Category: Weekend Getaways in the USA

North Carolina 101: Amazing Asheville!

green trees on mountain under white clouds and blue sky during daytime

It’s time to head off to the mountains and enjoy one of our country’s most unique small cities. Asheville, North Carolina is most famous for the largest private residence in the country: Biltmore. And while the estate should definitely be toward the top of you list, there are two or three other gems that make Asheville a well rounded getaway for anyone. We’ll get to our take on the Biltmore Estate later on but, let us tell you about the rest of the area. Look for Asheville to be a great drive from big destinations like Washington, DC and St. Augustine, Florida with times clocking at about 6 hours each.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5n95TedkIQrI1Z6PZ66eYG?si=ymn2Q2CnQNWRIaJQzTe1ug

The River Arts District

Winding through all of Asheville is the French Broad River. It seems to be a lifeline for making Asheville hum. These days, most of the energy centers on a few neighborhoods including the River Arts District. Full of plenty of art galleries and hipster happy coffee houses, this district is all about the slow down pace of browsing and perusing while you learn what all the local artists have been up to. There are plenty of riverside pathways that let you enjoy this little slice of the city and some of the best eateries call RAD home. Expect to spend a couple of hours along Lyman Avenue to fully enjoy. Other areas include Biltmore Village (for that Disney feel) and West Asheville (for the great eats).

 

Connecting with the mountains out your window

While the main draw to the Asheville area might be the big house up on the hill, the surrounding area has much to offer. And the river is certainly where most people start. Enter French Broad Adventures. With great trips like rafting and ziplining, French Broad has something for every age and stage. Our choice? Canyoneering in the Pisgah National Forest. This hybrid mix of repelling waterfalls, rock slides, hiking and more immerses you into nature and gives you a fresh look at an area that can start to feel a little over-urban.

https://www.tiktok.com/@babciaandyiayia/video/7138554317685919018

We know! We know! You don’t think it’s for you! But it totally is! If we can do it, so can you! Listen in to our Asheville podcast to hear the ins and outs of canyoneering and why you should totally take up offers from great guides like Alerie and Aldon to enjoy a new adventure. We promise to help you feel brave!

Crown Plaza on Resorts Drive

If we have a pan among our picks, it’s this throwback hotel that has so much potential. Located minutes from everything and on lovely grounds, this throwback hotel is now best known for it’s convention business. The rooms are clean and well maintained but the outside is dated and just a little sad. Additionally, the facility offers no lunch service. While there are plenty more places to stay, many come at quite a cost or are not as centrally located. This may be a reasonable compromise to make an Asheville stay more reasonable when you argue with you wallet.

https://www.tiktok.com/@babciaandyiayia/video/7144525467192708398

Foodies Beware!

Listen, we are the first to tell you that we are not food experts or that our focus is on the culinary arts. But, we know good eats when we taste them. Asheville had so many hits for us that we couldn’t pass up the chance to tell you about some of our favorites. It was definitely part of the amazing experience that Asheville offers any visitor. Before we walk you through an epic day of amazing dishes, we do want to tell you about one big pass that we recommend. Tupelo Honey seems to be a reservations only institution around here but we’ve got to say, we weren’t impressed at all. The menu wasn’t too inspiring and much of the food was bland or not prepared well (read microwaved!). There are so many good choices instead.

Breakfast at Biscuit Head

Look for the line out the door. Now stand in it. You won’t regret it!!! Biscuit Head has mastered the cathead biscuit and everything that they put on top. This small cafe with counter order only knows how to dish out amazing dishes like fried green tomatoes and biscuits as well as classic full breakfast with biscuit featuring the very best bacon we’ve ever had! We are all about starting our day on the right foot and Biscuit Head certainly did their part!

 

Lunch @ Sunny Point Cafe in West Asheville

This easy, breezy laid back garden patio makes sure that you leave miserable from all the great food! From Peach Pound Cake Bites to seriously good Chicken and Waffles, there’s not one thing on the menu that will disappoint. The yellow and blue vibes ensure that you enjoy the laid back patio with plenty of urban charm. Look for plenty of signature cocktails and great service. Ask for Tessa for some of the best service around!

Dinner at Corner Kitchen in Biltmore Village

Walk up onto the porch of this old school Victorian Cottage and get ready for a fresh take on some old favorites. The little house once originally belonged to the parents of one of the estate workers and now has plenty of nooks and corners to enjoy the great food that’s coming out of the kitchen. Look for seasonal southern twists on staples like the amazing charred peach and tomato caprese. The chef also ensures there’s something for everyone like huge heritage porkchops with cherry bourbon glaze and classic shrimp and grits. The best part? The lovely staff leading foodies through the whole dining experience. To finish off the whole evening was the over the top, don’t miss out, maple blondie sundae that our favorite server, Allie, recommended. By the way, Allie was totally the best server ever! This was a great choice!

Now, onto Biltmore and it’s 8,000 acre playground!

So, there’s this house. Or should we say that there’s this mega mansion that started to take shape in 1889? George Washington Vanderbilt worked with Frederick Law Olmsted of Central Park fame to create the largest private residence in the United States. So, why should you go see a big, huge, old house? There are many many reasons and none of them disappoint. Basic tickets to the house allow you to go through the main gate house and wind your way through the property and park to either take a shuttle or a walk up to the main house. And what a house it is! 250 rooms including 43 bathrooms! Unlike many of its European counterparts, however, Biltmore touts an extensive amount of turn of the century technology while maintaining that old world feel.

The House Tour

Walk in the front door and be welcomed into the foyer of the Vanderbilt home. Take in the open conservatory and the grand staircase. Guests can walk around with a self paced audio guide and learn all about the formal, family parts of the house from the seven story great dining hall to the two lane bowling alley in the basement. Be sure to pause on the back veranda to take in the view that convinced George that this was the perfect spot to break ground.

Take in the “modern” art from masters like Renoir and Monet; both artists that Vanderbilt thought highly of. Then, continue understanding how this massive house worked by touring some of the service areas like the kitchen and pantries. It is here that you will see most of the state of the art technology that made this place hum. Look to spend about 90 minutes exploring the major rooms that the family spent most of their time in.

@babciaandyiayia

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♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono – moshimo sound design

 

But, wait, what else?!

Now that you’ve had a chance to immerse yourself in the guilded age, it’s time to explore beyond the splendor of the big house and see how the rest of the over 80,000 acres worked and how the present 8,700 acres is now a modern day playground. The closest thing to the house are the gardens. But… maybe don’t start there. The thing that makes Biltmore well worth the visit is menu of activities that bring the entire estate to life. Look for three major categories to keep you entertained: outdoors and wellness, food, and cultural experiences. Here is a short list:

  • Lazy river rafting and kayaking on the French Broad River. The gentle current makes this perfect for all ages.
  • Horseback riding on the estate trails in the Deerpark area.
  • Archery and falconry lessons that turn back time and not only let you participate in the sport but also inform you about how these sports played a role on the estate.
  • Yoga and immersive nature experiences that get you out into the grounds and allow you to connect with this picturesque corner of Carolina.
  • Landrover trail expeditions that let you try your hand at navigating through the backfields and woods while learning how to use the dynamics of the car to become a better handler.
  • Mountain biking on the pristine trails that crisscross the property (which is a great way to explore those gardens!)

All of these activities are yours to book as long as you have a ticket to the house. And, it’s okay if the outdoor activities don’t exactly work for you. Biltmore has plenty of cultural experiences to round out your visit. They include:

@babciaandyiayia

#babciaandyiayia #travelwithus #travelpodcast #travellifestyle #traveltipsandhacks #digitaltraveltips #traveljunkie #whatnottopack #listentomenow #traveltiktok #podcast #travelplanning https://anchor.fm/babciaandyiayia/episodes/4-1-Tao-of-Travel-What-you-are-not-including-in-your-plans-e257ije

♬ Gentle and warm background piano(1262846) – Noru

The charming Christmas shop in the stable yard.

