Hidden History High Above Flat Rock

Today we decided to venture over to Flat Rock for a short hike up the Big Glassy Mountain overlooking the Carl Sandburg home.  Stopping by the Fresh Market, we packed a nice lunch to eat at the top of the Mountain.  The weather was warm and humid.

Big Glassy Mountain is accessed via a trail system starting on the Carl Sandburg home grounds between the house and barn area; it is well maintained and marked.  The face of Big Glassy is an outcropping of solid granite.  In the winter, it truly looks glassy, when it becomes glazed by ice.

The trail is 1.3 miles long with benches nicely spaced along the way.  We took a few water breaks as the humidity had us sweating profusely.  Families with children and dogs passed us occasionally, but for the most part, the trail had little traffic. It was nice to finally make it to the top and relax on the wooden bench overlooking the valley below, as a gentle breeze cooled us down.  The haze of the afternoon obscured much of the view, but it was beautiful nonetheless.   After enjoying our lunch and re-hydrating, we started back down the trail.

A short way back down the trail, there is a small trail that exits the main trail to the right.  Taking this trail for only about 50 yards, it suddenly opens up to a small rock building surrounded by a wrought iron fence with granite columns. Upon closer inspection, the house is actually a mausoleum; the windows and door are permanently rocked up.

It’s one thing to come across a historic old family cemetery in the mountains of western North Carolina – they are relatively common.  But a lone mausoleum in the woods on a mountain is a rarity, indeed.  The name above the mausoleum door said “Hill”.  I was able to zoom in through the fence on a plaque which gave more detail.  It states: Roger Richardson Hill, Born Saginaw, Michigan, December 13, 1882, Died El Paso, Texas, January 1, 1927.  So now we have the grave of a man who was neither born nor died anywhere near the locations of his final resting place.  I found this to be even more interesting, so after taking additional pictures, we set home and I set out to get more information on Roger Richardson Hill.

The information I was able to find was that Mr. Hill attended both University of Michigan studying Timberland and Mining and also attended Yale earning a LL.B. degree.  Apparently  being of poor health, he commissioned the building of his mausoleum while still alive, and asked his brother to make sure he was laid there when he died.  Unfortunately, I found no information to  explain how he came to Flat Rock, or more specifically, his place on Big Glassy Mountain.

For a complete slideshow of our Big Glassy excursion, click here to watch our slideshow.

Summer Fun on Main Street and Jump Off Rock

We had a chance to enjoy a beautiful Fourth of July weekend here in Henderson County.  Main Street was bustling as families and pets strolled down the sidewalks, shopping and enjoying ice cream.  We stopped at the Mountain Deli for a couple of delicious sandwiches.  While snapping pictures of the 2011 Bearfootin Bears, we stopped in for a quick tour of the lobby of Main Street’s latest addition – the Flat Rock Playhouse.

Yes, the original FRP is still located in historic Flat Rock, NC, but now they have added a venue on South Main Street, just down from Never Blue Restaurant.  FRP has done a wonderful job with the interior design of their lobby.   We arrived during their afternoon showing, so we were unable to tour the theatre.  We look forward to catching a play there soon.

In addition to our Downtown stroll, we decided to take a ride up to Jump Off Rock, just 5 miles away in Laurel Park.  For one thing, it’s cooler up there by about 5-7 degrees, so it was  a nice change from the summer heat.  People from Charleston, Columbia and Atlanta probably laugh when we use the word heat referring to western North Carolina.  They would point out that we don’t know what heat is, and their probably right.

It goes without saying that the view is breathtaking, and we are spoiled to get to see it whenever we want.  But the highlight this time was the wild turkeys we saw on our way back down the mountain.  They don’t stick around long when they see people, but we were able to get a few shots of them to add to our slideshow.  Hope you enjoy it.

Have a Happy Fourth of July!

781 Evans Rd. Hendersonville, NC 28739 MLS 481497

SHERMAN’S RETREAT-PERFECT MTN. GETAWAY! Conveniently located  and bordered by Kanuga Conference property.  Rustic stone fireplace with vaulted ceiling. Great for primary home, vacation home or investment property.  Basement area finished at 314 square feet including updated bathroom, but not counted due to ceiling height of 6’6”.  Perfect for guest quarters.

