Fall Favorite: NC Mountain Memories
Fall in the NC mountains is a place I always chose to be. As much as I love to travel – I make it a point to be here in mid-October.
I love it when you make a turn-off on a shaded mountain road and it’s like you’ve flipped a light switch. The sun spotlights the changing leaves revealing a burst of fall colors. And when the leaves are brown and near their end watching the wind whip them into high swirls always makes me smile.
During this very unusual summer, I did not have time for many long drives down unknown roads. Family issues kept me a bit more occupied. But on our last weekend, we headed out, away from the leaf-peepers crowding the Blue Ridge Parkway. Heading into the Pisgah National Forest, we went into the Wilson Creek Wilderness area, stopped in the small town of Edgemont, and visited the folks at Coffey’s General Store.
Dating from 1895, the store is a veritable museum of old-timey mountain goods and memorabilia. Of course, you can still snag a Cheerwine and a Moon Pie.
Proprietor Teresa and her friend and helper, Linda, welcomed us and filled us in on area history.
If you get a chance, stop by and say hello. You won’t be sorry.
The train was an important part of Edgemont’s economy, but catastrophic floods changed the course of the future. The General Store served as an important gathering point for neighbors, also serving as a post office. Sadly, only a few families still live year-round in the area. The charming church is still in use and, this time of year added fall decor along the approaching bridge and road signs.
Karen, Another charming and genuine look at our highways and byways. Yes, this year is different, but you have found the real things and shared the beauty with us.
Thank you. So happy you enjoyed the post!
America is an amazingly beautiful place everywhere you go! Thanks for this look at just one such place!
We do live in an amazing country!
I would love, love, love to visit this part of the world in October! Coffee’s General Store looks like a place where I could spend a lot of time (and money). Such beautiful scenery too. Thanks for sharing, Karen!
There are so many wonderful places to see on a fall visit to WNC. The High Country is at its peak in mid-late Oct.
Beautifully descriptive! Wish I could see it… I LOVE the church photo!
Americana at its best.
Good morning from the U.K Karen,just read your wonderful descriptive post about N.C I really felt that I was almost part of your travelogue ,what a beautiful place to spend the fall,
The above response is from Pauline,not very good at this!!!
Great to hear from you!
Thanks for sharing this amazing place.
Anita
Txs for reading my post- so glad you enjoyed it!
So beautiful this time of year! Love the micro aspect of it all- thanks for going there.
Lovely pictures and story about Coffey’s General Store history. A very picturesque, secluded little town.
Love the beautiful colors.