FRONT PORCH FEATURE - Doris & Rick Ryan

Doris and Rick Ryan met in college in 1965, fell in love, and—58 years later—are still choosing each other every day. 

Nearly 30 years after that first meeting, their hearts made another lasting decision: North Carolina. It began with a vacation to Asheville and a stay at the Grove Park Inn—but it was the mountains that did the rest. Over the years, they returned again and again, drawn by the Blue Ridge’s quiet beauty, winding roads, and world-class golf. By 1994, they had found the perfect lot for their forever home. They built, they settled in, and in 2001 became the longest-running full-time residents in our community.

Ask them what sealed it, and they’ll both point to a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and down through the Linville Falls gap. The views, the curves in the road, the way the mountains seem to open up just when you need them—it stayed with them. Plans to move elsewhere faded as naturally as a sunset over the ridgeline.

Golf quickly became part of daily life. By their own admission, they were happily “addicted,” playing every chance they could—here at home and across the High Country. Rick still lights up talking about it: “Every hole had a memorable view. We loved playing every day.” Then he adds with a grin, “How great is it that you can play golf all morning and hit the ski slopes in the afternoon? Where else can you do that?”

For Doris, the magic of this place is even simpler. “Every day you wake up and appreciate God’s scenic beauty,” she says. “This truly feels like heaven on earth. We’re so thankful for the peace and serenity here.”

Life here isn’t just about the big views—it’s in the small, everyday moments too. The squirrels putting on their morning show. A rare bobcat along the rock wall. The occasional mama bear and her cubs passing through. Even the quiet evidence of snakes shedding their skins. It’s all part of the rhythm of mountain living.

Inside the Ryan home, there’s another personality who keeps things lively: Ziggy, their 27-year-old peach-fronted conure. He greets you with a cheerful “hello,” happily repeats his own name, and enjoys the finer things—like holding crackers while he eats and relaxing under a warm heat lamp after a bath. 

 Ziggy

And then there’s Molly.

After adopting Maggie—a Border Collie left near the community dumpster after the 2004 flood—the Ryans found a companion who brought them 15 years of joy. When Maggie passed in 2019, they knew another dog would find its way to them–enter Molly.                    

Now six years old, Molly is equal parts brilliant, loyal, energetic, and loving. She takes her “job” seriously, whether that’s keeping watch or leading Rick around the disc golf course, her bell ringing as his music plays from the cart. If you hear that bell drifting through the neighborhood, you’ll know they’re out making another memory.

   Molly

After 25 years in North Cove, the Ryans will tell you it’s the people who make this place home. Lifelong friendships, new connections, and neighbors who feel like family. Doris shares a special bond with her friend Marlene, whom she lovingly calls her “guardian angel.”

If you enjoy cards or board games, consider this your invitation—the Ryans are always ready for a friendly challenge. Just don’t forget to bring Molly a treat.

Because stories like these—shared from porch to porch—are what keep our local voices strong, our mountain stories alive, and our community spirit thriving.