Colorful language filled the cabin when our motorhome lost its oomph on the southern Appalachians of North Carolina early in June. Thankfully, we planned more than an extra week into our Outer Banks trip. So, while a visit to the Biltmore and its wine-tasting room was already on the agenda, bonus adventures made possible by the breakdown included discovery of an excellent coach care facility, a great little brewery, a nearby greenway and more!
The Biltmore
Asheville, North Carolina
We wanted at least one full day to explore the Biltmore, and now we know that two or more would have been better! Besides the house and outbuildings, there is a whole village to explore, as well as bicycle trails all over the place. Heck, maybe a full week here would be spectacular! Here’s a little video of their spectacular model railroad village, just for fun.
We decided to stay outside the city, at Cove Creek RV Park. We barely fit our big rig through her young entry trees, though, so future visits might be impossible for us, unless some helpful soul talks her into removing them. After sweating the entry, we thought we’d get stuck in the park, but we actually made it around the park and into site #1 just fine, with no problems and no damage. Cove Creek was beautiful, clean and quiet. Before departure, we drove two or three miles farther up the rural road to a farm stand advertised back at the intersection in town. We arrived too late in the morning for tomatoes, darn it, but she did give us some delicious micro greens for only $1. They made it more than worth the two-mile drive! It was a cute little farm, too.
Cove Creek RV Park
(826)668-7507
1784 Davis Town Church Road, Old Fort NC.
GPS: 35.56387, -8218116
After enjoying the small selection of Biltmore photos, keep scrolling for the bonus adventures made possible by our loss of oomph!
Near Raleigh, North Carolina
Weather was rather warm and humid, but not too bad for this western mountain gal – except for bicycling days. Note to self: Bring more cold water to drink and a bag of wet towels to cool off with after the ride, maybe even a bucket full of ice water. Ugh.
Four Oaks, NC 27524. Call them at (919) 989-3045
Cummins Atlantic, in Kenly, is where we parked our coach for service, and just in time, too. I walked outside to see if Stu needed help with the hookups and found the beginnings of a puddle under the radiator. They provided excellent customer service and had us in and out in plenty of time to make it to the Outer Banks for some family fun time with one of three sets of grandchildren. There are pedestals with electric and water, a dump and a propane fill. Their RV customer lounge and bathroom/shower could have been cleaner and better stocked, but there was a washer and dryer available, and the wi-fi was fantastic from in there. All in all, a great place if one breaks down, especially since it’s so close to a greenway! Cummins Atlantic, located at 350 Cummins Drive, Kenly, NC 27542. Call them at (919)284-9111.
The Neuse Greenway
This beautiful greenway is a wide, well maintained, paved multi-use trail on the east side of Raleigh NC. Since the miles of greenway are so well maintained, the disrespect shown by the many people who trash the parking areas and leave their disgusting filth in the few and far-between restrooms. One restroom even had tubs of disinfectant wipes in each stall, but people still disrespected it. Another restroom reeked of urine, as if no one mops or cleans it very often…even after noon on a Monday…sad.
Parking highlights
North of Raleigh
Buffaloe Road Athletic Park
5812 Buffaloe Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
Yes, that spelling is unusual. The first parking lot has restrooms, a playground and shady area with picnic tables.
Anderson Point Park
20 Anderson Point Dr, Raleigh, NC 27610
Restrooms, a picnic pavilion and a couple shaded parking sites at midday. There is also a greenway parking area before crossing the bridge to the park, but I overheard a bicyclist telling his companions about how someone smashed car windows recently. He left his windows down. “It’s plain to see, there’s nothing to steal in there,” he said.
North of Sam’s Branch
This lot has no restroom facilities, but it’s a nice place to park.
3241 Auburn Knightdale Rd, Raleigh, NC 27610
Sam’s Branch Greenway
Approx locations on Apple Maps: 1200 N Oneil St., Clayton, NC 27520
There is a port-a-potty here, but we did not stay, since the trail was closed nearby due to construction. Hopefully they are done soon, because it’s perfectly situated near Deep River Brewing, which just so happens to share their business locale with a bicycle shop. The brewery was open with food wagon and music at about 4 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays, and earlier on Sundays, which were Yoga and Pizza days.
Good Eats
Two brewpubs quenched our never-ending search for satisfactory porters and stouts, Deep River Brewing, which features food trucks and live music late Thursday through Sunday afternoons, and Carolina Ale House, where fishy delights pair well with local stout.
Other attractions we visited:
Hinnant Family Vineyards in Kenly
We actually found their muscadine wines too sweet for our tastes, but they did have other options in their fun little shop. Instead of a paid tasting, we each just ordered one glass, and the hostess graciously provided sips beforehand to help us decide which one to try.