Napa Valley Vacation

I've had a nice long break from the real world. I was in Maryland for the holidays, California for a week, and then back in Durham where Monday was officially cancelled thanks to the south's inability to deal with snow. With the forecast headed toward the 70s later this week, the snow won't stick around for long and then I'm headed to the beach for a long weekend. I'll return to the real world eventually. 

But let's go back to my trip to California. There were a lot of amazing parts of my break - my family's Chirstmas Eve party definitely being one of them - but our time in Napa Valley was 100% the highlight. 

And OF COURSE, the two full days we spent wine tasting were my favorite days of the vacation. 

I am sure that Napa is beyond gorgeous in the summer when the temeperatures are as high as the state's residents and grapes are still on the vines, but there's something special about Napa during the holidays. The weather was chilly, but I never needed a jacket during the day, and the holiday lights were magical. Most importantly, all the wineries were delightfully uncrowded. You definitely won't be disappointed if you visit wine country in the summer, but don't overlook the colder months! 

bag by created beautifully

Barry of Why Spit Napa Valley Wine Tours  guided us through the many wineries of Napa, Sonoma, and the surrounding towns. He was AWEESOMMEE. I mean, he had a glass of champagne for everyone when he picked us up. You can't beat that. Plus, he made sure to get an idea of each person's wine preferences before the trip and planned our intinteries accordingly. If you take anything from this post, let it be that Barry rocks and you should have him take you around Napa. My favorite places ended up being the ones he recommended.

On Day One of wine tasting we visited:

1. Sterlings Vineyards in Calistoga

2. Joseph Cellars in Calistoga (Barry picked up our lunch while we were tasting)

3. Peju Province Winery in Rutherford (we won this tasting at the JDRF Gala)

4. Mumm Napa in Napa

5. Darioush Winery in Napa

... and on Day Two:  

1. Eleven Eleven Winery in Napa

2. Dean & Deluca in St. Helena - this day we shopped for snacks and gifts while picking up lunch

3. Honig Vineyard and Winery, in Rutherford (another JDRF auction tasting)

4. Domaine Carneros in Napa

5. Liana Estates in Napa

Real talk - five vineyards was ambitious and we almost tried to do a sixth. It's a lot, A LOT, of wine. That picture up there is what happens when you try to take a picture after doing five tastings. We didn't even build in nap time between wine tasting and dinner. It was rough. Luckily, we had a recovery day between our tasting days.

My top four favorite places we visited are Joseph Cellars, ElevenEleven, Liana Estates, and Darioush. I absolutley loved the tours and wines at Joseph and ElevenEleven and plan on magically appearing whenever my dad opens a bottle of their wine. I purchased wine glasses and a bottle of wine from Joseph Cellars, but they shipped it to my dad's house, and now he keeps sending me snapchats of him enjoying all my purchases. It's torture.

No matter the time, season, or weather - Joseph Cellars and Eleven Eleven are the two wineries to visit and the cellar clubs to join. These two easily had my favorite wines, the best atmospheres, and the most engaging staffs. If I made regular trips to Napa, I would join Joseph's wine club because they have a great lounge where club members can relax, drink wine, and chat with staff/the owner/the winemaker. Since I currently live on the other side of the country, I'd probably join ElevenEleven's cellar club first because their cab sav is 🔥🔥🔥. (& that is the technical wine terminology.)

liana estates

As for my other favorites...

Darioush was had the most crowded tasting room, but they set us up in a space with a comfy couch and awesome cow chairs (I'm currently going through a cow print phase). They were friendly and had a great atmosphere and delicious wine. Oh, and they kept bringing us bottled water, which was GREATLY appreciated. Did I mention the cow chairs? I tried to find them online and found these at CB2 instead and now am completely obsessed and must have one. 

Liana Estates was definitely the most fun and the only one where we didn't do a tasting. Instead, we just bought a few bottles and enjoyed them as we wandered around their space. Besides wine and cheese (which is all you really need for a good time), Liana has horseshoes, cornhole, and bocce to play. They also had picnic tables and an amazing view of the sunset. It would be a great lunch spot, but for us it was the perfect way to end the day. Oh and it's female owned and operated which is badass and worth supporting. 

