Always Adventurous Asheville

Third Stop: San Francisco of the South, The Land of the Sky, America’s Happiest City

As the names suggests, this town in the western region of North Carolina is certainly Affected, not to mention Affluent! This Attractive Area, bursting with Artisan creativity and Awe-inspiring Agriculture, keeps even the most seasoned traveler on her toes, and the Absolutely Absorbing nature Accents the Alluring downtown scene! I've already started to pack my bags!

1) Outdoor Adventures
There are so many different outdoor activities to do in Asheville that I couldn't limit it to just one! Being an outdoor enthusiast, I was thrilled to discover how many different activities you can participate in. There are 8 zip lining paths, some giving a dramatic view of the mountains and some that highlight the downtown city skyline. There is a variety of water activities, from swimming holes, to streams, lakes to whitewater rafting. They even feature six breathtaking waterfalls only a light hike away!

Looking Glass Falls & The Pisgah National Forest 

 If you're into a more intensive hiking experience, there is an overwhelming 31 trails varying in difficulty, although each have striking views of the mountains. If you want a more relaxing day, Asheville boasts of a whopping 15 parks! There is the classic state park, complete with playgrounds for children and fields for recreational sports, but if you're are feeling more rebellious, choose the skate park, equipped with a half pipe for the more intensive skaters. However, if you want a breath of fresh air from the dense trees, consider the "beach at the lake" park, complete with looming mountains in the distance, soft sand, and gentle lapping waves.

Parks, Community Centers, and Recreation Buildings in the area

If you and your significant other want a romantic evening, consider going to one of the two star gazing platforms! Since Asheville produces minimal light pollution, it is easy to see the expansive star formations. Just short drive into the surrounding mountains will allow you to connect with nature; with over 50 named peaks above 6,000 feet you will never feel more connected with the universe.


2) Foodtopia 
The downtown area, affectionately nicknamed "Foodtopia" by current Ashevillians, is filled with tasty restaurants with fabulous meals and a 'popping' nightlife. However, the most interesting feature of their cuisine is their "U-Pick" farms option. This allows you to choose between 9 farms where you can do exactly what the title entails- you pick the food you like and take it home to cook your own mouthwatering meal!

To make a weekend out of it, you can chose the forest option! In this more involved form of "U-Pick" where you spend the night in one out of the 9 bed and breakfasts available and spend your days in the nearby forest area where you search for food (mostly mushrooms), and take it back to the inn where they make dinner for you with what you bring back.

These activities aren't for anyone, but for those who are are interested in organic farming and knowing exactly where their food came from will relish this engaged activity!

3) Biltmore House
The last stop in our journey takes us to a historical landmark. The Biltmore House is America’s largest home and private estate. Nestled in the mountains, the grounds cover 8,000 acres of breathtaking scenery, encompassing 7 spacious gardens, a conservatory, a boat house, the Antler Hill Village & Winery, two inns, a private cottage, an equestrian center, and a lagoon- not to mention the crème de la crème; the enormous mansion itself!

Map of the grounds

I have a special place in my heart for romantic old-fashion, palace-like estates (you can blame every Disney Princess movie ever for that), and this one has stolen my heart.

Built in 1895, this massive building took 6 years to finish. In 1930, the house is opened to the public in the hopes of keeping the tourist industry alive in Asheville during the great depression. Then, during World War II, the estate was home to some of the most expensive paintings in America, held there for safekeeping. Now, the estate hosts tours, overnight quests, and most importantly, weddings (*swoon*). I may or may not have already started to plan my own special day. The expansive flower gardens and exquisite halls make for the picture perfect day, and you can finish off your wanderings with shopping in one of the 13 shops, or a wine tasting in the vineyard- all on the estate grounds. This is the absolute perfect destination for a hopeless romantic. 

Don't Doubt Dallas

Second Stop: Big D,  D - Town, Triple 

Welcome to Delightfully Diverse and Dreamily Dynamic Dallas, Texas! Call it what you like, but this next stop on our trip is as Distinguished as it is Down to earth, with a multitude of Daring activities that is sure to keep this Darling Destination at the top of your travel bucket list.

 

1) Dallas Museum of Art 
Classic and modern art fans alike will enjoy a trip to this museum. It boasts of a multitude of exhibits, from the upcoming "Concentrations 59: Mirror Stage—Visualizing the Self After the Internet" to the more contemporary past displays of "Hopper Drawing: A Painter's Process". Even the photography inclined can find favor in the "Irving Penn: Beyond Beauty" exhibit, opening April 4th of 2016.

Concentrations 59: Mirror Stage—Visualizing the Self After the Internet

Hopper Drawing: A Painter's Process

Currently, there are seven exhibits being shown, but that is far from all this museum has to offer. This week alone, it has hosted 13 events, ranging from a Jazz night to "Toddler Art: Llama Drama", an event where 2-3 year olds (accompanied by their parents) go through the 'Inca: Conquests of the Andes" exhibition to help baby Llama Llama find her mother, while also looking out for all the other llamas hidden in the artwork. For the one who wants to do it all, they offer art classes, family and late night programs, talks and tours, workshops, performances, and film nights. However, one of the best parts is all general admissions tickets are F-R-E-E! That's right, you can enjoy the wonders of the past (and present) without having to go into your pockets. This museum is much more than a mere collection of dusty old pictures, it is a way to creatively resonate with art on a more modern and personal level.

2) Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Want a place to relax after a long hard day of sightseeing? Look no further than this botanical oasis. With 20 gardens, seasonal events, 66 acres (including the 8-acre Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden), there is always something new to catch your eye. You can people watch during the "Autumn at the Arboretum" event, where annually 75,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash are arranged in different themes, this year being "Old Texas Town". The abundance of over 150,000 fall-blooming flowers, such as marigolds, daisies, begonias, rudbeckia, penstemon and chrysanthemums will be the perfect backdrop for your artsy Insta picture!

In the summer, spring and fall, they host the weekly "Cool Thursdays Concert Series". Those attending are encouraged to bring picnic baskets and coolers, as well as blankets and chairs, creating a laid back, country music festival vibe. Set to play in the upcoming weeks, between September 24th and October 29th are "The Limelight Band" (Dallas' Hottest New Party Band), "Make Me Smile" (A Tribute to Vintage Chicago), and "The Molly Ringwalds" (The World's Greatest 80's Tribute Band), among others.
Their site boasts of 50 reasons to visit, but you only need one; it is filled with beauty and adventure around every corner!

3) The Dallas Farmers Market
The last stop in this dazzling city is the Dallas Farmers Market. Held almost daily, this open air market gives local farmers and ranchers a fabulous place to sell their goods. They also offer cooking classes, holiday themed market days, and "Brew After Brews", an all day coffee sampling event.

 

One of their most popular events is the Dallas Green Fest. This year will mark the seventh annual Fest, which will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2015. This unique event is hosted to promote eco-friendly, sustainable living in these region. Local vendors, and artisans provide useful information on ways to help reduce your environmental footprint, save money, and live healthy!

Location, Location, Location

That’s right folks, the cardinal rule of real estate applies to your travels too! Location is understandably one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when you travel, and the possibilities are endless. This blog will take you to 10 different destinations, both in the U.S. and abroad, to show you the top 3 best parts of each place. Why not take a tropical trip to the Caribbean, or a pleasant passage through the Andes? The world is your oyster! So, where will you go? 

First Stop: The Big Apple

Being a native New Yorker, this is the perfect first stop in our world tour. Now let’s be honest here, New York is a city that has so much to offer, and so much to see, that the idea of summing it up in a mere three points is laughable. A peruse down the lovely 5^th Avenue can turn into an entire day of window-shopping and taste testing of the some of the finest foods in the city. Even a stroll through Central Park can turn you around so that by the time you’re done, you’ve seen the whole zoo, watched countless off path performances, and had your caricature drawn. Those adventures, although fun and definitely worth doing, are what you always think when you hear New York. This blog will take you down the less beaten path, showing you a side of the City that you maybe didn’t even know existed.  

1) Pier 6

In my opinion, this is arguably one of the coolest things to do, whether you have a few days to spend, or you live only thirty minutes away.  It’s less well known, but it is definitely something that should be on your list.

Seeing New York from the streets is definitely enjoyable, but seeing it from above is downright perfection. Pier 6 is home to New York Helicopter, a company that takes tourists on thirty minute helicopter tours of New York. There are three different tour routes you can take; the Liberty Tour, the Central Park Tour, or the Grand Tour.

Central Park Tour

Liberty Tour

Grand Tour

Each one boasts of unique views of some of the most loved New York landmarks.

 

Picture I took from when I did the Grand Tour

2) The High Line

A relatively new addition to Chelsea New York, the High Line has it all- a mix of industrial architecture and nature, delicious restaurants that are only steps away, and access to the always noteworthy Chelsea Market. Formally opened in 2009 this 1.45-mile-long raised walkway that had repurposed the former West Side Line of the New York Central Railroad. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District, through Chelsea, to the northern edge of the West Side Yard on 34th Street near the Javits Convention Center. 

Route of the High Line

The mix of plants and steel, and the ability to descend at 3 block intervals should you choose to rejoin the street traffic below, makes this a unique way to get around lower Manhattan. Along the route you can experience beautiful views of the city and the Hudson River. Also, naturalized plantings inspired by the landscape that grew onto the tracts, as well as the perfect view of the every popular and Iconic Times Square ‘Kiss’ mural, adorn the pathways.  

"The Kiss" Mural

On a nice day, this scenic route is a magical haven from the bustle from the streets below. 

3) Broadway

It’s no secret that Broadway musicals are a must see when you come to the city. There are endless options and a constant rotation of viewings, so there is a show for everyone! The beautiful theaters, with their plush seats and thick red velvet curtains, are reminiscent of a past, more glamorous age. This week alone there are 24 performances, showing eight times a week each. These musicals offer you the ability to see award winning performances from actors with such varied vocal ranges that they make you question if they are even human. It is the perfect way to end a night on the town, or to start a lazy Sunday. The added bonus of countless restaurants on all the surrounding blocks make this a center of activity and, there is always something to see or do.