We love getting out of Florida for Thanksgiving so we decided to book as last minute Airbnb in the Asheville area. Options were limited so we chose a house in Hendersonville. It wasn’t our ideal cabin-esque home, but the views could not have been any better!

As with our last trip to the mountains, we drove through the night so that the little one could sleep. Both home owners for Seven Devils and this rental in Hendersonville were so understanding and accommodating – letting us check in and out at odd times.

Day 1

When we arrived, we went to the Collier Cove Nature Preserve that was just a few minutes down the street. It had a great path and let us have a nice stretch after being in the car so long. After we explored for a while, we went grocery shopping and made our way to the house for a good nap.

After naps, we went to Burntshirt Vineyards. Like I’ve said before, vineyards became a favorite pandemic activity! Outside, tons of space, and wine!

Day 2

The next morning our plans were derailed when we found a tick in our little ones neck. Instead of a pretty waterfall, we went straight to urgent care! The tick broke and it’s hook was stuck in her neck. She was an absolute trooper. The difficult part was trying to find doxycycline in liquid form for a 2 year old to be able to take. We had to bounce around to several pharmacies before we found what we needed. Moral of this paragraph, don’t forget to check for ticks! I now keep a Tick Twister in my first aid kit.

Later that evening, we went to the Biltmore to see the gorgeous Christmas lights! It was so beautiful! You have to have tickets in advance so be sure to purchase them online. The earlier you can book them, the less expensive they are. The prices creep up throughout the holiday season.

Day 3

On Day 3, we squeezed in a lot since Day 2 didn’t go as planned. We started early and went to two different waterfalls – Looking Glass Falls (pictured here) and Triple Falls. The little one was able to handle it all and loved it!

After the waterfalls and a nap, we went back to Antler Village to walk around in daylight. On the way there, while at a red light, a van rear-ended us going 40 MPH, causing us to hit the folks in front of us. Luckily, everyone was okay and all parties involved were SO NICE! The woman that hit us mailed an apology card a few weeks later with a big sticker book for our daughter. The truck was okay to drive (yay steel bumpers!) so we still continued on with our plans.

As the sun went down, we left Antler Village and went to the NC Arboretum for their drive-thru lights show. It would have been more fun to walk around, but they did a wonderful job, considering we were in a pandemic!

Day 4

Since we packed so much into Day 3, we took it easy on the morning of Day 4. In the afternoon, we went to Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards. It was a cute little property and we had a lot of fun walking around.

Day 5

Happy Thanksgiving! In the morning, my mom and I went to a falconry experience. Every year for Christmas, I try to find an activity instead of a gift so this was her early Christmas present!

Later, we took it easy and had our Honey Baked Ham Co. dinner and Baked Pie Co. dessert.

Day 6

Our last day! Cameron and I did a hike on our own, while little one stayed with my mom. I think she could have handled it, but we weren’t sure before going. The Rainbow Falls trail was easy and well marked. And we actually caught an early morning rainbow!

After naps, we went to Point Lookout Vineyards. Oh. My. Goodness. This place was gorgeous. If anyone would ever like to get married there, please invite me!

That night, we were Florida-bound as our last vacation of 2020 was complete.