Florida Bound!

One of my favorite parts of my day is how I start my mornings: with a cup of coffee, some sunny-sounding Cuban music, and a Florida guidebook in my hand. I am getting ready for a Florida-bound road trip with one of my best friends next month, and I cannot wait!

As you know, I love trip planning about as much as I love trip taking, so I have been savoring every minute. I've been scouring travel guides, blogs, maps, magazines, and online newspapers finding all the best things. And for a little literary context, I've been reading Hemingway's To Have and Have Not, a novel about the sobering adventures of a fishing boat captain who is forced to run contraband between Cuba and Key West to make a living for his family in the 1930s. 

[a little vintage Florida inspiration, including a photo of Hemingway]

The plans are still coming together, but here are a few of the things I'm looking forward to the most...

canoeing & camping in Everglades National Park

the Cuban food tour I've put together of Little Havana

Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe 

(and about half a dozen other pie place I've found)

shopping at L.A. Boudoir, Miami's vintage lingerie shop

watching cigars being rolled at El Credito Cigar Factory

snorkeling at Bahia Honda State Park

a tour of Hemingway House

Stone Crab claws

chickens running wild in the streets

Statesville Barbecue Tour

I've been working on a very special barbecue-themed project lately, which means I have been eating a lot of barbecue all over the state of North Carolina. I'm gearing up for another round this weekend with twenty of my friends I've rounded up for a Charlotte BBQ and Brewery Tour. We're renting a van for the day and driving around to destinations in and around Charlotte. We'll be stopping at five barbecue joints and three breweries, so we are sure to be stuffed by the end of the day. 

This brings me to rule number one of BBQ touring... SHARE! Do not attempt to eat five barbecue sandwiches in one day by yourself! You only need to get a taste of everything, so just split a sandwich (and hushpuppies, Brunswick Stew, or whatever classic sides you want to sample) and move on to the next stop.

Above are some photos from my most recent barbecue themed romp around the state, in Statesville. Here's the list of stops (L-R), in case you want to try them on your own:

1. Little Pigs Barbecue:  226 Brookdale Dr, Statesville, NC 28677 (first 5 photos)
2. Carolina Barbecue: 213 Salisbury Rd, Statesville, NC 28677 (next 5 photos)
3. Pfiffer's Hot Wings and Bar-B-Q: 1023 Shelton Ave, Statesville, NC 28677 (next 3 photos)
4. Port-a-Pit BBQ: 119 Marshall Forest Lane, Statesville, NC 28625 (last 3 photos)

And yes, there are a gazillion spellings of the word "barbecue," but what really matters is how it tastes.

If you'd like to keep up with all my food adventures (and other), you can follow me on Instagram.

Northern California Inspiration

Next month I'll be headed out to California, and I've been spending my spare time reading guidebooks, mapping things out, and trying to determine just how much I can pack into this grand adventure. For four days, Paul and I will be hiking and camping together in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Then for five days, we'll split up where he'll continue on what I keep referring to as his "man hike." I'll take the rental car and head out on a solo road trip adventure along the northern CA cost, San Francisco, and back through Yosemite National Park before I pick him up and we head to Vegas for our friends' wedding.

The plans for my solo journey are coming together nicely, with time alloted for exploring tide pools and redwood forests, sampling local beer and roadside oyster stands, and making big-city discoveries in San Francisco and neighboring Berkeley and Oakland. I'll be camping seaside and in a sub-alpine meadow and visiting a new friend who is just moving to San Fran. All in all, I CANNOT WAIT for my grand adventure to begin!!!! Here's a little Northern CA inspired round-up to get me through to September.

Left to right, from top:

1. vintage photo: a tour through the Sequoias.

2. Visit Sequoia National Park? I will! Love this letterpress print by Quaillane Press.

3. I want this vintage CA bracelet right this very second!

4. Forest Friends tee by GnomEnterprises

5. You all know how much I love sending postcards. This stationary organizer by Downstairs Designs could hold all of them and stamps too.

6. A trusty camera is a must. And when is vintage not better?!

7. A vintage Samsonite travel case seems like the perfect companion to ride shotgun down Highway 1.

8. Vintage camping lantern for my night at Point Reyes National Seashore

9. Cream linen cloche with a red wooded buckle. Says beach AND national park. Yes please!

10. "Let's Go on an Adventure" print by Bubby and Bean.

11. 1940's vacation photo.

12. This adorable dress by The Velvet Bird is perfect for daydreaming by the shore and for exploring the streets of San Francisco. Did you see those elbow pads?!

13. One of my stops: Point Reyes National Seashore. And what a lovely letterpress map of that very place by Quaillane Press.

14. A warm fisherman's sweater for those cold Pacific breezes.

15. To pop open a bottle of Anchor beer after the brewery tour

16. Mod San Francisco print on wood by Petit Collage. Love.

Every Day is an Adventure

This was a "yes" day; everything we saw along the road that looked interesting, every idea we had, we had to say "yes" to. This took us into 5 different counties, down hidden back roads, and to places we've lived near and grew up close to, some of which we've never visited, others familiar and full of memories. It meant turning the car around many times to go back and go inside some little shop or to walk along the road and take a picture. 


