Appalachian Havens

01/11/2026

Our latest vacation rental, Hartwell Haven

01/08/2026

10/19/2024

Chestnut Haven is named for all the 100+ year old chestnut boards throughout the cabin.

The American chestnut tree (Castanea dentata) was once a dominant species in the Appalachian Mountains, an integral part of the forest ecosystem and the culture of the region. Known as the “redwood of the East,” these towering trees, some reaching over 100 feet tall, provided a reliable source of food, wood, and income for Appalachian communities. Chestnuts were a staple for wildlife, and their rot-resistant wood was highly valued for building and furniture making.

However, in the early 20th century, a devastating fungal blight, Cryphonectria parasitica, arrived from Asia and wiped out nearly all mature American chestnut trees in Appalachia and beyond. Within a few decades, the blight had reduced a forest giant to a rare sprout, as the fungus killed the trees above ground while their roots still managed to send up shoots that would eventually succumb again.

The loss of the American chestnut was more than an environmental catastrophe. It dealt a heavy blow to the Appalachian economy, particularly to rural farmers who relied on chestnut sales and the tree’s many uses. The chestnuts were a major fall crop, traded in markets and used as food for livestock.

Today, efforts are underway to restore the American chestnut to its former glory. Scientists and conservationists have developed blight-resistant hybrids, combining the genetics of American and Chinese chestnuts. Reintroducing these resilient trees into Appalachia could not only restore an iconic species but also revitalize local ecosystems and provide renewed economic benefits to the region. For Appalachians, the American chestnut tree is a symbol of resilience, a reminder of the region’s deep-rooted connection to the land and the ongoing efforts to preserve its natural heritage.

10/16/2022

Sky Haven fall 2022

08/10/2022

So interesting!!

Proud Hillbilly

HILLBILLY: The word originated Scots-Irish / Ulster Scots in Northern Ireland / Ulster who moved into the Appalachian Mountains in the 1700s. Billy/Billies was a term meaning "brother, friend or comrade. "Billy Boys" was the term used refering to Ulster Protestants who supported "William of Orange" (aka Billy) in invading England. They were also known to wear red sashes around their necks (coining the term Rednecks) and once the Scots-Irish migrated in droves to the US, they quickly moved into the mountains and hills of Appalachia. The "Billys", now were now comrades of the hills/mountains, and therefore became known as Hillbillies....

12/04/2021

06/30/2021

Yay, summer!!

invested in a 200-acre campus in 1962 in Transylvania County to place one of the nation’s first satellite tracking station. ⁣
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After operations were relocated in 1998, Don and Jo Cline acquired the site and Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) was born.⁣
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Today, is an internationally certified DARK SKY PARK, one of only two in North Carolina. ⁣
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PARI welcomes guests of all ages, offering summer space camps, tours, and weekend events. Availability for summer 2021 visits (May-August) are now full, but you can contact [email protected] to be placed on a waiting list.⁣
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Happy stargazing 🔭 ⁣