Roaring River Vineyards, Traphill, NC

A Hidden Gem!

Tucked away next to the Roaring River in Traphill, North Carolina is a French inspired vineyard.  If you are lucky enough to book a stay at this hidden gem, you are in for a relaxing getaway.  You will find a rustic tasting room, which is also home to Chez Josephine an amazing restaurant.  You can book lodging at one of the 3 room suites that overlook the river or at the cute cabin on the property.

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The tasting room overlooks the tranquil and clear Roaring River!

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Festus and Rusty are the official greeters that welcome guests to their home!

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The tasting room is beautifully decorated and very comfortable.  You could spend hours here.

Staying at the vineyard is like having your own private oasis.  You have a beach to use, stunning views of the river, and an outdoor fireplace to relax.  You can also use the hot tub or play horseshoes.

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The river is full of trout for fly fishing or you can throw for bass in either the river or pond.

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The highlight of this trip is of course the wonderful wines and the amazing food at Chez Josephine.  The chef and her staff really care about your experience and create some amazing menu items.  I really can’t say enough about the food and wine.

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I thoroughly enjoyed all the wines we tasted and purchased.  There is definitely a spirit of France in the air.

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There is also some fascinating history at the vineyard.  The tasting room is built on the site of the former Brewer Mill gristmill and looking across the river you can see the 1870 historic area where there is a cabin and the colums that held up the sawmill.

 

Exploring the hiking paths on the property take you around the vineyards and also to a beautiful cross that has a story attached to it.  Hearing the story from Tom the owner, makes you believe that all things happen for a reason.  You will have to ask him when you go visit.

To plan your getaway to this amazing hidden gem, head to http://www.roaringrivervineyards.com

 

Congaree National Park, South Carolina

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South Carolina’s first and only National Park is an amazing adventure.  Congaree was named a National Monument in 1976 and then a National Park in 2003.  It is also a National Natural Landmark, an International Biosphere Reserve, and a Globally Important Bird Area.  This floodplain forest is flooded approximately 10 times a year by the Congaree River and has several of the tallest bald cypress trees in the world.  You can walk the wooden boardwalk trail, which can be flooded at different times of the year, hike trails, or go canoeing or kayaking.  Which ever you choose you are in for a magical and mystical exploration.

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The flooded forest floor is full of “knees” from the roots of trees.

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Bald Cypress Trees reach for the sky.

To learn more about Congaree National Park and plan your adventure go to http://www.nps.gov/cong