Soulful in the High Country

My name is Leah, welcome friend! I am from the beautiful state of North Carolina. I am a 27yr old Veterinary Technician (21′), personal blogger (2016), and have owned my own company since the age of 16. Lets just say entrepreneurship runs in the family, and it is so much fun! Besides running a business and working with animals, I do photography and art work on the side and my life revolves around Jesus, my family and puppy kisses. I am a dog mom to a 10 yr old Miniature Schnauzer named “CJ” and a soon-to-be rambunctious weeks old schnauzer named “Dunkin’ ” (yes like the coffee brand, that’s another story). I am a small town southern girl born and raised in a small town in North Carolina, solely focused on devoting her life to loving on others, ministry, and enjoying life to the best of my ability. So now that I have introduced myself, let’s get to some High Country Happiness. Feel free to follow me on my social platforms, use the usernames below to follow along on all of our crazy adventures we get into.

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Instagram: @raeofsonshine28, @mustachedmistercj_2011 and @littledudewiththetude_

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So let’s talk about good ole’ Asheville N.C.!

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Asheville N.C. is nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, its beautiful, small tranquil town holds many soulful and special amenities to be enjoyed alone or with those you love. Below I will share with you what I have experienced so far in my visits to Asheville over the years and maybe you too can enjoy some of many things that Asheville has to offer.

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The very first thing I must rave about when it comes to a must see in Asheville is the legendary Biltmore House. This mansion and its breathtaking garden landscapes have a story all its own to tell. George Vanderbilt fell in love with the rich landscapes of the Blue Ridge mountains in the year of 1887, upon his final visit in 1888 he decides to look at land to start what would soon be a popular attraction upon the people of Asheville and its tourists. I have visited the Biltmore house three times, each time at Christmas, and nothing compares to the feeling and emotions you feel visiting this home at Christmas. The smells, the food, the souvenir store, the atmosphere, the landscape, everything about it is absolutely incredible. During the spring, the flowers within the mansions gardens illuminate the yards with bright and colorful bursts of color and give you that warm and fuzzy feeling that only springtime and summertime can offer. Below is a photo of one of my visits to Biltmore in 2017, winter had come and the Christmas decorations were a sight to be seen. There is so much this staple of Asheville has to offer, I won’t stay on this one for too long because there is so much at one place to do, but I’ll dapple in a few points and allow you to do the rest by visiting their website.

In my opinion Christmas at Biltmore has to be the most breath taking experiences and it never gets old each time. For now I will just brag about the Christmas festivities of this home, and allow you to research the rest as the estate puts on different amenities for each season of the year. So for Christmas at the Biltmore, more than 100 Christmas trees can be found throughout the home, each tree hand decorated with all sorts of different decorations. The main tree is a 35 foot Frazier fir, which is the staple of the home located in the center of the dining quarters of the mansion. 25,000 ornaments are usually on this monstrous tree, along with 100,000 lights that practically illuminate the entire estate in a glow of tranquility and magic. On top of the mansion being decorated top notch, the winery, dining amenities and Antler Hill Village / hotels on site are also decorated to match the theme and feels of the season. With the experience of exploring Biltmore, they also have trails, horseback riding, and different exhibitions pertaining to different seasonal changes. There is free wine tasting, horse & carriage rides, visits with Santa, music, and the pathway entrance to this historic home is lined with candles, guiding every guest to the estates grand entrance.

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So that is Biltmore!

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The next stop on my travels through Asheville that I thoroughly enjoyed is the Asheville Pinball Museum.

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There are 35 pinball machines and 35 classic video games to play for as long as you want for only $15! That is awesome! Growing up I was raised on the classic video games like Donkey Kong, Galaga, Pac-Man, and the list goes on and on. So this was definitely fun for me and something I would do again and highly recommend as a budget friendly fun memory to make.

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Within Asheville there is also just the beauty and simplicity of getting an ice cream and just walking downtown and exploring the sights and smells small towns love to offer.

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The Grove Arcade is another favorite of mine! This place is a mall in Asheville nestled downtown with shopping and lots of food! This mall was built in the 1920’s, but renovated and given new life in 2002. You can find jewelers, food, watchmakers, fossils, and minerals from around the world being sold here. There is also a book exchange, wine bar, pizzeria, and outdoor patio for guests to enjoy their experience in Asheville even more, and local artists come through for a daily Artists Market to sell some of their work.

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If you aren’t in the mood for shopping or attractions, taking a nice break to be outdoors is always a nice way to change up your environment. Asheville houses a lot of trails, perfect for hiking and photography and to become one with nature. A experience only the High Country can offer is I say so myself. No phone signal, no distraction. Just peace and quiet and the presence of being still, seeing things you can’t see anywhere else.

The French Broad Chocolate Lounge is another sight to behold. Who ever said you can’t have dessert before dinner, is sadly mistaken. This lounge houses every woman’s dream of a chocolate dream-scape. The inside is absolutely breathtaking, and you can indulge in homemade truffles, cookies, and chocolate related drinks. Everything comes handmade from the French Broad Chocolate Factory, even though it is outside of the district of Asheville, this shop is worth the stop.

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Lastly we will touch on the Asheville Salt Cave. Now I haven’t tried this for myself yet, me and my best friend are dying to try it at some point, but I have heard sooooo many good things about this place I decided to look it up and it sounds amazing. This Salt Cave is made with 20 tons of pink salt blocks that will allow for relaxation and recharging of the spiritual and physical realm. They offer a hot stone detoxing massage, and even a aromatherapeutic salt glowing treatment. A day to sit in a salt cave, with hot stones, no technology, and quiet? Ummmm YES PLEASE!

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Accompanying the salt cave and massages, meditation and yoga sessions are also offered to give that little extra kick of relaxation and tranquil therapy we all need.

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So there you go! It isn’t EVERYTHING Asheville has within its small town but it is a start on that bucket list you can work on for your trip there! There is plenty off bars, cafes, amenities, trails, museums, music, art, community, kindness, and tours that will turn an ordinary weekend into an exciting and memorable one at that!

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Do some research on the many different activities Asheville has to offer and don’t be afraid to check out Boone and Blowing Rock, as well as Grandfather Mountain. These places always leave you fulfilled and coming back for more!

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Enjoy!

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Leah