  • Shop at the stable shops just next to the house with plenty of charming items that reflect the house and its history. The stable yard is also a great place to grab a snack in between tours and activities.
  • Rooftop architecture tour lets you climb and explore the different balconies and rooftop areas and take in the exceptional views over the house and gardens area.
  • Backstairs tour will give you a proper dose of Downton Abbey fun as you learn about the upstairs maids and the butler’s domain. If you are truly interested in the inner workings of the house and how Mrs. Vanderbilt’s maid assisted her throughout the day (it was A LOT!) Everything on this tour is not available on the extensive main house tour.
  • Winery tours and tastings are available in Antler Hill Village where there are some lovely shops and eateries that include Cedric’s Tavern which is named in honor of the family’s huge, sweet, good boy!
  • Painting workshops that match the current exhibit theme are available seasonally and well worth it to enjoy the experience and walk away with a little keepsake!
  • Immersive art exhibits featuring artists like DaVinci or Monet are installed for limited runs at the Ashcroft building and are a lovely way to connect to fine art. The Monet exhibit relates to the house particularly well as Mr. Vanderbilt truly enjoyed these modern masters.

 

Asheville has so very much to offer every sort of traveler. From the great food to the amazing experiences and even that big house up on the hill all contribute to an amazing getaway!

 

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The Tale Of Two Waterfalls: Victoria and Niagara

waterfalls on brown rocky mountain during sunset

I was talking with my very best friend the other day and we were reminiscing about a very particular day from a few summers ago. Let me set the scene. My bestie was enjoying a little down time between Summer commitments and decided to take advantage of being close to the great Niagara Falls. She and her husband were hiking on the walkway when her phone rang.

Be sure to join us for the conversation! We are talking about this very topic on our podcast, Babcia and Yia Yia Travel The World.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0A0QCeF4AsgzYczNgZb02C?si=N-XXpkkKQ7upn1hT5CFbmA

Half a world away, I expected her to pick up from home. I had no idea that she was at the Falls as I called her from Zambia. My view? The Great Victoria Falls. I was standing just to the side of Knife Point Bridge watching the Zambezi water spill over the top. Who would have ever thought that the two of us would be standing in front of the power of two of the most famous falls in the world at the same time!

water falls in the middle of the forest

Niagara and Victoria

Victoria and Niagara have a lot in common. They both provide a natural boarder between two countries. Both provide immense tourism for their local areas and both leave no doubt that the power of water is an awesome natural wonder on our planet. Moreover, both create moments of inspiration for every traveler that commits to experiencing them. However, it’s here that their two paths diverge.

Way over in Livingstone….

Way back in 1855, one of the most famous first tourists happened upon a place that locals called Mosi-oa-Tunya or the smoke that thunders. He promptly renamed the massive column of water Victoria Falls after his queen. (Ahhh… colonization.) These days, The Falls continue to thunder as they stretch just over a mile across and drop about a football field. They serve as the international border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and Zambia was exactly where I found myself the day of our phone call.

I was lucky enough to stay at Avani, a lovely hotel resort with free roaming animals and amazing Moroccan architecture. But, the true draw of this particular location is that it is just steps from the entrance to the Falls. The Zambian side of the falls were easily accessible to anyone though the National Park Gate but Avani literally had a back gate entrance set up for its guests making it as convenient as possible. And P.S., it was not the most expensive hotel in the area!

a bridge over a river with a waterfall below

The Upper and Lower Falls

Without any other exploration except the ride from the airport (I’ll leave that amazing video below), I headed out that back gate and went right to the National Park. As soon as I was through the gate, a wonderful college intern offered to take me through the pathways and tell me the story of this wonder of the world. I live for people like this. People who have no other agenda other than to impart their knowledge to you and make your experience better.

My walk began at the upper falls. My guide, Isaac, led me down pathways and explained the scientific side of things as well as previewing the power yet to come. He reminded me that at night, there are hippos that love this particular spot and one must be careful! I will. I promise. As Isaac continued to lead the way past bubbling water that stretched as far as the eye could see, he pointed out the famous Devil’s Pool. Used by daredevils to get as close to the drop as possible. I had already made up my mind not to take that dip because of the aforementioned hippos and the fact that I can not do a back flip into water.

Isaac pointed out the visitors that were on the Zambia side had a bit more protection than the ones on the Zimbabwean side who had no safety rails or clear pathways between them and the 354 foot drop. No thank you! 

