Nature Immersion at Eco Cove
Imagine, for a moment, an orchestra of crickets and cicadas playing a melody, with a bubbling creek and bullfrogs setting the base tempo in your evening lullaby. The sun sets over the meadow. Lightening bugs flicker in joyous rapture and stars twinkle overhead announcing the arrival of your most perfect mid-summer night’s dream. The dream can be your reality. Eco Cove welcomes you to the beauty of unspoiled nature on a secluded 117 acre wild life sanctuary in the mountains of Western North Carolina.
No matter what season you choose, you will be rewarded with an array of splendor unequaled by any other place. I know. I have lived in California, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and have visited 26 states and 29 countries. When we moved to North Carolina, I discovered the top of my list for unsurpassed beauty and diversity.
Springtime at Eco Cove begins with a carpet of purple and yellow crocuses and white snowdrops, followed by daffodils in shades of yellow, orange, pink and white. Spring peepers announce the growing daylight. May apples and wild geranium edge the curving road; overhead pink and white dogwoods burst into bloom. Then the iris appear—bearded in magnificent radiance of purples, brown, gold, yellow, pink, white and every color imaginable. Masses of yellow and purple water iris follow in giddy array in our acre pond. Azaleas bloom on its island, complimented by the wild North Carolina Pink azalea onshore. Miniature wild iris covers our forest paths, surrounded by umbrella magnolia and mountain laurel laboring under wreathes of pink and white blossoms. Wild roses and honeysuckle fill the night with such a divine, succulent scent, you can’t help but believe you have made it to heaven. Wild Shasta daisies dot the meadows. Primrose, bleeding heart, asters, heliotrope, tulips, lavender, roses, dianthus, peony and forsythia add their riot of color to the garden; the flowers are too numerous to name them all. Raccoons skirt the two small ponds, looking for crawdads breaking the surface. Bunnies freeze as you approach, ears held high and big brown eyes still as they stand at attention. They are fearless, having had free reign for so many years.
Outside of the cove, the festivals begin in earnest, and our area has one practically every weekend. Pioneer Day, Shindig on the Green, River District Studio Stroll, Black Mountain Arts & Craft Festival, Blue Ridge Barbecue & Music Festival, and Lake Eden are the spring lead ins to the world famous, largest street festival, Bele Chere (which means beautiful living). July will be the 30th anniversary of this free festival. The Sourwood Festival and Greek Festival follow close behind.
Lightening bugs and bullfrogs bring summer into the cove. In our mountains, a narrow valley is called a cove. We are adjacent to the Pisgah National Forest and have no neighbors; we own a bowl-shaped cove that ranges from ridge to ridge, and backs up to the national park. Eco Cove House (see our website: www.ecocove-rental.com—which has many more nature articles under the tab “eco-musings”) is adjacent the forest, alongside a creek, and surrounded by gardens. As you drive onto our property, (only ½ mile from 70 Highway on a state-maintained road) you climb a short incline and round a bend. The breath-taking view is of the pond, which reflects Hoover Mountain. A canoe waits at the dock, beckoning you to paddle around the island to spot the Koi that swim amongst the water lilies, water iris, and pickerel. At the shoreline, a seating area offers additional meditative relaxation. A floating swim platform is a short splash from the dock, and inner tubes are available. Overlooking this beautiful interlude is a 32x24 foot pavilion equipped with electricity and multiple chairs, tables, and a large gas grill. Many hours are spent here enjoying outdoor living. Blackberries grow along the shoreline and are fun picking! Masses of hibiscus, daylilies, gladiolas, lilies, zinnias, bee balm, and hydrangea form rainbows of color all summer long. Turkeys and grouse have been known to break cover along the path as you walk back to Eco Cove house from the pond. Nearby, Lake James offers additional water sports and a state park for picnics, swimming, and fishing. Licenses are required.
In fall, the trees reign supreme. Vermillion, gold, and burnt orange—the fall colors are spectacular in Western North Carolina. Walk in our forest and be the only human seeing the tapestry of color weaving overhead! Orange sugar maples and blood-red sourwoods are highlighted by canopies of deep green rhododendron and evergreens. Sit a spell in the rockers, or swing on the full-length front porch while you listen to the birds and creek croon and you enjoy the seclusion of your own private space. The quiet of Eco Cove is the most calming meditation you can ever experience. In the evening, fire-up the gas-logs in the stone fireplace. Listen to music. The four person spa awaits you, for further relaxation. If you prefer, watch satellite TV or movies on the DVD or video. Right down the road, ten minutes away in Old Fort, Friday nights are country music jam sessions for added local color. Fall is also my favorite time to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or go to see the bears, otters and cougars at Grandfather Mountain. The mile-high bridge is not to be missed.
Winter turns the Blue Ridge purple, and mist floats over the pond in will o’ wisps reminiscent of olden times. Barren branches offer dark contrast against the sky, while deer roam the forest looking for moss and lichen to sustain them. Frost covers the meadow and forms crystal sheaths upon the taller grasses, sparkling in the early morning light. When snow falls, it is magical. Having grown up in Southern California, I had never experienced season changes and snow. But, boy, have I enjoyed this winter wonderland that surrounds Eco Cove when the snow decides to fall! When the snow comes at Christmas, and pine trees are for sale and holly free for the picking, every Christmas becomes an old fashioned celebration. Nearby are ski lifts and cross country skiing, tubing, and winter sports of every kind. Biltmore House at Christmas time is a wonderland of decorated trees (gigantic ones covered with presents), dulcimer and harp music, and amaryllis and poinsettias. The beauty of each season is what makes my life complete. I love winter for its reflective nature, for its starker beauty, for its promise of cocooning, warmth, and the enjoyment of being introspective—knowing that spring, my very favorite, is just around the corner. In Eco Cove, I can have it all.