Obviously, we only got to visit a very very tiny portion of the wineries and vineyards wine country has to offer. But what we did see was amazing. Seriously, ElevenEleven's 2014 Cabernet was probably one of the best wines I've ever had. 

All the places we visited have websites where you can buy their wine, and if you're ever in wine country, be sure to call Barry! 

& stay tuned for our non-alcoholic adventures in Napa Valley! 

a weekend in Baltimore

Whenever I go to a  new city, I always turn to Instagram for advice. It's a million and a half times better than Yelp, where almost all the reviews are written by people who are either pissed off or want to feel important. Its simple, just type in the name of the city and search under Places, and Instagram will give you a snapshot of what real people are actually doing in the city. I did it before I moved to Lexington (although there wasn't much to look at with that one), I did it before the boyfriend and I went to Dallas for a wedding, and I did it before I moved to Durham. Instagram is really what got me excited about Durham. There were so many local restaurants, dog-friendly events, local makers, and outdoor activities posted, I couldn't wait to move. I'm doing the same thing to plan for our trip to Napa and I'll start doing it again for Dallas when we get ready for our next move. So when I was going to Baltimore for a wedding, I couldn't help but turn to Instagram to find things to do. Sure, I grew up in Baltimore and moved back for three years after college, but the city is changing so much (in a good way). New restaurants and stores are popping up all the time, and I want to try them all. 

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending how you look at it), Dixie always comes with me when I go to Baltimore and ALWAYS insists on sleeping on my parent's bed with her favorite human (my mom) and her always favorite sheepadoodle/sometimes favorite puppy (delilah). Every morning I'm there, the two little doodles wake up between 6 and 7 a.m., wake up their favorite human, and make her take them out to play. Normally, I would be the sad soul forced to get up before sunrise on a Saturday, but in Baltimore, I'm not. The bad part is, without my little puppy alarm clock, I will literally sleep all day and miss the opportunity to explore Charm City. When I went back to Baltimore for a wedding (for the same friend from this tropical bridal shower), I made a plan. I wasn't going to sleep my way through this weekend (okay, well maybe a little). Here's my guide for spending a wedding weekend in Baltimore!

F R I D A Y

first stop - hotel

Baltimore has a lot of great hotels, and the couple will likely have blocked off rooms in a hotel near the venue, but if your looking for somewhere to stay, the Four Seasons Baltimore or The Ivy are two great options.  

The Ivy is a  boutique hotel in the heart of Mount Vernon made up of nine guest rooms, nine suites, a small spa, and the Magdalena restaurant. The hotel is a Gilded Age mansion built as a private home in 1889. Each room has a four-poster bed, a gas fireplace, and a bathroom with a heated floor. If the heated bathroom floor isn't enough luxury for you, you can also call down at any time of the day or night, and hotel staff will bring you a pot of tea, a glass of wine, a little snack, or they'll even draw you a bath. 

The Four Seasons is a Four Seasons. They're great wherever you go. Although the last time I stayed at the FS in Baltimore, they were doing construction in Harbor East and accidentally hit some line that cut off the heat and hot water in the hotel. It was the middle of winter. But the summer is when the FS Baltimore really shines. Head up to the fourth and fifth floors to discover the hotel's THREE water areasoverlooking the inner harbor. The "Splash Terrace" on the fourth floor features chairs, cabanas, a bar and grill, and of course, a pool perfect for kids or early morning laps. The fifth floor has a heated whirlpool and a shallow reflecting pool. The reflecting pool is only three inches deep, which is the perfect depth for tanning. Drag a chair into the pool, and tan away without overheating. If you're traveling with kids, they can dress up in child-sized bathrobes while you take advantage of the complimentary babysitting services. 

second stop - food

Hampden has a special place on my heart. I absolutely loved living there and still miss it. There are so many great restaurants in this little neighborhood, but my absolute favorite is La Cuchara.  Okay, fine. This is technically in Woodberry, but if you aren't from Baltimore you wouldn't even know these were two separate neighborhoods. La Cuchara specializes in wood-fired cuisine inspired by the Basque region of France and Spain.

The menu changes daily, so I can't recommend a specific dish, but I can say that I've never had a bad dish. I've tried pumpkin soup with a delicate heat, octopus with just the right amount of char, gnocchi so delicious that I forgot I was eating a vegetarian dish, and duck that, well, I love duck... you could probably do anything to duck and I would eat it. Also, you'll want to check your diet at the door. Unless you're on an all-carb diet, because they have the most delicious bread. Bread so good that it has its own menu. Bread so good that they have a Baker on staff. Bread so good that you can and should order some to take home with you.

