SOS.
Seeing those three letters flash on my phone instead of the full 5G signal would typically initiate an internal SOS, especially while using GPS to navigate winding roads in a remote mountainous area. Losing phone connection on this particular drive, however, only fueled my anticipation.
It meant I was within a few turns from the East Asheville modern cabin retreat, Firelight at Shope Creek, where I was looking forward to quieting the daily digital noise and enjoying a night of stargazing with minimal light pollution. Owners Amy Cavanaugh and Shari Robins had already set the tone for my stay with a welcome email in which turn-by-turn instructions from the Blue Ridge Parkway were included. So when my signal inevitably dropped out, it was a relief to achieve analog mode and follow their meticulous directions, like being back in the 1900s, as my children often sarcastically remind me.
Windows rolled down, I turned onto the gravel Firelight Road and was greeted by a soundtrack I couldn’t help but record–trickling creek, twittering birds, buzzing pollinators, rustling trees, and the sound I was most looking forward to hearing, clucking chickens scurrying around the on-site coop. I inquired later about the chickens’ names to learn I may have been hearing Elio, Brownie, Chubby, and Wooster and that ducks Darla and William were also part of their little working avian crew.
I pulled into the parking space for cabin 24, marveling at having absolutely no wireless connection, the fragrant culinary and cut flower garden steps from my car, the rabbit scampering through tall grass, the butterflies swirling. It was as though the owners had cued up this perfect welcome. Admittedly, immediately upon entering the cabin, I located the Wi-Fi password to re-enter the digital age. The ensuing onslaught of phone notifications was enough incentive to eject the device onto the couch and, instead, enjoy touring the cabin and part of the 22-acre property hands-free.
Cabin 24 is one of two Meadow cabins, with two patios and a private hot tub a few steps from the bedroom. The other five Woodland cabins have a slightly more compact footprint, with hot tubs and single patios facing the creek. A guest-only sauna sits just up the hill at the hiking trail entrance, past a pavilion with gathering and dining space, and fire pits and clusters of Adirondacks dot the property. Hilltop Cabin, a four-bedroom home, sits at the highest point with a private drive.
All cabins are decorated in Scandinavian, minimalist decor featuring earth tones and neutrals, and all include wood stoves in the living space, fully stocked kitchens, and a grill, making them feel instantly like a home to enjoy rather than merely a place to sleep. The subtlety of interior design effectively encourages the eye to find color, and the floor-to-ceiling windows provide what you’re searching for. Surrounded by woods and grassy meadows visible from every angle, it’s impossible not to feel immersed in nature even while enjoying a cabin’s climate control.
The little things at Firelight at Shope Creek
Cavanaugh and Robins clearly know it’s the little things that make a stay memorable and have carefully assembled micro details and elements of hospitality—fresh cut flowers on the table, chocolates on the counter for a sweet welcome, eggs from the coop, local beer in the refrigerator, tea bags made from the garden’s yield, freshly ground coffee for the French press, scissors and a basket for clipping and gathering veggies and herbs from the raised beds, and soft robes and towels ready for a hot tub or creek dip.
Their anticipation of guests’ needs provides the ultimate luxury—allowing you the time and mental capacity to focus on why you’re staying at Firelight in the first place. The reasons likely vary. The location about 20 minutes from downtown Asheville and Black Mountain provides an ideal respite while still offering easy access to restaurants and shopping. Or, in our digitally connected age, staying somewhere like Firelight, where it’s easier to disconnect than remain tethered, might be the reason, and with a fully appointed kitchen, leaving for sustenance isn’t a necessity.
The pitch black sky was full of stars as I donned my robe to soak in the hot tub. I opted to keep the jets low so I could still hear the natural hum around me. Before I fell asleep, I opened the curtains so the morning sun would act as a natural alarm. It did, and I reached for my robe again and headed to the garden to snip some chives to add to the fresh three-egg omelet I’d been planning. My reserved sauna session followed, and after a few seven-minute stints in the 194-degree heat, I was ready for a refreshing shower and my drive back down the mountain. My phone remained in silent mode for the ride.
Staying in?
The owners recommend Whole Foods for Instacart delivery (or a 15-minute drive).
For a local treat, try the East Asheville Farmer’s Market on Friday from 3-6p.m.
In Black Mountain, shop at Beradu or Foothills Butcher Shop for provisions and specialty grocery items.
Going out?
Try one of these favorites in Black Mountain:
- Bev’s Steak
- Oak & Grist Distilling Co.
- Side B Bar
- Trailhead Restaurant & Bar
- The Pure & Proper
- Foothills Grange
- Hell or High Water Restaurant & Bar
Firelight at Shope Creek
39 Firelight Road, Asheville, North Carolina
firelightcabins.com
