Amaznig Autumn

This Fall season has been one of the most beautiful I can remember, both in weather and color! Sadly, all this beauty didn't start until after my family's visit ended....bummer! Last weekend we timed it just right to take in the autumn sights in the western part of the state. We visited an orchard recommended by friends, walked the adorable downtown of Hendersonville, and drove part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The parkway was really, really beautiful! Also fun was the fact that at the higher altitudes the fall leaves were gone, it looked and felt like winter, but as you came down to Hendersonville trees were just peaking.....it was like traveling through time. Next year we want to plan a full week in a cabin so we can roam, sketch, relax, and just soak up the best season of the year!

Stepp Orchard....ranks up there with Vaughn's in Missouri and Reid's in Kentucky

It was so cold when we first arrived, and the picnic tables were under a shade tree, our jackets were barely enough to keep the shivering at bay.

Apple butter, apple cider, apple slushies, apple pie, apple doughnuts, apple crisp, apple fritters....its all good!

Check out this scenery as we walked to orchard #3

Reaching for the high ones.

 A bushel of Arkansas Black

An apple just his size.

Again with the scenery, this is where it beats out Reid's and Vaughn's.

The apple canon was Levi's favorite part, though Rebecca was the better aim.

In Hendersonville we stopped to take pictures of several of the bears decorating the street corners.

Boutiques, Antiques, and Art....reminds me a lot of Boulder, Co. last year.

Rebecca found her favorite store!

Here she comes purchase in hand.....she's got a very nice daddy!

more bears

If they had been open I would have had Aaron get an old fashioned shave....how quaint is this!?

Isaiah wanted his picture with every. single. bear. I'm only sharing a handful. 

For grandma Maryann the cyclist of the family.

My favorite bear of all.

Blue Ridge Parkway overlook near Ashville.

Gold and rust.

25 of the 26 tunnels along the Blue Ridge are in NC.

At one stop off we found trails, a brook, and perfect natural photo spots.

 Once in a while I can get the angle right for a selfie....but only once in a while.

Hot cocoa after a busy day....check out his expression.

This is the new design for Cracker Barrel. The test store is here in NC and its the design they are planning for their western stores. I like the updated look....a little more industrial/vintage.

Some cream paint on the walls really brightens things up a lot!