They also have a great wine list. Great, but long with prices upwards of $350. It can be intimidating.  Luckily,  Greg Schwab, an Advanced Sommelier,  is there to help you pick out a great bottle. If you've watched Somm on Netflix (and if you have, you should watch the follow-up, Somm: Into the Bottle), you know this means he has passed three out of the four exams required to be a Master Sommelier and, therefore, really, really knows his shit. But don't be so quick to overlook their cocktail list. Start with a cocktail, like Wilbur’s Delight (Gin Mare Gin, Green Chartreuse, Creme de Violette Contratto Bianco) and then move on to a bottle of wine.  Sure, you could pace yourself and go to a bar after dinner, but with a wine and cocktail list like this, you won't want to.

S A T U R D A Y

first stop - breakfast  

I love room service. On vacation growing up, my parents would go out to dinner  and my brothers and I got to stay in the room, order room service, and rent a movie. It was great. My youngest brother always ordered a shrimp cocktail, a love for which he still has today. But the best is room service is  breakfast room service. I love any reason stay in bed longer, and waffles and coffee just taste better in pajamas. If that doesn't speak to you, Miss Shirley's is a Baltimore staple. Try the Funky Monkey Bread (cinnamon pull-apart bread with bananas, chocolate, pecans, and powdered sugar), Coconut Cream French Toast (garnished with diced strawberries, brûléed bananas, and cinnamon), or Shirley's Affair with Oscar (5 oz. center cut filet of beef, asparagus, jumbo lump crab meat on fried green tomatoes and stone ground grits). 

second stop - shopping & refuel

You won't have trouble finding a place to spend your money in Harbour East. Sassanova is my favorite boutique, and Baltimore-based Under Armour has a brand house right on the water. You'll also find national brands like Anthropologie, J. Crew, lululemon, and Warby Parker all within walking distance. 

If you're looking for boutiques more unique to Baltimore, I'd head over to Fells Point. There are some really adorable boutiques all within walking distance of each other on the cobblestone streets that line one of the prettiest parts of Baltimore's inner harbor.

(1) Polina's Prive | (2) Poppy + Stella | (3) Brightside Boutique | (4) Katwalk | (5) Winkel | (6) Party Dress | (7) Freesia | (8) Su Casa

There are also a ton of restaurants in Fells Point if you need sustenance.  My top three favorites are:

1. Slainté - their poutine fries and gumbo are killer & with it being an Irish pub, they have a decent beer selection as well.

2. Stuggy's Hot Dog - the crab mac and gyro dog are my favorites, but the Bruce lee is really popular too

3. Abby Burger Bistro - You build your own burger, but the possibilities are endless. To give you an idea, here is the list of meats you can choose from: bison, roseda beef, smoked angus beef, kobe beef, chicken, lamb, kangaroo, turkey, duck, and the meat of the month. There's not enough space to get into the cheese and topping choices.

 third stop - pampering  

The Ivy and the Four Seasons both have great spas, but if you're just looking for some light pampering, treat yourself to a blowout and a glass of champagne at Haute Dry Bar.

If you're traveling with a date, take him with you to The QG. You both can treat yourself to a facial, manicure, pedicure, and/or massage. If that isn't quite his thing, they also offer straight razor shaves, beard trims, and quick haircut "tune-ups". If this still isn't speaking to him, then he can check out their retail store or smoke a cigar in their cigar lounge. There's also a ladies retail sotore if you need to add a new Barbour to your wardrobe. 

pit stop - drinks

I personally love a good lobby bar, and my mom is the same way. Whenever she would visit me in Memphis, we would always meet in the lobby of the Peabody and grab a drink. If you're staying at the Four Seasons, you're in luck because Wit & Wisdom is also a great bar! Magdalena at The Ivy is also a great place to grab a pre-ceremony cocktail!

t h e   m a i n   e v e n t 

(i.e., a wedding, gala, party, or holiday meal)

last stop - munchies

The Local Fry actually serves wings,sandwiches, and rice bowls in addition to fries... but let's talk about those fries. Anything you could ever want on fries, they have. They have the classics like poutine, Irish fries (fish and chips), and buffalo chicken fries. But they also have killer dishes like kimchi pork belly fries, bulgogi fries, and Korean short rib fries! Your belly will thank you. 

