Honey Bear Campground - Boone NC
Thursday, October 01 - Moving today from Forest Lake Preserve (Thousand Trails) to Honey Bear Campground in Boone NC. Beautiful sunny skies and a chilly day with 43 degrees. It is 37° in Boone right now with a high of 66. Got my winter coat out and the RV heat running from the dash. Glad I’m not Ray having to deal with all the outside things that must be done before we pull out. Once we were on Rt. 421, the scenery started to change and saw mountains rise in the distance. We started to climb and elevation was around 2,970 ft. Close to Boone, the hills are filled with Christmas Tree farms. Quite a sight. We arrived at Honey Bear Campground at Boone NC around 11 am. The site we had been assigned was not big enough for our vehicle and the Honda Gold Wing, so we negotiated on getting onto another site that has 50-amp service as well as satellite. The owner juggled a few other campers that will be here for the Wooly Worm Festival on the 17th so that we could stay at this site the entire 30 days. Overall we have more room, the view out the driver’s side is of the woods and has a steep grade below. Ray spoke to a couple that have been camping in a small trailer since May and they said they never used the a/c and had to use a heating blanket every night, even in July. We are at over 3,000 ft. elevation.
We tried to rest after setting up – it was a long day. Ray went down the hill near the entrance to take the bike off. The new site has plenty of parking for the truck behind the coach. We are very near a steep drop-off on the driver’s side. The problem is that this site is costing $100 more due to having 50-amp service instead of 30-amp. But when you figure that we pay $3 per day extra for 50-amp electric at TT parks, it is not an issue. I was happy because this site also gets our satellite signal.
The mountains of western North Carolina are among the oldest on Earth, and contain the highest mountain (Mount Mitchell), deepest gorge (Linville Gorge), and several of highest waterfalls (Whitewater Falls, Glassmine Falls, etc.) in the eastern United States, and is also home to the oldest river in North America (the New River) and the two most visited National Parks in the country (the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park). The region also has a stunning diversity of plant and animal life, more, in fact, than the whole of Europe.
We tried to rest after setting up – it was a long day. Ray went down the hill near the entrance to take the bike off. The new site has plenty of parking for the truck behind the coach. We are very near a steep drop-off on the driver’s side. The problem is that this site is costing $100 more due to having 50-amp service instead of 30-amp. But when you figure that we pay $3 per day extra for 50-amp electric at TT parks, it is not an issue. I was happy because this site also gets our satellite signal.
Yeah! 
The sun was almost gone over the mountain so it is very dark. The weather was fantastic! Windows were open and 66 degrees outside.
Saturday, October 03 - The outside temperature was 50° and it is supposed to be a sunny day in the mid-60s. Our site has a view of the drop off on our driver side and the trees here have already lost a lot of leaves since our elevation is over 3,000 ft. Ray took the Honda out for a ride. We went to the local Boone Apple Festival and bought a 5-lb bag of Jona Gold apples for $5. Enjoyed our visit to Hickory Ridge Homestead, located on the grounds at "Horn in the West," at Boone. An eighteenth-century living history museum highlighting the daily lives of mountain ancestors.
In Boone, Fall (Autumn) turns the mountains into a blaze of glory as the fall leaf season begins. The last half of October the dazzling colors against the sky of Carolina Blue are world-famous. A kaleidoscope of color provides a backdrop to enjoy intriguing craft shows, concerts on the lawn, and festivals too numerous to list. September high is around 71 and low 52. October is high of 63 and low in the 40s. Boone is a four-season mountain destination at the highest part of the Appalachian mountains. Named after Daniel Boone, the explorer. Heart of the High Country - where the Parkway began and ended. One of the most photographed, most celebrated sections of the Parkway, the High Country is also home to many attractions and points of interest. Boone is home to Appalachian State University, creating dynamic student population, exciting events, state-of-the-art performances and overall youthful energy. Quaint downtown area has art galleries, restaurants, antique shops, modern hotels, chains and shopping. So much to offer, with quaint towns like Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Valle Cruces (Vale of the Cross) , Linville, and of course, Boone. There are five major rivers, the Watauga, Linville, Toe, Elk and the historic New River. Three great ski mountains: Beech, Sugar and Appalachian. Also fun cultural events, theatre and festivals. Great mix of people with Appalachian State University and Lees McRae College. Feels like the High Country is the “Jackson Hole of the East Coast!”.
