Cold Mountain Heritage Tour

Begins: 06/27/2009 Ends: 06/28/2009

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Western North Carolina is the tiny hamlet of Bethel also known as Pigeon Valley.  Cold Mountain overlooks the final resting place of Pinkney Inman, the legendary hero of Charles Frazier's novel & subsequently the Hollywood movie.  Settled in the late 1700's the area is rich in history and the members of the Bethel Rural Community Organization strive to preserve it.
They are proud to present the 5th Annual Cold Mountain Heritage Tour which includes 10 historic sites in Haywood County. This self- driving tour covers 2 historic homes, a working 100 year old heritage farm, the oldest remaining log cabin in the county & historic chapels & cemetaries including Inman's gravesite. Some are on the National Register of Historic Places.
The 1st day of the tour is Saturday, June 27 & begins at the North Hominy Community Club just off I-40 ar Exit 33. Guests will receive driving directions to each site on the tour. As guests arrive at each site there will be tour guides available to share the history of each location. 
Saturday's tour will conclude at the Riverhouse Acres Campground located on the Little East Fork of the Pigeon River. That was one of the only landmarks Inman could rely on as the end of his 300 mile trek home through landscape that was devastated by the ravages of a Civil War. This historic setting is the perfect place to enjoy an evening of local music & storytelling no extra charge. Food will also be available for a nominal cost.
Sunday's tour begins at Blue Ridge Books & News in Waynesville. The two day tour ticket is priced at $25.00 & a one day ticket is $15.00. Tickets are available at the first stop of the tour both days.
The Bethel Rural Community Organization uses the proceeds of the ticket sales to help support farmland & historic preservation, MANNA food distribution, Bethel school activities, volunteer fire department, benevolence to needy families & other worthy causes in the community. You can find more information about the Cold Mountain Heritage Tour & the Bethel Rural Community Organization at their website www.bethelcomm.org
For information: Ellen Cirino
828-648-3151