A road trip should be cut through with a swath of green in every shade of the country and pops of vibrant color from roadside stops. It should be a little bit of everything. This one had it all, and this daylong excursion took place only an hour or so from home, proving that an adventure can be had anywhere, anytime, and with not much money in your pocket.

Paul and I started our day in our hometown of Mt. Pleasant, NC, where we stopped to check out the new farmers' market. The vegetables we picked up were weighed on this antique scale. While we were in town, we also rummaged around a consignment shop and a roadside yard sale. (Click photos to enlarge.)

Next stop: Cline's Antiques, a treasure trove full of interesting finds. Paul and I both grew up down the road from this place (but never met each other until after college - random fact), and I couldn't believe he had never been! It turned out to be one of his favorite stops of the day. We took home some cool letterpress blocks, a dish/tray/contraption for my nature collection, and antique beer bottles for bottling homebrew.

On the road in Stanly County: driving down country roads past fields of corn and soybeans, a church that dates back to 1830, BBQ lunch in Albemarle, and a wine tasting at Dennis Vineyards. We also found a really great thrift store in Albemarle that was tucked away down an alleyway and was packed so full of things you could hardly walk!

Paul remembered passing over an interesting bridge while driving out to a hike a year or so ago. We found it on the atlas and it was about an hour away. Should we go? There was only one possible answer: Yes! 

Wading through the Uwharrie River was one of the highlights of the day. It was such a cool reprieve after the 90 degree heat!

A country drive: Seeing another bridge on the map, we crossed over and kept driving. Left: looking down over the second bridge into a nice swimming hole. No road trip is really complete without a dirt road or two, and we found a bunch of good ones! Bottom right: old country store that was at the corner of the road pictured above it.

Last stop: Pat & Mick's in New London. I used to frequent this country fish camp with my family when we were staying at the lake house as I was growing up. Lots of good memories here! Dinner to share: cajun flounder, deviled crab, fried shrimp, oysters and scallops. And with full bellies, we drove just a little over an hour back home to Charlotte.

Road Trip Checklist

I am starting my 30th birthday celebration 6 months early. It's a big one, so why not?! And besides, this is a bucket list kind of thing, something I've always wanted to do... an all-girl road trip with three of my best friends! Most of my really close friends are normally spread all over the country, but the universe managed to align itself this one time, with all of us being in the same state and having the same few days free for travel! We've decided to explore Lexington and Louisville in Kentucky and Nashville, Tennessee. We head out in a few days, and I can't wait! The itinerary is ready to go, my seersucker has been laundered, and my car is washed, but I still have a few things left on my to-do list before we pack up and head out. For me, getting ready to go is half the fun!

road trip mix
make skirt for Nashville
pick out outfits
make granola, bread for sandwiches, and mozzarella
pack travel games
pick up F. Scott Fitzgerald short stories from library
choose audio book & check-out from library
make all camping reservations
business cards for the road
postcard stamps & addresses
hat(s)?

I wish I had this hat for the horse race we're going to in Lexington!

If you want to get in on the action and hear all about our journey, I would absolutely LOVE to send you a postcard. For me, no road trip is complete without a stack of postcards to accompany my rides in the passenger seat. I have a little summertime fundraiser in my Etsy shop, so for $5 you can get a handwritten traveling account from yours truly. The proceeds will help fund my travels to this season's craft shows, so I would really appreciate your support (and love to write to you too)!

Postcards from the Road...

Cape Lookout National Seashore

Last week was National Park Week and I did several blog posts in tribute, including a giveaway (winner announced below). But who knew that I'd spend the last day of National Park Week at Cape Lookout National Seashore, as part of our family beach trip? Here's a photo recap of our day-long excursion.

how many people does it take to reach around a lighthouse?

home of the lighthouse keeper. paul's mom chats on the porch.

 paul & me. a shell collection.

found on the beach: jellyfish. horseshoe crab.

wild mustangs spotted on the boat ride over.

 breezy ocean-side. bay-side with shallow warm water.

To end this celebration of our country's national parks, it's now time to announce the winner of the National Park Week Giveaway for a Verabelle buffalo applique. Thanks to all who entered the contest by telling me about your favorite park experience or sharing your national park wish list. There were a lot of wonderful stories and ideas of places to visit! But now the winner has been randomly drawn, and the prize goes to....

Brian M.

Congratulations!

Here's the story Brian shared as his entry: "Once when I was camping at Custer (State) Park in SD I thought we let a buffalo inside the fenced off camping area. It was dark... and it was a boulder."

National Park Wish List

As part of National Park Week, I thought I'd put my park wish list in writing. Out of 394 natural and historic sites, I've narrowed it down to my top 10...

