Going Local-Asheville

A few weeks ago,
we headed out on another day trip.
This time, our destination was Asheville,
which is about an hour and a half from our home.
The drive was pleasant, and the view of the looming mountains
made us grateful to be residents of this magnificent state.

Our first stop was Sow True Seeds, right downtown.
Although I had written ahead to let them know we were coming,
our wires got crossed.
We drove up to discover that the storefront
was closed on weekends during the summer.
Bummer.

It didn't stop me from taking a few shots 
of their gorgeous gardens out front.
Can you just imagine the pollinator parties going on here?

Practically around the corner, we found this fascinating place.
Don't let the humble facade fool you.

Inside were scads of untold treasures.

The young artisans demonstrated and narrated each step in the process.
Big K and I could have spent much of the afternoon there,
mesmerized by the magic unfolding before our eyes.

It was nothing less than amazing to see pieces of glass
being transformed into beautiful and functional pieces of art.

Just look at some of the contributions...

Incredible, right?
Big K and I bought a Christmas ornament,
not that we will need a memento to remember our visit.
This place alone is worth a drive from just about anywhere.
Lexington Glassworks' website can be found here.

There was so much to see and so little time.
Next on our agenda was visiting an antique car museum for the boys.
This little gem was a place worthy of spending some time.

Nestled in Historic Grovewood Village,
the car museum was just one of the features of this quaint getaway.

The assortment included vintage automobiles 
from the early 1900s up through the 1950's.
All vehicles are in running order and treated with kid gloves.
The boys were in their sweet spot.

The jewel in the collection 
was this 1922 American LaFrance fire truck.

To our surprise, 
admission was free,
although there is a donation box near the entrance.
We appreciate the time and attention it takes
to provide a place like this for others to enjoy.

The grounds of the village were a delight to stroll.
With artists' studios nearby,
we were able to joyfully witness their creative offerings.

Beautiful gardens surround the village,
and entice one to linger.

The final stop on our Asheville tour
was the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center.

This gorgeous LEED-Certified building houses special events,
visitor information, a theatre, and a retail shop. 

You can find displays describing the history of the Parkway's construction,
as well as artifacts from the project.
What a fantastic homeschooling field trip!

We found a vista not too far away.

The Parkway itself is another day trip we hope to take,

maybe closer to fall, when leaves are turning.

There is so much more to see in Asheville,
so we know we'll return.

Where'd you go on your last day trip?

The Maple Hill Hop 134

Welcome to 

The Maple Hill Hop.

This is a hop for folks who love the outdoors.

Feel free to post about anything that's going on

OUTSIDE

in your neck of the woods,
no matter the season.

(Please share only outdoor posts.)

*Grab the button above to link back to Maple Hill 101.*

I had asked Faye & Lynn if we could have the nest 

that had recently been vacated by their pair of visiting Carolina Wrens 

so that C and I could study them.

He's really taken to bird watching this year.

On Sunday, awaiting me at Farm School,

was this collection of fantastic birds' nests.

It felt like my birthday and Christmas all rolled into one!

top

Each creation was a masterpiece!

bottom

We plan to dissect them to find out what materials were used

and research which breed of birds may have been the owners.

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bottom

Some of the components were obvious,

like this Spanish Moss, which can be found abundantly here in Central Florida.

We look forward to learning more

about these amazing creatures.

We plan to use this website and others in our studies.

This type of learning is truly what unschooling is all about.

Natural learning at its best.

This pie-wedge shaped nest,

constructed by a male Carolina Wren,

was the catalyst for our studies.

It is like a delicate souffle,

with layers of dried leaves, paper and assorted found treasures.

Here's where the family called home.

These birds return every spring to this spot
on the inside of their garage door,

to raise their young and keep Faye & Lynn company.

What a marvel!

That's what's going on around here.
What's happening outside where you are?
HOP to it!   

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Thrifty Thursday-Lemon Aid

Lemons are one of our favorite things to get from The Hill.

They are pesticide-free and so delicious.

That's not always true of what is found at the grocery store.
With the season being just about over,
we thought we'd share some ideas about
this amazing and versatile fruit.

When we get a bag full of lemons from the farm,

we bring them home and scrub 'em up good.

We have found so many uses for lemons.

Aside from using it for creating yummy things to eat and drink,

they can be used to clean anything from cutting boards to rust stains on clothes.

We've even used them in homeschooling science experiments.

Those with the best-looking skins get zested,

jarred, and the containers are placed in the freezer.

It lasts well over 6  months this way,

but it doesn't usually stick around that long!

We use zest on chicken, fish, and in muffins and sweet breads.

Of course, the juice is squeezed using an old-fashioned metal reamer.
We bottle it and keep it in the freezer until needed.
Lately, I've been using it to add to my water kefir.
It adds a brightness to most any dish.
If you have a garbage disposal, 
grinding the skins up keeps the kitchen smelling fresh.
Naturally, any remnants from your stash of lemons can be composted as well. 



Making the most of what you have is one of the cornerstones of homesteading.
We so appreciate being able to have pesticide-free citrus,
and we don't want to waste a bit of it.

Here are a couple of ways we use Meyer lemons.

Honey lemonade
Watermelon lemonade