packing for Charleston

normally when i pack i just throw some random crap into a bag on my way out the door.  i've always been a lazy packer!

but Charleston is different...a southern gem (it's been called!).  it evokes a sweet southern charm and ladies who lunch.  so i wanted to make sure that i brought plenty of wedges and skirts for our mini day trip.

had so much fun packing that i had to share it with y'all.  i've been trapped behind the scenes at the juice bar without a need to look cute or feminine in any way so i forgot how fun it is to actually dress up like a girl.  gotta get going-- my friends are throwing me a small get-together cinco   de mayo birthday bash tonight!

outfit 1: a gauzy sweater with a striped mini skirt

a cluster of color with this chunky necklace

sassy, easy shift dresses for seafood dinners out

bright pop of hot pink

a ruffly top tucked into a fun printed skirt

so springy!

a easy knit tank dress with a hand-knit vest

i wear this hand-knit vest with EVERYTHING.  love this beaded necklace with neutrals.

my "beach house" show outfit.  a vintage-style polka dot dress.

layered with a thin coral cardigan and a fun belt.

can't forget my bathing suit!

music: Beach House

matt and i are taking a road trip to Charleston, SC for the Beach House show.  they're kind of a dreamy shoe-gazey type band, which is not normally my cookie, but i'm excited to get out of town and experience some music with my boo.

we decided that we would start doing more things (out in public), so this will be fun!  also, i've never been to Charleston, which is supposed to be BEAUTIFUL.

Charleston is known for it's historical buildings, Southern charm, and beautiful beaches.

found this image of  Beach House when i googled them.  painted by my pal Jeremy Okai Davis--the most talented painter i know!

here is a painting i commissioned from him a few years back for my (then) husband's birthday.  "radio flyer" is a portrait of jason and his best-friend josh..showing them in their true form.  2 dumbass little kids (that drink beer)!  *haha*  check out jeremy's website for more of his work.

breakfast: Tupelo Honey

perfect biscuits, homemade jam and a homemade hot chocolate

 

 

 

stopped in Asheville, NC on the way back home today from the mountains.  Asheville is a mountain-college town known for their great local food and hippie-dippie vibe. 

Tupelo Honey is a super popular Asheville stop and we dropped in to grab breakfast since we were up so early.  7 am both days!  that's what happens when you have a gorgeous sunrise flooding your room through the windows every morning *wink*

goat cheese grits, creamy hollandaise over local ham and biscuits

milk gravy over buttery biscuits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tupelo Honey's famous sweet potato pancakes! 

day two: being one with nature

a view of the Broad River from our hike

proof that we went on a hike.  albeit a short one.  *hehe*

a quirky mountain house

a creepy doll quilt

a new friend we made on our walk.  she followed us to the cabin and we fed her a whole tub of turkey.

destination: mountain inn diner.  potato skillet hash for matt.

my big breakfast before our hike

dinner: Iron Horse Station, Hot Springs, NC

Iron Horse Station

took a leisurely walk to Hot Springs from our cabin (and a not-so-leisurely uphill walk back....).  it is one of the few restaurants in this quaint mountain town. 

such a cozy, renovated spot...with amazing food!  probably being judgemental....but i didn't have high expectations for the restaurant since it was in a quiet mountain town and the menu seemed to be more "bar food". 

this liquor-free town serves all kinds of local beer

love the natural decor... a used fireplace and exposed brick walls

matt waiting on his burger

i'm 30!!!  sooooo weird

Iron Horse Burger Crispy “Tobacco” Onions, Grilled Bacon, Cheddar Cheese,
Grilled Tomato, Lettuce, House-made BBQ Sauce and Mayo

Southern Style Fish and Chips Farm Raised Cat Fish, Golden Fried, served with Cajun
Tartar Sauce and Malt Vinegar
*Sides are Cole Slaw and Hand Cut Fries

hands down--best fish and chips i've ever had. fresh, perfectly seasoned fish.

this tangy, red cabbage slaw was the most unique and refreshing slaw i've had.  must recreate it!

a cabin in the woods

our lovely, secluded cabin in the woods

decided to spend my 30th birthday in nature in the woods this year.  did not want to cause a big hoopla for my 30th, so we thought this would be perfect.  stayed in the Treehouse Cabins in Hot Springs, NC.

Hot Springs is known for their "natural mineral springs"-- water from the earth that bubbles at 101-104 degrees at all times! 

welcome to the treehouse cabins!

first look

a private picnic table and bbq facing the woods

a cozy kitchen for the essentials

fireplace

a country quilt and futon. loved the high ceilings.

wood paneling bathroom

the back porch-- the best

the amazing view from our porch.  mountains and trees galore!

floating in the middle of the trees

woodsy decor

had cable but thankfully didn't watch much tv.

brought my my "winter cabin" candle to add to the mood.

totally brought a flannel.

the BEST part-- an outdoor hot tub on the porch facing the mountains

a view from our hot tub.  my new "ipod" waterproof radio was a life saver!

walked back to town on this quiet dirt road