Since “social distancing” entered our everyday lexicon in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, finding ways to hang out with small groups of friends in a safe setting has required new, creative outlets. The warmth of Asheville’s summer lent itself to outdoor, spaced and small gatherings (widely accepted to be the best way to see friends and family without spreading the coronavirus). As the chill of fall in Western North Carolina sets in, continuing outdoor meet-ups and hang-outs is still possible. Here are some ideas for fall fun with family and friends while still social distancing.

Fired up – Patio firepits offer an ideal focal point for small outdoor get-togethers. Besides providing warmth, they can do double-duty as a cooking source: Think s’mores on a stick or roasted hotdogs or kabobs on a skewer. Once the fire dies down and you’re left with hot coals, you can treat everyone to a campfire-foil “meal” (chopped veggies and a protein combined in a single-serve packet, placed in the coals – never the fire); this can also work on a grill, and eliminates the need for clean-up or shared serving dishes.

Hot spot – When the temperatures drop, turn your backyard into a cozy outdoor “living room.” Heated blankets and portable space heaters can keep your guests toasty while you socialize under the stars. Or shift hang-outs to the afternoon, while the sun is out and has had a chance to warm things up. 

Garage bond – If you have a spacious garage, roll up the doors, move out the cars and set up some spaced-apart seating for a socializing spot that’s protected from the elements. Also consider carports, covered patios and screened-in decks for small gatherings that can stay safely outdoors.

Heightened activity – Even though hiking in the mountains is often associated with warm weather, the activity can be enjoyed year-round. Bundle up and meet friends on the trails for a fun way to socialize and get in some blood-pumping exercise. While the Blue Ridge Parkway closes in the colder months, there are still plenty of spots in Western N.C. to hike year-round. Pack a thermos of hot chocolate or savory soup to warm up while you take in the splendor of iced-over foliage, crisp long-range views, and clean, invigorating air. Bonus: Hiking hotspots tend to thin out during the colder, less-busy seasons, which means locals can take advantage of the open spaces to social distance while still enjoying the company of friends.

Happy trails – Asheville is replete with in-town greenways and trails, which means you can enjoy a social stroll or bike ride almost anytime. Take a group mountain bike ride (which naturally lends itself to social distancing!), either in town or a short drive away at one of the popular trails in DuPont State Forest or Pisgah National Forest. 

Eat, drink and be merry – safely – Breweries and restaurants around Asheville have gotten creative since the start of the pandemic, setting up outdoor dining areas, offering touchless ordering, limiting numbers in a group, and taking extra cleaning and safety precautions to stop the spread of coronavirus. As the weather shifts, breweries and eateries continue to offer outdoor seating options, adding heat lamps and space heaters to keep customers warm. So grab your coat and head out for a brew and a bite with friends.

To learn about Real Estate in Asheville, contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call anytime at 828-707-9556.

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A quintessential small town nestled amid stunning scenery, Sylva sits an hour southwest of Asheville in the Great Smoky Mountains. Sylva’s Main Street is a popular downtown destination, packed with restaurants, specialty shops, galleries, bookstores and breweries. It’s the perfect spot to stroll tree-lined streets, and take in the crisp fall [...]

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Within minutes of some of the country’s most popular and picturesque state and national forests sits Mills River, N.C., a town in the northwestern part of Henderson County stretching northeast to the Buncombe County border and southwest to the Transylvania County line. Sitting 17 miles to the southwest of Asheville, Mills River offers expansive living against breathtaking backdrops, with close proximity to all manner of amenities.

Mills River was incorporated as a town in 2003, and has a population of around 7,500. Featuring rolling hills dotted with everything from rambling ranches to newly constructed homes, as well as lots ready for custom creations, the town is a draw for those seeking room to stretch out, but still be within arm’s reach of conveniences. The Asheville Regional Airport and I-26 are mere minutes away. The towns of Hendersonville (8 miles away) and Brevard (14 miles away) are also easily accessible. 

Mills River is part of the Henderson County Public Schools system. In addition, families can choose from a number of private and parochial educational options. Brevard College, a small, liberal arts institution, is 20 minutes away from Mills River.

Outdoor adventures abound in Mills River

When it comes to outdoor adventures, Mills River can’t be beat. For water activities, the French Broad River flows through the northeastern part of town, while one of its tributaries, the Mills River, flows through the center of town. Both Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Forest are a short drive away, offering daytrips overflowing with waterfalls, hiking paths and mountain biking trails – you can even take a horseback trail ride. The area also boasts renowned destinations like Sliding Rock and the Cradle of Forestry. 

For world-class music performances, Mills River is just a short drive from the Brevard Music Center’s Summer Festival, which features everything from bluegrass to classical to operatic productions. www.brevardmusic.org

Excitement is brewing

A major boon to the town came in 2014, when Sierra Nevada opened a brewery – its second in the U.S. – in Mills River. The sprawling, state-of-the-art facility and Taproom and Restaurant draw thousands of visitors from all over the region and the world to enjoy tours, tastings and special events, as well as live music indoors and outdoors, in a relaxed family atmosphere. www.sierranevada.com/visit/north-carolina/

Other popular spots to visit in Mills River include the Mills River Creamery, offering a range of locally made milk, cheeses, ice cream (www.millsrivercreamery.com), as well as the Bold Rock Hard Cidery, which has daily tours, tastings, flights and food. www.boldrock.com/visit/mills-river-cidery/

For more information about real estate in Mills River, or anywhere in the Greater Asheville area, contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.

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If you’re looking for a town that’s tucked away yet perfectly positioned to take advantage of everything Western N.C. has to offer, Fletcher is for you. Located in Henderson County, with downtown [...]

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