2010-06 Grove Arcade, Asheville, NC

From 2010-06 Grove Arcade

We spent an enjoyable day shopping at the Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville, NC.  We have been wanting to see the scenery along the Blue Ridge Parkway, but almost every day has been at least partially overcast and threatening rain.  So we have looked for some “inside” activities.  Thus our visit to the Grove Arcade.

Here is the brief description from the Grove Arcade website:
“Built by E.W. Grove, the visionary and creator of the Grove Park Inn, the Grove Arcade opened in 1929 and thrived until World War II as one of the country's leading public markets. The historically renovated Grove Arcade reopened to the public in 2002 as a destination featuring boutique shopping and exciting dining in a beloved downtown architectural wonder.”

There are shops on the first floor and offices and residential condo’s on the top two floors. The arcade is open to the glass covered ceiling allowing in bright natural light.

From 2010-06 Grove Arcade

We enjoyed wondering through the gift shops, such as this one with crafts by local North Carolina artists.

From 2010-06 Grove Arcade

We love baskets and were really taken with the baskets in one shop made by African Zulu women.  We bought a medium sized one for the RV.

From 2010-06 Grove Arcade

Various local artists have booths in stalls outside along the sidewalk. 

From 2010-06 Grove Arcade

One young man was selling terrariums.  Years ago I made a few terrariums for my Mother, Grandmother, etc.  So I was happy to see them again.  In fact that same day, there was an article in the NY Times about the resurgence of interest in terrariums.  We bought this tall one being held by Tristan.  He and his wife also sell paintings at the booth and are among the many fine artists living in the Asheville area.

From 2010-06 Grove Arcade

There are many other interesting shops and restaurants in the blocks nearby the Arcade.  The area is well worth a day’s visit.

2010-06 Lake Junaluska, NC

From 2010-06 Lake Junaluska

The Saturday of Memorial Day weekend we drove the short 8 miles over to Lake Junaluska.   This is a huge  Methodist Assembly and Conference Center surrounding the lake from which it draws its name.  Growing up in Mississippi, I used to hear about various retreats and conferences, especially for the youth, at Lake Junaluska.  It always sounded like some magical place of wonder far away from home way up in the mountains.  

It truly is a beautiful place, and it has been a real treat to visit Lake Junaluska several times over the years as an adult.

This afternoon was very lovely as we walked around the lake.  It seemed like we were accompanied by half the citizens of the nearby town of Waynesville!  I assume it was just more crowded due to the holiday weekend and the fact a large conference was underway for another denomination using the facilities. 

The late evening views around the lake were really pretty.

From 2010-06 Lake Junaluska

From 2010-06 Lake Junaluska

There were a large number of geese in several spots around the lake including this family group.

From 2010-06 Lake Junaluska

We saw several pretty flowers along the way.

From 2010-06 Lake Junalusk

One reason we came over that Saturday evening was the fact our campground has live entertainment on Saturday's from 7 to 9:00pm outside the recreation hall.  We are parked close to this building and did not care for the loud music.  The Bluegrass players sounded good, just way too loud.  So we went looking for an escape and ended up at Lake Junaluska.

This past Saturday we left before the program started and drove about 30 minutes over to Asheville and did some shopping.  We came out of one store to see a beautiful sunset.

From 2010-06 Sunset in Asheville

Not sure where we will go next Saturday evening.  The following weekend we will be in Mississippi.  We will make a quick trip down to Columbia, SC by car for another Doctor visit.  Then we will head across to Mississippi for a few days to visit family and attend a wedding.  Then back to Waynesville late Sunday June 20th.  This will be a long round trip of about 1900 miles.