Colorful lifeguard stand on Miami Beach.
One of South Florida’s hidden gems is the Miami Beach Boardwalk. It runs for a four-mile stretch between Indian Beach Park at 46th Street (and Collins Ave.) and 5th
Street in the heart of South Beach. From 5th Street you can continue to South Pointe Park and a great view of Government Cut, the water gateway to the port of Miami.
I would not be considered a beach-person; don’t have much patience for just sitting, and can’t take the sun, but I love nothing more than walking on the beach. And this beach boardwalk has it all. From 46th to 23rd it is an actual wooden boardwalk, and is pedestrian only; at that point it becomes the Ocean Drive Promenade, and you do share the much wider space with bikes and Segways.
Whether you stroll or jog, plan to see the full scope of humanity along the way. Enjoy the fleeting glimpses of high-end resorts, some with a throbbing 24/7 party vibe; quite a juxtaposition against the soft white sand and beautiful blue Atlantic. Miami Beach is a colorful place, in every possible way.
All along, you have easy access to the beach and can switch back and forth to walk on the hard-packed sand, among the sun-worshipers, or in the surf. Even better, along the beach just off the Ocean Drive Promenade you can visit the occasional food truck for a quick snack or drink. Of course, you can always continue serious people-watching at any of the cafes along Ocean Drive.
Need to know:
Metered parking is available along the street and there are public lots on Collins Avenue at the north end of the walk. The metered parking is the type where you pay at a machine and get a ticket to place in your car; the machines do take credit cards. Access to the boardwalk and beach is available from cross streets.
One of the world’s beautiful spots, even on a cloudy day. Here is the Miami Beach Boardwalk around 24th Street; to the left, there are plenty of ocean views not visible in this shot. Keep in mind, as you head north away from the main public beach, it’s much less crowded but there are no lifeguards.
Miami has seriously embraced the food truck craze, and the Beach is no exception.
Resort hotels have (attended) chairs and umbrellas along the beach reserved for their guests. If you plan to lounge on the beach and will need shade, bring your own.
Asheville has become known for its trendy, holistic, artistic vibe and the Salt Cave fits right in. For a modest $25 an hour, you can take advantage of the therapeutic benefits of an all-natural microclimate, created with 20 tons of salt rock imported from several eastern European locations.
Several inches of sea salt cover the floor and the semi-dark, dry environment is bathed in a warm glow from the salt rock lighting and a nice ambient sound from the two water features. Guests have the option of listening to tranquil music, resting in comfortable lounge chairs and using cozy blankets, if needed. And, in case you are wondering, participants are fully clothed.
Salt Cave environments have been reported to help with a variety of ailments including allergies, arthritis and skin problems. But just to take a break and really relax in this unique environment is worthwhile. The Appel family, who own and run the Salt Cave, have studiously researched Salt Caves around the world and carefully planned every detail, even bringing in experts to build the Cave.
Located on Eagle Street in downtown Asheville, the Cave can accommodate up to 10; the entire Salt Cave can be reserved by the hour for groups or private events.
Facilities also include a gift shop with some unique items, as well as services such as a variety of massages, Reiki, reflexology, aromatherapy and facials.
Check them out at http://www.ashevullesaltcave.com 828-236-59
Chatting with owner Beth Appel in Asheville’s Therapeutic Salt Cave.
99.
Elk River Falls
A hidden gem about 20 minutes from Linville and Grandfather Mountain, Elk River Falls is worth the visit. We love to take our visitors: it’s a quick adventure, absolutely beautiful, and a great spot for a memorable NC photo-op!
Near the Tennessee border, just outside the tiny town of Elk Park you will see a sign for Elk River Falls. The first time you turn off North Carolina’s 19E to Elk River Road, you think “surely there has been a mistake; this can’t be a road to any waterfall.” About half-way through the approximately four-mile drive, your second thought is, “if there is a waterfall, it must be very small.” You are wrong on both counts.
Finally you see the tranquil Elk River on your right and then, soon after, arrive at a small, unimportant-looking parking area (there is a sign). But once you are out of your car and on the path – you are quickly rewarded with the sight and sound of the area’s most significant waterfall. (Some maps ID the falls as “Big Falls”). Largest in the area by sheer volume of water and at 65’ in height, it makes an impressive sight.
It’s a moderate, 5-10 minute walk (on a 0.5 mile round-trip trail) to see the falls and surrounding pools. If you are adventuresome, bring swim gear and go for a dip in the calm waters below the falls. During the summer you will see locals enjoying the chilly water and sunning on the rocks. Be wary that the rocks, both in and out of the water, can be very slippery. In general, be careful in the area and do not jump off the falls, over the years, people have been killed trying that stunt.
For the less adventurous, a picnic, posing for pictures or just relaxing will do just fine.
FYI: the falls are in the Appalachian Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest and statistical info is from the USDA, National Forest in NC website
