a clue about what romance is; I've decided to self- educate myself! Every a senior citizen like me can make improvements! This book was not in our local library today but I'll check back with them soon! Nice and friendly folks work here and that's a good thing when a guy intends to read a Danielle Steel novel! My thanks again to Sue G. my Yelp friend!