SEASONS

Spring

The weather warms up as the days grow longer. There’s a new freshness in the air as budding branches burst into flower and trees and shrubs sprout lush green leaves.  Colorful wildflowers reappear and flame azaleas, dogwoods, magnolias, and Indian paintbrush help paint a visual feast. It’s time to breathe in the crisp air, hit the hiking and bicycling trails and hoist the “gone fishing” sign.

Winter

Mild winters marked by invigorating clear air see temperatures ranging from a crisp 10^o F warming up to 50^o F under oft-sunny skies. On average, it snows about twice a year to a depth of less than two inches but snow skiing is on the activity list ski slopes covered in (machine-made) white powdery stuff are a scenic drive away.

Summer

Warm sunshine and cooling breezes make summer weather a delight. In the mountains, the average temperatures range from a balmy 75o F to a refreshing 50o F; the valleys are about five degrees warmer. Towering live oaks and other trees offer welcome shade, the better to view the sparkling lakes and meandering streams or tread softly through fields carpeted with summer flowers. The water calls for lazy days kayaking, boating and swimming, or for ultimate relaxation, just hanging out at home, cool Faalllldrink in hand, on your terrace with a million-dollar view.

Fall

A chill in the air mixes with a woodsy fragrance to herald the Sightseeing is a must: The renowned John C. Campbell Folk arrival of autumn. For several weeks from early October the School located on 380 acres in Cherokee County is a craft leaves change colors in a spectacular display of red, and folk arts center featuring classes, performances and orange, yellow and bronze shades. other attractions. There’s an endless array of day-trips to Apple trees are loaded with nearby Asheville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Cades Cove, ripe juicy fruit from the end Joyce Kilmer Forest, Cherohala Skyway, Chimney Rock and of August through October dozens of small towns and back roads throughout Western and you can buy them by North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. • the bushel direct from the orchard or local farmers’ market. The weather is ideal for outdoor pursuits from rounds of golf to fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring.