Unashamedly, we admit that we are fans of James Herriott’s books set in the Yorkshire Dales, and even more avid fans of the television series, which starred Robert Hardy (one of our favorite actors). As compelling as the stories and acting were, even more enthralling were the glimpses of the Yorkshire Dales, which the series afforded us.
A few miles north of Asheville, North Carolina, the day tripper can still find similarly rugged and rustic scenery.
Mars Hill is a small college town that, despite interstate expansion and franchise businesses, has maintained much of its small town charm. The college itself appears more charmingly old than coldly new. For example, their theatre is housed in an old church and their library resides in what was once the cafeteria.
Surrounding the town and college in almost any direction is breathtaking scenery. Maps for at least two historical driving trails are available at the visitor’s center, but meandering is recommended, too. And a bit of advice, the highway expansion, which the Mars Hill region underwent, has hidden some of the quirkier areas; so wandering off the exits can sometimes unearth interesting sites.
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Mars Hill, North Carolina
