juniper

09/02/2024

We walked always in beauty, it seemed to me. We walked and looked about, or stood and looked. Sometimes, less often, we would sit down. We did not often speak. The place spoke for us and was a kind of speech. We spoke to each other in the things we saw.
- Wendell Berry

Labor Day sunrise & breakfast tradition with my boys.🫶🏼

08/15/2024

In January, these two wonderful folks reached out, planning a large family reunion in Western North Carolina. Initially, they just wanted me to do some research about available locations for hosting their extended family. What I thought would be a one-off research project turned into full-on travel and event planning—and it was a joy!

They flew into Asheville in February, and we did site visits at several locations. Then we moved on to menu and event planning, where I helped them secure local vendors. Since most of the family lived out of town, I also created a Lake Lure & Surrounding Area guide for them. My house even became the storage spot for all of the items they needed for the events! Finally, I joined them at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure for the weekend, bringing beautiful local flowers from Sourwood Creek Farm for the tables. I stayed on-site to ensure everything flowed smoothly at their gatherings. It was so fun to see it all come together! 🌅

She emailed me yesterday with the kindest words: 'Thank you so very much for all your hard work. You brought it all together for me, and I could not have done the reunion without you! Your attention to detail and follow-up is awesome, and so is your creativity! Thank you for always being budget-conscious for us too.' 💛

Special thanks to Paula Roberts Photography for capturing the event for this sweet family.

08/02/2024

🌟 Just wrapped up my first month of the Stay & Play with Visit Hendersonville, NC and it was fantastic! Thanks to our partnership with local accommodations, this guest (and many others) enjoyed complimentary itineraries during their stays in Hendersonville. One guest, who stayed at the Treehouse at Edenwood after performing on a cruise ship for several weeks, was looking for relaxation, local music, some time in nature, and great food. It was an honor to create a custom itinerary for him. 🌟

This offer is available to all Henderson County accommodations until funds are expended. Reach out to me, and your guests can also receive FREE itineraries that will save them (and you) time while helping them experience the best of our area.

07/25/2024

🗺️📍 Not every customer needs an hour by hour itinerary. A couple of weeks ago a camp mom called asking for some suggestions because she’s going to driving back and forth to WNC six times this summer for camp drop off and pick up.

She said she spent her whole first visit in the parking lot of places googling where to go next and was frustrated!

So, in addition to putting together a curated list of accommodations, food & bev, hiking & swimming spots, I also created a personalized google map with over 40 locations (just for her) so she can access it from wherever she lands.

No more googling for Charlotte! She has a personalized list & map that will guide her all summer long. 😎💦👏🏼

07/02/2024

✨Dream Customer ✨

Yesterday on a questionnaire that came in, the family wrote: We also love hiking and biking and the opportunity to swim in a lake.

Isn’t getting sweaty and then swimming the best part of the mountains in the summertime?!😎

Do you have a favorite hiking/biking + swimming combo in WNC? I’ll put mine in the comments! 🥾💦

07/01/2024

In mid-June I had the honor of joining Marilyn Ball on her Speaking of Travel podcast to share about Juniper! I absolutely loved chatting with her.

If you want to hear more of the 'why' behind the business and what I enjoy about this work, check it out on your next walk or commute! The podcast episode is available on all podcast channels.

Thank you for having me, Marilyn. 💛

There is always a proud sense of community that you find in small towns and communities in our country. And in the North Carolina Mountains, you can add to that something downright magical. Great people, incredible food, and Southern Hospitality t...

06/03/2024

I'm taking a little 'summer pause' from social media for the month of June. I am still working, so please reach out via email - [email protected] or via my website - craftedbyjuniper.com for any itinerary or planning needs that arise!

I look forward to 'seeing you out there' in the real world soaking in summertime in the mountains. 🌳☀️💦🍉😎

📸 :: Helen Joy Photography

05/29/2024

📣 Exciting News! 📣

If you own or run an accommodation (Hotel, Inn, Vacation Rental, B&B) in Henderson County, do not miss out on this exciting opportunity. 🎉

Thanks to a generous grant from Visit Hendersonville, NC, starting July 1st Juniper itineraries can now be offered complimentary to your guests that stay 2+ nights.* All you have to do is sign-up to be a part of the program (see below), offer the package to your guests, and I'll take the planning off of their plate (free of charge)!

👍🏼 YES, I want my accommodation to participate in this Stay & Play package:

Step 1️⃣: Email me at [email protected] with:
- Name of your Accommodation (must be in Henderson County)
- Website/airbnb link(s)
- Best Contact Name, Email & Phone

Step 2️⃣: I will send over a Juniper Stay & Play promo packet for you to use to promote. Packet will include logo/imagery and sample language and script to include on your website/listings and in communication with guests (like those pictured here).

All details are on the website here: https://craftedbyjuniper.com/stay-play/.

*Itineraries are offered complimentary until grant funds are expended.

05/13/2024

🌟 Itinerary planning for large groups is one of my favorite things to do! Last weekend, a group of 11 gals gathered to celebrate their 25th year of friendship. It was a pleasure to put together an itinerary that spanned across three different locations in WNC, with different ideas for smaller groups, hike options, lunch spots, upscale dining, live music, and more! They were so kind, and three of the group members left five-star reviews on google.🌟

If you know of a group coming to our area, send them my way! Traveling in a group is the most affordable way to use my service as folks typically split the cost among the group. All the while, saving you time, helping you find the best spots for your group, and a mobile-friendly itinerary for every group member so everyone knows what is coming up.

05/03/2024

Mother's Day holds different meanings for each of us. As someone who lost my own mom at a young age, I understand the complexities of this holiday. Yet, I'm drawn to making it special for all women and mothers out there. 🫶

For anyone wanting to love on a mama this holiday, I have four mini itinerary ideas on my website: https://craftedbyjuniper.com/mothersday2024/

◾️For the Outdoorsy & Adventurous Mama
◾️For the Mama Who Enjoys Simple Pleasures
◾️For the Artsy Mama
◾️For the Mama Who Needs a Moment to Herself

I also have a suggested gift idea - Juniper Family Adventure Itinerary Box. Free local pickup in HVL through 5/12, $7 shipping available through 5/6, & $7 delivery though 5/10 (Hendersonville, Asheville, Breavard).

Let's honor and cherish the incredible women in our lives.✨

04/30/2024

We have a giveaway in celebration of small business week! 🎉

Enter this giveaway with juniper & Gogos Cinnamon Rolls to win Juniper's Family Adventure Itinerary Box, complete with eight thoughtfully crafted family adventures (two per season) in Western North Carolina. Includes $30 gift certificate to Gogo's Cinnamon Rolls, which will help you jumpstart your spring adventure day. ⛰👩‍🍳

Here’s how to enter:
1️⃣Like this post
2️⃣Follow juniper
3️⃣Follow Gogos Cinnamon Rolls
4️⃣Share this post on your story
5️⃣Tag a friend (or multiple)

1 tag = 1 entry, so tag as many friends as you’d like. Closing date will be Friday, May 3rd at 11:59 pm. The winner will be chosen at random by May 6th and contacted via Instagram.

Happy Spring & Happy Small Business Week!

04/23/2024

Two years ago my friend Christy had just moved to the area and invited me to take a really intense hike with her to help smooth and mark her transition. We have now turned it into a spring & fall ritual, and we put it in our calendar months in advance and we hold it dear.

We try to tackle new trails in new places, and challenge our bodies. For several reasons outside of our control we had to pivot our original hiking plan for today, but we kept the date and hiked a magical trail that has been on my list for a while. It was the right place at the right time.🤩

There is something absolutely captivating and breathtaking about new spring green. The leaves and the plants were almost neon. The forest is waking up and it is something to behold.🌱🤍

Thank you for building and preserving this amazing trail, .

04/15/2024

On Saturday I had the opportunity to host a recruitment candidate and his family in Hendersonville for exploration and lunch. It was a gorgeous spring day and Downtown Hendersonville was on full display with tulips and new growth. It was the first thing they commented on! 🌷🌳

Having a community conversation over lunch was just one stop on their full day itinerary. The family spent their Saturday driving around different parts of Henderson County, stopping for delicious food and beautiful spots to stretch their legs, to ultimately get a feel for the area. 🗺️

Candidates aren’t just interviewing for a job, they are also ‘interviewing’ a new community. It’s such a joy to come alongside businesses as a community partner and ambassador for the Henderson County area. 🤍

📸 :

04/12/2024

⛰ The Family Adventure Itinerary Box ⛰
Thoughtfully crafted itineraries for eight seasonal family adventures. Just in time for Mother's Day & Father's Day gifting - only $49.

🟨 what's included:
◾ 8 seasonal family adventure itineraries (two for each season) featuring local restaurants, venues, and activities.
◾ Each itinerary includes conversation starters to invite connection.
◾ Enjoy screen-free travel tips to enrich the adventure experience.
◾ Bonus: 'Let’s Adventure Together’ card for kid(s) to give to a parent along with the itinerary box (see photo).

🟨 adventure details:
◾Location Details: Itineraries take you to eight small towns across Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina, including Asheville, Black Mountain, Brevard, Cashiers/Highlands, Hendersonville, Saluda, Traveler’s Rest, & Waynesville.
◾Timing Details: Itineraries are 4-6 hours long and specify appropriate days of the week. For example: Winter Adventure - Available any Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 am to 3 pm.
◾Cost Details: Adventure estimated costs range from $75 to $200, depending on family size, and cover activities, meals, and other expenses.

🟨 who:
◾Ideal Audience: Itineraries are tailored for families with children aged four through early middle school years, although playful teens will also find the adventures enjoyable.

To learn more and purchase, visit: https://craftedbyjuniper.com/product/familyadventurebox/.

Happy Exploring! ☺️

04/02/2024

⭐️ "Summer went above and beyond to coordinate a serendipitous itinerary for our friends’ shared 30th birthday weekend. She was an absolute pleasure to work with and tailored our plan to meet our group’s unique needs. Her local knowledge was so valuable to us and helped us to just enjoy each other’s company for our weekend without the stress of planning!” ⭐️

This gal gang visited Hendersonville last summer to celebrate their collective milestone 30th birthdays! They wanted to squeeze a wide variety of experiences in, while accommodating their friend who was late in her third trimester of pregnancy. It was a joy to plan a custom itinerary for them. Knowing they were able to experience WNC without the stress of planning, while having flexibility in their schedule is all I could ask for.

If you are visiting Western North Carolina this spring or summer, let’s start planning! 🌸🌤️🌻

Reach out via messenger or my website: https://craftedbyjuniper.com

Stunning WNC summertime photo by Jared Kay.🤩

03/22/2024

I'll be 'out of the office' until 3/31 on a spring break staycation with my family. I will be spending some time away from screens, email, and social media and a lot more time in the woods during this time. 🙏🏼

📸: Helen Joy Photography

03/22/2024

Introducing :: Family-Friendly Spring in Hendersonville & Beyond 🌳

This itinerary is a unique and focused invitation to experience the best of spring in Hendersonville and Brevard areas with your family in tow. And it is only $29!

◾️what's included:
In this crafted itinerary you will find the best dining spots — both casual and elevated, stops to engage the beautiful scenery of our area and the culture, all laid out in a way to maximize your time in the area.

Additionally, this itinerary includes local tips from Summer and her boys, a local artist playlist to jam out to on your drive from spot to spot, and a Google Map for ease of navigation. There are also accessible and inclement weather activity alternatives.

◾️ who:
This itinerary is built for families with children of all ages. This itinerary is ideal for folks staying in Henderson County accommodations.

◾️ when:
This 48-hour itinerary will work for any Wednesday through Sunday getaway. Ideally, this itinerary is purchased 2-3 weeks in advance of your trip to guarantee reservations at the suggested spots. There are backup dining options if you miss out on reservations, so don’t let the ideal timeline hold you back.

◾️ how:
Visit craftedbyjuniper.com/shop to purchase, download, and getaway! ⛰

If you have questions about whether the itinerary is right for you, email Summer at [email protected]

03/21/2024

Introducing :: Spring in Hendersonville & Beyond 🌷

This mobile-friendly, downloadable itinerary is a unique and focused invitation to experience the best of spring in Hendersonville and Brevard areas for those traveling to our area. And it is only $29!

◾️what's included:
In this crafted itinerary you will find the best dining spots — both casual and elevated, stops to engage the beautiful scenery of our area and the culture, all laid out in a way to maximize your time in the area.

Additionally, this itinerary includes local tips from Summer, a local artist playlist to jam out to on your drive from spot to spot, and a Google Map for ease of navigation. There are also accessible and inclement weather activity alternatives.

◾️ who:
This itinerary is built for solo travelers, a couple, or a small groups (five or fewer) due to the intimate nature of several of the establishments. This itinerary is ideal for folks staying in Henderson County accommodations.

◾️ when:
This 48-hour itinerary will work for any Wednesday through Sunday getaway. Ideally, this itinerary is purchased 30+ days in advance of your trip to guarantee reservations at the suggested spots. There are backup dining options if you miss out on reservations, so don’t let the timeline hold you back.

◾️ how:
Visit craftedbyjuniper.com/shop to purchase, download, and getaway! ⛰

If you have questions about whether the itinerary is right for you, email Summer at [email protected].

03/20/2024

Introducing :: Taste of Asheville 🍽

◾️what's included:
In partnership with local chefs, Friends & Neighbors, this downloadable itinerary is a unique and focused invitation into Asheville’s culinary scene, introducing you to spots that may not have made the headlines (yet) but are a “must” for your visit to Asheville. Featuring: Bakeries (2), Breweries (2), Cocktail Bars (2), Coffee Shops (2), & Restaurants (7).

