Helene is in the rear-view mirror, and Western North Carolina remains strong!! Given the location of Bear River Lodge on high ground, and our community, RiverDance was not directly impacted by the storm. Power was restored within 36 hours, and internet services shortly after. Vital Communication was in place, and having a water source via our well, made life comfortable on the ridge. Our SkyView guests joined us for hamburgers on the grill by candlelight, for a most enjoyable evening. Making lemonade out of lemons, as some would say. As the flood waters receded from Helene, in Hot Springs, Marshall and parts of Asheville, the cleanup efforts quickly moved into gear. Thanks to the outpouring of volunteer dedication and muscle to the cause, donations, food, supplies, heavy equipment, and numerous Go Fund Me efforts, our charming towns are starting to rise from the flood waters impact. Want To Help? If your inclined to make a donation, the gofundme page for the Downtown Marshall Association is a good place to start. This central source will distribute funds to the merchants to rebuild the heart and soul of Marshall. If you want to physically lend helping hand in the recovery efforts there is lots of opportunity to serve. The organizational volunteer hub for Marshal at Nanostead, and for Hot Springs is Gallery 339. Just message Callie at 847-809-3098 for current opportunities. RiverDance It may have been a while, since you made a visit to RiverDance, so do take a look at our website, to get a flavor of both SkyView, and RiverHaven. Each has a gathering area, full kitchen, bath complex, and of course a deck, which will be hard to leave. |
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Given that the holidays are just around the corner, both SkyView, and RiverHaven will be decked out for Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you come to the mountains with your four-footed friend, or kids in tow, you will have plenty of room to spread out, in either of our comfy suites. Winter Rates Winter Rates Winter Rates (From November 15 until March 31, 2025) RiverHaven is going to be $80.00 (vs $115.00) a night with a one-time cleaning fee of $85.00 plus tax. SkyView will be $115.00 a night, (vs $160.00) plus a one-time cleaning fee of $85.00 plus tax. You can make a reservation on our calendar or call Callie at (847) 809-3098. Though our minimum say is three nights, if there is a gap in the calendar between guests, or there are special circumstances, give Callie a call at 847-809-3098, to get your date on the calendar. Want to stay longer? We would love to have you stay for a week or longer. There is no length of stay discount available during the Winter Rate period. When we go back to the normal rates, we do offer discounts for a 7-night stay (10%), and for a stay of 28 days or more (20%). Give Callie a buzz for more details. Out and About |
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Laurel River Trail The most popular hiking around is the Laurel River Trail, just 5 minutes from RiverDance is one of the flattest hikes in our mountains - with plenty of mountain scenery along the way. It is a delight for those of us that love the sound of river rapids and lush mountain woodlands. Find many spots to access the Big Laurel Creek and even take a dip. Fishing and mountain biking is allowed too. Hot Springs on the Move Smokey Mountain Diner was not physically touched, and Genia is serving up those hearty breakfast delights, along with, lunch and dinner, most days of the week. The need to gather could not be stronger, and the diner provides a comfortable place to do just that. When it comes to basic provisions Dollar General, Sara Joe’s Station (including gas), and Hillbilly Market are all taking care of customers. The Visitor’s Center is replacing drywall, and is deemed structurally sound. Those pages of vital history within, seem to be spared. You can’t keep Keith Gentry down from the hardware store, as the town, sorted and cleaned his stock so he can work from a temporary spot. Bluff Mountain Outfitters, the best on the trail, has moved to the old library building just up the street. Although the famous spa does not look the same, the media reports that the owners, will bring the healing mineral waters back for all to enjoy. The town , is playing it forward, gathering as a community to talk thru the future evolution of Hot Springs. You can now drive thru Hot Springs which speaks of the work that has been accomplished. |
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The breath-taking Blue Ridge Parkway also is opening sections, as their recovery efforts are in high gear. Before you start to explore check out this link to see where to head. https://blueridgeparkway.org Asheville The grove Arcade, is the first indoor mall in America. Step inside, and enjoy some time at Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar. Partake of some of the finest BBQ Asheville has to offer at Huli Sue’s. Indulge yourself with a foot massage at Wake Foot Sanctuary. Restaurants are opening up, and the Citizens Times has an extensive list. You might want to stop at these Stand Outs to include: Curate, Melas, Rockey’s Hot Chicken, Gray Eagle Taqueria, 131 Main, and Luella’s, Nine Mile, and Tupelo Honey South. November 2nd the Biltmore will be open for Christmas festivities. Christmas Lights at the Arboretum tickets will be will soon be available on line. As recovery continues forward, more things to enjoy are constantly growing. Continually updated, this list is a good place to start. Weaverville Want to pamper yourself? Check out Aabani Salon, and don’t miss stopping at Well Bred Bakery for a delicious sweet treat. There are galleries to explore as well, with treasures you will want to take home. Looking for lunch or dinner options, there is Twisted Laurel, Blue Mountain Pizza (they make delicious homemade ice cream as well as some of the best pizza around), or the Glass Onion. For a taste of the local beer and wine scene you can check out Leveller Brewing Company. Well, as Helene made its way through WNC, the communities of Madison County rallied together to serve one another in extraordinary ways. Command posts in both Hot Springs, and Marshall swiftly took shape. Boots on the ground did not take long to respond to the call for help. The response was overwhelming! These volunteer efforts have changed, in substantial ways, the landscape that the flood left behind. Selective places, in our surrounding area, are opening their doors. Though RiverDance was not physically affected by Helene, our calendar did change, so we very much welcome the opportunity to greet you once again. Blessings Callie and Dave 847-809-3098 |
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