Restaurants and clubs abound in music, as do sidewalks full of accomplished musicians playing for tips and notice. Hat in hand and heart on their sleeves, they sing and strum in front of smart shops purveying fashionable clothes, art and antiques. You can’t drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway without passing a long line of motorcyclists enjoying the freedom of the road and of retirement. Clubs formal and informal meet for long rides throughout Western North Carolina, including the famous Tail of the Dragon near Robbinsville, N.C. – 318 curves over 11 miles, one of America’s premier motorcycle and sports car roads. Nearby is Cherohala Skyway, a mile-high ride to Tellico Plains, Tenn. For those who like to take the mountains by foot, Western North Carolina abounds in trails. Mount Mitchell, Roan Mountain, Clingmans Dome and Mount Sterling are some of the higher peaks that eager hikers notch on their grand tour of the region’s tallest mountains. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail through Asheville passes through much of the region. Perhaps the area’s most famous forested byway is the Appalachian Trail, a Maine-toGeorgia ridge top route that can be accessed in several places in Western North Carolina. For those who like to pedal along under their own power, the backroads of Western North Carolina are unparalleled for their beauty and challenge. Racers will find plenty of
RETIREMENT
events to choose from, including the Blue Ridge Breakaway, Roan Groan, 24 Hours of Pisgah, Mount Mitchell Assault, Hot Doggett 100 and Hilly Hellacious Hundred. Retirees routinely best younger residents in area duathlons and triathlons held at Biltmore Lake, Lake Junaluska and along the French Broad River. Runners in all age groups can choose from races held nearly every week in
nearly every town in the mountains. Those who like to push further will love the half marathons staged in Asheville, Cullowhee, Bethel, Brevard, and Ridgecrest. For those who have even more than that, the DuPont State Forest 50K is in the cool of October, the 18-mile Shut-In Ridge Run is in chilly November and the 40-mile Mount Mitchell Challenge is in the cold of February. Several car clubs cater toward those who like to tinker and show off their work. Highlands Sports Car Club in Asheville is a friendly group of automotive enthusiasts whose members come from all walks of life and drive all types of vehicles. The Mountaineer Antique Auto Club in Clyde attracts collectors of classic cars. There is also an antique car club in Hendersonville and a Mustang club in Asheville.
Bikers from all over the country come to Western North Carolina to enjoy events like the Blue Ridge Breakaway (above), a cycling event held in Haywood County whose route includes a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Center for Creative Retirement offers classes, lectures and other activities all year long. PHOTO COURTESY OF BLUE RIDGE BREAKAWAY PHOTO COURTESY OF CENTER FOR CREATIVE RETIREMENT
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