Time for some R&R in North Carolina with the Leftwich Family
After we said goodbye to Arkansas we loaded up the dogs and headed East. Since we have done several cross country road trips, there are a few things you learn. One of those things is that Tennessee goes on forever. It literally takes all day to get through that state, and that is coming from a Texan. Luckily we were able to skirt any major traffic in most of the cities and it was smooth sailing. We stopped off in Nashville for some fried chicken, which we took to the park so we could all get out of the car and stretch our legs a bit. Some people do a fantastic job of planning out trips, and I admire that, however we tend to rapidly change plans and just go with what we choose that day.
Traveling with the pups can be a bit challenging, so instead of stopping off at Rock City, we opted to continue on I-40 and then head south to the National Forest. Louden was our stopping point for the night and luckily they had a trusty La Quinta hotel. As any traveler with pet knows, they are a surefire place you can stay with the pups. The next morning we woke up and started our journey to the Cherohala Skyway. This was a beautiful drive that winds up and down the mountains and gives you sweeping views of the rolling hillside. It is very similar to the Blue Ridge Parkway and is a drive that is meant to be enjoyed, rather than rushed. We stopped off in Bryson City for a quick fill up and carried onto Candler NC.
Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls
We spent the next several days at the Mountain Springs Cabins enjoying time with the Tony’s family and a few of the local sites.. Sliding Rock was for sure a big hit. This natural waterside is tucked away near Brevard NC. This attraction offers fun and excitement for anyone who wants to take ride down the rocks. It also provides smiles and laughter for the bystanders. . One thing is for sure, mountain spring water is dang cold! I managed just fine on the way down, but as soon as I plunged under water, it took my breath away. Talk about refreshing though!
The next stop was Looking Glass Falls. We ate a quick sandwich in the car and headed over to see this gem of a waterfall. Parking is a bit tight for both of these attractions, so I recommend car pooling and heading out early if you aren’t up for a bit of a walk. Looking Glass Falls is 60 ft tall and can be seen from the roadside. By going down a short trail you can see the waterfall up close and personal and take a dip in the pool below. Once again, refreshing mountain water, woo!
Fryingpan Mountain Lookout
We needed a hike after spending 3 nights eating way too much food and desserts. Tony’s family knows how to make food for a crowd! On our way to Asheville, we stopped off at Fryingpan Mountain and took a hike with some of Tony’s family. This was an easy hike at under 2 miles round trip, and all ages and the dogs were able to hike the trail. This hike winds easily upwards, where there is a fire-tower that you can climb and take in the views. The observation room is unfortunately locked and not accessible to the public. The stairs still provide and exciting view of the Blue Ridge Mountains below.
View from Fryingpan Moutnain 
3 generations at the top! 
Tony and our pups at the top
Having come from the middle oft the Texas summer, the green rolling mountains were a welcomed site. It was refreshing to have cooler evenings and so many creeks and rivers around. We had a great time at the family gathering and we so enjoyed being able to spend that time with family. But what is a great road trip without some camping time? Next stop Asheville and camping in the Nantahala National Forest.
