Happy New Year, everyone! We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. We’ve been enjoying a few weeks off from work, spending time with family, relaxing and unplugging at home together. We also took a quick trip up to Asheville, NC just after Christmas. Kylo Ren and Caster joined us for the trip.
We were originally going to go for 5 nights, but with the weather being so cold, we cut our trip short and stayed only 2 nights. Lesson learned: freezing weather isn’t any fun to be out in, whether you are human or feline. We plan to go back up sometime in the spring when it’s warmer, and we can all enjoy the beautiful hiking and scenery a little more. Asheville is one of the most pet-friendly cities in the country, after all. We want to get the full experience!
We did manage to have a good time though, despite the cold weather. The mountain vistas were absolutely beautiful.
One morning, we visited the North Carolina Arboretum, which is a 434-acre public garden located within the Pisgah National Forest. It includes 65+ acres of cultivated gardens, 10+ miles of hiking and biking trails, and other outdoor activities and exhibits. With it being winter, the gardens were all dead, but we look forward to seeing it again in the spring when it’s flowery and full of color! We enjoyed exploring around nonetheless.
Kylo Ren especially liked walking up and down the pathways. Caster wasn’t into the adventure this time around. Despite his furry coat, he has zero tolerance for cold. He opted to stay in the KCC Adventure-Mobile with the warm blankies for most of the time.
The gardens at the Arboretum were set up for their Winter Lights show that was going on at the time. Bobby and I went and saw the lights one night, but unfortunately pets weren’t allowed for that.
If you’re visiting Asheville, we highly recommend the NC Arboretum. It has a lot of fun activities and beautiful views. We look forward to stopping by again in the spring!
>> Check out our Asheville Travel Guide for Adventure Cats! <<
Bet it’ll be really pretty in the spring!
It’s too bad that you had to cut your trip to Asheville short because of the cold! I bet you all (kitties and humans) can’t wait to go back!
I have driven through it but I never was able to stay. I will say that the higher up in the mountains you go, the colder it gets. I think it is wonderful that your cats enjoy vacationing with you.
Looks like a terrific place to visit again!
I showed horses in Asheville many years ago. It is a beautiful town. It is great that your kitties enjoy seeing new sites. Their harnesses look like they are extremely comfortable. Hope you get to go back to Asheville in the Spring!
It looks like Kylo had a great time. 5The lights were beautiful! I’m looking forward to seeing more pics in the spring.
I’d like to visit Asheville sometime. The garden must be stunning in the spring. What do you do with the cats if you can’t bring them and you’re traveling?
It looks like a beautiful place to visit ! Purrs
Looks like you guys had fu despite the cold temperatures. We’ve had an unseasonably cold winter so far. Our hike yesterday topped out at about 20 degrees I think. It was 12 when we started. Brrr.. Let us know when you’re back in town. We’d love to meet you and the crew
Even in the colder weather, the gardens look wonderful. The quilt garden is so unusual – I like it more than traditional Christmasy light displays.
Nothing like a good adventure. Everybody together, spending quality time, new sights and smells, nothing beats that!
What a fun time! We admit…we’re just a little bit jealous. Happy New Year to all of you!
Asheville is one of my favorite places ever and where I am dying to go to retire! The Arbortoreum sounds amazing – but not as amazing as you cats who seem fearless. Love them! Sounds like an amazing trip!
Pretty….but chilly
That looks like a great place to visit. I’m with you Caster, I would want to stay warm too 🙂
Even though the gardens were dead, Kylo Ren and Caster look like they had a good time. I’m sure there were lots of critters and birds to catch their attention. Plus the sniffs!
Despite the cold it still looks like you guys had a nice adventure. Caster can shake paws with Mr. Jack who takes one sniff of the frigid air and runs back inside. Happy New Year and wishing you and the kitty crew a wonderful 2018
I’ve visited Asheville for decades, but I don’t think I’ve ever visited the NC Arboretum. Asheville is a beautiful city!
OOh I love the idea of a light show. We had one here for the wellington Festival a few years ago. It was total magic. they can be wonderfully creative with lights 🙂
How neat that your cats got to enjoy the experience with you! I would have never thought to bring my cat. My best friend’s son and family live in Asheville so she bought a vacation home there. It’s just outside of Asheville we stayed there on our way to Myrtle Beach. Check it out next time you visit! Sandra and Dolly
I love North Carolina! I’ve never been to Asheville, but we may have to adventure out that way with our two puppies! Thanks for posting!
It’s so wonderful to read your blog and see you enjoying life with your kitty! I’m glad you got to visit Asheville, it certainly is beautiful (and cold during your visit). I hope you get to go back when it’s warmer 🙂
Beautiful sceneries! Glad you all enjoyed the trip despite cold weather. I really adore the last photo 🙂
Looks like Kylo Ren had a terriffic time. Mom would really enjoy seeing the Christmas lights. XOCK, angel Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy and Sawyer
Astrid sends Sampy oodles of kisses and all her love.
What a beautiful sight, all those lights in a quilt formation!
Too bad the frigidity curtailed your adventures…
Happy New Year!!