Happy Sunday guys,
I hope as we begin this new week, your mind, body and soul have been refreshed. I can say that I am ready to tackle the week but honestly I’m dreading it. I know this week will come with deadlines, zoom meetings, virtual learning and God knows what else. If anyone has a surefire way of tackling the Sunday night blues, please share! Last week was a pretty stressful week so needless to say, I’m trying to change my mindset but I’m not so sure its working. I found myself yearning to get away from it all if for only a few days. But with COVID so prevalent, I’m not quite ready to board a flight right about now.
I recently discovered “virtual vacations” but as much as I enjoy watching the waves from the comfort of my kitchen, its just not the same as feeling the water on your toes or the breeze on your face. I’ve read that many people are taking their chances and flying to places that haven’t closed their doors to the United States or doesn’t have a quarantine confinement period. I think I’ll sit the flying out for now! On my quest to get away, I thought to myself, why not explore your own backyard?
My family and I moved to North Carolina about three years ago but we’ve never really ventured out to explore everything the state has to offer. When we moved, we were fresh into Military retirement, kids we’re starting schools and finding employment became the priority. It was a whirlwind an before we knew it, it was 2020. I scoured different websites and message boards researching cities close to Charlotte. There were quite a few places that peaked my interest but I needed somewhere we could visit that was within a few hours drive. It was here we discovered: Lake Lure, NC.
We drove about 1 hour 45 minutes before reaching this quaint little town. The roads leading to lake lure seemed to get narrower the closer you were. I admit, I had to make sure to keep my vertigo in check as the roads were a little windy. Not a huge problem; I noticed if I kept my eyes close, it wasn’t so bad. We arrived at the small beach area. Although, there was a line waiting to pay to get in, most patrons wore masks seemingly without issue. I believe for my family of 5, the cost was around $45. My little one was able to get in free. Once in we found a picnic area to just hang out while my little one built sandcastles. He played, I snapped a few photos and conversed with a few other patrons, then we left.
Next we drove to Chimney Rock State Park for a little adventure in hiking. We opted not to do long trails being that we had the kids so we stuck to the kiddie trails. I should’ve considered the weather more because it was HUMID!!! I mean, the type where you see the faux puddles in the middle of the road. It felt great just being surrounded by nature and not the four walls we were confined to the past six months. There were quite a few people hiking and everyone was super friendly. After an hour or so, it was time to go and find some grub!
We rove through the town of Chimney Rock, which is just a stones throw away from Lake Lure. The streets were also a bit narrow but their were also tons of tourists crowing certain parts of the street and sidewalks. We found a beautiful restaurant called Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room and Bistro that only offered patio dining. The view from this patio was out of this world. It overlooked Chimney Rock State Park and there was a magnificent view of the waterfall…..oh yea, and the food was amazing!!!
On the drive home, we stopped by this small ice cream parlor for a refresh. The scoops were HUGE and the shakes were uber thick. We left a little after 7pm and made it home around 8:40pm. My family enjoyed our outing, even if it was only for a few hours. I can’t wait to see what other little gems there are around North Carolina. What places have you discovered or rediscovered since being in quarantine. Let’s chat!!!
What up New!! Keep writing gir!!! You always have something to say…keep saying it with confidence. Love.
Thanks for stopping by Bone!