Until 1995, Hazelwood had its own main street, and was its own little mountain town.  However, due to financial problems, it dissolved and became part of Waynesville. Hazelwood Village as it is now referred, never lost that little town feel.

Although… there have been a few changes.

The grocery store is now a specialty gift and cloth shop, called Vertigo.  When you visit, take time to look at the architecture, especially the original upper windows.  The owners still remember where the produce was kept and where you could find the milk.

The old Hazelwood Elementary school is now the home of Folkmoot USA.

And, among the new cluster of shops still lining the “main” street, is a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, gift and antique stores, and a new coffee roaster.

I've always worried to some extent about the flying creatures that will invade your wonderful wedding cake if you place it outside.  But this is the first time I've thought about this!  I didn't design this cake, the photo was sent to me by a friend. 

Thank you friend!  Now I can add squirrels to my worry list. 

There’s no better place to lift your spirits than to be
on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

Encounter split rail fences, cabins and barns from a time long gone, and valleys filled with Dogwoods, Rhododendron, and wild flowers.  Hike to Watterock Knob where near 6200 feet you can experience a panoramic view where the sun rises and sets on the Smoky Mountains.

The Parkway is a paradise for photographers and artists.  Walks in the springtime are filled with wildflowers, Dogwoods and Rhododendron; fall with brilliant color from hundreds of species of trees and shrubs.    Winter can be just as magical as spring. Amazing ice crystal formations can be seen from water dripping down rock walls that line much of the parkway.  Cool summer rains leave fog drifting around the mountains.   And the natural blue haze, which gives the mountain range its name, is almost always there for you to witness.

There are many recreational areas, visitor centers, and other facilities available to help you plan picnicking, fishing, and hiking. More information to help you plan your trip can be found here.
The parkway runs for 469 miles along the crests of the Southern Appalachians and runs between two eastern national parks: Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains.  The parkway, originally called the “Appalachian Scenic Highway” was planned during the administration of U.S. president Franklin D. Roosevelt. Work began on September 11, 1935 near Cumberland Knob in North Carolina.  On June 30, 1936, Congress placed the project under the National Park Service and named it the Blue Ridge Parkway.  

The construction took over fifty-two years, with the section near Grandfather Mountain being the last to be completed.   The parkway crosses streams, railways, ravines and cross roads by 168 bridges, six viaducts, and goes through 27 tunnels.
to be continued….