Near Banner Elk and Beech Mountain, NC the roads are curvy, the vegetation lush and  the scenery pastoral.  Today’s route took us past a few spots on local quilt trails.  Each uniquely created quilt pattern is displayed on historic barns and showcases the mountain heritage of storytelling through artistic design.  Each turn in the road holds the promise of a new surprise: an incredible view, field of Christmas trees, patch of colorful day-lilies, whimsical mailbox or maybe, even a bear.  No bear-sightings for us today, we had to settle for the beautiful horses.

Be sure to look closely and check out the Nativity manger scene, complete with wise men.