At Grilled Cheese & Co., they have, not shockingly, a wide selection of grilled cheese. Go for the Crabby Melt with ooey gooey crab dip topped with Monterey Jack between two slices of toasty ciabatta or The Sweetest Thing with Brie, raspberry mascarpone, and chocolate chips. You can also stick closer to the original with their BCT or bacon-cheddar-tomato. Now, the crabby melt should be on a bagel or a baguette with some of the bread scooped out of the bottom slice so it doesn't spill out as much, the Sweetest Thing should be on French toast, and the BCT should CLEARLY be a BPT - bacon, pimento cheese, and a fried green tomato... but it's still pretty good, and after a night of drinking that pretty good becomes great. 

S U N D A Y  

first stop - brunch

Before you leave charm city, make sure you get one last meal in. 

Sushi lovers should venture into the county for Umi Sake's unlimited sushi brunch. Try to get there as close to 11 as you can. That's when it starts and you'll have first pick of all the sushi options. They don't always label the sushi, so if you're not feeling adventurous, you can also order off their regular menu. I can't get enough of the lemongrass hot & sour soup, the tuna tataki, and crispy spicy tuna. 

On game days, sports fans should head over to Cross Street Market in Federal Hill where Ravens or Orioles fans will be flooding the streets. It's also great for groups that can't decide what they want. You can basically get anything at across Street - sushi, wings, breakfast plates, crabs.... they have it all. 

Fans of The Wire should head over to Pulaski Highway and grab lunch at Chaps Pit Beef. Obviously, their Pit Beef sandwich is a Baltimore classic and my personal favorite. Just remember that you're not Wee Bay and nobody needs THAT much horseradish. You definitely need a little though, and the Tiger Sauce has just the right amount. While you're at it, the cheese fries & mac and cheese are also a necessary component of the meal.  

And finally, if you think you can never have too much of a good thing, Little Havana is the place for you.  For $20.99 you get one breakfast entreé (like huevo rancheros or a hamburguesa) and BOTTOMLESS mimosas and bloody mary's. Try to sit outside if you can; it's right on the water and dogs are allowed on the back deck! Miss Dixie Doodle is a fan.

 last stop - airport

I hope this helps you make the most out of your time in Baltimore and charm city never stops charming you! 

Hiking with your Dog

 I think it is officially officially summer... finally. That means grilling, swimming, and most importantly, spending time outdoors. Living in little Lexington, there isn't much to do. Once the colleges are out for summer, the town's population basically shrinks by 75%. Even the professors leave town! Without all those people to serve, a lot of the restaurants will close for weeks, and sometimes even months, at a time. Luckily, the one thing that there is an abundance of is outdoor activities.

Dixie is at her happiest outside. I wish I could get her to like swimming, but unless she can stand in the water, she won't go near it. What Dixie does love is walking, and the more rural and wild the trail, the better. She doesn't want to walk on a sidewalk, a well maintained wooded pathway is okay, but a trail where she has to climb up rocks and jump over trees- perfect. As Dixie and I have gotten into better shape, the hikes have gotten longer and tougher, and Dixie has accumulated quite a bit of gear. After trying out a lot of different products, over packing for hikes and forgetting things we definitely needed, Dixie and I have narrowed our hiking gear down to 13 products!

So here is my favorite gear for hiking with your dog!  

Kurgo Go-Tech Adventure Dog Harness with Seatbelt Loop - $26.99

This is great harness for every-day walks, more difficult hikes, or just driving around with your pup. It has a large padded chest plate and a top strap to let you pull your dog over a log, on top a rock, or out of the water. There is a no-jingle back D-Ring, but if your dog is pulling you along the trail, there is a no-pull halt ring on the front chest plate. It's perfect for hikes with steep climbs and rugged terrain. 

Good2Go Easy Step-In Harness - $18

For hikes that have clear and even paths, I use this harness from PetCo. It's durable, easy to get on, and comfortable. For overnight hikes and camping trips, this is a good harness to switch to overnight and while at your campsite. Dixie has absolutely no issue sleeping in this harness.