Ray’s Comments: This is our first time in Boone with the RV. We were really looking forward to the cool weather and especially the fall colors. And I naturally was anticipating riding the hilly, twisty-roads of the Smoky Mountains. We wanted to be close to town and selected an RV park on the southern edge with an elevation of 3,600 ft. This park is very small and designed for smaller campers, pop-ups and tents. There are only a few sites for larger rigs. The owner was very accommodating, maybe due to our month-long reservation. The MAIN road leading up to Honey Bear Camp Ground presented several very sharp curves for the RV and tow. At times, I had to occupy some of the on coming lane. I think we were more nervous on our departure than the arrival, too much time to think about the road, but we had no problem. The first four or five days the weather was great, lows in low-40s highs around mid-60s nice and sunny. We toured the local area to get a feel for the location. I rode several days on the Blue Ridge Pkwy around Grandfather Mountain and some back roads. The leaves were in full color at higher elevations and a lot of turkeys and several deer were out and about. The air was very cool and mountain-crisp, which made riding very comfortable. With elevations around 4,000 ft., the early mornings and early evenings were engulfed by the low-lying clouds, mist, or fog. We found most days it burned off by mid-morning. Some of the better bike roads were along the Blue Ridge Pkwy, but the Viaduct at Grandfather Mountain offers unforgettable vistas. Route 221 Southwest out of Blowing Rock parallels the Pkwy around Grandfather and offers an interesting ride. Northeast of Boone, on RT. 421 several miles ride North on route 221/88/194 and Highlands Pkwy, the adjacent creek and surrounding farm land with farm houses dating 1800-1900 added to the delight of this ride. Another surprise ride was between Banner Elk and Route 421 on route 194, which offers a challenge with the outward sloping road in need of repair. After our 5th day, a front came through with misting rain, just enough to make you not want to go out side and this lasted for almost two wks. Steven, our son, and his wife Gennifer rented a 4-bedroom log house in a beautiful subdivision of Blowing Rock. They brought up their Gold Wing and it was great being with them, but the weather hampered the riding. However, we did get out several days together. We also made it to Sugar Mountain’s Octoberfest and took the ski lift one and one quarter mile up to the top for a great view.Saturday, October 03 - The outside temperature was 50° and it is supposed to be a sunny day in the mid-60s. Our site has a view of the drop off on our driver side and the trees here have already lost a lot of leaves since our elevation is over 3,000 ft. Ray took the Honda out for a ride. We went to the local Boone Apple Festival and bought a 5-lb bag of Jona Gold apples for $5. Enjoyed our visit to Hickory Ridge Homestead, located on the grounds at "Horn in the West," at Boone. An eighteenth-century living history museum highlighting the daily lives of mountain ancestors.
The museum has interpreters in period clothing explaining pioneer life and culture. Regular demonstrations in weaving and hearthside cooking as well as crafts are presented. We had homemade bread with fresh hot apple butter spread. It was delicious. Woman weaving on a 180-year-old loom, spinning wool or any number of hands-on activities can be seen daily. "Horn in the West,” is also famous for the nation's oldest Revolutionary War drama of the famous frontiersman Daniel Boone and the hearty mountain settlers in their struggle to preserve their freedom during the turbulent years of the War for Independence. Sunday, October 04 - Beautiful sunny day and the fall leaves are already falling and made a crunchy carpet as I walked the trails. The trees here are so tall you have to crane your neck to see the sky. Ray is riding the Blue Ridge Parkway on the Honda Gold Wing today.
