Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground

We've been in Swananoa, North Carolina since Nov. 12th.  When I saw the name "Mama Gertie's"  I wanted to stay here just for the name, it had such a down-home southern hospitality sound to it.  It had great reviews and is 10 min. from Asheville, which added to the allure.  But I'll be honest, I had a bit of trepidation about the fact that it is built into the side of a mountain.  I was a little nervous about navigating the "hill".  

Looking up "the hill"

Looking down "the hill"

This is the lowest level on "the hill".  There are three levels.  The top level is empty in the off season.  But we took a trip to the top to see the view.

In reality, there was nothing to worry about.  The campground is so well laid out and each site is level despite the incline.  We liked it so much, we decided to stay 3 extra days.  The facilities are the most immaculate I have ever seen.  The showers are each in a private room, the water is hot and has been such a treat in the cold, rainy weather we've been having.  The laundry room is a dream and we actually enjoyed doing our laundry there yesterday.  I give Mama Gertie's 10 stars! ✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮

Swananoa has an Ingels grocery store, a CVS and Ace Hardware which were a mile from the campground.  Very convenient.  But our real destination was Asheville.  Everyone told us how much we were going to love Asheville.  Unfortunately the cold rainy weather cut down on our exploration time.  However, "Everyone" was right.  We do love Asheville.  It is one GROOVY town.  It is artsy, fun, funky, hippie, chic, hip, and full of gorgeous architecture.  We have already decided we need to return in the spring when we can see the place in bloom.   I promise an Asheville highlights post then.