Monday, March 30, 2009

Monochrome Monday #26: Cone Estate Riding Trail


"Trail Head at Cone Estate"
Between Boone and Blowing Rock, NC - February 2001 (Click to embiggen)


A few miles from the ski areas visitors to the region can take a quieter afternoon. The Cone Estate, home of textile magnate Moses Cone, is comprised of 3500 acres and provides a home to the Parkway Craft Center, one of five shops of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. The shop features crafts by hundreds of regional artisans and artists. In addition the estate features 25 miles of carriage trails open to the public for hiking, horseback riding, and cycling. The house itself (known as Flat Top Manor) has a 20-minute loop trail around it that its said the Cones walked together every morning.

In addition to his textile business, Cone was also a noted conservationist who planted hundreds of acres of white pine, hemlock and a 10,000 tree apple orchard. There are also a number of man-made lakes on the reserve, fully stocked with bass and trout. The manor house and craft center are open from mid-March to late-November, but the riding trails are open year round. This shot was taken from the carriage barn at the trail head of one such trail just after a surprise snowstorm.

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22 comments:

ArtistUnplugged said...

Lovely, lovely photo!

Anonymous said...

Just up my street. Rich contrast is something I really love.

Catherine said...

A welcoming snowstorm to take a perfect atmosphere in B&W to offer to Monochrome Maniacs.
If I've well-understood Cones sounds like a philanthropist, no ?

Anonymous said...

Sounds a wonderful place, very pituresque the snow is the icing on the cake, lovely.

Rune Eide said...

I liked the depth the path gave to the picture. Classic S into it.

Carolina said...

Oh I'd love to ride my horse there. Looks like a wonderful place.

EG CameraGirl said...

Rocks, snow and curving path make this a pleasing photo!

The Southern Mint Julep said...

Oh I want to be RIGHT THERE. How beautiful!

Mojo, I wanted to also tell you how wonderfully supportive and kind your words were to the young lady on Violence Unsilenced. Your heart sounds so kind and tender. Always stay that way -- the world needs more hearts that way.

Mimi Lenox said...

It is a beautiful place. I especially remember the view from the front veranda. The porch floor was gray-painted boards with rocking chairs. I wonder if things have changed at all. I haven't been there since the 80s.

Great shot!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful shot. It sounds like a place I would want to visit, for sure. Everything about it - walking, taking pictures and looking at the artisan's wares (not to mention people watching) is right up my alley.

I hope you have more photographs of the place in other seasons. I'd love to see them!

allhorsestuff said...

What an inspiring family to have built that all.
I do love the sound of a hack on those acres of trail too!

allhorsestuff said...

PS...your photo is lovely! Got
taken away ther with the adventure of the view!

Jane Hards Photography said...

The zig zagging of the snow, wall and paths really lead you through the image. Interesting guy indutstrialist and a conservationist.

judi/Gmj said...

Nice contrasts leading your eye onward, always onward. Judi

Joe Narvaez said...

Great capture of a snowy scene. Nice!

magiceye said...

magnificent!

Robin said...

A crafts center with hundreds of artisans? You're talking my language! (Sadly not my budget though, I could spend a fortune in those places...)

Such a lovely picture, and I'd even brave the snowy paths to get to the gallery inside ;-).

Daryl said...

And to think I hesitated posting a snowy shot ... Spring is on the way just not fast enough ..nice shot .. love the winding wall

Linnea said...

Oh...this reminds me of the Christmas season, even in late March! Lovely scene and your description of the estate really makes me want to hop on a plane and go visit this beautiful place...

Unknown said...

Great composed image!
I liked the depth of feeling in it.

Anonymous said...

WE've just got rid of our snow! Brrr!!

Lil Bit said...

Wonderful wintry scene... this could be on card!