North Carolina

Boone/Blowing Rock, North Carolina

August 2012

We've been staying in this area for years, and have rented at least a dozen houses, but nothing 

compares to this property: Kilkelly Cabins

The Kilkelly's are the sweetest couple who live on 22 acres, and rent out two of their properties.  We had the opportunity to stay at both properties.  "The West Wing Cottage" is a private addition off their 5,000 square foot home, and "The Cabin", even more private, sits off the rear of their property.  Their properties are unique, as they are very private, but yet have a personal touch (homemade breakfast quiche is in the refrigerator upon arrival for breakfast the next day, wine/beer cooler fully stocked at retail prices, homemade pizza available upon request, little soaps and shampoos).   This place reminds me of a resort, but yet with the personal touch of a bread & breakfast. The location is incredible.  It's right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and seems as if it is in the middle of nowhere, but yet it's only 10 minutes to both Blowing Rock and Boone.

Welcome Sharon & Bryan -  cute sign as we walked up to the main house to check in

 This is "The Cabin" we stayed at for all nights, except the first night, since it was booked.  We stayed in "The West Wing Cottage" the first night - photos to follow.

Close up of the Cabin

Walking toward the rear deck - what a view!

Rear deck sitting area

Patio at rear (below rear deck) with hot tub to the right

Hammock (looking down from rear patio)

Sitting area/TV area/fireplace

Kitchen - fully stocked with luxury appliances. I had no clue how to work the cooktop stove - 

it was too fancy for me

Homemade chocolate zucchini bread sitting on the counter upon check in at the Cabin

Fireplace sitting area

Downstairs sitting area and gaming area (has another bedroom as well)

Downstairs shuffle board - we played every night

Hot tub

Bryan swinging on front swing

Sharon brought bubbles :)

Rear patio, with swing

Sunrise - yes, I actually got up to witness this at 6:30 am, but then went back to bed.

Storm coming in

Chilling out on the patio

The West Wing Cottage, where we stayed our first night.

Side of Cottage, long range view is to the rear

Looking out the Living Area window at the view

Looking off the rear deck

Homemade pizza - it was to die for. We ordered one our first night.

Front patio of the Cottage

Watching the sunset at the front patio

Rear patio of the Cottage

Downstairs game area at Cottage

Memory Stone basket.  Each guest is given a stone, if you enjoyed your time, you personalize your stone and put in the basket.  Each May, the Kilkelly's pick a stone, and  the winning stone wins two nights free!  

 Our Memory Stone:  On the front I drew Ohio with a star in Akron, and it says "Bryan & Sharon's current home".

Our Memory Stone: On the back I attempted to draw the state of North Carolina (it looked perfect when I sketched it out on paper, when I drew it on the stone it looks terrible), I added a star, locating Boone, and wrote " Future Home".  I think everyone knows our dream is to retire here.

Looking up towards the Kilkelly's main house.  The Cottage is the addition to the right of the main house, the Cabin is behind us, and to the left is a horseshoe pit, and to the right is a veggie garden where guest are free to pick (came in handy one dinner, when I needed another pepper)

Sharon standing at Rough Ridge - a short hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway

Yikes Bryan - boys will be boys

Bryan kayaking off the Blue Ridge Parkway 

Bryan with the Linville Cove Viaduct behind

Under the Linville Cove Viaduct.  History lesson: this was the last segment of the Blue Ridge Parkway as it was over a private mountain (Grandfather Mountain) and the owner wanted to minimize damage to the environment.  The bridge was made of precast concrete segments, and installed via helicopter.


Sharon taking a break while hiking

Sharon at the roadside stand, right off the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Mom: this is where your honey came from!

 Leave it us to find the only winery around,  "Grandfather Mountain Winery" obviously very close to Grandfather Mountain (where we got married).

 Sharon playing with the winery dogs in the river - they were the best, and wouldn't leave us alone.

The vineyards

The original General Mast Store, off the beaten path, but worth it.
This is where it all started in the late 1800's . . .

We've visit the one in Boone each time we are in the area, but this is our first time to the original location. 

 The place is full of original items when it opened in the late 1800's.   My Dad would be in heaven if he saw this (he's an antique collector).

The original post office  inside the store- and it is still a working post office - people in this small town come here each morning to collect their mail.  

That's all folks. Thanks for viewing!