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Bill Leslie

Bill Leslie's Carolina Conversations

"People are always asking me where to take vacation. What’s a cool place? What’s the most scenic drive?" WRAL News Anchor Bill Leslie attempts to answer those questions and others in his Carolina Conversations blog.

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Visiting Glade Valley

Published: 2011-10-24 08:23:00
Updated: 2011-10-24 12:10:20

It's an autumn ritual for my family - traveling to the NC mountains to enjoy the flaming foliage. Cindy, my son Will and his girlfriend Jessica Struby spent a recent weekend off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Alleghany County. We all got up early for the sunrise and the sleep deprivation was worth it. We hiked Bluff Mountain Trail in Doughton Park despite an annoying detour on the parkway.

We took the dogs down the Cumberland Knob trail and they splashed and played like puppies. We also drove down some unfamiliar backroads recommended by author, publisher and friend Carolyn Sakowski. We shared a delicious meal at 21 & Main in Elkin and discovered a cool new restaurant next to the bowling alley in Sparta. We gazed at the stars and enjoyed marshmellows by the chimnea. It was a great weekend.

I stitched together a little slideshow and included some of my new music. I hope you like it.

What have been you favorite autumn memories so far this year? Please share.

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10 Comments


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This was beautiful, and I look forward to your new album Judy Coley Reibel Raleigh, NC

Beautiful video!!!!!! I loved it!

Make that "I wish" instead of "I'd wish."

Bill, I'd wish we'd run into one another sometime when I'm in Sparta, so I could pal around with someone besides my in-laws!

Very nice.

Thanks for sharing your photos and music with us Bill. It was absolutely beautiful!

Your music and pictures just make the glory of nature in the mountains more beautiful. Thanks my friend.

love the slideshow!! thanks, since I don't think I will be getting up to the mts.anytime soon!! :)

Just one word, beautiful!

Bill, the pictures were absolutely beautiful, but the music was heavenly. Thanks for putting this together and sharing with us. JackieSmith, Clayton Historical Association

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