Leaping Fawn Lodge

03/07/2026

At Granny’s Kitchen in the little mountain town of Cherokee, North Carolina, it’s common to see folks waiting outside the door for a big Southern buffet that feels just like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house. People come here hungry and leave full.

In the morning, the buffet is loaded with hot biscuits, thick sausage gravy, country ham, fluffy pancakes fresh off the griddle, eggs, and all the good breakfast favorites that start the day right. By lunch, the tables are filled with classic home cooking like crispy fried chicken, slow-cooked pot roast, and hearty meatloaf. The sides are just as good, with creamy mac and cheese, collard greens, mashed potatoes, and other down-home dishes that taste like they came straight from a family kitchen.

When dessert comes out, grab it quick. Banana pudding, warm fruit cobblers, and homemade pies don’t last long. The dining room is simple, cozy, and full of the smell of fresh cooking and the sound of people enjoying a big meal together. It’s the kind of place where you slow down, go back for seconds, and leave feeling happy and stuffed.

11/18/2025

You probably know that a hollow tree, handy cave or dense thicket would appeal to a bear in search of a winter den. But did you know the cozy hideaway beneath your deck, the crawl space or storm cellar you forgot to seal up for the winter, that pile of tires or brush out back or the shed full of gardening tools and supplies can seem like the perfect place to turn in for the winter?

If you’d rather not have bears as house or property guests, walk around your home and property and think like a bear. Where would you den up for the winter?

Porches, decks and crawl spaces: Make sure your crawl space is closed up tight for the winter, and securely block off any small openings that might attract a bear.

Outbuildings: Check garages, storage sheds and outbuildings. Now is a good time to remove or safely store anything that might attract a bear, including bird seed, pet food and livestock feed.

Vacation Homes: Lock all ground floor and bear-accessible windows and doors.

Campers and RVS: An RV parked outside for the winter can smell like a giant can full of food to a hungry bear. Remove all food, thoroughly clean, and consider protecting with an electric fence or unwelcome mat.

Nobody wants to discover a bear in the crawl space or under the porch come spring. So please pass this info along to the neighbors. And thanks for being BearWise. The more you know, the more you can do to keep people safe and bears wild.

Read the full article at: bearwise.org/will-bears-find-a-good-winter-den-at-your-place

Photo by Nevada Department of Wildlife



BearWise.org

11/04/2025

10/31/2025

What most folks forget about the North Carolina State Fair is this..

Back in 1853, before deep fried everything and neon wristbands, it started as a gathering of farmers, the North Carolina State Agricultural Society, now the Department of Agriculture, showing off the strength and skill that built this state.

It’s one of the oldest fairs in America, 170 years deep, and in those early days, nearly everyone who came had dirt under their fingernails. When your cow took home a blue ribbon back then, your name carried all across North Carolina. Now, it’s just another backdrop for somebody’s viral turkey leg video.

But the Ferris wheels and funnel cakes were never the main event.

This fair was born from the red clay, from the hands that planted, raised, built, and fed this place. The farmers, the cattlemen, the craftsmen with sweat on their brows and holes in their jeans, they’re the reason we’re here.

The North Carolina State Fair isn’t just a temporary Theme Park.

It’s a celebration of who we are, all the best parts of the greatest state to ever state, packed into 350 acres and ten unforgettable days of North Carolina pride.

Cue Petey Pablo 🚁

10/31/2025

Did you know The Great Smoky Mountains, located on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, are part of the Appalachian Mountain range. Known for their misty appearance and rich biodiversity, the park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. It features ancient forests, scenic drives, waterfalls, and more than 800 miles of hiking trails. The Smokies are also home to black bears and a wide variety of plant and animal species, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

Curious fact: The “smoky” look of the mountains comes from the natural fog produced by the vegetation, which releases v***r that creates a blue haze over the peaks.

09/06/2025

05/06/2024

03/30/2024

Last night's strong winds blew in some unexpected visitors to the Southern Appalachians.

With a scientific name of Peepus peeparius, this springtime bird migrates south, and made an unexpected stop along the Blue Ridge mountains. While this chick doesn’t share many features with the common chickadee or robin, its bright colors are the easiest way to identify them. They are frequently seen in pink, blue or yellow coloring.

You might get lucky and catch a glimpse of these intriguing chicks on the Parkway!

Image description: 3 bright fluffy marshmallow birds covered in yellow sugar, temporarily perched with grey brown mountains in the background with a bright evening sky. 📷O. Burke.

03/12/2024

From the Great Smoky Mountains to the Blue Ridge Parkway, we’re your official guide to all that Western North Carolina has to offer. Come visit NC!

02/07/2024

Today is national "Book Direct" day. Did you know that booking your vacation rental directly from the owner can save you 14-20%? You can find the exact same home, condo or apartment via book direct platforms or websites and save on the fees imposed by Airbnb, Vrbo and Expedia.

Houfy.com is an up and coming platform with verified host accounts that allows you to bypass the exorbitant booking fees.

Check out our Houfy listing at Leapingfawnlodge.com!

Find vacation homes, cabins, and condos around the world with no booking or service fees. Book direct with Houfy and save money on your next vacation rental.

08/10/2023