FENCE: Foothills Equestrian Nature Center
As beautiful as Western Carolina is, I have noticed that I haven't even dedicated a post, let alone a single word, to my favorite place of all: that would be the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center, in short FENCE.
If you can't find one thing you like about FENCE, regardless of your demographic, then you can't possibly be human. Young, old, single, married, with or without children: chances are, there is something for everyone at FENCE.
FENCE is a nature reserve that is spread out over 380 acres of rolling hills featuring woods, wide open meadows, rivers and ponds. For hikers, birdwatchers, stargazers, or simply children wishing to burn some much needed energy, this place is simply spectacular, and I haven't even seen the equestrian part of it yet.
The place itself is located along the I-26, although I prefer to take the more bucolic routes to get there, like Route 176 from Tryon or Route 108 from Columbus. Try it yourself! Be daring! On your way there, you can get used to the bucolic settings, the numerous gorgeous horse farms and the even more spectacular views of the ever present Blue Ridge Mountains looming in the background.
This is a great place for kids as well. Whereas our kids first started the day with a groan whenever we told them where we were going, there would always be a smile on their faces by the time we left, the result of them having learned something valuable, besides spending a day outdoors, usually on the hiking trails.
Last Saturday, for example, we attended a presentation by a local wildlife rehabilitation chapter, a non-profit also known by its name 'Wild for Life'. As the name suggests, this is an organization that specializes in protecting wildlife that has been brought to their doorstep, one way or the other. This time, they were focusing on birds of prey and brought two owls and a hawk to display to the visitors, birds of prey that otherwise would have perished. Injured birds brought in are usually the result of being shot, or even more common, being run over by cars. Seeing these birds up close and personal is a thrill in itself, something most people never get to witness. The kids were gawking at those birds as the birds were gawking at them.
You have your pick of the trails, as well, most of them not exceeding one mile. At the end of our visit, though, I'm fairly certain we walked about four miles, a pittance by a hiker's standards, but a much needed reprieve for the kids from their digitally guided world. The trick is to tell them that they will be hiking less than a mile, and then let nature take its course. Before you know it, your kids get used to the trail, where they point out trees and animals, or other information of note that is left behind on the numerous trail signs posted by FENCE. It also helps to take a backpack with snacks with you, maybe even a book to read for when you take a short break. Here I recommend the shelter by the pond, where you can engage in some more bird watching, while the kids run around and play.
FENCE itself was established by a land grant in the 1980's, which stipulated what the land would be used for, thus assuring its conservation for future generations. Not surprisingly they understand that education is the key. It stands to reason that you will wish to protect the great outdoors the more time you spend there.
In many ways, it is similar to the more renowned Tryon International Equestrian Center nearby, although it does without most of the fanfare and strobe lights.
GREAT place, for adults and kids. For the one day you need to spend in the great outdoors with your family, try FENCE. And no, this is not an advertisement for them. None needed.
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