2009 Biltmore Christmas

This year’s Christmas Theme: A Gilded Age Christmas
Guests can take a step back in time when they visit Biltmore House for the 2009 Candlelight Christmas Evening season. Guests will experience an array of activities and that Mr. Vanderbilt offered to his own family and friends. Guests enjoy a self-guided walking visit that takes them through four floors and the basement. The self-guided visit requires the ability to maneuver approximately 400 stairs throughout the visit. An elevator is available for access between the first and second floors of the House (wheelchair accessible), but the third and fourth floors and basement will require maneuvering approximately 60 stairs (30 up and 30 down) per floor.
November 6, 2009 – January 2, 2010
Entry times vary and may begin as early as 5:30pm
Candlelight Christmas Evening not available on the following dates: Tuesday, November 24; Thursday, November 26;
Thursday, December 24; Friday, December 25

Tapas

Just in from Connecticut....thanks to guest Jamie Delaney
"i myself am into tapas lately....
look for pedrone peppers, which i found at whole foods...
toss in olive oil and sea salt and throw into a super hot skillet...
sear on all sides....eat when they slightly cool down...
(the spanish edamame!)

also pit large dates...stuff with a piece of manchego or parmesan cheese...wrap in 1/3 slice of bacon...put toothpick thru....450 oven...5 minutes on one side 4 on the other....let slightly cool then eat!!!!!"

Ponder Cove Newsletter

Don't miss our latest newsletter...tons of good news..Kay Jackson Rocks Mars Hill....Great Dogs visit Ponder Cove...wedding Bells ring. All the news fit to print.
http://www.ymlp31.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?pondercove+1080

Buck and I Need YOUR Help.

Winter comes and I get fidgety....Two years ago I joined three friends on their cruise uninvited. Last year on the spur of the moment I found myself in Marseilles and then off to Israel . So, I decided this year to think ahead and plan an adventure. Buck and I are hitting the road. But there is more! WE WANT TO BE ROVING REPORTERS COVERING DOG TRAVEL. We are going to have too much fun and we don't want you to miss out on all of our shenanigans. We want YOU to help us design our trip. So, can you give us all your suggestions for dog friendly restaurants, hotels, motels, dog parks, beaches, good cities, bad cities and heh...line us up for a play date (Buck will be ready after he completes charm school).

My first idea was to make a loop Asheville, Charlotte, Charleston, Savannah, Pensacola, Gulfport, New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville and home. No, I am not closing down to do this. I will wait for an opening in the calendar when you guys are busy at home and I will take off for a city or two or more…whatever time allows.

So, get crackin' and send those cards, letters,tweets and e-mails. Buck would prefer you send your suggestions directly to him at buck@pondercove.com.

I can hear Willie singing now..."On the road again".

Asheville Bound

On the way into town to see a friend and grab a bite at Tomato Jam...the best little lunch place around...all farm to table...scrumptious bites. I like the black bean burgers. YUMMO!

Napa Style

Have to give credit to Michael Chiorello. This is one of my favorites http://www.napastyle.com/recipe/recipe.jsp?productId=2346. Fixed it along side my tomato, watermelon, red onion, basil salad (dress with a good balsamic vinegar) and a spatchcock chicken. More than YUMMO. Fun sharing good food with friends. Nice night on the porch in beautiful downtown Ponder Cove. Come see us. m

Cheddar Apple Sausage Strata

YUMMO SUCCESS, this was inspired by my very favorite brunch item 25 years ago in Manhattan when I was young and sipping mimosas on Sundays. It came in the form of an omelette. It always reminded me of my Dad who melted Cheddar cheese over his apple pie. So, this comes as a combination of both. I will fondly call it......

HENRY'S BREAKFAST SURPRISE.

Slice and peel 2 apples
Cut 6 croissants in half
10 eggs
2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar
3/4 lb turkey sausage cooked

Place bottom half of a croissant in each of 6 ramekins
Divide ingredients and place equal amounts of sausage,apple and cheese in each
Put top half of croissant on top
Make custard and divide among 6 ramekins soaking even the tops of the croissants
Spray a sheet of aluminum foil and place loosely on top
Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

I served with a bit of apple pie filling on the side.

FRIDAY NIGHT SPECIAL NOT TO BE MISSED

This is one of most fun of "THE SUMMER" happenings in Asheville kicking off each weekend.

The Asheville Drum Circle is a regular event on Friday nights at Pritchard Park in downtown. The event usually includes dozens of drummers and hundreds of spectators. It's more fun than you can imagine and sets a great backdrop to Asheville's funky vibe. Enjoy and then walk the funky streets and grab a dang good meal while in Asheville at one of many fab dining spots.

Asheville Goes Funky

Bring home Asheville’s quirky and fun art scene with these two great upcoming bazaars:

The Bizarre Bazaar kicks off on Saturday, May 23, at Lexington Park Courtyard. (The spot is located between North Lexington Ave and Carolina Lane at the gated entrance next to Virtue.) Shop from over 20 local artists, crafters and designers from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rock out to music from local band Now You See Them, and munch on crepes and French fries from Bouchon. Can’t make it this weekend? Don’t stress, the Bizarre Bazaar is held the first and third Saturday through October 17.

Asheville’s Vintage Bazaar is on Saturday, May 30 at The Body at 66 Asheland Ave. The fun lasts from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Local vendors are selling vintage clothing and accessories, artwork, jewelry, an assortment of children’s wares and of other stylish stuff.

