we've camped all around the southern side of asheville over the course of many yrs. it all depends on what you're looking for. there are lots of waterfalls on the southern side of 40, in the pisgah forest region. dupont forest is a must see if you are anywhere close. a lot of the last of the mohicans was filed there and it's full of great hiking trails. there are 5 stunning waterfalls within a reasonably easy half hour walk. http://dupontforest.com/ you can't camp there. if you do visit that area, be sure to see 'pretty place'- just ask directions once there; it's 5 mins from dupont. it's an open air chapel at the tip top of a mtn, right along a cliff. made of stone and wood, with 180 degree views. stunning. but, a campground just a few mins from dupont is http://www.blackforestcampground.com/ . has a bunch of stuff & is quiet. the owner is a bit bossy for my taste but fairly easy to avoid. because of her, the place is very well kept. it has lots of activities- a pool, playground, rec hall & more. plus the best pancake breakfasts to be found. we stayed at a place on the eastern side of asheville along 40 that was nice and close to a lot, near black mountain. right on a small mountain creek. more rustic than some of the others. the link is: http://www.campingnc.com/campground/ another old favorite is http://www.kiz.com/campnet/html/zp/nc/0738/0738pics.htm. they have tame huge trout in their stream that they feed each day, and a neat stone pagoda/fireplace gathering area. mostly rv'ers & older folks, though we didn't feel unwelcome with kids. there's a playground. a place we stayed many yrs ago near brevard that was quaint and quiet with lots of rec opps right there is: http://www.cascadelakerecreationarea.com/ last but not least, our very favorite campground is a place called earthbound lodging in canton, about 45 mins west of asheville. 5 mins from the parkway- and a very good area to do bike riding. right on a creek where you can tube. wonderful people who own & run the place. can't recommend it highly enough. http://www.earthboundlodging.com/amenities.htm if you are on the parkways and pass mt. pisgah inn, stop for the view and wonderful restaurant. that's how we end our camping trip each yr- we spend 1 night there. the food is very reasonable, tastes great, they get all types in there, and it's got a whole wall of glass with 180 degree views from anywhere in the restaurant. there is a campground across the rd, but we've never stayed there, so i can't tell you how good or bad it is. wherever you go, have fun!! tammy

WOW! This was a never ending box of goodies! Michael sent the following in his box:..ahem... a 7 piece vanilla home fragrance set "sniffing" an adorable red rooster windchime (getting ready to hang that bugger up) eco friendly shopping bag (I've been meaning to get one of these) fragrant flower garden seed mix..it has 11 different flowers and covers 100 ft..(I know just where this will go!) scatter and grow wildflower garden seeds (this will go great right over there "pointing") silver metal flower planter (good for herbs) flowered plant pot PINK: garden shears, claw, hand shovel, kneeler, hose sprayer and flower pot (now I can feel girly even when I'm filthy!) pretty smelling hand lotion "paint your own knome"..this is the cutest thing and I've never seen one before! little knome with shovel (he'll go in my fairy garden) magnatic weekly wipe off garden calendar (this is going to be really handy) my garden journel (this will make it easier to keep track of what I'm doing) small metal watering pitcher (good for those hard to reach places) sun stake with matching metal fencing ( I have the perfect place for it) plant markers (do we ever have enough of these???) flexible garden ties (I can use these for the tomatoes) magnetic refrig list (I'm always writing on these!) well, Michael, I think you outdid yourself! I'm extremely happy with my box....and now it's your turn..."rubbing hands together"...

Finally got my box out today, or should I give my hubby credit as he actually posted it for me today. Things are crazy as my oldest is getting married this Saturday and I volunteered to do a few projects here at home to help out. Why, why, why????? I made cookies for the cookie table and chocolate covered pretzels for the candy table, (a tradition in the area where they are getting married). Then I agreed to make little paper flowers that glue around the top of a toothpick to fancy them up. Again, why, why, why?????? The toothpicks still need to be finished and then a ton of ironing, and then the packing, and then the gardens need to have a little tlc. All before we leave Thursday morning. My husband and I did treat outselves to some dance lessons so we could be prepared. I have never really cared to dance and part of it was we really didn't know what to do on the dance floor. Can't say as we do now but at least we can fake it. Here is the DC for the box 03080660000088961649. Of course, it got hot the past few days and I wish I had gotten it mailed sooner. I am hoping for the best for the plants I sent. I did send extra so the chances would be better. Hope Amy likes it all.

Hi everyone, I am in Columbus, Ohio dogsitting and housesitting for my son and new daughter in law. They are in Belize on their honeymoon. Fortunately, my box arrived on Wednesday before I left and I was able to pop all the plants in the ground before I left. My hubby is making sure they get watered although severe storms have been hitting there and here for the last two days. Carol included a list of the items she put in here fantastic box and I thought I threw it in my purse on the way outside the door. I now can't find it. I will wait to post everything til I can make sure I don't forget something. Thank you Carol for the great box and I am sorry I have not informed you it had arrived. The kids left here in such a hurry, I have been busy cleaning and of course, shopping. We don't have much access to many shopping places in Bowling Green where I live. Can't pass up a good sale. :) I will be stopping at a greenhouse on my way home tomorrow. I noticed coming here that plants are 1/2 off. I am sure the two teenagers in the car won't be happy but they know they have no choice. Will post the list of goodies when I get home.