Lake Toxaway Weekly Event Guide

Here's the link to the most current events in Lake Toxaway and Upper Transylvania:

https://historictoxaway.org/.../10/RFG-Weekly_current.pdf

Don't forget to subscribe to Red Feather Guide and get the  weekly updates to your inbox!

Downtown Brevard Events Calendar

Curios as to what's happening in downtown Brevard?  Here's the link to our local events calendar:

https://explorebrevard.com/events-calendar/

PARI's Secret Past & Parents Escape

DROPPING YOUR KIDS OFF AT PARI?  Did you know that Meraki Escape is only 12 miles away?  We're the perfect Escape for parents while their kids are at their camp. 

"Former CIA officer writes about PARI’s secret past.  Craig Gralley first heard of what is now the PARI Astronomical Research Institute in the mid-1980s when he was a junior analyst at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, but over time he came to know many of its secrets.

“I didn’t know much about it,” Gralley said, “just that it was in the mountains of western North Carolina, belonged to the Department of Defense’s National Security Agency and it intercepted secret foreign communications.”

That changed almost four decades later after Gralley and his wife had just moved to the Brevard area and were on a hike in the Blue Ridge mountains when they passed a big white and blue sign displaying a satellite dish.

“That’s when the light bulb switched on,” Gralley said. “Rosman, satellite dishes, the Rosman Research Station, PARI. It all fit. I had to know more.”

Gralley’s quest for more is now a 176-page book, “The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute: An Untold History of Spacemen and Spies,” scheduled for publication by The History Press on April 24.

Years of secrecy surrounding the Rosman site led to many myths about PARI and its past. People speculated the site was a Nazi prisoner of war camp or that Rosman is related to Roswell, New Mexico and PARI’s underground tunnels held space aliens.

Gralley’s book aims to set the record straight as it uses hundreds of declassified government documents and interviews with former employees to piece together the six-decade-long story of how the Rosman site passed from NASA to the Department of Defense’s National Security Agency and finally became a non-profit student science education facility.

“Like all great institutions, PARI’s story is America’s story,” Gralley said in a news release. “Few realize its employees helped to win the space race, the Cold War and now PARI is embarked on another important mission: science education. It’s a history everyone in western North Carolina should be very proud of.”

Under NASA, the Rosman site was the most advanced ground station of its day and tracked and collected information from experimental scientific satellites while also conducting research that led to developments in satellite television, cellular communications and the Internet.

Gralley said research station employees were at the forefront of weather prediction and used the site’s satellite dishes to support the Apollo program that landed Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon.

“Rosman’s achievements are huge, but mostly unknown,” he said. “It’s a success story that needed to be told.”

Gralley was able to peel back the secrecy of the site’s Department of Defense days, too.

Prior to 2008, the military’s association with the site was stamped secret and armed guards patrolled the property. While many details about station’s former targets and operations remain classified, Gralley has been able to decipher the story of how the large dishes were used to spy on Russia and Cuba to stymie their advances in Central America, Africa and elsewhere around the globe.

For the author, writing this book is personal.

“I learned a lot about PARI’s work and how today it’s educating a new generation of scientists,” he said. “It’s a gem buried in the mountains of North Carolina. People need to know about and have pride in what they have in their own backyard.”

“The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute: An Untold History of Spacemen and Spies” is available for pre-order on PARI’s website (www.pari.edu) and at Highland Books in Brevard (www.highlandbooksonline.com). All of the author’s profits are being donated to further PARI’s student science education programs.

#summercamp #summercamps #summercamp2023 #merakiescape  #kidscamp  #camp  #education #éducation  #parentsvacations #parentsvacationtoo #stem  #spaceexploration #spaceexplorations  #spaceexplorationcamp  #parentsescape #pisgahastronomicalresearchinstitute

Waterfall Safety Tips

People die every year at waterfalls. Don’t become one of them.

As we begin a new season of spring hikes and outdoor adventures now is a great time to review waterfall safety.

- Observe all posted signs leading to waterfall areas.

• Do not swim or wade upstream from a waterfall.
•  Watch for slick rocks around waterfalls.
• Do not jump off waterfalls or dive into pools.
• Do not climb on rocks above waist height.
• Watch your children and pets at all times.
• Stay on marked trails and observation areas.

For more information please visit the waterfall safety page from Explore Brevard.

 #merakiescape #visitnc #wnc #blueridgeparkway #brevard #waterfallchasing #explorebrevard #pisgahnationalforest #waterfallhike #waterfalllovers #waterfallwednesday #ExploreAsheville

Celebrating a century of hiking trails and tales with “Carolina Mountain Club" book

Hiking enthusiasts can order this book starting April 1st!! 

Meraki Escape is the place to stay for all of your hiking adventures.  Book your cabin today!  MerakiEscape.com

"The Carolina Mountain Club proudly announces the book “Carolina Mountain Club: One Hundred Years” by local author Danny Bernstein will be available April 1.

Headquartered in Asheville and founded in 1923, Carolina Mountain Club is the oldest and largest hiking and trail maintenance organization in western North Carolina.

Through the voices of its passionate members, Bernstein aims to share the club’s century of hiking, trail maintenance and land protection.

“It’s all here: from the way the land shaped the people, to the way the people shaped the club, to the way the club shaped how and where outdoor enthusiasts recreate in the mountains of the southeastern United States,” said Leonard M. Adkins, author of “Hiking and Traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway.”

Author Danny Bernstein is a hiker, hike leader and outdoor writer who has published two Southern Appalachian hiking guides and the books “The Mountains-to-Sea Trail across North Carolina” and “DuPont Forest: A History.”

An Appalachian Trail 2000-miler and enthusiastic CMC member, she leads hikes in the Carolina mountains and writes about the outdoors from her home in Asheville.

#visitnc #wnc #merakiescape #carolinamountainclubbook #mountainstoseatrail #hiking #ExploreAsheville

Pine Tree and Cascade Loop

Another great EASY hike while staying at Meraki Escape's Romantic Log Cabins! Book your cabin today.   PINE TREE AND CASCADE LOOP

"Every so often my creaky knees will bark at me: ‘Hey, cut us some slack on today’s hike.’ Their wish was my command thanks to the joint-accommodating Pine Tree and Cascade Loop trails in DuPont State Recreational Forest.

These flatish, gentle trails are about 13 miles from downtown Brevard. If you’re looking for something less than air-sapping uphills and thigh-busting descents, give this trail a shot.

The trail is accessible from a couple of parking spots; we opted for a sliver of parking space for three or four cars on our left about 200 yards from the intersection of Stanton Road and Cascade Lake Road. (Turn right when you see the Visitor Center sign or drive a few more hundred yards to park where the split rail fence marks where Pine Tree Trail begins.)

Our clockwise route started on the Cascade Loop. In not too many yards, we erred by veering left where we should’ve gone right. Although it’s technically the Cascade Loop, it peters out at Cascade Lake Road. We doubled back to the right route and the minor mistake cost us only .04 of a mile. Most of the trail is fairly well marked on signage with big yellow letters, especially when it meets up with other trails.

Overall it is a pleasant walk. The elevation gain is a scant 390 feet and most of that is in the final one-third of the hike.

The serpentine trail is clean and smooth by mountain standards. Very few rocks but there are the typical root masses waiting to trip you. There aren’t many water features and almost no views, but our goal for the day was a decent, non-taxing walk and that’s what we got. If you have kids, go here.

Somewhat disconcerting was the noise. Not from wildlife but from the near-constant buzz of traffic on Stanton Road headed toward the nearby — and far busier and more touristy — waterfalls DuPont is noted for. The path parallels this road for considerable stretches. Indeed, you’ll cross the road twice, once about half way and the other a few hundred yards from the finish line if you park where we did. Otherwise we saw no other hikers on a gorgeous Saturday although we waved to two mountain bikers and trail runners accompanied by their dogs. The wildlife we did see was a small flock of delightful chickadees that followed us for a little bit.

Again, our goal was just to get outside and shake off the cobwebs on an early spring-like day. We graded it a 5 on the Jack Trail Scale of 1-to-10, mostly because of traffic noise and road crossings. My knees probably graded it higher, but they were too busy high-fiving each other to say anything.

Presented by Transylvania Times. "  https://www.transylvaniatimes.com/.../article_63dc6f3e...

#hikingtrails #hikingwithdogs #hikingadventures #hikemore #wnc #mountainescape #wncmountains #merakiescape #pisgahnationalforest #pisgahnationalforest #pinetree  #cascadeloop #savetheknees #ExploreAsheville

The 32nd Annual National Gingerbread House Competition

November 19, 2024 -January 5, 2025
For a sweet treat, see the amazing creations at the annual National Gingerbread House Competition™ at The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville. 

