2022 A Memorable Fall Getaway. I want to tell you about one of my favorite trips — a girls’ getaway to Asheville, North Carolina, with four friends from The Vista at Rayzor Ranch, our 62+ senior community here in Denton, Texas.
We’d all recently sold our homes and moved into apartment living, and somewhere in those first few months, five newfound friends turned into a little family. So when fall rolled around, we packed up and headed for the mountains.
The Cabin Retreat
Our cabin was tucked into the mountains, surrounded by hills of red and gold, and it turned out to be the perfect home base. Between the crackling fireplace, a few games of cards, some wine, and more laughter than I can properly describe, that cabin became the heart of the whole trip. I left with more than a tan — I left with lifelong friends.
The Bear Encounter
We had one hope for the trip: see a real bear in the wild. There was a sign right at the cabin entrance warning us to watch for bears, so every day we’d scan the woods out back. Nothing. We’d nearly given up.
Then, on our drive back to the cabin one afternoon, one of the girls screamed “Bears!” and we pulled over just in time to watch a mother bear and her two cubs cross the road right in front of us. Hearts pounding, cameras out — it’s still one of my favorite memories from that whole week.
Exploring Asheville
A day at the Biltmore Estate felt like stepping into another era — the interiors, the gardens, all of it grand in a way that’s hard to describe. We happened to visit just as they were starting to decorate for Christmas, and if you’ve never seen the Biltmore dressed for the holidays, it’s worth planning a trip around.
We also wandered through Asheville’s local shops, picked up a few handmade treasures, and spent an afternoon at a craft fair. We toured a few museums, too — the Asheville Museum of Science was a fun stop, and we made time to visit Thomas Wolfe’s home, one of the city’s well-known literary landmarks.
Asheville’s local shops beckoned, offering unique treasures and souvenirs. From handmade crafts to local delicacies, each store told a story of the vibrant community. We went to craft fairs, a lovely church, museums, and parks.
Our curiosity led us to museums that unfolded the history and artistry of Asheville. With each exhibit, we delved deeper into the cultural tapestry of this charming city. The Asheville Museum of Science was fascinating, and Thomas Wolfe’s home was a Civil War cemetery.
Friendship Along the Way
More than anything, this trip was about the five of us. Inside jokes were born, stories were told a dozen times over, and by the time we headed home, our friendship had grown roots. It wasn’t just a vacation — it was the start of something.
In the crisp mountain air of Asheville, we found more than fall foliage; we discovered the warmth of friendship and the joy of exploration. Grateful for the memories made, we left Asheville with a newfound appreciation for the beauty of the world and the companionship of kindred spirits.
Would I Go Back?
In a heartbeat. If you’re looking for a fall trip with girlfriends, old or new, I can’t recommend Asheville enough. Between the mountains, the history, and — if you’re lucky — a bear or two, it’s a trip that stays with you.
From The From Porch
Why not consider Asheville for your next fall getaway? May your journey be filled with as much laughter and connection as ours.
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Update 8/12/2026