Asheville: The Cabin (and Getting There)

Our decision to visit Asheville came from the crazy experience of filming a television show last June. The experience left us wanting more, and we began exploring places to visit where we could have some down-time as a family without the cameras. Friend after friend recommended Asheville after hearing about our desire to explore this community a bit more. Close to the mountains and like-minded people? Check. Awesome downtown area with an emphasis on local farms and economy? Check. A town that makes the arts and music scene a priority? Check and check.

We decided that nothing else needed to fall into place, we just needed to make it happen and set aside some money for a family trip. So months ago, we reserved this cabin for a week and in the backs of our mind, bided our time.

We split the trip out there into two days so we could stop in Ohio to visit Andrew’s mom, stepdad, little brother and sister, and oldest brother Bill and his wife Annie. The cousins were so happy to see each other. It’s a joy to see them pick up where they left off.

We enjoyed one afternoon and evening with them. It’s always so good to see them and laugh and joke together. I am already looking forward to the holidays when we can pack more visiting in!

But the rest of the drive, oh man. Let’s just say the second leg of our trip took hours and hours longer than expected due to frequent restroom stop requests from Emil and getting completely turned around in the pitch black dark of the mountains on a gravel road… my car sickness in full effect, it was a disaster! But we made it. And dead tired from the trip, crashed into the beds of the dark cabin… and woke up to just complete and utter beauty. 

The view of the back yard from inside the old barn

The property was secluded in a serene forest with a mountain creek running alongside and below the house. The sound of the water was so peaceful!

And of course, the main attraction is always, always, always the water (and mud)! The boys spent much of their time this past week making mud pies, catching crayfish and salamanders, spying on huge spiders, and learning about the local flora, especially stinging nettle (the hard way). 

And the joy of making fire. Andrew knows it as an art. Watching him build one even though pretty much everything was wet made me so proud. It’s a skill!

We ate fresh grilled fish one night and the rare treat of a shared steak another… both were perfect! Pretty fun to share that process with the kids. 

The house itself was one story, two bedrooms and a loft, just the right smallness for our family of five. Doors and windows opened onto a wrap-around deck high above the trees. There was no television or computer, no need for distractions. I know I say it a lot, but being away from technology has a mellowing effect on me. I have this flawed thinking that being on the internet makes me calm, but it’s actually quite anxiety-inducing if I’m on too long. Being completely removed from it for an entire week, I was aware of how little I thought of it and how little I missed out on in the world. The world, my world, was happening every moment of every day of this trip. It was truly a gift. I think this face says it all.

Next up: where we ate!