Fall officially began Monday (9/22) and I couldn’t be more hopeful for cooler weather to come our way soon. As I write this the weather forecasters are showing possible storms headed this way soon. We continue to monitor and have a plan for food, water, etc. so we can stay in.
Continue reading “It’s Officially Fall – Super Excited!”
Okay. Extreme heat is insane. But extreme heat mixed with high humidity (and a crazy high dew point) is dangerous. Drink lots of water. Stay in the shade if you have to be outside, and don’t overdo it! Personally, I’m taking myself back to a cooler time in the mountains (even though I am in Charleston) if only via a photo, it will help a little.
Continue reading “Taking Myself Back To A Cooler Time…”
This stately piece of architecture is a cut above the rest (that I’ve had the pleasure of visiting). Dynamic, regal and historic. The amount of intricate detail is mesmerizing. There are a number of (what we would call) gargoyles – they’re everywhere and they’re all different. They are so creative and wonderful, you need to go visit for that reason alone! I’ve heard there is only one true gargoyle… Do you know the difference between gargoyles and grotesques?
Continue reading “The Fascinating World of Gargoyles vs. Grotesques (Biltmore House)!”
Biltmore – Asheville, North Carolina. Wow! Doesn’t even come close to the feeling when you are within the walls of this grand estate. The details, so many details on every single level. As I mentioned in an earlier “Biltmore” post, I snapped almost 800 photos in a two day span. I think I have photos from each of these arched openings. There were people here, I was just waiting to take a photo until the coast was clear.
Continue reading “Biltmore House – A View of the Winter Garden!”
My husband and I have recently taken a road trip to the Biltmore Estate. We had the absolute best time possible. I’m not sure how we fit so much into a few days but we did. I highly encourage you to make your way to Biltmore. Add it to your list right now, I’m not kidding when I say this is one stunning place. I took almost 800 photos – I couldn’t believe it! Biltmore is so special.
Continue reading “Explore the Breathtaking Biltmore Estate: A Must-Visit Destination!”
The Saluda Arts Festival is today, May 17, 2025 from 10AM – 4PM. If you’re in the Saluda, North Carolina area, what a great event to pop in to! I love their colorful signs. I took this photo last time we were in the mountains and saved it to post today. We love Saluda, such a wonderful town! Cute shops, wonderful places to eat and such nice people.
Continue reading “Saluda, NC Arts Festival TODAY – Celebrating 20 years!”
Can you imagine life as a bird in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park? The freedom to fly hither and yon. Life as a bird comes with options. You glide with the wind. Or you take a break at the bird feeder and hang out with your friends. Or, if you preferred, you just take a break and look out over the beautiful vistas. #lifeisgood
Continue reading “Life as a Bird in the Great Smoky Mountains”
This is the coolest coffee shop in Waynesville, NC. I started following Orchard Coffee after Hurricane Helene. During the aftermath they did so much to help their community, it truly was jaw-dropping. Everyone who worked here went the extra mile and then the unthinkable happened…
Continue reading “Support Chef Thornton: Buy a Mug for a Cause, Donate or Share…”
Is there anything better than getting away to the mountains in the midst of jaw dropping beauty to reset yourself? Everyone needs to get to the mountains at some point. No need for a TV here, so much to watch, it’s ever changing. The clouds, the mountains, the fog, the plants/blooms and of course, the birds, rabbits, etc. The birds were a special treat this visit…
Continue reading “How To Identify the Birds You’re Watching!”
Sunrise. Sunset. I love them both equally. How magical it would be to have an amazing view of one or the other. “If I had my druthers” as my MIL will say, I’m not sure which I would pick. I love a sunrise. I love to pop out of bed as I did in this image above. But, I also love a sunset. We were visiting…
Continue reading “A Sunrise Treasure!”
This is a photo I took a few years ago – a stunning location on top of a mountain (5,000′ elevation) in Western North Carolina (WNC) – Waynesville specifically. The nicest staff, guests and the best food, views, and hiking in the world. Wishing we were there…
Continue reading “Wishing we were there…”
Almost all of us have witnessed the endless images of destruction from Hurricane/Tropical Storm Helene. Helene came onshore as a Category 4 hurricane near Cape Fear, FL on September 26, 2024 – a few short days ago. From there the devastation continued through Georgia, South Carolina and Western North Carolina… In Charleston, Helene passed as a tropical storm from quite a distance away, but the wind effects felt stronger and lasted longer than some hurricanes in recent memory.
Continue reading “Western North Carolina – Thoughts on Helene…”
This photo was taken (by Steven Reinhold of The Appalachian Adventure Company on vacation last year. Sunrise hikes are my favorite. Hop out of bed with a guzzle of coffee and be on your way.
Continue reading “Happy Anniversary To The Love Of My Life!”
I love a misty/foggy day, especially when it’s relatively cool outside. We recently spent a few days in Waynesville, NC – where we spent some much needed time away from devices and pretty much every other distraction. This photo captures the serene beauty of the day. No sunshine. #woohoo A nice thick fog blanketed pretty much everything. There was mist at times and a short thunderstorm one evening 💛- we fell asleep listening to the rain. #perfection What a treat! There is scientific evidence to prove that forest bathing is good for you… (Click to read the article).
Continue reading “Forest Bathing 101: just. breathe.”
Rain or shine, sleet or hail (or even snow!!) – some places we visit are so special it really doesn’t matter what the weather is.- each has its own appeal. Our last trip to the mountains had a good bit of fog and it was lovely! I love cool weather (yet live in South Carolina) – the difference in temperatures between Charleston and Waynesville is mind blowing – especially for a 4.5 hour drive. I see why so many people love to visit the mountains. Of course the fog lifted and the mountains were glorious – what a treat!
Continue reading “Rain or Shine, Sleet or Hail…”
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