A Dreamy Stay at MASA in Cataloochee Ranch, North Carolina

Our stay at the MASA cabin was nothing short of magical. Perched on a mountainside, MASA offers stunning privacy and views that feel straight out of a fairy tale. From the balcony, you're surrounded by lush, endless greenery, creating a sense of pure escape. This place is truly a paradise—serene, natural, and the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

In the afternoons, we would wander aimlessly, soaking in nature. We saw horses, white geese, and lambs, swung on swings, relaxed in hammocks, and explored the forest with its thick blanket of leaves. The stress melted away as we breathed in the fresh mountain air, stumbled upon a small waterfall, and even touched white mushrooms growing in the wild.

What makes Cataloochee Ranch stand out is the warmth of its staff, who treat you like family. Here, everyone seems to correspond to a family role. Kim and Garrett are the patriarchs. For example, in the morning, Garrett came to say hello, seemingly in no mood, but when he heard that we planned to go hiking on our own, he rushed back to give us a backpack, which contained a gps locator to ensure our safety. He might not have seemed overly chatty at first, but his care was genuine. Daniel, whom I’d call the “thoughtful brother,” noticed we enjoyed some tea one evening. The next day, he surprised us with a full supply of tea bags and the gooseberry jam, just because I had mentioned it in passing!!! Hannah had a welcoming, big-sister energy, while Katherine’s smile was as bright as an angel's.

The attention to detail and the heartfelt gestures during our stay were overwhelming. It didn’t feel like your typical well-trained, five-star service—it felt like being embraced by a close-knit community. I left with a deeper understanding of the American concept of family, and the local North Carolina culture. Compared to New York, life here is slower; people stop to chat, share stories, and greet each other. Though I didn’t see many Asian people or other people of color, I never felt out of place. Everyone was warm and welcoming.

One of the highlights of our stay was a morning stroll up the hill with Garrett. As we walked, he shared the story of how the Cherokee called these mountains "Shaconage," or the "Land of Blue Smoke." The beautiful blue haze that gives the Blue Ridge Mountains their name is the result of terpenes from the trees interacting with water vapor, scattering blue light across the landscape. Along the way, we found turkey feathers, and Garrett explained their significance in Native American culture—they symbolize strength and power, reserved for tribal leaders or warriors. At one point, we stumbled upon an ancient marker tree, which Native Americans had bent centuries ago to signal important landmarks like trail intersections and places for medicinal plants. It's complimentary. Highly recommend it!

Cataloochee Ranch is truly a place where dreams are made. If I ever feel disillusioned or lose my way in life, I know I can think back to this peaceful, heartwarming experience and find the strength to move forward. The memories from this stay will inspire and comfort me for years to come.