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

It all began with a small group of gingerbread houses built by community members in 1992 as another way to celebrate the holiday season with no plans to continue the following year. There was no possible way to know that more than two decades later The Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House Competition™ would be one of the nation's most celebrated and competitive holiday events.

As the event grew, so did the caliber of judges and competitors. Our panel of judges represents nationally renowned food and media professionals, and the level of competition has attracted the highest quality of design, artistry and pastry expertise. The competition has merited broadcast coverage by NBC’s TODAY Show, ABC's Good Morning America, the Travel Channel, and the Food Network.

The Gingerbread Display has grown in more than just entries; it has become a true family holiday tradition. From the very young to the very young at heart, the reaction to this magical experience is the same - one of wonder, awe and delight.

#fyp #merakiescape #explorebrevard #WNC #asheville  #cozycabin  #smalltown #shopping #luxurycabin #boutiqueresort #traveltips #love #mountains #petfriendlyhotel #getaway #wintergetaway #winter #gingerbread #ExploreAsheville

3 TIPS ON KEEPING YOUR PET SAFE DURING TRAVEL

Bringing your fur baby with you on your Romantic Mountain Vacation at Meraki Escape?  Here are 3 tips on keeping them safe during travel. 

GETTING HERE

Travel with an assortment of entertainment such as tug and chew toys for dogs to help keep their mind busy and from feeling bored or isolated during the trip.   It's crucial for pets to have regular bathroom breaks and stretch their legs, just like humans. We recommend stopping every two to four hours. 

FLEA & TICK PREVENTATIVE

Flea and tick protection is required to protect your pet, and our cabins. There is no way to control what your dog might encounter while using the bathroom or going on hikes with you. Flea/tick protection helps assure your pet is healthy and safe, and that your pet doesn't bring any pests back to your home. Nature here may have more insects than your dog normally encounters, please protect your pets!

PACKING FOR YOUR DOG

Be sure your packing list includes food, prescription medications, leashes, collars, paperwork, pet first aid kit and any other supplies to keep your pet happy while at the cabin. We supply a dog crate but no bed so bring your dogs favorite bed so they feel familiar and safe while at the cabin. 

#dogtravel #dogtravelbag #airbnb #logcabin #mountainescape #wncmountains #vrbo #romanticescape #merakiescape #romanticvacation #travelingwithdogs  #fyp #merakiescape #explorebrevard #WNC #asheville  #cozycabin  #smalltown #shopping #luxurycabin #boutiqueresort #traveltips #love #mountains #petfriendlyhotel #getaway #fyp #ExploreAsheville

DEVIL'S COURTHOUSE HIKE

"The walk to the top of Devil’s Courthouse is ample proof not all treks have to be long and strenuous to be worthwhile. This short hike rewards walkers with unparalleled views of the Blue Ridge (including glimpses of North and South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia).

According to the AllTrails app, the round trip is just short of one mile. The popular walk of 15 to 20 minutes one way starts on a paved trail that yields to a rocky spruce-lined climb most hikers label as moderate. Walking sticks aren’t necessary although they might be reassuring on a steeper pitch in the final 100 yards. You won’t need sturdy boots but solid footwear is always wise. Leave the sandals at home. This is one of the more-kid friendly hikes around and if you bring a dog, it will need to be leashed. This is a highly rated - and traveled - trail for visitors and locals alike so you will see other walkers.

You’ll end up on a flat platform of sorts which features brass markers embedded in a stone wall to identify distant vantage points. If you’re lucky, you might watch in awe the resident falcons who nest on the escarpment below the stone wall as they soar - and high speed dive bomb - their avian prey. You might spy eagles and other hawks, too. Pro tip: if you can hike toward the end of the day, the marvelous sunsets are truly photo worthy. It’s a great spot for a picnic lunch or snacks. But check the forecast before your visit. Cloud cover is a big downer on this gem of a peak.

So, what of the name Devil’s Courthouse? Legend holds the devil held court in a cave below the peak, and in Cherokee lore the cave served as the private dancing chamber and dwelling of the slant-eyed giant, Judaculla.

So the jury is in: The Devil’s Courthouse trail is a hike worth your time and effort."

