Monday, September 24, 2012

brevard, nc: flying by the seat of our pants

Bry and I escaped to the picturesque smokey mountains last week for some much needed r&r. We went up there with little to no plans and flew by the seat of our pants. By doing so, we created the most simplistic and relaxing get-away... just Bryan, Cali and I... exploring nature, taking in the scenery and eating delicious foods.


My favorite way to eat out is in an old house or on its front porch. See here and here. Located in an old family home located on Main St. in Brevard, the Hobnob offers fine dining in a quiant atmosphere... and is pet friendly. Our meal was divine -- Bryan compared it, from start to finish, to K Pauls in New Orleans, and I think he's right -- this little restaurant is one of the best that North Carolina has to offer!


It had been raining that day, but just as dinner was coming to an end the rain stopped and provided us some time to stroll up and down Main St. While walking Bryan noticed an ad for homes for sale... on a lake. It looked beautiful, so we decided to hop in the car and drive to the address given, which happened to be only 3 miles down the road. Deer Lake, what a gem!

That is not fog... those are clouds... We were in awe!

 There were perfectly manicured lawns surrounding the lake, so we let Cali off the leash to run from Bryan to me and back - she was sopping wet and in pure heaven!


 The next morning we headed into Hendersonville for lunch. We had been here 4 years ago and after just 7 months of dating, so this little town was a trip down memory lane of sorts. The below fried green tomatoes and tuna & olive tapenade sandwich were to. die. for.


 After lunch we decided to take a drive. We turned off the "use highways/interstates" portion of our gps, which ensured we stay on winding country roads. Driving along the beautiful mountainside we encountered apple orchard after apple orchard.


 Driving further we came across a dead end. Ha! But this dead end was so beautiful that we had to stop for a little walk with Calz.


Continuing through the mountains, we came to one of our favorite towns, Chimney Rock. Just like Bry and I had been Hendersonville 4 years ago, we also spent time in Chimney Rock then. It is actually the place where I told Bryan I loved him for the very first time -- It was a hot and humid July afternoon in 2008... we had just gone on a hike to a waterfall and come back to town... next thing you knew we were swimming in the river and sitting on a rock as the water rushed passed us... that's when I said it. (he said it first... months prior). Needless to say, this is a special place for us and was so fun to bring Cali to!


 Best latte of your life is through that door!


After Chimney Rock, we continued our drive a few miles further to Lake Lure - where Dirty dancing was filmed.


Refreshed doesn't even begin to explain it...

30 comments:

  1. LOVE these photos! I so wish we weren't leaving NC in less than 2 weeks. this would be worth a last trip kind of thing!

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  2. Love, love, love!!! You were only about 30-45 minutes from where I live! I cannot explain how much I love these mountains. When the leaves start changing I highly suggest taking the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville and just keep heading west- you simply cannot go wrong! So glad you had a wonderful, and relaxing getaway!

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  3. I have always loved NC. I used to live in SC and loved driving through NC and then as a teenager and college student we used to vaca in the Outter Banks. I've always told folks that one day I would like to retire to NC! Thanks for sharing your pictures of how gorgeous that place is, it just reiterates my one-day dreams!

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  4. This sounds like such a fun weekend. Some of my best weekend memories are ones where I traveled- but had no plans whatsoever! I went to college in the mountains of NC and it is a little slice of heaven. I make a trip to Asheville (not where I went to school!) every few months and it's always glorious! Glad you had a fun time. The pictures are great

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  5. Two of my best friends are from Brevard! It's beyond gorgeous :]

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  6. What a fun trip! I go to Brevard for work every now and then....building a store there now!

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  7. You two are a gorgeous gorgeous couple!! Seriously...you are going to make beautiful little kiddos.
    This looks like an amazing, relaxing getaway. Those mountains, and the clouds and the hiking. Just plain gorgeous!! You are making me realize we seriously need to plan a trip there :)
    And btw your plaid outfit is super cute! love it :)

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  8. this is so my style of vacationing.. i love it! looks like you had an awesome time

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  9. Wow, gorgeous. That sounds like such a nice weekend!

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  10. Some of my favorite places. I really heart Western NC. If only I can figure out how to own a home in one of the little towns so I can enjoy it all the time.
    I've eaten at Hob Knob several times and it is great. There are some great little shops in Downtown Brevard too.
    One stop that I didn't see on your list was Dupont State Forest. When you head back that way you must spend a day there.
    So many waterfalls and so much beauty!
    Also, do you have tripod? How do you get all of those pictures of you and Bryan?

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  12. What a fun getaway! Beautiful pictures

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  13. Those pics are absolutely gorgeous!

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  14. Such a fun getaway and the photos you have are gorgeous!

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  15. Ohhh you're making me miss home sweet home! So glad you were able to explore - it looks so relaxing, but so fun!

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  16. Gorgeous pics! I want to go to Lake Lure, never been before and I love Dirty Dancing. BTW, are those black leggings w/ boots in the first pics or just really skinny jeans? Considering wearing leggings for a flight Fri, but I think I might be too curvy!

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  17. I love Brevard, NC...such a charming town and the mountains are beautiful! You looks adorable in your boots/plaid shirt btw, I totally want to steal that look for the fall! :)

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  18. I love booking a place and exploring by the seat of my pants. You make the greatest memories that way. Sometimes the best days are just sitting enjoying company. Glad you had a great trip!

    xoxo

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  19. Oh my goodness you two know how to relax! I love it! Great pictures too!

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  20. You guys just have the life, don't you.

    that damn dog.

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  21. such beautiful photos! what kind of camera do u have! the wuality is outstanding

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  22. Beautiful pictures, that town looks like a wonderful place to visit!

    P.S I have those boots too!


    Brooke


    =)

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  23. Just dropping a note that you are still one of my favorite bloggers. Love that you and Bryan are always up for adventures and love that you still find time to enjoy yourselves without stopping every second to take a photo (nod to scenese from summer). Y'all are too cute!

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  24. What an awesome weekend!!! It looks like you had a great time. I looove the Smokey Mountains :)

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  25. Beautiful place, You look so pretty, love your plaid shirt! :)
    kiss

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  26. Seriously? This is the reason why I want to move to North Carolina...and that's saying something since I live in so cal.

    I'm trying to convince my husband to find coaching jobs out there..**crossing my fingers**

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  27. Loving your outfit, looks great on you! Looked like y'all had a fun time, so did Cali ;)

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