The Hop

Pretty much my favorite-ist ice cream place ever, The Hop, has one-upped themselves by introducing homemade hot fudge syrup! Tonight we stopped in to see a group of kids from a local music school putting on a fiddle / guitar recital and scarfed down some vanilla bean ice cream topped with a generous portion of hot fudge the likes of which I have never come across prior! It was so rich and flavorful that I could have eaten a cup of it straight up.

The Hop is my family's way-too-often guilty pleasure for a several reasons: 

• Both locations are convenient to my house (Merrimon Ave north of downtown / Haywood Rd in West Asheville).
• In addition to tried and true chocolate and vanilla, there are always some creative flavors on the menu like lavender vanilla, Chinese 5 Spice, or Thin Mint for when I am feeling adventurous (see below for a sample daily menu board). 
• Both locations have a sweet little play area for the kids to make friends and have fun while the adults relax and chat. 
• There is typically some kind of entertainment on a weekly basis, from hip hop for kids to ballet performances (check the calendar on their website for details).
• Their ice cream is seriously the best ever. 

Example of what The Hop might be serving up! Check it out!

Skinny Dip Falls: My #1 Must-See Local Swimming Hole

My first "Get Dirty" post is about my favorite outdoor spot in all of Western North Carolina: Skinny Dip Falls. You can bask in the glory of the multi-level falls, hike up and down the river on huge rocks, and get wet in multiple swimming holes. This is possibly the most beautiful place I have ever been and I LOVE IT!!

Getting there is simple enough: Take the Parkway south out of Asheville for about 45 minutes, park in the pull-off area at mile 417, and cross the Parkway to the easily visible trailhead.

The hike is relatively short and easy. You'll be greeted early on by this completely awesome looking tree, which may or may not be an actual dragon trapped in time by a wizard.

The hike in is quick, about 15-20 minutes for a typical hiker. This is a well-used, easy to follow trail. It is rocky, sometimes muddy, and almost completely downhill on the way in. There are well-built steps and a bridge crossing over the river for easy access. The best place for little ones to get wet will be to your right: a shallow, crystal clear area to play with rocks, look for fish, and splash around. For the more adventurous, there are two good jumping rocks to your left once you cross the bridge.

You can also hike upstream on the rocks, which I highly recommend if you are physically able to do so. There are several additional small water falls and swimming areas, along with great places to sit and ponder the beauty of life.

For those interested in camping options, keep hiking once you cross the bridge and you'll come across several great spots to set up a tent for the night. There is less foot traffic here than some of the other camping areas available nearby, so it makes for a nice quiet weekend in the woods. 

Things to know about Skinny Dip Falls:

• The water is freaking cold. I am talking mountain stream COLD.
• Although it is tempting to wear sandals since this is a swimming hole, I would recommend you wear your hiking shoes and toss some water shoes in your Camel Back.
• The rocks are slippery, especially where you see moss. Step carefully and help the little ones up and down the rocks.
• Lots of people bring unleashed dogs on the trail (just a heads up if you are afraid of dogs or if you have little ones).
• Although this place is called Skinny Dip Falls, please leave your clothes on! 
• Pack a snack for the kids. Nobody wants to hear a toddler screaming in the background while they are meditating and stacking rocks. Trust me, I've learned the hard way.
• Please pick up after yourself. Everyone hates to see trash in the woods.
• Don't forget your camera!