CityView Magazine

than a century and is especially known for fresh mountain trout, along with their homemade biscuits, which are best when eaten with North Carolina honey. A short drive south to the Franklin area brings you to the Great Smokey Mountain Fish Camp & Safaris, located on the Little Tennes- see River. It is a place you can go in the fall, get away from the crowds with your family or friends, and enjoy a ride down a lazy river surrounded by gorgeous views of mountains. The canoeing is not challeng- ing, so there is little chance you will miss the spectacular fall colors. Your host, Jerry Anselmo, will make sure your visit is one you will not forget and can cook you a din- ner after your trip or provide you lunch to eat while you relax on the Little Tennessee. And if you're in need of an expert fishing guide, Jerry is your man. The most western part of North Caroli- na, though distant from Fayetteville, is well- worth the drive. The Great Smoky Moun- tains and the Nantahala Forest offer the fall visitor a spectacular show of colors. The Nantahala Gorge is arguably the epicenter of whitewater rafting and kayaking in North Carolina, great family fun on warmer days. But there are also some hidden gems that are worth exploring. Stecoah Valley near Rob- binsville has a calm beauty that will catch your breath. The Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center, housed in a repurposed 1926 school building is worth the stop. On sale and display are some of the most beautifully detailed handcrafted items, and you may want to stock up on soaps, quilts, pottery and woven items. A short drive from the gal- lery is Bee Global, owned by Crim and Jeff Bassett. They have been making candles, bee glow lanterns, and ornaments from bees wax for more than ten years. Many of their items include, pressed into the wax, wild flowers they grow around their business. With fall being so welcome after a long hot summer, there is no better place than the North Carolina mountains to take ad- vantage of the cooler weather. Whether it's hiking, arts and crafts, homemade fudge, or a ride down a serene river that most stirs your interest, the mountains of North Carolina have much to offer. Perhaps a long weekend is in your future — and don't forget to bring back some apples; your pie will be better because they came from the mountains. CV CityViewNC.com | 33 We protect the historic Market House. Shouldn't we protect your house too? • Burglar Alarms • Fire Alarms • Camera Systems • Access Systems • Central Vacuum Systems • 24 Hour Local U.L. Monitoring Station 127 Hay Street • Fayetteville, NC • 28301 (910) 483-1196 www.HolmesSecurity.net

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