PRESENTED BY TRANYLVANIA TIMES. For more information go to:

 https://www.transylvaniatimes.com/features/hike-of-the-week-the-verdict-is-in-at-the-devils-courthouse/article_615aba78-a590-11ed-bb88-bf6718b2bd68.html

#merakiescape #blueridgeparkwaync #hikemore #devilscourthouse #visitnc #wnc #mountainescape #wncmountains #brevardnc #ExploreAsheville #fyp

Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas re-opened its doors!

On Wednesday, March 1, at 11 a.m., the Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas re-opened its doors with a warm welcome for everyone. Founder/curator Emmett Casciato often says, “A visiting veteran will see one of our artifacts and begin telling a story. The veteran’s adult children will say ‘He’s never told that story before!’”

"Each of the galleries features a professionally-produced six to seven minute video entitled “Through Their Eyes.” They tell the story of Americans at war. Learn why and how each war began, see images of what it was like for service members and discover up-close the artifacts, uniforms and stories of local veterans who served.

You may be surprised to find a Russian truck-launched rocket in the museum now. We believe this one was retrieved in Iraq or Afghanistan by Navy Seals.

The WWI gallery boasts a rare Maxim machine gun. No worries about misplacing this artifact — it’s so heavy that it took six men to man it. That included transporting and operating the gun, the stand, the ammo and even water for cooling. It’s a must-see.

If you haven’t yet seen the 1943 Willys Jeep exhibit, it’s now at its best. Additional equipment and artifacts from WWII have been added to this “visitors’ favorite” scene. It’s titled, “Somewhere in Europe . . . Letters from Home,” and depicts an Army Post Office with soldiers arriving hoping for a letter from a loved one. The 1942 Harley-Davidson nearby provided transportation for MPs. You’ll notice the authentic leather saddlebags and the “suicide stick.” To find out what this means, come on in and ask.

The museum is located at 21 E. Main Street in Brevard (beside the courthouse). Admission is free. After March 1, open hours are Tuesday – Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For a customized tour for your group, please call (828) 884-2141."

Presented by Transylvania Times. For the full article go to:

https://www.transylvaniatimes.com/news/veterans-history-museum-reopens-march-1/article_e7aa17a6-b385-11ed-b1b7-ff53f0852d73.html

#museum #MuseumMonday #visitnc #explorebrevard #merakiescape #history #veterans #veteran #ExploreAsheville

BIRD LOVERS

Hospital Fields is a very special place to see birds.

"In a small space wedged between Transylvania Regional Hospital, the City of Brevard Dog Park and a few ball fields lies a very special place known to us birders as Hospital Fields.

What makes this spot so special to both resident and migrant birds?  The answer is its unique habitat.

The area contains a series of weedy fields threaded with ditches, wet hedgerows and a number of trees and shrubs that provide food for birds such as black cherry, Virginia creeper, flowering dogwood and ironweed.

This area is also part of the North Carolina Birding Trail which links great birding sites across the state and the local communities where you can find them.

Back in 1973 when the hospital building was completed, the area was relatively undeveloped.

Only a small portion of this undeveloped land remains and although the birds have lost a great deal of their habitat in this area they still love to hang out in the trees and shrubs that still stand.

Close to 200 different species of birds have been seen at Hospital Fields including resident sparrows, finches, woodpeckers, wrens, vireos, robins, and bluebirds. White-eyed vireos, brown thrashers, gray catbirds, and yellow-breasted chats as well as other waterfowl, hawks, and bald eagles can been spotted flying overhead throughout the year.

Although many birds live here all year round, it is during the spring when the magic truly happens.

Hospital Fields attracts a large number of migratory birds because it offers a variety of micro habitats that are not terribly common in Transylvania County. Some birds prefer second growth or disturbed habitats over an unbroken natural forest.

On any given morning in April through early May, a visitor might see 50 different species of birds and as many as two dozen warblers including black-throated blue, black-throated green, American redstart, prairie, Cape May, northern parula and hooded warblers take to the sky above Hospital Fields.

In particular, the narrow stretch of woods that separates the fields from the hospital is a favorite hangout for tanagers, orioles, and thrushes.

Do you know what the best part is? You do not have to strain your neck or hike several miles to see them. You can sit on a bench or walk less than a mile on a paved path to spot these beautiful birds.

Hospital Fields has several intersecting paths and is also wheelchair accessible.

To access this spot, park in the lot behind the Pisgah Forest Elementary School Recreation Center and walk onto the path from there.