Some notable facts regarding the Blue Ridge Parkway - 469 miles running north and south. There are 33 hiking trails, four major lakes and ponds, three gorgeous waterfalls and more than 40 scenic overlooks that climb as high as 5,640 ft. above sea level. Mileposts are marked for easy travel. It is an unforgettable journey. Linn Cove Viaduct - MP 304.4: As the final piece of the parkway, the Viaduct was put in place in 1987. “the world’s only bridge built from the top down”, meaning it was airlifted into place using specialized construction helicopters and cranes to avoid defacing the mountain with heavy equipment. It is an engineering feat and a must stop along the parkway.
Wednesday, October 07 - We had a forecast of 70% rain in the am and upper 60s. In the afternoon we were under a Wind Advisory until 4pm for 25-30 mph with 50-mph gusts. We were very protected in this park with such large trees surrounding us so we did not encounter any problem.
Thursday, October 08 - It was 40° this morning with sunny skies and mid-70s. Steven and Gennifer left St. Augustine for Boone early. Once checked into their hotel, we all went to the local Italian restaurant in a strip center called The Bistro. Prices for entree' averaged $23-32 and ala-carte menu. Little high for our budget, but the food was certainly very good. I had spinach stuffed ravioli with a luscious sauce. Ray had chicken with pasta without the sauce and he liked it.
Friday, October 09 - Ray and Steven had a fantastic ride on the parkway with fabulous weather, although a little warm, in upper 70s. The roads are fantastic for bikers and photographers. The fall colors are starting to show. Everyone came to the coach to eat chili for lunch. We went to dinner with Steven and Gennifer at Canyons Restaurant. Established in the summer of 2001 in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.
Canyons is the result of many years in the making. Bart Conway, who opened the very popular Tumbleweed Restaurant in Boone and which later became Cottonwood Brewery, acquired The Emporium Restaurant in Blowing Rock to continue what has become a High Country tradition, casual fine dining in a unique atmosphere with a seemingly endless selection of cuisine. Before its eight-year span as The Emporium, the building was home to Holly's Tavern, a well-established gathering place for friends to meet and enjoy a sandwich, a few beers, and an unparalleled view of the gorge and Grandfather Mountain. Canyons is the culmination of all these previous efforts. The Legend: For nearly a century, this old building has been a haven for travelers and locals alike serving up food and spirits, entertainment and folklore, and one of the finest views of the Blue Ridge anywhere. Throughout ownership by several families and now home to Canyons, it has long been one of the High Country’s favorite hot spots. "Officially" established circa 1936 as The Bark, it has existed as a speakeasy, a brothel, a dancehall, a casino, a grill, a grocery, a tavern, and a restaurant and bar. An early sign out front simply read "Chicken, Dumplings and Fish Bait.
The restaurant would not take reservations for four people, so we had a long wait outside in the cold and when we were seated, the table was right next to the restrooms and the noise was deafening from the crowds, and the cigarette smoke (although contained in another room) was horrible.
We opted to take an outside table and then we waited for another 45 minutes. By that time the fog/clouds had covered the mountain view and the chill had set in. We had jackets, but ordered hot beverages to keep warm until our meal was delivered. I had quesadias and the food was good, except I could not see in the dark where I was cutting. Let’s say I’d give this restaurant another try for lunch, but not dinner, and on a sunny day, not cloudy. 
Saturday, October 10 - Rainy overcast day. Steve and Gen had to wait at our place for a few hours before they could move into their rental. The drive to this location is 20 minutes of curves and switchbacks. We stayed home - yeah! Sunday, October 11 - It was not a biking day, so Ray and I decided to visit the surrounding small towns and go to the Oktoberfest at Sugar Mountain. Steven and Gennifer decided to join us. The drive from Steven’s rental home near Blowing Rock to Beech Mountain took us 45 minutes.
