Our Summer Escape

So, what do you do when you have one whole free week & one husband and

 one 14 year old daughter to keep entertained?

You head to Blowing Rock, North Carolina that's what!

We had never been to this wonderful town and oh how we loved it!

Such a pretty place, cooler than our weather here 

and the folks there are so friendly!

Such glorious views from this vantage point, 

the actual "Blowing Rock"!

We stayed at Chetola Resort and really enjoyed it!

We were within walking distance of the town and there 

were also several good trails to walk as well.

The resort has a lovely lake for fishing, canoeing & paddle

 boating. Grace really enjoyed doing both with us.

We spent one afternoon at Grandfather Mountain...

Grace said that being up on the highest peak felt like being

on top of the whole world...and so it did!

We toured around nearby Boone and Appalachian University...

The bronze statue dedicated to native son,

 the late music legend,  Doc Watson.

The Mountaineer!

We dined on some delicious meals featuring local game and produce

 around the area!

This is Crippen's in Blowing Rock! It is a HUGE wow!

This is Vidalia in Boone. Knock out food!

Had such a great evening here!

Grace loved The Daniel Boone Dining Room where everything

 is served family style.

Talk about great home cookin'!

And oh what delights The Mellow Mushroom offers!

Youwza it was good!

But the best of all? The picnic by the lake our Grace made for us!

She is an excellent salad make and created 3 different ones for us to share.

Sh made turkey, mozzarella, fresh spinich and tomato sandwiches, had fresh watermelon

 and brownies she baked!

No meal is complete without something sweet right? 

Blowing Rock's Kirwin's

is the destination in town for that!

 Fudge, candies and delicious ice cream tops off a sweet day!

We did a wine tasting at Banner Elk Winery. So good!

We drove over to Abingdon, Virginia one day to

see "Legally Blonde" at the historic Barter Theater!

That is my little "blonde" herself!

This landmark theater helped jump start the

careers of many fine actors...

You might recognize them...

Abingdon is such a lovely town even on a rainy day!

Lunch at the heater cafe was delicious and fun and dinner 

at the Martha Washington is always

a joy.

After the show we spent over an hour at an olive oil and balsamic 

vinegar tasting here a

The Abingdon Olive Oil Company!

I an not tell you how delicious there products are! Well, maybe 

I can! They are fantastic!

The shop is so warm, pretty and fun and the staff is knowledgeable and amazing. 

If you are ever in the area, GO! But if not, they do have a web

 site where you can order.

We brought home several bottles and are just 

enjoying them all so much!

Our last day found us in Jamestown, NC, just outside High Point.

What a lovely small community filled with lovely homes and rich history.

We were here to visit with our dear friend Darlene. 

Her Bill was working out of state but

we had such a wonderful day with her. 

We became friends with them while both of us were 

stationed in VA many years ago! Their home is absolutely beautiful 

and it was a joy to see all the doggies!

We loved our lunch here at Southern Roots.

Darlene wanted us to see Mendenhall and oh what a treat! 

We got a wonderful tour

and learned so much about this beautiful home.

(Here is our buddy Darlene with Bill and Grace)

After a quick stop at Perky's for iced coffee, smoothies and cookies (Yum!)

we headed to Jamestown Pottery! Such a wonderful place filled with all manner of  art work!

I brought home the sweetest bunny made from an old mold.

So, thank you for coming along with us to North Carolina and Virginia!

We had such a fine time! 

Hoping your Summer is going well and treating you sweetly!

Stay well, cool and happy!

You deserve nothing less!

Love,

Susie Q