While you could already feel the magic of the water in the air, it wasn’t until Isaac showed me the lookout over Rainbow Falls that I got my first glimpse of this massive force of energy. We continued walking around the gorge and into the pathways that become part of the micro rainforest. toward Jack Knife Bridge. This short span gives you one of the best views and ensures you feel your share of the water! It was in this very spot that I called my bestie…

Niagara Falls, Canada

Meanwhile, in upstate New York…

If Victoria Falls had a little sister, it would be Niagara. Standing 187 feet tall and about half a mile across, Niagara Falls comes in at about half the size of its African big sister. However, don’t be mistaken, this largest drop in North America receives far more visitors. While the days of honeymooning in Niagara Falls are over, lots of fun is still waiting for every kind of traveler out there.

Just like in Africa, Niagara serves as a famous border and has very distinct sides. The Canada side tends to be a better experience while others say that the magic of Niagara lies in its old school American Falls roots. Either way, there are plenty of amazing treasures to experience while you visit. And that’s exactly where Terri was when her phone rang…

Get Ready, Get Set

Terri drove in to Niagara Falls and made a beeline for the State Park. While the surrounding town is not much to look at, Terri says that once you park and get into the actual park, things are well worth your time. With plenty of pleasant and calm walkways, the state park gives you every opportunity to enjoy the falls from pretty much every possible angle. And it’s these walkways that tend to be overlooked the most.

Armed with a waterproof bag and a poncho to head for the marquee event, The Maiden of The Mist. Unlike many other waterfalls, Niagara allows its visitors to get behind the falls and see them from quite a different perspective. In turn, making it quite the draw. But, wait! Terri told me that you don’t want to miss out on the Cave of The Winds which, again gets you up close and personal to the water.

brown wooden fence on gray concrete floor

Terri and I had our laugh and spoke about what we were seeing in that exact moment. Then she continued on her way to The Cave of The Winds with a great documentary and tons of information about what makes these falls so special.

Top Of The Falls…

While Niagara Falls is not a foodie mecca, but the Top of The Falls may be a great choice if for nothing but the view. Otherwise, foodies will find better choices like great polish food. Or the famous Duff’s Wings not too far away in Buffalo. And PS- Buffalo has a lot to offer! Another great area is Lucille Ball’s hometown of Jamestown.

From anywhere on the American side, the Canadian side certainly beckons. And Terri agrees! Her advice is to sincerely explore both sides of the falls. Don’t miss out on the different views and experiences that each have to offer. Just remember, you need your passport!!!!

a large waterfall in the middle of a forest

Moments when you feel the magic around you and you feel connected to someone who gets it like you do are rare. Terri and I were over the moon to have a chance to connect from half a world away at two of mother nature’s masterpieces.

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New York City 101: My Icons and Hidden Gems

a city street at night with cars parked on the side of the road

Visiting in New York City and living there have completely different definitions. You could say that they are two sides of a very shiny coin. Living in NYC has a certain energy. The city itself becomes a living, breathing part of how you define yourself. For the tourist, the city can be overwhelming and chaotic. Perhaps it’s because residents see the patterns of the ebb and flow of day to day life and visitors have a harder time sorting it out. Chaos or not, NYC has it’s moments. Some good, some over hyped, some under rated, some over done. So, what’s the balance? That’s the number one question that I am asked. Here’s a look at my New York City: The Icons and Hidden Gems.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7iFp4qBO7Raia30QCUsZpi?si=XJI33CxiQgSX6UBJRiMc3w

The One Line

When New Yorkers talk about the subway system you often hear thoughts like “I’ll take the 1 Line to 42nd Street and then hop on the 7 line to get to Grand Central.” It’s quite the shorthand and can be confusing for a visitor. So, if I were to recommend one train to know, I’d say 1 Line links together more sites than any other. From the Bowery to the Bronx, the 1 Line will get you where you need to go- fast.

The High Linepeople walking beside buildings

New York is in a constant state of renewal. It’s part of the magic that draws so many visitors. One of those renewal projects is the High Line. What used to be an old railway line has been transformed into what may be the narrowest park ever! At just under 1.5 miles, you can hop on and off the High Line to explore 34th Street down to 14th Street. With art, nature and walkable access to plenty along the way, the High Line is a new New York City must.