Dixie in her Good2Go harness and Ruffwear leash.

Ruffwear Knot-a-Leash - $34.95

This is a great leash that can withstand some wear and tear. It's inspired by rock climbing and uses strong, reflective kernmantle rope and a locking carabiner. Your pup won't be going anywhere you don't want him to with this leash. It also has an accessory loop that you can use to hold poop bags or clip-on items like treat pouches.

Black Rhino Hands Free Dog Leash - $27.99

Sometimes your hands need to be free when hiking. This hands free leash has a built in bungee to absorb the shock of any sudden jerks your dog makes. It's also a shorter 4 ft leash to keep your dog close. There are also handles on each side of the leash in case you want to unhook it from the belt and use it as a standard leash. You can also use my tutorial here and make your own hands free leash!

Ruffwear Bivy Bowl - $24.95

I used to have a rubber bowl that collapsed like this option, but Dixie ate that and we moved on to this one. Six months later, she still has been unable to destroy it. Unlike other fabric bowls, this one is ultra-durable, has a flat bottom, and a stable shape. It's also waterproof and can hold 60 fl oz when fully popped open. It collapses flat for easy packing, but it can also be clipped to your pack or your dogs harness.

Popware H-Duo with Companion Cup - $17.99

This bottle actually contains two 12 oz watertight chambers in one bottle. Fill one chamber with a drink for you and the other with water for your dog and off you go! The attached bowl holds one cup of food or water. It's also all dishwasher friendly. The only drawback is that 12 oz of water(or 24 oz if you use both chambers) may not be enough for your pup on a long hike, so you could still wind up carrying extra waterbottles. 

Blue Buffalo Divine Delicious Wet Food, Case of 12 - $15.19

Wet food is great way to keep your dog energized on hikes. When Dixie is tired and thirsty, she doesn't want to munch on hard, dry food. Wet food is a good alternative because it is packed with liquid (or in the case of this food, Savory Sauce), which can help rehydrate your pup. If your dog has a sensitive tummy, look to see if your dog food brand makes a wet version of your dog's regular dry food. This recipe would be great for dogs who eat Blue Buffalo Basics Turkey Recipe.

Blue Buffalo Healthy Starts Southwest Skillet with Beef & Eggs, Case of 12 - $16.21

Another reason I prefer wet food on hikes is because they come packaged in easy 3 oz servings so you don't need to pack an extra bowl! Dixie loves devouring her food right from the plastic cup it is packaged in. This is a great meal to take on hikes because it is packed full of protein that will keep your dog full and energetic! This meal isn't packed with liquid or sauce, but chicken broth is the second ingredient so they are still getting a little hydration!

Natural Dog Company Paw Soother and PawTector - $32.32 for both

Dogs' paw pads are extremely sensitive and can become dry and painful through contact with harsh surfaces like ice, salt, sand, and rough or hot surfaces. Paw Soother helps deeply heal, moisturize, and nourish paw pads to make them soft and smooth again. But before your pup is in pain, you can use PawTector to prevent their paw pads from drying out. It's perfect for use before walks on city sidewalks or long hikes on uneven or rocky terrain. PawTector creates a nourishing barrier between damaging surfaces and your pup's paw pads to keep them soft and smooth. Both products are organic, vegan, 100% natural, and perfect for the dog that already lives better than you do.  

Ruffwear Grip Trex - $74.95

When the terrain is too extreme or the hike it too long, your dog's paws may need a little extra help. These high-performance boots have a resilient Vibram outsole for exceptional traction (no slipping!) and breathable air mesh that keeps dirt and debris out. The secure closure system keeps boots in place but they are still easy to put on the squirmiest pup. Lastly, they have a reflective trim for visibility in low light!

Canine Friendly Pocket Pet First Aid Kit - $12

You may never need to use it, but it's  important to have in case of any little bumps, scratches, or serious injuries. This kit can be used for human or pet first aid and includes  a Walks'n'Wags pet first aid pamphlet, 1 latex free exam gloves, 1 first aid tape, 3 gauze pads, 1 gauze bandage roll, 4 antiseptic wipes, 2 patch adhesive bandages,nand 1 elastic bandage. It all comes in one compact case that easily attaches to your leash or pack.

