Posted on: June 17, 2008 by Whisper Mountain
It’s that time of year when its a pleasure to be in the great outdoors. Spring summer and fall is an explosion of natural wonders in Marshall and Hot Springs North Carolina. Adventure travelers can go by land to discover nature’s display along rocky precipices, and bald mountains. Or adventure seekers can take an exciting rafting or kayaking trip down the French Broad River. During years of plentiful rain, The French Broad River has some challenging Class three and four rapids. Certain sections of the French Broad River in Asheville and Marshall should be approached with caution by the beginning kayaker.
Kayaking Basics First
For the beginner, it might be best to learn some kayaking basics before shooting the rapids. For the well-seasoned kayaker, The French Broad River offers some of the most thrilling white water in the Western North Carolina area. From Marshall, Take 251 South and look alongside the right side of the road on the way to Asheville. There are multiple river parks with parking and picnic benches where a kayaker can gently put in and spend the day paddling.
There are also some excellent Whitewater Rafting companies in Marshall and Hot Springs, and quite a few to choose from. All of the Whitewater Rafting companies offer safe, fun rafting down the French Broad River. The rafting companies in the Marshall and Hot Springs area provide guides for rafting and float trips. These trips are typically four hours, eight hours, or overnight.
Rafting companies have different packages that appeal to a wide group of rafters. This includes people who just want to relax and enjoy “float” trip down the French Broad River. The Blue Ridge Rafting Company in Hot Springs offers a Float Trip on the calmer part of the French Broad.
Raft and Kayak Rentals
French Broad Rafting Expeditions also provides rentals. Rentals differ from raft trips and float trips because they are unguided. Without the guide, a person or group may rent a raft or duckie, which resembles a kayak, for a less expensive rate. For example, a half-day float trip will cost $45, while a duckie rental is only $25 for the same amount of time. All transportation and equipment is provided and rafters put in near relatively calm locations on the French Broad River, for maximum enjoyment.
Whitewater Rafting on the French Broad River
For those looking for a River Adventure designed for a group, Huck Finn Rafting Adventures, located in downtown Hot Springs, might be the place to try. They will design a custom Trip for a group, and make it a memorable trip down the river for all. The other rafting companies in the Hot Springs and Marshall area are Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) and USA Raft. Both have locations on Highway 25/70, just south of Hot Springs, and very close to some of the best rafting on the French Broad River.
Tips for Rafting Near Marshall and Hot Springs
Some tips for whitewater rafting on the French Broad River include: wear sandals or shoes that can get wet, bring some water along for the trip, avoid bringing electronic devices (cell phones, ipods, cameras) that will be destroyed by water, pack a warm set of clothes and towel for the end of the trip.
Some of the most scenic sections of the French Broad River in Marshall and Hot Springs are best experienced on float trips and whitewater rafting trips downriver. Plan a day on the French Broad River with family and friends and experience the North Carolina outdoors in all of its splendor.
Posted on: June 17, 2008 by Whisper Mountain
Throughout Western North Carolina more and more restaurants are becoming environmentally aware and building eco-friendly, sustainable businesses. In Marshall, NC and Hot Springs, NC (both located in Madison County near Asheville, NC) residents and visitors have a variety of environmentally conscious restaurants to choose from.
Green, Sustainable Mexican Delights at French Broad Taqueria
The French Broad Taqueria in Marshall, NC offers a delicious local approach to traditional and vegetarian Mexican dishes. The Taqueria purchases local and organic produce whenever possible including kale, spinach and lettuce from local framers like the Rice Family Farm, Philosophy Farm and Dry Pond Farm. Co-owner Amy Newton says local farmers keep her up to date about what produce they have available and The Taqueria takes advantage of the local tailgate markets as often as possible.
Newton is currently studying Sustainable Community Development, with a focus on sustainable food systems therefore, creating a model of sustainability in the restaurant’s daily operations is a major goal. The Taqueria recycles as much as possible. They compost kitchen scraps through an employee, compost vegetarian cooked food scraps through a local bakery that uses them to feed pigs and fryer oil waste is removed by a local bio-fuel producer.
The Taqueria also uses eco-friendly take out packaging and continuously explores local meats. Currently their most popular menu item is the fish taco made with Sunburst Farms trout, a local fish producer. They also offer hormone-free and humanely raised chicken and pork (for the chorizo).
Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Business at The Bridge Street Cafe & Inn
The Bridge Street Cafe and Inn in Hot Springs, NC is an excellent dining choice when you are in Hot Springs, NC. Located on the first floor of a restored 1920’s building on historic Main Street, Bridge Street Cafe provides an elegant yet earthy experience of Italian and Mediterranean flavors. Stop in and taste their Zucchini Parmigiana, made with locally grown zucchini or the hormone free Grilled NY Strip topped with caramelized red onions and accompanied by smoked gouda, mashed potatoes and lemon asparagus.
Sustainable, Green Initiatives
The restaurant has also taken a multiple green initiatives to promote earth-friendly and sustainable business.
1. Preparing food with fresh, locally-grown organic vegetables, organic flours and grains, and hormone and antibiotic free meats.
2. The use of cloth napkins instead of paper and recycled paper products.
3. A dishwasher model that conserves water by using rinse water from one cycle as the wash water for the next cycle, reducing per-wash water usage by 75%.
4. The use of eco-friendly cleaning supplies, environmentally safe paints.
5. Composting food waste to minimize landfill usage.
6. All oil used in the kitchen is recycled and used in local bio-diesel engines.
Bridge Street Cafe also has future plans that include building a bio roof, purchasing energy efficient water heaters, using solar power, buying energy efficient washers, supporting the One Laptop Per Child Program through an Internet program for Cafe guests and sponsorship of a community based Clean Up Hot Springs Day.
Zuma Coffee: Building Sustainable Communities in WNC
If you are looking for a quick bite and a great cup of coffee stop at Zuma coffee in Marshall, North Carolina where you’ll find a delicious selection of fair trade and organic coffees, as well as what co-owner Joel Friedman calls “creative, healthy comfort food”. For six and a half years owners Joel Friedman and Lesley King have cultivated a warm, inviting atmosphere that celebrates mountain heritage.
In addition to fresh baked goods and yummy lunch sandwiches made with high quality, local ingredients Zuma has become a popular local music venues. Residents and visitors can take part in the Friday night open mics, see local musicians on the weekend or come to the long standing Thursday night bluegrass jam. Stop by and give their signature Chipotle Turkey Wrap a try or visit their website to find out more about upcoming events like the monthly French Broad Friday celebrations.
