As the weather warms and the days grow longer, folks around here look forward to one of Mother Nature’s summer spectacles. Between late May and early July, the evening skies across the Blue Ridge Mountains come to life during the annual mating season of the area’s famous synchronous fireflies…or as my brother and I used to call them when we were kids, “lightening bugs!”
Synchronous fireflies (Photinus Carolinus), are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that inhabit the Western North Carolina Mountains. They are the only species in America whose individuals can synchronize their flashing light patterns, a behavior which is part of their mating display. Each species has a characteristic flash pattern that helps it male and female individuals recognize one another. And when these little guys and gals are “in the mood,” the result can be spectacular to watch!!!
During most years, these famous little insects are the main attraction for an eight-week event sponsored by the National Park Service in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Each year, a lottery is conducted in the spring during which a few lucky participants are selected to participate in a “firefly safari” of sorts…the chance to be delivered into the heart of Elkmont where a large population of the flashy little bugs put on their evening show.
Unfortunately, as with so many other things, the Covid-19 health crisis intervened this year and the result was/is the cancellation of this summer’s event.
But not all is not lost!
Here at Engadine, our 12-acre property offers many of the same topographical and environmental conditions that attract the same stars of the show found up in the Smokies…broad grassy meadows separating densely wooded areas adjacent to a babbling mountain stream. And just as they do at Elkmont, our friendly fireflies deliver the same spectacular show!
If you are eager for a change of scenery and looking for a really cool experience that offers the safety of social distancing in the great outdoors, especially one that is perfect for families with kids, we’d love to have you come stay with us. Book your own private cabin and after a family cookout on the grill, sit back on your porch or deck (or better yet, bring your own camp chair to find you own spot in the woods) to enjoy the show. We’ll even provide the mason jars for the kids to capture Mother Nature’s magic in a jar!!!