St. Patrick’s Churches

Quick note: there are two St. Patrick’s in Manhattan: the big one in midtown and the little one downtown. They are both worth the visit. Let’s start with the one you are most familiar with- the cathedral. Built in 1879, these days the cathedral is bright and shiny after years of restoration that was presided over by the ever congenial Cardinal Dolan. Since it sits opposite Rockefeller Center, it’s an easy stop to make and enjoy. I highly suggest the audio tour to really understand the history of this church in the NYC community.

Downtown is the other St. Pat’s. Officially called the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, this lesser known church is over 200 years old and holds a big NYC secret. Each day, the church offers candle light tours of the catacombs under the sanctuary. Learn about the history of the church and the who’s who of the catacomb world.

Gothic architecture

Central Park Equals City Smart!

It’s an urban park like no other and is full of history from the healing power of John Lennon’s Imagine Circle to the literary greats that line the main promenade. For a seriously fun take on this amazing slice of nature in a skyscraper jungle, check out the walking tour offered by On Location Tours. Their great guides, who are often actively auditioning stars in the making, will take through not only some of the historical points but also the lights, camera, and action moments that so many tv and film makers have used. So much fun!!!

people sitting on bench near trees during daytime

Radio City Music Hall

Step back to the roaring ’20’s with a tour through the Great Radio City Music Hall. A living breathing example of theater from days past, the hall has daily tours that dig deep into this temple of art deco. With super guides who know their RMH trivia, explore all seven floors including the front and back of the house. Learn about the secret code in the carpets and how the hydraulic stage influenced the military. I can’t think of an icon that shows off more of New York than this one.

Irish Hunger Memorial

Understanding the great immigration that builds the foundation of New York City is paramount to fully getting the point of it all. This creation of neighborhood after neighborhood filled with hopes and dreams is the truest essence of why New York City is like no other place in the world. One way to start understanding is at the Irish Hunger Memorial. I mean, take in the very name of it! These people came to our shores in boats called coffin ships. Imagine how they felt to be here away from the persecution and famine and meet new harsh realities like signs that said “Irish need not apply”. Built in 2001-2002, the memorial is a great way to understand why people flocked to America the way they did.

Staten Island Ferry

I can’t think of anything that is more New York than The Ferry. This staple of commuting shuffles more than 60,000 people each day from the most residential area of New York City, Staten Island to the Bowery. It may seem hum drum but I beg to differ. Each day, these 60,000 people pass some of our most important history. They glide past the Verrazano Narrows Bridge where ships enter New York Harbor. And many of them made their way to Ellis Island to process in to early 20th Century life. Of course, they pass New York’s grande dame, Lady Liberty. She is breathtaking and you can just imagine what it must have been like to sail in under the bridge and see her for the very first time. She was and still is a true beacon of hope.

Arthur Avenue

It always eludes me as to why visitors to NYC never venture out past Manhattan. There is SO much to see and do away from Times Square! I think a really good place to start is a great neighborhood at the end of the 2 line. Your stop is Pellham Parkway where you find yourself 5 minutes away from some of the best Italian American experiences out there. Historic Arthur Avenue is filled with shops and restaurants with some of the best Italian-American cuisine this side of Sicily. This slice of NYC will make you wonder why so many others don’t know about this gem.

pizza on white ceramic plate

Bronx Zoo

At that same 2 line stop is the World Famous Bronx Zoo. Full of a menagerie of animals the amazing staff works diligently to fuse the old world traditions with modern zoo keeping. in other words, they take care of the unbelievable buildings with unique stone carvings while ensuring that the animals housed here are not just for entertainment. Learning this conservation story is totally worth the visit.

Bonus List: What’s worth skipping?