Additionally, the itinerary includes local tips from both Juniper and Friends & Neighbors, suggestions for activities along the way, local artist playlist to jam out to on your drives from spot to spot, a poem written by an Asheville local, and a Google Map for ease of navigation. You will also receive a download with conversation cards to use as you eat your way through Asheville.

◾️ who:
This itinerary is built for solo travelers, couples, or small groups (four or fewer) due to the intimate nature of several of the establishments. This itinerary is ideal for folks staying in Buncombe County accommodations or Fletcher/Asheville Airport accommodations.

◾️ when:
This 48-hour itinerary will work for any Wednesday through Saturday visit. Ideally, this itinerary is purchased 30+ days in advance of your trip to guarantee reservations at the suggested spots. There are backup dining options if you miss out on reservations, so don’t let this timeline hold you back.

◾️ how:
Visit craftedbyjuniper.com/shop to purchase, download, and getaway! ⛰

03/19/2024

🌱 On this first day of spring, I am excited to announce a new product serving WNC travelers - Digital Download Itineraries. Designed to offer convenience and flexibility, these itineraries provide travelers with instant access and a comprehensive guide to the best of the North Carolina mountains. ⛰

I am thrilled to present three carefully crafted itineraries tailored to different interests and preferences:

🍽 Taste of Asheville: Created in partnership with Friends & Neighbors, dive into the culinary delights of Asheville, from locally sourced eateries to cozy cafes and artisanal bakeries.

🌷Spring in Hendersonville & Beyond: Embrace the beauty of springtime as you explore Hendersonville and its surrounding areas, discovering great restaurants, scenic trails, and local attractions.

🌳 Family-Friendly Spring in Hendersonville & Beyond: Planning a family getaway? This itinerary is packed with kid-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and hidden gems –perfect for creating memories with your family.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, these itineraries are designed to enhance your experience with insider tips, must-see attractions, and local knowledge. Travelers can access their itinerary instantly upon purchase, eliminating the need for lengthy planning processes. This allows for the guest to access their itinerary even if they’ve already arrived in Western North Carolina.

To learn more, purchase, and download one of these itineraries, visit: craftedbyjuniper.com/shop.

While I'm thrilled to introduce these new instant-download itineraries, I am still committed to providing custom itinerary planning.

Thanks to Helen Joy Photography & Jared Kay for the beautiful photography used in these images and itineraries.

03/04/2024

We are excited to announce a partnership between Foggy Bottom Cabins and Juniper.

Foggy Bottom Cabins is a family-owned and operated newly renovated historic motor court located in Pisgah Forest, NC. Our guests have the natural beauty and culture of Western NC at their fingertips and our fully renovated cabins offer spaces that are welcoming, ready, and flexible enough to anticipate and exceed guest expectations across all four seasons for work or play. Wake up with a fresh cup of coffee on the screened porch and end your day with your feet up at a campfire. ☕🔥

Juniper, owned by WNC native, Summer Stipe is a local concierge, providing guests the option to add on a personalized itinerary for their stay (with the ability to make all reservations and bookings, if requested). With Summer's extensive local knowledge, she ensures travelers to Western North Carolina area have the perfect itinerary, crafted just for them.

With Khaled & Megan Khiyar’s' extensive background in hospitality and tourism, combined with Summer's expert knowledge of the area, Foggy Bottom Cabin guests will be well situated for a custom and relaxed mountain getaway. ⛰

01/26/2024

📣 Heads up! I am now offering a complimentary 15 minute consultation if you are considering (or already planning) a getaway to the North Carolina mountains.⛰️

You will leave the conversation, knowing how I can customize and support your visit or be ready to plan for yourself.

Click the link in bio for a link to my calendar to schedule a 10-15 minute phone call.🗓️📱

If you'd like to inquire about using Juniper services for your upcoming trip, schedule a 10-15 minute call, so we can discuss your needs and how our services work.

01/02/2024

🌟 I felt my shoulders relax down my back knowing that I did not have to plan anything, all I had to do was show up and enjoy. I would 10/10 recommend investing in yourself by using Juniper for your next adventure! 🌟

These words from a recent client perfectly describe the feeling that I hope arises when someone opens their juniper itinerary. And I agree, one of the most loving things you can do for yourself is to let someone else plan for you. 🤍

If this resonates and you'd like to breathe a little deeper, stay more present, and soak in the moments, it would be an honor to come alongside you in 2024. I'd love to be your guide this year as you plan your getaway to Western North Carolina or a special occasion/staycation.

12/22/2023

Annual Christmas date turned juniper employee & spouse holiday party.😆😍

We’ve been taking some time away before the holidays for many years and find it be a wonderful way to connect before the schedule gets full. ✨

We visited some of our favorite local, festive spots and finished with the new polar bear plunge at this am, which was so much fun! 🥶

Thanks for the childcare, grandparents!