1. Olympic (WA)

2. Mammoth Cave (KY)

3. Badlands (SD)

4. Grand Tetons (WY)

5. Acadia (ME)

6. Zion (UT)

7. Great Sand Dunes (CO)

8. Everglades (FL)

9. Hawaii Volcanoes (HI)

10. Yosemite (CA)


Visit the National Park Service website for a calendar of events and a list of free admission days beyond those offered during National Park Week. You can also search for parks by state or the activities offered. Browse and be amazed by the 394 options!


Stay tuned later today for a contest where you can share your own national park wish list and experiences!

National Park Week: A Photo Tribute

This week is National Parks Week, and as a lover of America's national parks, I thought I'd devote a few posts throughout the week to honoring one of our country's most brilliant ideas. During April 16-24, you can enter any of the parks for free, so check out a map and take advantage if you can.

Did you know there are 394 national parks in the U.S.?! I have only been to a handful, and I can't imagine that I'd ever get around to all the natural and historic sites preserved by the National Park Service. But in honor of National Parks Week, I thought I'd share some of my favorite trip photos with you from Yellowstone, Glacier, Congaree Swamp, Grand Canyon, Painted Desert/Petrified Forest, and Joshua Tree National Parks. These photos span intense backpacking treks; weekend getaways; a month-long, cross-country, father-daughter RV trip; a helicopter landing into the Grand Canyon; and roadside snapshots. Enjoy! Oh, and please comment - what's your favorite National Park experience?

Yellowstone National Park 

(the world's first national park, established in 1872)

Cabin Fever

This past weekend, 15 of our friend-family spent the weekend at a cabin in the mountains. It was a perfect weekend, full of beautiful scenery, relaxing porches, and happy times with friends. It was so nice having everyone together, with so many friends always coming and going (one couple just moved back and another is about to go), and with our own approaching move cross-country in the spring. I think it made us all think about how we are getting older and how our lives are diverging. Many of us are from the same hometown or have been connected to one another in some special way for awhile now, and seeing these changes in our lives are bittersweet.

Sarah, me & Melissa

Sarah is about to leave us again, and Melissa just came home.

We took this photo on our trip into town on Saturday.

Paul, Adrianna, Dustin, 

Robert & Laura

Relaxing on the porch before heading home on Sunday.

On the Farm

In Barnardsville, NC, along the Family Farm Tour

I've been feeling inspired to paint a new garden animal for next summer. Still considering what it might turn out to be... a rabbit, perhaps. I already have the perfect pair of vintage overalls that I've been saving for such a creation. They have red, green, blue and yellow stitching and accents on the pockets - so perfect! Of course, I can think of a dozen or so little painted and collaged "accessories" of nature for the little critter - lettuce, beets, flowery dill, some unusual-looking varieties of heirloom squash...

I've been spending a lot of time lately in my and other people's gardens, enjoying the offerings of summer. My garden is coming along slowly. (The back yard is just too shady.) I have an infant cucumber about as big around and half the length of my pinky and a tiny green tomato. I think a rabbit or squirrel must have eaten the rest of the tomatoes, since they have disappeared. (I don't think my dog, Lola, is too tempted by food so healthy and prefers meat scraps and plate-lickings instead.) I'm still waiting on everything else to come in - peppers, summer and pattypan squash. And my fall plantings will go in the ground this week - lots of greens, onions, and some winter squash.

I spent last Friday morning back at Lineberger's fruit farm in Denver, NC, picking berries. We were right on the tail-end of the raspberry season; there were hardly enough for Paul's mom and I to pick a half-gallon each. Whoever came before us missed the hardest to reach fruit, so I found some full, ripe berries by crawling around underneath the bushes! We also picked blackberries, which went much quicker due to the size and amount of fruit. But I did discover that the bigger the berry, the sharper the thorns! I left scraped, dirty, dripping sweat, but very satisfied to have something tangible and useful from so much hard work. The berries have now been made into jam, with a few left over for muffins, pancakes, and midday snacks.

We saw a lot of these quilt-like panels adorning the sides of town buildings. I love the photo of this one, with the little bird perched on the rooftop.

This weekend Paul and I went to the mountains for a Family Farm Tour in and around Asheville. We were able to spend time on four different small farms. We had lunch at the first and toured the garden where they grow ingredients for homemade pesto, preserves, and blackberry wine. We visited two goat farms - one where they produce lots of delicious cheese (we picked up a chevre flavored with herbs de provence and learned to make our own ricotta), the other where a sweet older woman sheers the goats for mohair fiber. This was probably our favorite stop. We loved the curly-haired goats and watching the women spin the mohair into yarn to be knitted. All of the hand-created items she had for sale held a tag with a photo of the goat the fiber came from. Our last stop was a beautiful homestead alongside a natural spring with inventive methods for obtaining self-sufficiency. Aside from a bounteous garden and winter greenhouse, the couple also had a beehive and shiitake and oyster mushroom logs (so interesting!). We learned so many handy tips from the kind husband who gave us the tour.

I better get to the sketch pad soon, while this feeling of summer is still fresh and green!

At Spinning Spider Creamery, the goat dairy farm. 

This little goat thought my dress was pretty tasty!

The mohair goats at Good Fibrations farm.

Spinning! And look at that lovely afghan in the background!