Tales from the Corners

As my family and I began our trip to the mountains of North Carolina, I found myself haunted by flashbacks of sixth-grade summer camp. I’ll admit it: Even though I’ve been on several fun camping trips over the years, the prospect of the whole “rustic thing” left me less thrilled. “I think I should turn this car around,” I joked, as we headed toward the High Hampton Inn in Cashiers, N.C. My friend Bruce Hensley, who handles public relations for the inn, had been urging me to check out the place for a while. When I finally took him up on his offer, everyone in my family assured me the trip would give me a chance to “find myself.” And I did. My family’s time in Cashiers offered me and my family an escape from electronic gadgets, from malls, from traffic. It gave us time to bond. The beauty of the region and the peace it affords its visitors really is good for the soul. A summer retreat for everyone The three-hour drive from here to Cashiers (pronounced: Cash-ers) is an easy one, but th...

Years ago, travelers from my neck of the woods in the Southeastern United States would head to the mountains of North Carolina for a summer respite. That was before air conditioning. That was before SUVs. That was before a time when middle-class America would fly to the Caribbean or crowd the beaches and commercialized swamplands of Florida. Well before all of this, people would go to the hills of the Tar Heel state to escape the heat and humidity so that they could experience cool air -- gazing out at nature’s wide expanses while listening to dulcimers and dining on apple-spiced trout. This is Western North Carolina also known as High Country. This part of the state is home to communities nestled in these gorgeous mountains that bear names such as Waynesville, Dillsboro, Banner Elk and Hot Springs. As I climbed the narrow winding roads leading into these cozy towns, I felt a true sense of escape. Sure I find a sense of serenity when I’m away from the daily grind, but this getaw...

Western North Carolina, aka WNC, is a great getaway for any time of year. If you go in the summer, you're sure to beat the heat here in the Southeast U.S. Towns including Blowing Rock and Highlands are thousands of feet up, which makes for many cool nights. In Blowing Rock, concerts are regularly held in the city's park. Autumn is perfect for the changing foliage. With wide vistas in WNC, you're sure to be treated to a free outdoor show courtesy of Mother Nature. Check out our full WNC stories at: http://www.menstraveler.com/blowingrock.html and http://www.menstraveler.com/highlands.html Also, check our Latest section Men's Traveler for any WNC updates.