Valle Crucis 1816 Farmhouse

The best part of my latest trip to the mountains is that I actually went out of my box and went a few places I had never been before.

One of them being, 1816 Farmhouse Restaurant and Winery in Valle Crucis.

Why I've never been here before? 

No clue.

Probably because for years my trips to the mountains included staying in a friend's gorgeous mountain chalet where we would cook.

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We heard about this Valle Crucis' well-known establishment from someone staying at our inn.

We had no idea what to expect.

The farmhouse was something out of the pages of Southern Living.

With a porch I dream of having one day.

Who doesn't love a wrap around porch?

I didn't realize until we got there that it wasn't just a restaurant.

But also a winery.

If you know me, I LOVE wineries!

We didn't do a tasting, instead just dinner with a bottle.

The fried green tomatoes were my favorite!!

I'm pretty sure their menu varies on season and week, but if they are offering this when you're there, it's a MUST ORDER!

My entree was shrimp and grits but the picture didn't turn out great.

After dinner we finished off our bottle of wine hanging out on the porch and watching it rain, yet again here in North Carolina.

1816 Farmhouse is also open for lunch, and I'm sure when the weather is good people break out these corn hole boards.

Or, chill on the back deck with a cocktail in hand.

I found this place charming and totally worth another visit.

It's just cute and different than the other restaurants in Avery County.

And, the view isn't too shabby either.

I think next time I'll choose to do lunch here though rather than dinner.

So, if you're headed up to the mountains this Summer or Fall put this place on your list.

These are just my opinions, I have NOT been paid for this post.

My Stay in Banner Elk's Archers Mountain Inn

Avery County, NC is one of the best areas in Western NC for hiking, biking, skiing and what ever else strikes your fancy while enjoying the Blue Ridge Mountains.

I've frequented this area more than any other since moving here in 2001, and have been checking out area lodges and B&B's for years.

One that I had never checked out until this weekend is the Archer's Mountain Inn on Beech Mountain.

I saw a Living Social deal to stay there so jumped on it.

I was pleasantly surprised with this cute, little place nestled in the mountaintop.

It went under new ownership as of June 1st this year and the owners, who recently moved from California, have already made several changes for the better and are working to make even more.

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We stayed in the Sugar Room.

Each room has a porch with rocking chairs to take in the view and mountain air.

I can't wait to go back in the winter and start a cozy fire in the wood burning fireplace that each room has.

 There was also a kitchenette with microwave, fridge, table and coffee pot.

(Excuse all of our junk that was already in the room )

 The new owner Gloria just replaced all the linens on the beds and in the bathrooms.

Luxurious.

I'm not just saying that either.

 The towels were the thick, plush cotton.

Dreamy. 

My favorite part of the Archer's Mountain Inn has to be location and convenience.

Once you make your way up Beech Mountain, you really don't have to leave unless you want to.

There's a bar right on site along with Jackalope's View Restaurant 

 So, you have a few drinks and just walk back to your room.

 The other great part about Archer's is the friendly staff.

We literally feel like personal friends with the owners and the rest of the crew there since our stay.

 And, the food and drink was great.

I had the lobster mac and cheese the first night and it was delish.

 Another great plus about staying here is that breakfast is free!

This isn't just muffins and coffee.

A free, made to order breakfast complete with your choice of an omelet, french toast, and other selections.

 All while taking in the mountain view.

 Being up here during the Summer was awesome but I'm REALLY looking forward to being back up here after a day of skiing on Beech Mountain.

 So, your next trip to the high country, consider Archer's.

You won't be disappointed.

Heading to My Happy Place

I couldn't be happier that this time tomorrow I'll be in my total 'happy place'.

Where is my happy place???

The mountains!

This comes as no surprise to most of you who have been reading this blog for some time now.

Tomorrow, my bff Kelli and I are heading to the Highlands, NC!

It's about a 4-hour drive from Charlotte so we plan on leaving early.

The Highlands is south of the Smoky Mountain National Park and very close to the Georgia state line.

We're staying near Main Street in downtown Highlands where we'll hit up all kinds of shops and restaurants.
But, I'm also excited about seeing the beautiful waterfalls around the area.

Like this one..

I've visited the Highlands twice.
Seven years and then when I took my nieces 5-years ago.

I'm overdue!

Of course, aside from seeing the waterfalls one of the main reasons for our trip is to hike!

That shouldn't surprise you!

We'll also be celebrating Kelli's birthday that is next week!
Should be a fun, relaxing weekend!

Can't wait!

And, speaking of birthdays...
Our niece, Hannah, turns 18 on Saturday!

This is a picture of us in the Highlands area back on her 13th birthday!

Oh, how time flies!!

Happy Birthday Hannah!

Until next week....

Hope you have a great weekend.

Hiking Chimney Rock State Park

It's been a GREAT weekend!

Brad and I were very productive on Saturday and ended our day with dinner and drinks with new friends.

Then today I got an early start and hiked Chimney Rock State Park with a co-worker.

I had been here once before but during the winter.

It's much different in the summer.

More trails are open and there are a TON more people in the park.

A view of the top of Chimney.  Gorgeous or what? That's Lake Lure down there -- one of the areas the movie Dirty Dancing was filmed.

When we arrived we saw people rappelling on the rocks.  Something I have no desire to do.

At the entrance there was this guy playing music.  I later read in the brochure that he's the official park musician.  He's there every day playing.  Interesting, huh? State Parks have musicians?

The park is made up of lots and lots of stairs in order to get to the top.  They have an elevator too but they're making some improvements so it's shut down until this next Spring.

We ducked into this cave on our way up.

I'll never forget when Brad and I visited the park.  He freaked out inside of the cave. He's claustraphobic.
There's not much down there to see but it was cool which was nice since it was a bit hot today.

This picture is a little overexposed but you can see how gorgeous the views are on the way to the top.

And...here we are at the top of the Chimney.

But.. our hike wasn't over.  See those stairs in the distance. We ventured up those and onto the Skyline Trail portion of the park which takes you to the highest point in the park.  Yes, we got a workout when it was all said and done!

When we arrived there was a park ranger up there guiding people around a big copperhead snake.  YIKES!

Gorgeous views!

We hiked all the way back down and decided to hike out to Hickory Nut Falls. 

When Brad and I were here in the winter the falls were frozen.  Much different this time.

Very pretty!

Afterwards we headed out of the park and into the town of Lake Lure where we enjoyed some lunch, shopped and then headed back to Charlotte.

I suggest Chimney Rock State Park to anyone looking for a fun day trip from Charlotte.  It's only a 2-hour drive and a lovely way to get out of the city and into the mountain air.

Sunday Funday!

How was your weekend?