I went to a campground just outside of Spruce Pine, NC named Bear Den Campground. Reserved Honeymoon Cabin 1, mainly because it was the smallest and lest expensive. It was perfect! Fully equipped, all the way down to a jacuzzi/bathtub. Not only was it very homey, but the primary color of the decor was my favorite color, hunter green, which made it even more special to me. The moment I walked in I welled up with tears. I knew it was going to be a perfect week.
It was basically one big room with a small loft. Not just cozy for a couple, but would do great for as many as four adults and one small child. Had a front porch with two rocking chairs and a back porch that also had two rocking chairs and a swing, surrounded by woods and a great view of a small stream flowing by. An awesome place to sit in the chill of the morining mountain air with your first cup of coffee.
I planned to relax and do 'me' things, and that's exactly what I did. Took my Bose radio, the cabin had dish TV, so I got to watch and listen to what I wanted. Went shopping, nearby towns have some great little shops if you're willing to drive up to an hour or less, and there was a Wal-Mart just 10 miles away. Did some reading, worked on my jewelry, wrote in my journal and did a lot of soul searching. I haven't been this content and relaxed in what seems like years. I now understand what the meaning of the phrase 'take time for yourself' means.
The owner and the caretaker were absolute jewels and made my stay very comfortable. I had a couple of very small problems and they were taken care of immediately. The best hosts anyone could ask for anywhere. I had such a great experience that I plan to pack up Mom and Brittany and whisk them away to one of the camping cabins there next summer for vacation.
Bear Den is located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you've never experienced the Parkway and enjoy the humbling views of spectacular mountains, it is a trip to take. It starts as Skyline Drive in northwest Virginia and turns into Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina continuing just south of Asheville, NC. I'm partial to the NC part of the drive. I personally think it's more beautiful.
And there's so many things to do along the way, just pick an area and I'm sure you'll find something of interest. It winds through a couple of national parks, there's waterfalls, mountain peaks (including the highest east of the Mississippi, Mt Mitchell), Blowing Rock (where the wind current flows UP the side of the mountainside), panning for precious stones............ so much.
Got a little off track, didn't I?
Any way, the six days I was gone was the best thing I ever did for ME. Yes, I missed my daughter and the small zoo at home, but it was a soul cleansing experience I'll never forget ...... and plan to do again someday, though not real soon.
