Dreamy Mountain Escape – Black Mountain, North Carolina

Like just about everyone else in the world, I have been self-isolating in my home in Whispering Pines, North Carolina for over two months now since returning prematurely from Madagascar at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. It has been a whirlwind of a self-isolation period, as my life has undergone several big changes. Among many big things, I have sold my home and am moving this month. I have also left my beloved job at Duke University for a new position at Harvard University. So many big changes, so many emotions. With that – I decided that it was safe and a good idea for my mental health to rent an Airbnb for the weekend in the mountains of North Carolina with my two dogs, to escape. It’s funny – when I decided on “A Blonde Escapes”, the name lent itself a more optimistic, whimsical, and light undertone – lately, however, ‘escape’ has been exactly as it sounds … desperate.

Anyway – enough of the negativity! I decided what I needed most was a quick and safe getaway with my pups. To spend some time connecting with nature and outside of my own home. I chose this past weekend because it was in between leaving one job and starting another – it also felt far enough away from my move out date that I wouldn’t feel “guilty” about not spending the weekend packing or preparing. After posting about my little weekend escape on Instagram and Facebook, I received a great deal of interest in the Airbnb link. I also learned that I am far from the only one trying to plan a little escape – so I hope this post serves as a helpful tool, and encourages you to spend a couple of days reconnecting with yourself and resetting.

Asheville, North Carolina is one of my favorite East Coast, USA destinations. I have visited the area over half a dozen times since living in North Carolina, and have stayed all around the Asheville area. I recently wrote a blog post WEEKEND GETAWAY TO PILOT COVE CABINS – PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST where I stayed in Brevard, just south of Asheville. I have also stayed right on the Biltmore Estate property!

Black Mountain, however, is just east of Asheville, and is home to some of the most incredible hiking trails. That was my destination this time, and even in the midst of a global pandemic, I had a wonderful getaway.

First thing’s first – y’all want that Airbnb link!

I sent it over direct message to countless friends and readers, but here it is – the Hilltop Haven Cabin.

They also have an Instagram page – I recommend you follow, and if you stay there – be sure to tag them in your stories and photos so they can see!

Features Worth Highlighting

Aside from location – this cabin rental had everything you could want in a mountain getaway home – here are a few major highlights:

• Large hot tub and grill on spacious back deck
• Three stories – upper level is a large loft style bedroom (3 bedrooms, 1 on each floor = plenty of privacy)
• Pool table – with bar, darts, and adorable accents (like gumball machine, yes … I used it … twice)
• Movie theater room – with fancy (and massive) bean bags from Big Joe
• Bunk bed room – kiddos in tow? This room is even bigger than it appears in photos, 4 large bunk beds!
• Access to outside (for pets) from both the from door, and the back door on bottom floor by pool table, this was so very convenient!
• Fully stocked kitchen – I cooked a ton while I was there, and the kitchen had absolutely everything I needed, with the most adorable serveware
• Fireplace – I am a sucker for a cozy rug and fireplace, and while I didn’t use it this trip (summer weather here in NC) this would be so wonderful during our colder winter months
• Privacy – it might be hard to tell in photos, but the neighborhood this cabin is, is completely precious – very upscale with little walking trails throughout and a plethora of restaurants at the entrance to the neighborhood. Most importantly, however, is that this cabin is totally offset from the road, in fact there is a lengthy private driveway to the cabin. I loved how quiet and comfortable this space was!

Food

While the Airbnb came with a fully stocked kitchen, I couldn’t help myself from trying a couple of local restaurants around dinner time. The owners were kind enough to leave a gift certificate for one of their favorite wood-fire pizza places – My Father’s Pizza & Pasta. It was FANTASTIC and I would highly recommend! They also left several local craft beers, such a treat!

On night two I ordered takeout from the sushi restaurant down the road, Sake Sushi. I was not impressed and while I want to chalk it up to it being their first night open in awhile due to the pandemic, I personally wouldn’t recommend it based on my experience.

Hiking

Hiking in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic seemed nearly impossible once I arrived to Black Mountain and saw on All Trails just how few trails were open. I even drove to a trail that appeared to be open, and there was a sign that only local residents were allowed to use it right now. I struck out over and over again, but alas! While driving in search of a different trail head, I literally happened upon this one. Lucky for me (and my dogs) it was a GOOD ONE!

Essentially, I drove until I came across a plethora of vehicles on the side of the road, a clear indicator of a hiking trail nearby. I pulled over and saw that there was a closed off roadway that goes through Pisgah National Forest, and a handful of people hiking (mostly mountain bikers). I use the word ‘trail’ loosely – this is a barricaded roadway that no longer functions as a roadway. Let me just tell you straight away that this is 8 miles down and back (or up and back, depending on which end you park on). Seeing as I had no idea what I had stumbled upon, I just started walking down, only to realize it was 4 miles STRAIGHT DOWN the mountain, which meant 4 miles STRAIGHT UP after. It was a stellar workout, with beautiful views and greenery! I do recommend starting at the bottom, however; it’s always nice to do the uphill climb on the first half!

The trail is called Pisgah Point Lookout Trail, and trail information is found on All Trails.

Booking

Understandably, I have received countless messages already requesting the Airbnb link for the Hilltop Haven Cabin in Black Mountain – it seems we are all looking for a little escape these days!

Feel free to let the wonderful owners know that Carissa from A Blonde Escapes sent you – not necessary but I’m sure they would love to hear how you were referred! Enjoy your stay, and as always, circle back around and tell me how awesome it was for you!