Jessica is finishing up her work this week, so the boys and I are flying solo - and finding adventures...as always. And though I have lived here for 16 years - the Asheville metro area continues to provide endless possibilities for adventure and learning. So yesterday, we drove over to the Cradle of Forestry for an day that combined two of my favorite things: spending time outdoors in the woods, and learning about history. According to the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, "The 6,500 acre Cradle of Forestry Historic Site near Brevard, North Carolina commemorates the beginning of forest conservation in the United States. On this site in 1898, Dr. Carl Schenck, chief forester for George Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate, founded the Biltmore Forest School, the first forestry school in America."

Between the preserved Forestry School, the nature scavenger hunt for kids, and the logging railroad (which includes a preserved steam engine and rail line) - this place is amazing. The kids especially enjoyed the 100 year old school house (where they accepted roles playing school teacher and student), and the train (upon which they rang the bell...a lot..and loudly...)
After hours of exploration - we finished up at Dolly's ice cream parlor - where we ate like kings. It was yet another reason that I am so glad that we chose this place to live, and raise our kids.


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