It was very pretty to see the small towns and fall foliage at its peak. Elevations were up and down between 4,300 to 5,500 ft. Beech Mountain (5,506 ft) is one of the higher peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountain range. Our intent was to get to the Alpen Restaurant and eat lunch and enjoy the view. Unfortunately, they were closed and we were very very hungry! What a disappointment. We drove back to Banner Elk and ate lunch there. Sandwiches were ok, but the coleslaw and potato salad was disgusting. Sugar Mountain was our last stop. The Oom-Pah-Pah band (mostly seniors) was great and we saw several men wearing lederhosen. Although advertised as having over 40 artisan's and craftspeople, there was about half that amount. Booths had canning, homemade bakery items, wooden toys, oil paintings, stain glass, handmade furniture, dolls, copper art, ceramics, honey, beeswax candles, bird houses, and much more. The best booth we visited had delicious cookies and apple pie.
Saturday, October 10 - Rainy overcast day. Steve and Gen had to wait at our place for a few hours before they could move into their rental. The drive to this location is 20 minutes of curves and switchbacks. We stayed home - yeah! Sunday, October 11 - It was not a biking day, so Ray and I decided to visit the surrounding small towns and go to the Oktoberfest at Sugar Mountain. Steven and Gennifer decided to join us. The drive from Steven’s rental home near Blowing Rock to Beech Mountain took us 45 minutes.
It was very pretty to see the small towns and fall foliage at its peak. Elevations were up and down between 4,300 to 5,500 ft. Beech Mountain (5,506 ft) is one of the higher peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountain range. Our intent was to get to the Alpen Restaurant and eat lunch and enjoy the view. Unfortunately, they were closed and we were very very hungry! What a disappointment. We drove back to Banner Elk and ate lunch there. Sandwiches were ok, but the coleslaw and potato salad was disgusting. Sugar Mountain was our last stop. The Oom-Pah-Pah band (mostly seniors) was great and we saw several men wearing lederhosen. Although advertised as having over 40 artisan's and craftspeople, there was about half that amount. Booths had canning, homemade bakery items, wooden toys, oil paintings, stain glass, handmade furniture, dolls, copper art, ceramics, honey, beeswax candles, bird houses, and much more. The best booth we visited had delicious cookies and apple pie. 
We enjoyed the beautiful fall foliage and a panoramic view of the surrounding area from the mile and a half-long chairlift ride to Sugar's 5,300 ft. peak. Everyone, even mountain bikers are welcome to ride the lift and we saw a bunch. 
Monday, October 12 - A front was coming through the Carolinas and the day has been terrible. First drizzle, then more rain, little wind, but the leaves are falling and laying a golden carpet on the roads. Ray went to the movies with Gen and Steven. Doggie-sitting Indie and Mitzy. Wednesday, October 14 - 47 degrees and constant rain. Ray left around 8:45 am to drive to Steven’s rental, about 20 minutes away. Steven wanted to drive to Hickory to shop for jeans, and also see their property. Such a dismal, wet rainy day. Windows are fogged up in the coach and at 11am it is 44 degrees in the park. Ray finally got home around 5:30 pm. Thursday, October 15 - Rainy weather again with high 45 degrees. Steven and Gen came over and we had impromptu lunch and a movie The Invention of Lying. A man named Mark (Ricky Gervais ) lives in an alternate reality in which lying doesn’t exist. Everyone tells the truth and only the truth. In a world where everyone is blunt and truthfully honest, Mark discovers the concept of lying.
Saturday, October 17 - Balmy 34 degrees this morning with a high of 40. No sunshine until Monday. Saw movie: Law Abiding Citizen. Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler) is an upstanding family man whose wife and daughter are brutally murdered during a home invasion. When the killers are caught, Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx), a hotshot young Philadelphia prosecutor, is assigned to the case. Great movie. Saw it with Gen’s dad Kim, Gen and Steven.
Sunday, October 18 - I stayed home and Ray shopped for a few groceries and I made chicken soup. Ray and Steven took the Gold Wings on the parkway to take pictures. Lisa and Chuck drove over from Franklin to spend the night with Gennifer and Steven. Gen made dinner for all of us. Baked pork chops and white rice. Apple pie and ice cream for dessert. Everything was delicious. Their “cabin” was well-insulated and loved the fireplace. Gennifer’s dad was visiting from New Jersey too.
Indiana Bones (aka Indie)
Indiana Bones (aka Indie)
Met up with Steven, Gennifer, Lisa and Chuck for breakfast in Blowing Rock. After breakfast and our goodbyes to my sister Lisa, Ray and I drove to the grocery store Healthy Harvest Natural Foods & Herbal Pharmacy and I shopped. Fantastic store if you like “healthy”.
Thursday, October 22 - Ray went for a bike ride with Steven. Then Ray drove Mitzy and I on the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Moses Cone Manor and Museum in Blowing Rock.
Beautiful sunny day. Great pictures. Flat Top Manor, as it is known to the locals, is also referred to as Moses Cone Manor, Moses Cone Estate, the Moses H. Cone Mansion, or just Flat Top. On the Blue Ridge Parkway, it is located at Milepost 294 in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Built by Moses H. Cone and his wife Bertha at the turn of the twentieth century. Its construction was started in 1899 and finished in 1901. It has twenty-three rooms and 13,000 square feet of living space. He emulated George Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. The Cones also purchased Flat Top Mountain, and the view of Bass Lake is beautiful. Flat Top Manor was a filming location for the movie "The Green Mile".
Grandfather Mountain with snow.
Friday,October 23 - Rainy day today. Ray and I discussed our options to leave NC early and now we will pull out of here on Sunday morning early. Steve, Gen and Indie stopped by and we offered what we had for their lunch before they all left for a movie in Boone. We drove in the rain and fog over to Blowing Rock’s Best Cellar restaurant to meet Steve and Gen and celebrate Ray’s 69th Birthday. We had fabulous food. The restaurant is part of the Ragged Gardens Inn and B&B. Surrounded by an acre of formal and "Ragged Gardens", this early 1900's manor offers an enchanting hideaway in the heart of the historic village of Blowing Rock.
Friday,October 23 - Rainy day today. Ray and I discussed our options to leave NC early and now we will pull out of here on Sunday morning early. Steve, Gen and Indie stopped by and we offered what we had for their lunch before they all left for a movie in Boone. We drove in the rain and fog over to Blowing Rock’s Best Cellar restaurant to meet Steve and Gen and celebrate Ray’s 69th Birthday. We had fabulous food. The restaurant is part of the Ragged Gardens Inn and B&B. Surrounded by an acre of formal and "Ragged Gardens", this early 1900's manor offers an enchanting hideaway in the heart of the historic village of Blowing Rock. Saturday, October 24 - Ray’s 69th birthday. He is handling the outside chores to prepare for our early departure tomorrow morning. Steve and Gen are also leaving tomorrow to return to the Keys. The rains were torrential last night, but the sun is out and the sky is very blue with high clouds. The hills are full of running streams created by the rain and we are very glad we are high up so things will start drying out. It is so beautiful, although 90% of the leaves are off the trees now. 
Sunday, October 25 - Moving out of Honey Bear Campground, Boone NC to Big Water ROD Park in Summerton SC. Making it a one-night stay and returning to Florida. Beautiful day to drive down the mountain. We did not encounter one on-coming vehicle on the three switchback curves. The mountains are still quite scenic with gold, yellow, and red mixed among the evergreens. It was cool and comfortable in Summerton SC. It will be a real shock to be back in Florida with high 80s in Lakeland.
Sunday, October 25 - Moving out of Honey Bear Campground, Boone NC to Big Water ROD Park in Summerton SC. Making it a one-night stay and returning to Florida. Beautiful day to drive down the mountain. We did not encounter one on-coming vehicle on the three switchback curves. The mountains are still quite scenic with gold, yellow, and red mixed among the evergreens. It was cool and comfortable in Summerton SC. It will be a real shock to be back in Florida with high 80s in Lakeland.
Technorati Tags: Big Water ROD Park in Summerton SC.
Technorati Tags: Ragged Gardens Inn and B&B
Labels:
NC - Boone / 10/01-29/09
Posts
