A Forest Exploration and then a little wine!
A short 4 mile drive off of the stunning Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, North Carolina will lead you to The Cradle of Forestry.
Blue Ridge Parkway views
This American Heritage Site is the location of the first School of Forestry in the United States. The Biltmore Forest School was founded in 1898 by Dr. Carl A. Schenck on the property of Biltmore Estate owned by George W. Vanderbilt.
The location in the Southern Appalachian Mountains was perfect for Dr. Schenck to operate his “practical forestry” school. A native of Germany, he believed that a hands on approach paired with classroom learning was the best way to create knowledgeable foresters. The US Forest Service and The Cradle of Forestry Interpretive Association jointly manage the 6500 acre historic site.
Forest Discovery Center
Biltmore Campus Trail
A historic 1 mile paved trail that has many original buildings to the Biltmore Forest School.
The trail includes a tunnel under the road above.
The Ranger’s Dwelling constructed in 1882 housed Vanderbilts rangers and 8 forestry students.
Rock House Creek Lodge and Cantrell Creek Lodge are two Black Forest Lodges. These lodges are post and beam construction and built imitating the architecture of Germany’s Black Forest lodges.
Interior of Cantrell Creek Lodge
The Forest Festival Trail
A peaceful trail with the sounds and smells of a vibrant forest with active study sites.
On the way to the trail you pass the Moon Tree. The seed for this tree orbited the moon in 1971 with astronaut Stuart Roosa, a former Forest Service smoke jumper.
Peaceful pond and retaining area.
Life and decay!
Forest of beauty
A trial area to see what grows best.
Pink flags mark newly planted trees.
A 1914 Climax logging locomotive was restored and brought to the site to teach about the logging industry.
Unfortunately, the school closed in 1913.
After a morning of exploring, I was off to Victoria Valley Vineyards in Cleveland, South Carolina. This European styled vineyard and “chateau” is a perfect place to relax and enjoy some wine.
European styled “chateau” awaits you
Unique wine tasting flights. Stunning tasting room!
Beautiful views from the outdoor patio.
To create your own forest adventure, check out http://www.cradleofforestry.com
Head to http://www.victoriavalleyvineyards.com to plan your next outing.
Quantum Leap Winery is a unique destination in Florida. They do not make wines from the Florida native grape, Muscadine, but focus on creating great tasting wines from around the world. They do this by purchasing wine juice from small wineries in premier growing regions and then age, finish, blend, and package the wine in their facility. Their focus is on being environmentally friendly and reducing their carbon footprint in the process.
Upon arrival to this urban winery, you will notice the eclectic, artsy, vibrant neighborhood. Quantum Leap’s home is a former warehouse building and retains many of its industrial attributes. The interior is very open and inviting. There is a large central bar for tastings and an open area with ample tables, chairs, and couches. The exposed ductwork is visible against the high ceilings with plenty of lighting. Bright artwork adorns the walls, which you can purchase and there is an area in the corner for musical artists to perform. Outdoors, the prior loading dock serves as a covered porch area to sit a spell and enjoy great wine.
Steve and his wife Karen are owners of Tesla Vintners and The Singing Wine Maker. Their desire is to celebrate, “Truth, Beauty and Goodness through Wine, Music and Art.” This is apparent throughout the indoor and outdoor spaces. You are welcomed by beautifully carved wooden statues and a colorful flower garden that surrounds a lovingly refurbished home turned winery. Inside the bright colors and artwork continue. There is a large grapevine painted on the front of the wine tasting bar and vineyard inspired mural-like artwork adorn the walls.
Carrie Hanrahan Photography 