ECO COVE HOUSE
© Gabrielle M. Thompson
6/1/2008
NCTOURISTGUIDE.com
No matter what season you choose, you will be rewarded with an array of splendor unequaled by any other place. I know. I have lived in California, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and have visited 26 states and 29 countries. When we moved to North Carolina, I discovered the top of my list for unsurpassed beauty and diversity.
Springtime at Eco Cove begins with a carpet of purple and yellow crocuses and white snowdrops, followed by daffodils in shades of yellow, orange, pink and white. Spring peepers announce the growing daylight. May apples and wild geranium edge the curving road; overhead pink and white dogwoods burst into bloom. Then the iris appear—bearded in magnificent radiance of purples, brown, gold, yellow, pink, white and every color imaginable. Masses of yellow and purple water iris follow in giddy array in our acre pond. Azaleas bloom on its island, complimented by the wild North Carolina Pink azalea onshore. Miniature wild iris covers our forest paths, surrounded by umbrella magnolia and mountain laurel laboring under wreathes of pink and white blossoms. Wild roses and honeysuckle fill the night with such a divine, succulent scent, you can’t help but believe you have made it to heaven. Wild Shasta daisies dot the meadows. Primrose, bleeding heart, asters, heliotrope, tulips, lavender, roses, dianthus, peony and forsythia add their riot of color to the garden; the flowers are too numerous to name them all. Raccoons skirt the two small ponds, looking for crawdads breaking the surface. Bunnies freeze as you approach, ears held high and big brown eyes still as they stand at attention. They are fearless, having had free reign for so many years.
Outside of the cove, the festivals begin in earnest, and our area has one practically every weekend. Pioneer Day, Shindig on the Green, River District Studio Stroll, Black Mountain Arts & Craft Festival, Blue Ridge Barbecue & Music Festival, and Lake Eden are the spring lead ins to the world famous, largest street festival, Bele Chere (which means beautiful living). July will be the 30th anniversary of this free festival. The Sourwood Festival and Greek Festival follow close behind.
Lightening bugs and bullfrogs bring summer into the cove. In our mountains, a narrow valley is called a cove. We are adjacent to the Pisgah National Forest and have no neighbors; we own a bowl-shaped cove that ranges from ridge to ridge, and backs up to the national park. Eco Cove House (see our website: www.ecocove-rental.com—which has many more nature articles under the tab “eco-musings”) is adjacent the forest, alongside a creek, and surrounded by gardens. As you drive onto our property, (only ½ mile from 70 Highway on a state-maintained road) you climb a short incline and round a bend. The breath-taking view is of the pond, which reflects Hoover Mountain. A canoe waits at the dock, beckoning you to paddle around the island to spot the Koi that swim amongst the water lilies, water iris, and pickerel. At the shoreline, a seating area offers additional meditative relaxation. A floating swim platform is a short splash from the dock, and inner tubes are available. Overlooking this beautiful interlude is a 32x24 foot pavilion equipped with electricity and multiple chairs, tables, and a large gas grill. Many hours are spent here enjoying outdoor living. Blackberries grow along the shoreline and are fun picking! Masses of hibiscus, daylilies, gladiolas, lilies, zinnias, bee balm, and hydrangea form rainbows of color all summer long. Turkeys and grouse have been known to break cover along the path as you walk back to Eco Cove house from the pond. Nearby, Lake James offers additional water sports and a state park for picnics, swimming, and fishing. Licenses are required.
In fall, the trees reign supreme. Vermillion, gold, and burnt orange—the fall colors are spectacular in Western North Carolina. Walk in our forest and be the only human seeing the tapestry of color weaving overhead! Orange sugar maples and blood-red sourwoods are highlighted by canopies of deep green rhododendron and evergreens. Sit a spell in the rockers, or swing on the full-length front porch while you listen to the birds and creek croon and you enjoy the seclusion of your own private space. The quiet of Eco Cove is the most calming meditation you can ever experience. In the evening, fire-up the gas-logs in the stone fireplace. Listen to music. The four person spa awaits you, for further relaxation. If you prefer, watch satellite TV or movies on the DVD or video. Right down the road, ten minutes away in Old Fort, Friday nights are country music jam sessions for added local color. Fall is also my favorite time to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or go to see the bears, otters and cougars at Grandfather Mountain. The mile-high bridge is not to be missed.
Winter turns the Blue Ridge purple, and mist floats over the pond in will o’ wisps reminiscent of olden times. Barren branches offer dark contrast against the sky, while deer roam the forest looking for moss and lichen to sustain them. Frost covers the meadow and forms crystal sheaths upon the taller grasses, sparkling in the early morning light. When snow falls, it is magical. Having grown up in Southern California, I had never experienced season changes and snow. But, boy, have I enjoyed this winter wonderland that surrounds Eco Cove when the snow decides to fall! When the snow comes at Christmas, and pine trees are for sale and holly free for the picking, every Christmas becomes an old fashioned celebration. Nearby are ski lifts and cross country skiing, tubing, and winter sports of every kind. Biltmore House at Christmas time is a wonderland of decorated trees (gigantic ones covered with presents), dulcimer and harp music, and amaryllis and poinsettias. The beauty of each season is what makes my life complete. I love winter for its reflective nature, for its starker beauty, for its promise of cocooning, warmth, and the enjoyment of being introspective—knowing that spring, my very favorite, is just around the corner. In Eco Cove, I can have it all.
ECO COVE HOUSE
© Gabrielle M. Thompson
6/1/2008
NCTOURISTGUIDE.com
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