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.

First Weekend Sans Baby and Hubs!

We all survived my first girl's weekend!!!!

If you're new here then you may not know that I LOVE hiking and the mountains.

For years, before ever getting married and having a baby, I was part of hiking groups galore!

It's one of my main reasons to move to North Carolina.

The mountains.

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Since then, I met my very best friend here in Charlotte through a hiking group and I'm so thankful.

We get along and travel so well together and she's all around a GREAT friend.

So, this was my first weekend since baby to go away and hike, hang, and drink wine.

:)

I have several other posts planned about our trip but for now an overview.

We visited the Banner Elk Winery.

Cute place.

No food, or cheese or anything to enjoy while there.

Just wine.

Didn't buy anything because I felt it was overpriced for the quality.

Just my opinion.

Drove into town and looked for a place to lunch at 3:30pm.

Everyone was in transition into dinner but we found a place.

Then we spent the rest of the night hanging out, catching up and drinking...

What else do you do on a Friday sans baby the next day?

LOL!

Despite the wine consumed the night before we hiked 6-miles the next day on a hike I now consider the best in the area.

I would say NC, but it's actually TN, but it's right on the border.

Click here for this blog I found that lead us to this hike.

AMAZEBALLS!

I was really worried about a muddy trail giving all the rain we've had this Summer but this hike was perfect as Jeff suggested.

It's now one of my favorites in all of this region.

It's a ridge trail, per say, that takes you through the forest then through fields and fields.

With views to die for.

Again, click on Jeff's blog for a full recap.

There are even goats along the way that kids get a huge kick out of!

Today we decided to hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway because it was on our way home.

Sad to say but it all was ridiculously muddy.

We actually turned around on one trail and went to another.

It wasn't muddy at the top though.

 Rough Ridge Overlook is one of my favorites

Avery County rocks the casbah.

Such a great weekend with such a great friend.

So thankful for an awesome husband who's supportive and is willing to take care of our baby girl.

HIKE ON!!