JoJo Modern Pets Essential Pet First Aid Kit - $35.49

This 16-piece kit contains all the essential first aid supplies that you may need if your pet needs first aid attention, although there are still more exhaustive first-aid kits for sale. This kit contains 1 triangular bandage to use as sling to take weight off of injured limb, 1 PBT elastic bandage, 1 depressing bandage, 1 sterile gauze pad, medical tape, 1 sting relief pad, 1 antiseptic cleansing wipe, antibiotic ointment, cotton buds, 1 wooden tongue depressor, scissors for trimming hair around wound and cutting gauze & bandages, tweezers, 1 set of PVC gloves, styptic powder for use on nail wounds to deter bleeding, 1 instant ice pack, and 1 emergency blanket.

OSPREY Verve 9 Hydration Pack - $100

I bought this primarily as a cycling backpack, but Osprey offers plenty of packs for hiking/cycling or just hiking. I like the VERVE 9 because of its breathable mesh straps and back panel and 2.5 L reservoir. It also has just  enough storage for the things Dixie and I need, but not so much storage that I feel the need to over pack to fill the empty space.

So get out there and enjoy the great outdoors with your pet!  

Happy hiking! 

#Love Lex VA

I've only been in Lexigton for about a month,  but I've been so surprised with how much there is to do. I came in with very low expectations. I think it had something to do with people responding "what? Why are you  going to Lexington too?" whenever I said I was moving to Lexington with the boyfriend. 

I really thought there was going to be nothing. Just two colleges surround by a few houses, surrounded by a highway, surrounded by hotels, surrounded by mountains. I never even saw a grocery or a hospital in town until the day we moved. Okay, so both were literally 100 feet from our hotel and I just wasn't paying attention, but that doesn't mean my expectation of Lexington was 100% off-base. But there is a lot more surrounding the colleges besides a few houses. 

With the boyfriend so busy, we haven't been able to do everything that I've wanted too, but we've done enough that I've gotten a decent feel for the city. If you ever get a chance to visit, here is my travel guide for a perfect weekend in Lexington.

Friday 

Check into your hotel. The Georges (above) is an beautiful boutique inn that occupies two historic buildings in the heart of downtown Lexington. You can easily walk the entire city from the inn, if you ever leave your room that is. I want to find whoever decorated The Georges and pay them to decorate my home. I have serious envy of every accent piece. Standard Queen rooms start at $175 per night. You can also stay at the Best Western Plus at Hunt Ridge. It's located off the highway just before the city limits. While it's not as centrally located, it's only minutes from Downtown, and rooms start at $110 per night.

Once you've settled in, stop by TAPS for drinks. Located in the lobby of The Georges, TAPS offers craft beers and Lexington-inspired cocktails as well as small snacks. Try The Marshall (gin, simple syrup, fresh squeezed lemon, st. Germain, champagne float, and a sugar rim) or The General (vodka, basil, muddled grapes, fresh squeezed lemon, simple syrup, ginger ale). 

Walk to The Red Hen, Lexington's first farm-to-table restaurant, for dinner.  If you love anything you eat (or eat off of), ask for the suppliers business card. Chances are it's from a local business that you can visit. It's a great way to be introduced to what Lexington has to offer. The menu changes daily, but the Cheese plate curated by Cheese to You on Main Street is a menu staple and is always fantastic. 

If you aren't too full after dinner, head over to Pronto Gelateria. They offer pastries and other Italian desserts, wine and beer, and, of course, gelato. They also serve coffee, espresso, smoothies, sandwiches, salads, and soups. For a late night treat, I recommend a Moscato Affogato (1 sorbetto flavor "drowned" in moscato wine).

Saturday

Roll out of bed and wander into Bistro on Main for a southern-inspired brunch with items like Cajun Omelets and Steak Benedict.

Walk off the food coma with some shopping. Alvin Dennis will fill all your preppy needs with brands like Smathers & Branson and Barbour. If you're looking for gifts, you'll find great treats for a real baby or furbaby at Sunday's Child, and Ladles & Linens has everything you could ever need for your kitchen, including sassy dish towels (pictured above). Head over to Pappagallo for women's clothing and accessories from brands like Frye and BB Dakota. Make sure you stop by Pumpkinseeds, which  calls itself the "cutest darn store ever", and it's housewares and women's clothing backs that claim up. Walkabout Outfitters has everything you need for your hike later in the day.