DOG HEALTH

If you can't give your pooch a vacation at Ponder Cove....maybe a nice massage will hold them over. Check out our Raquel Wynn's latest TV appearance.
http://www.wgntv.com/landing_middaynews/?428-Book-Stretch-Your-Dog-Healthy=1&blockID=276731&feedID=2412

BUCK MAKES THREE

Meet Jules and Tracye, 2 of our favorite guests. Papa Trevor was loading up the car when I snapped this picture. Tracye and Trevor were two of our first guests and luckily they come back each year. Ms. Jules made her debut at Ponder Cove last year and here she is back for a return engagement much to Buck's delight.

TOP 10 HIKES

1. Gorges State Park: New parking and trails open in May for much better access to rugged river gorges. Hike along the Horsepasture River to see several waterfalls, including Rainbow Falls.
2. Mt. Mitchell: After enjoying the 360-degree vistas from the new observation deck atop the highest peak east of the Rockies, head to the Deep Gap Trail and hike over four more peaks over 6,000 feet.
3. Craggy Gardens: The Blue Ridge Parkway reopens here in May after more than a year of repairs. The Craggy Gardens Trail takes you across a rhododendron bald, and a 1.5-mile roundtrip hike to Craggy Pinnacle offers breathtaking panoramic views.
4. Point Lookout Trail: This new 3.6-mile paved greenway climbs 900 feet in elevation in the Pisgah National Forest. Bike or hike from Old Fort and enjoy great views along the way.
5. Dupont State Forest: The best waterfall hike is a three mile trail to three waterfalls, including the impressive 150-foot High Falls with great places for wading, swimming and waterside picnics.
6. Max Patch: Hike the loop around the summit or continue further on the Appalachian Trail to enjoy breathtaking views from this bald mountaintop.
7. Cold Mountain: This famous mountain offers a strenuous 10.6-mile roundtrip hike to its summit through the wilderness area of the Pisgah National Forest. The hike includes a 2,800 foot altitude gain to the 6,030-foot peak.
8. Graveyard Fields: This highland hike features beautiful views in a mile-high valley filled with wildflowers and surrounded by 6,000-foot peaks. With an easy four mile hike, you see two nice waterfalls.
9. Black Balsam Knob: Hike across more spectacular mountain balds. These treeless mountaintops in the Pisgah National Forest offer sweeping views and alpine-like appearance. Hike three miles without dropping back into the trees.
10. Urban Trail: If you are looking for an urban hike, walk the 1.7-mile journey that showcases the art and history of Asheville, with 30 downtown stops, each with public sculpture.

Easter Morn

Driving on a bright sunny day
I soaked up my Carolina,
Viewing hillsides of Fresh spring green
and a sky so blue not interrupted by a single cloud

little shacks pasted against the hillsides
with satellites dwarfing their size even more
Low slung valleys with homes sunk so deep
I could shiver from the imagined chill

Hot Springs in view
the local diner seemed to call
5.99 Senior Special, chicken livers, pintos and fried okra
Easter dinner complete and on the road again

Our destination came into view
A bald on the Appalachian trail
Max Patch they call it
Seems Julie Andrews was right, the hills are alive

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

The sun is shining and all is well at the Cove. We hibernated more than enough and are thrilled to see our guests coming again. Our wedding season has started and what a way to kick it off. We loved having Bethanie and Aaron saying their "I Do's" at Ponder Cove just last week. Congratulations and come back real soon. Hugs,m

RAQUEL WYNN ROCKS!

just a reminder -

tune into Rachael's show "wynn with dogs" on www.petliferadio.com and learn how to win with dogs!

spread the word!

DOGS ARE AMAZING

Everyone must go to this video. It is one of the most courageous acts I have ever witnessed.......DOG SAVES DOG FROM FREEWAY!

First Fridays at Grove Arcade

Asheville's Groove Arcade plans to combat the Winter Blues with Motown Music, Great Food and Drinks

The first Friday event will feature music, food and drinks that will transport you to Coney Island and take you back in time. First Friday will debut on Friday, February 6, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. with additional events taking place on March 6 and April 3.

In February, First Friday will feature Motown music from Steve Davidowski & Friends, wine and beer from Santé, cherry cokes and root beer floats from Red Bike, chili dogs from Cats and Dawgs, frozen treats from Kamm’s Custard, Coney Island Iced Teas from Carmel’s, pizza from True Confections and much more. It’s going to be a real party. So grab your friends and head downtown to boogie the winter blues away!

FREE CALENDAR FOR YOU

Enjoy this little tool as a gift from Ponder Cove. I hope you take advantage of this on-line calendar. I have used this for years and just love it. It's an easy download, doesn't take much space and can be forwarded to all of your family and friends. If you missed it go to www.dtesusa.com/pondercovedogs for the Dog Contest winner calendar and celebrate all of these cutie patooties.

Then there is our gorgeous nature calendar featuring Gary's photos that I have reissued......

Just in from our frequent guest Christine. Just in time for your e-mailing card list. Save a stamp and give your friends a big dog lick instead....http://www.sloppykisscards.com/ecards.php.
HO HO HO....martha and critters

DESIGN GALLERY in BURNSVILLE

There is no better place than the Design Gallery for your Holiday Shopping. Wendy Reid has brought a flare of sophistication to the mountains featuring the best of craft, a kitchen corner that waaaay outdoes Williams and Sonoma and then there is her infamous Knitting Nook featuring lessons and all of the latest in yarns. Sitting pretty in downtown Burnsville which is one of our favorite small towns within close proximity to Ponder Cove.

Also note this new film I just picked up from the Yancey County Chamber of Commerce. It will cool your blood pressure and just let you feel the wonder of our mountains.

Come see us...and the Design Gallery.

LET IT SNOW

Gorgeous, or what???? We went out and would you believe it stopped a mile down the road. We went on to Asheville and enjoyed a sunny afternoon and came home to 5 inches. So, we have our own little private winter wonderland.