Here is a list of what I would totally skip if I were in the city:

  • ~Times Square, instead go up to the Bronx and enjoy the calming Cloisters.
  • ~ Central Park horse carriage rides, instead go up to the boat house and rent a model to set sail.
  • – Rockafeller Center, instead enjoy the cool vibe down by the World Trade Center and grab a meal at Eataly.
  • ~ The Empire State Building, instead catch the next cool thing happening at the NYC Public Library or in its backyard, Bryant Park.
  • ~The Plaza, instead go enjoy Coney Island sans the fancy clothes. Eat a hot dog, ride the roller coaster.
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Alaska 101: The Ultimate Family Playground!

brown wooden cabin at shore with view of green mountain range across body of water during daytime

The age of domestic travel is returning in a big way thanks to COVID-19. Road Trips and National Parks are the new buzz words in the travel industry. I think it’s safe to say that we are all going to be enjoying a lot more nooks and crannies of our country in these next few years as the travel and tourism industry dusts itself off and gets back on its feet. So, where do you even start? Well, when it comes to the ultimate American trip, I can think of no place better than Alaska!

river beside forest under bright sky

I always say it! When we are out traveling the world, don’t just look at it, do it! And Alaska is a paradise for those who like to join in and experience things first hand. Whether you choose to visit by cruise, RV rental, tour package, or in your own mini-van, Alaska has something for absolutely everyone! In fact, there are so many choices, you may not be able to get to all of them. So, grab the kids and Grandma! Check out this great list of 8 of the most family friendly activities that Alaska has to offer!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3vkW9mAohHNv9lUo7GmTze?si=zAVr7fSsTiSkKXESuC-d9Q

Animal watching in Denali National Park

Whether you know it as Denali or Mt. McKinley, this central point of Alaska and its surroundings never ceases to amaze! Once you are in the park, you can take on a hike on your own or jump on a school bus and enjoy a guided tour. Be prepared for a little ranger history and a few distant animals. If you’re lucky, you will get a chance to see the grand daddy of them all: the moose! This is definitely a trip to bring binoculars!

man holding basin

Gold panning in the streams of Juneau

Step back in time and try your hand at a little gold panning in the shallows of the brisk streams that surround the area. Kids will love getting elbow deep as they search and scoop and dig for treasure. It’s a can’t miss!

Whale watching in Glacier Bay National Park

While much of Alaska can be a bit overcast and gray, Glacier Bay sparkles! Learn about the glacier ice and catch a calving as the ice gives way to the water below. Watch the chunks of striped ice float by you and, if you are willing to get up early, you may run in to a pod of whales enjoying the morning light.

black whale in water during daytime

Fishing in the waters off of Ketchikan

Whether you are a fresh water fisher or prefer the salt water, Alaska has something for everyone. I highly suggest a guide that will make the most of your time. Guides are also helpful in keeping you safe from uniquely Alaskan dangers like bars while you fly fish or whale bubble nets while you fish for salmon. Many guides also include the processing and shipping in their fees. Our salmon arrived perfectly packaged on our door step the day after we returned home. Brilliant!

Salmon Bake in the woods

For an enchanting meal, try out a salmon bake. These outdoor venues nestle themselves in the woods and allows guests to get comfy around a campfire. We felt like little pixie fairies could show up at any time as we made s’mores. Watch out though, the squirrels are onto the marshmallows and may try to take one or two!

dog walking on road

Dog Sled Mushing and puppy hugging

Get ready to try out Alaska’s best sport! Dog Sledding! Having the chance to visit a dog sled camp is quite the treat. Most of the year, these amazing animal athletes are preparing for the Iditorad race. As a visitor, you can help out these furry friends by allowing them to pull you as they mush (you are a fraction of their winter haul). They are so excited when they know they are going to run! After that, socialize with the newest generation. They need to get to know lots of people in order to be successful on the race circuit. So, take a ride with the big dogs then go cuddle with the newest members of the pack- the puppies!.

River Rafting on a glacial river

Zip up your dry suit and get ready for the thrill of a lifetime! Alaska has some of the best rapids going and they are picture perfect in the Summer months. The water is cold and the great rafting guides will take you through some of the most beautiful bush country Alaska has to offer. Be sure to ask about the expected rapids level so that you are comfortable with the activity level.

2 men riding red kayak on sea during daytime

Zip Lining in Talkeetna in Central Alaska

Talkeetna lies in central Alaska. This quirky town is a great day trip and has an excellent zip lining course. With a super family friendly attitude, you can spend the afternoon, zipping and repelling to your heart’s content. The finale of your course is a great over water run that will keep your heart racing! This is my mom taking on the long fly across! So much fun!

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