 

 

 
2 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Unit
Interior: 934 sq. ft.
Lot: 0.89 acre(s)

Hiking to Your Liking

Western North Carolina has some of the finest mountain views in the southeast. To avid outdoors enthusiasts, mountains equate to hundreds of miles of hiking trails. We are blessed to be surrounded by thousands of federal, state and private acres of scenic beauty.

Dupont State Forest is well known for trails spreading over 10,000 acres. More than a half dozen cascading waterfalls are frequented while a few are harder to find. Trails are shared with leashed dogs, mountain bikers and horseback riders. Whether you live in the area or are just passing through, Dupont State Forest is a must see.

Carl Sandburg Home is an excursion for all ages. In addition to touring the historic home, visitors can walk the 264 acre grounds. Children of all ages will enjoy the goat farm and milking barn. But what makes this site unique is that it sits at the base of Glassy Mountain. Hike to the top and enjoy the spectacular view from the outcropping of bare granite.

Jump Off Rock in Laurel Park is only 5 miles from downtown Hendersonville. For the hiking challenged, you can park within a few hundred feet of a panoramic view that provides stunning views of the valley below nestled between the Blue Ridge and Pisgah Mountain ranges. Hiking trails range from light to challenging. And like the other mentioned trails, there is no admission charged for hiking!

There are so many wonderful places to hike in western North Carolina that it would take a book, not a blog to list them all. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs right through WNC as does the Appalachian Trail, so it goes without saying that you could spend a lifetime exploring these mountains and never run out of adventure.

Wingate University to expand pharmacy program in Hendersonville – News – Wingate University

In addition to a great public school system, Hendersonville is a great location for high school graduates looking to further their education. Hendersonville is home to Blue Ridge Community College and now, Wingate University has added a Pharmacy school campus in downtown Hendersonville.
Wingate University to expand pharmacy program in Hendersonville – News – Wingate University.

Why Western North Carolina?

I have lived in Hendersonville, NC all my life. Meeting people that have relocated here from all over the world has taught me that Hendersonville, North Carolina is the best place to live! Many professionals who have lived abroad have told me that Hendersonville, by far, has been the place they love the most.

Charleston is only 3.5 hours away if you want to satisfy your need for sand and surf.  Boone, North Carolina is only 2 hours away for a great mountain ski getaway. The Biltmore House with it’s grand architecture, expansive lawns and lovely flower gardens draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Asheville has been voted Beer City USA 3 years in a row due to it’s active craft brew culture. There are about a dozen breweries to choose from within a 30-45 minute drive.  Tours are available at most of them and the atmosphere is casual.  Hendersonville is proud to have it’s own Southern Appalachian Brewery which opened recently.

All of these surrounding areas are wonderful places to visit, but living in Hendersonville, is “Better every day in every way!” Many enjoy evening strolls down Main Street, meeting up with friends. There is fine, yet casual dining, art galleries and now the Flat Rock Playhouse has opened a venue right on Main Street.  We have a strong Chamber of Commerce sponsoring many annual events such as The NC Apple Festival, Garden Jubilee and Music on Main Street, just to name a few.

If you are an avid golfer, I don’t have to tell you that we have some excellent golf courses.  We boast the private award winning Tom Fazio course at Champion Hills, Hendersonville Country Club, and the Joe Lee designed course at Kenmure in Flat Rock.  Public golf courses include Cummings Cove, Etowah Valley, Highland Lake, and Crooked Creek.  Many more great courses are withing an hour drive.

If you can visualize yourself loving this area as much as I do, give me a call. I’d love to find your dream home here in the mountains.

49 Justin Dr. Etowah, North Carolina 28729 Near Golf Course MLS 486269

Enjoy Golf at nearby Etowah Valley Country Club.   Sloped .68 acre +/- lot with nice front porch with mature trees and stream along property. 2 Bedrooms with 2 bonus rooms and 3 baths. Beautiful hardwood floors, eat-in kitchen with formal dining room.

$250,000

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