If you prefer not to venture out by yourself, consider asking a friend to go with you or join the Transylvania County Bird Club (TCBC) on one of our numerous bird walks to Hospital Fields.

All our walks are free and everyone is welcome.

It’s a great way to connect with your neighbors, form friendships, and enjoy nature.

More information about the TCBC is available online.

Happy Birding!

A CHRISTMAS VACATION

Close your eyes.....

It’s Christmas Eve, and you’re snuggled up in front of the fire, cuddling up in luxury robes, silent night is playing, the scent of pine is in the air and the taste of sweet hot chocolate lingers on your mouth…. it’s a truly magical moment, made all the more special by having your significant other beside you.

Couples love the cozy, comfortable beds, rustic décor and luxury amenities at Meraki Escape. Plus, a hot tub, walk-in side-by-side showers, mountain views, massage and private chef experiences in the privacy of their cabins.  Meraki Escape, with both the charm of traditions past and modern luxuries for couples.  It’s easy to get cozy and romantic while cuddling in front of a gas fireplace, sipping your favorite wine, bundled up in your luxury bathrobes after a day of exploring a quaint mountain town or hitting the slopes. And guaranteed, these mountain towns will be decked out in holiday spirit.

There’s something special about a traditional Christmas vibe when considering Christmas getaways for couples. Twinkling lights on a Christmas tree. Mistletoe. romantic fireplace. Maybe even a little snow outside. If this is important to you, Meraki Escape is the best Christmas vacation spot for couples where you can still enjoy that traditional holiday vibe.

#fyp #merakiescape #explorebrevard #WNC #asheville  #cozycabin  #smalltown #shopping #luxurycabin #boutiqueresort #traveltips #love #mountains #petfriendlyhotel #getaway #wintergetaway #winter #christmas #christmasvacation #holiday #holidayvacation #fyp #ExploreAsheville

BEST PLACES TO SEE THE 2022 FALL LEAF COLORS

September 25 - October 2

At the highest elevations, at and above 6,000 feet, spotty and muted color will begin to appear. The views from these locations will be mostly green at this time, due to the areas viewed from here are at lower elevations.  Areas that turn early in this date and elevation range include primarily Graveyard Fields and Rough Ridge, both located off The Blue Ridge Parkway.

October 2 - 9

Peak time for areas above 5,000 feet. This would include: Clingmans Dome, Grandfather Mountain, Mount Mitchell, Waterrock Knob and Graveyard fields (the first location on the Parkway to turn).  Also included are the higher elevations of The Blue Ridge Parkway (between Asheville NC and Cherokee) and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

October 9 - 16

Peak time for elevations from 4,000 - 5,000 feet. This would include almost all Blue Ridge Parkway locations and the majority of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well. Included in this elevation are the Boone NC and Blowing Rock NC areas. 

Be sure to visit Tweetsie Railroad for beautiful Fall Color fun.

October 16 - 23  (THIS IS OUR AREA - MERAKI ESCAPE)

Peak time for lower elevations, from 3,000 - 4,000 feet. This would include places like: Pisgah National Forest which includes Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls, Dill Falls, Wildcat Falls, and many other waterfalls. Other areas include Linville Gorge, Nantahala Gorge, Maggie Valley, and Cataloochee Valley.

Also included is the upper elevations of Skyline Drive in the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains.

October 23 - 30

Peak time for elevations from 2,000 feet - 3,000 feet. This would include: The cities of Asheville NC, Brevard NC, Waynesville NC, Cherokee, and many others.  Places of interest include Dupont State Forest and Biltmore Estate, and Cades Cove. Also, areas surrounding Helen GA are included in this date range, like the beautiful Russell Brasstown Scenic Byway.

October 30 - November 6

Peak time for remaining elevations, including Gatlinburg, TN, Chimney Rock State Park, Lake Lure NC, Helen GA and other remaining lower elevation mountains. 

Presented by:  https://blueridgemountainlife.com/fall-foliage/?tve=true&tcbf=a3bbca31d9#tab-con-14

#fyp #merakiescape #explorebrevard #WNC #asheville  #cozycabin  #smalltown #shopping #thanksgiving #luxurycabin #boutiqueresort #traveltips #love #mountains #petfriendlyhotel #getaway #fallcolors #fallgetaway #autumn #autumncolors #ExploreAsheville