The classic mountains trip It was the summer of 1960 when our family of four headed for the North Carolina mountains on a two-day vacation, picking up Aunt Liz and Mama Owen along the way. We drove toward Boone then south to Tweetsie Railroad, Mystery Hill, Blowing Rock, Grandfather Mountain and the original swinging bridge, which lived up to its name back then and really rocked! We followed the Blue Ridge Parkway, with its scenic overlooks and picnic tables, and took side trips to Linville Falls, Linville Caverns and Mt. Mitchell. Along the way, we waded in cold mountain streams, visited gristmills and ponds, stopped by roadside apple stands and souvenir shops. Late that first day we pulled into Lake Junaluska only to be greeted by “No Vacancy” signs. Long past bedtime, Daddy found lodging in a hut nestled in the hills. The next day we visited Maggie Valley, Cherokee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Clingman’s Dome, Chimney Rock Park, Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. Last stop: Ellenboro and a visit to Mama Owen’s homeplace. Vacation was over and it was time for the long drive home, dog-tired but filled with memories to last a lifetime. LaJeanne Owen Pierce, Siler City, Randolph EMC |
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