Asheville

The best friend of 20 years and I like to try and have a ladies weekend whenever we can. While not as often as we used, we make it count when we can. A few weeks ago we went to Asheville, NC for a long weekend and had a blast. I've always wanted to go there and had never been. We managed to squeeze in a very challenging hike to the summit of Mount Pisgah, lots of great meals, and a few (a lot) adult beverages. Did I mention I met this adorable goat at a creamery and we're now best friends? Yup, we had a good time. Hope you enjoy the pics!

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

When I was in elementary school we took a field trip to Colonial Williamsburg. I had two yellow disposable cameras with me. I'm sure the photos are somewhere,  but the ones that really stick out are all of my classmates taking turns in the stocks. I actually think I used a whole camera roll just on those pictures. I'm not sure why. Maybe that was one of the steps along the way to today. 

Fourth of July we took my niece and nephew there for a trip as well. 97 degree weather, crowds, and family dynamics. Not for the faint of heart my friends. As you can see we survived. Mostly because we went somewhere that served wine for lunch. Enjoy the pics and remember to stop by and buy a ticket now and then. Williamsburg needs our support so it can be here for many more generations to come. 

That's Folly

The whole trip could have gone very wrong if the first two hours were any indication. I was about an hour and a half from Richmond - Miss A in the co-pilot seat and the Sirius Yacht Rock station on heavy rotation- when I suddenly realized I'd forgotten to pack my swimsuits. F$%*! That's what I get for packing that morning. In my vacation euphoria I'd gone out the night before and was decidedly in no shape to pack till I hydrated and got some sleep. All I can say is thank god for Target.

Fast forward 5ish hours and Miss A and I pulled up to the cutest beach bungalow I've ever seen. If you'd like to check it out you can find more info here. Circumstances changed a bit this year and I seized the opportunity to lobby for a switch from our normal beach spot to one I'd been wanting to try for a long time. To say that I loved Folly Beach is an understatement.  It was just awesome sauce. It was crowded but not too crowded. Lively, yet with a small town feel. The main drag restaurants were great with live music and pet-friendly patios abound.  

As we traversed the island, we saw what came to be familiar signs and posters that said, "Slow down, it's Folly Beach", a nod to both the speed limit, 35, and the feeling that the locals want to communicate. They live here too -in hidden tree houses that happen to be on the ground- and they'd like for you to enjoy the same lifestyle they do. It's Folly, slow down. Did I mention at night you can actually see the stars?

Several nights we ventured into Charleston, which was a mere 20ish minute drive away. I could spend a bunch of time putting together a list of restaurants to hit, but a fellow blogger, Julia Engel, has already done a fabulous job. A recent Charleston transplant, we used her restaurant guide to point us in the right direction and they were all fabulous. My only addition is the Hominy Grill if you're looking for southern cuisine. My chicken livers - yes, I like chicken livers- were amazing as was the fried chicken, sides, and numerous pies we sampled. 

Finally, I think what I'll remember most about this trip was a small seed that was planted. I am very hopeful that it will grow. Till next year, Folly.