Before heading out for a hike, stop by Kind Roots Cafe and pick up lunch to-go. Try the Cubano with pineapple habanera salsa, or the PBBJ (peanut butter, banana, and jelly). 

One of the best photo-op hikes close to Lexington is Devil's Marbleyard (right). Devil's Marbleyard (pictured right) can be reached by following the Belfast trail. It's a 3 mile out-and-back hike, but can be extended. The Lexington Visitor Center provides maps and information about the hike. If you don't mind driving a bit to start your hike, check out Tinker Cliffs/Andy Layne Trail (center), Peaks of Otter, Dragon's Tooth (left), or McAfee's Knob

Finish your day by picking up a pizza from Salerno, and catch a movie at Hull's Drive In. Hull's is the nation's first non-profit, community-owned drive in. Tickets are $7 for adults, $3 for children 5-11, and free for children 4 and under, and gets you the main feature and a bonus feature. They even allow dogs (pictures of Dixie enjoying the drive in above) and give them a treat when you buy your ticket! Since all proceeds from the snack bar go to keeping the drive in open, make sure to enough stop in to buy some candy or a souvenir soda!

If movies aren't your thing, take your pizza to the Devil's Backbone Outpost and enjoy your pizza over a a tasting flight or a few pints. If you find a beer you like, why not take a growler home!

Sunday 

Lexington Coffee Roasters (right) has just what you need to get going this morning. They roast their own coffee and carefully brew it to make sure they get the most out of every bean. My favorite is the Konga from Ethiopia, but if you really need your caffeine, order a bottle of Caffebierra, a dark and creamy cold brew. 

Grab some donuts or a breakfast sandwich to go with your coffee at Pure Eats (left). Their donuts flavors change daily, but I haven't found one I don't like. 

Once you're on the road, the fun doesn't have to end. Hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway (center) or Skyline Drive and enjoy the incredible views. 

I hope everyone gets the chance to visit. As worried as I was, I'm really loving living here.  

Pure Michigan: Grand Hotel

Before we went to Michigan, my mom kept talking about "The Bridge" and how we just HAD TO drive across "The Bridge."  Well once we got to Cheboygan, we finally figured out that she was talking about the Mackinac Bridge.  

The Mackinac Bridge connects the upper and lower peninsula of Michigan and acts as the border of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, and charges some lovely tolls. Driving was out. 

Instead, on our second day on Macinac Island, we woke up early and took a ferry that would give us a "seagull's eye view" of the bridge.

Really, all this meant was that the ferry ride to the island would be about 15 minutes longer and we would ride under the bridge. Now we can say that we've been on Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Plus, we got some cool pictures.

Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan & Lake Huron

Lake Huron

The rest of the ferry ride was just as beautiful as the day before.

Once we arrived on the island, we started the walk to the Grand Hotel. 

The hotel was opened in 1887, and boasts the longest front porch in the world. 

While the hotel claims its modern updates will make guests feel at ease, it's the old charm that shines through. It's first important to note that almost no cars are allowed on the island. If you arrive by ferry, your luggage will be picked up by a horse-drawn buggy. 

Coca Cola and Chandon are delivered to porch-sitters by bicycle. Waitresses bring other drinks, like champagne and cocktails, as well as yummy snacks.

In addition to the strict dress code to which waiters abide, the hotel also requestS visitors abide by a dress code: no halter tops, tank tops, or cut off shorts by day and dresses/skirts and blouses (ladies) or suit or sport coat, necktie and dress slacks (gentlemen) by night. 

Now, they do charge visitors a $10 fee to roam about the hotel grounds, but we never saw anybody collecting fees nor did anybody ask us to pay one.  Instead we sat in rocking chairs, sipped cocktails, and  looked out over the balcony at the lake. 

Once we finished our cocktails and hummus plate, it was time to return to Cheboygan for the wedding. 

After the wedding, we were woken up at 8 a.m. by a massive thunderstorm that flooded our tent. Then we drove 4 1/2 hours to Flint, MI. We woke up at 4 a.m. the next day to catch a flight, and arrived in Baltimore around 10 a.m. A short 24 hours later, we were driving to Lexington, VA, and moving into our new home. 

It was definitely hectic, but I am so glad we were able to visit Michigan. Now I am going to unpack the last of our boxes before Dixie eats all the cardboard.