Category: Travel

Valley of Fire State Park

Published on by Amanda Leggette1 Comment
Valley of Fire Highway

Located less than an hour outside of Las Vegas is this beautiful state park that provides as much or as little adventure as your schedule allows. The 11 mile drive through the park offers a scenic route and multiple opportunities to view historic landmarks, scenery along the way, and several trails.

Valley Of Fire Park Entrance

Here are a few of the most popular places that we ventured to along the way:

  1. Atlatl Rock
View from Atlatl Rock

2. Beehives

3. Mouse’s Tank

4. The Fire Wave

5. Pink Canyon

6. White Domes Trail and Crazy Hill

7. Elephant Rock

8. Fire Canyon

9. Seven Sisters

10. Natural Arch

Located on the opposite side of this view.

When researching for this stop, I did find this interactive map helpful.

Our full trip continued as we left Valley of Fire and drove to Zion National Park. If you’re just visiting this post directly, see the trip overview here.

You can continue to follow this journey and what our next 2 days in Zion entailed. (Possibly our favorite, shhhh).

Hiking Gear for the Southwest in April

Published on by Amanda Leggette1 Comment

The only items we purchased for our Southwest adventure were our Altra Lone Peaks. My parents did the entire Grand Circle tour in the Spring of 2022 and had the same shoes for their hiking adventures. These shoes were amazing! They had incredible grip for some of the tough terrain we hiked (snow included), and they have a wide toe design which provided extra comfort during our long hikes. This proved to be a game changer and kept my feet from swelling at all.

Spring is a gorgeous time to visit the Southwest. Mornings were cool, 30-40’s, but by midday, we experienced 60’s and 70’s. When you’re hiking, this is idealic.

Hydration is the #1 thing you need to stay on top of. The dry heat is very different and our skin reflected that by the end of the week.

Rtic Cooler / Patagonia Rucksack / Amazon Daypack / Altra for Her / Altra for Him / Altra Him / Patagonia Vest – Her / Patagonia Vest – Him / Camelbak Light / Camelbak Lobo / Camelbak Arete / Hiking Daypack / Hiking Convertible Pants – Him / Hiking Conv Pants II – Him / Patagonia Baggies Shorts – Her / SPF Hooded Shirt / Nano Puff Jacket / Hiking Socks

Layers will be best for your daily hiking attire. For example, I typically was in an athletic tank top, layered on a long-sleeved athletic top and either my Patagonia Nano Puff vest or light windbreaker jacket. All of these items rolled up and fit in either my camelbak or Adams, or I tied my shirt around my waste.

Adam started out each morning in a pair of the hiking convertible pants from Outdoor Ventures and unzipped the leg when it warmed up during our hikes. I know what you’re thinking, convertible pants aren’t your jam? Consider Adam a converted believer in them. He borrowed 3 pair of my dad’s pants and now wants his own. He also layered his tops the same way I did.

We wouldn’t have changed a thing with the way we packed layers for hikes.

One of the best decisions we made was to take our Rtic backpack cooler. Adam used it as his second carry on item which fit under the airplane seat perfectly. When we were between destinations, we never had to worry about our items not staying cold. We love this cooler!

Some other basic things to remember to pack are sunscreen, lip protector/chapstick and possibly a small portable phone charger like this one.

I hope you have fun exploring your destination.

Take me to Black Mountain, NC

Published on by Amanda Leggette1 Comment

Each time I capture the sweet scent of mountain air that is both crisp and has hints of wet mossy and leafy grounds, (add in the sound of cicadas chirping and pure silence otherwise), I’m transported back to some of my fondest memories on the hills of Black Mountain. My grandparents owned an idillic mountain cottage in Ridgecrest which is only one exit from downtown Black Mountain.

It’s amazing how a familiar scent can remind you of someone, somewhere, or a specific memory isn’t it?

The overwhelming peace I feel when we visit Black Mountain today may be due to sensory overload of these scents and memories but now that we travel here with our sons, we have the added bonus of new memories, new adventures and a desire to visit again and again.

The cottage was aptly named High Haven. Haven means a place of retreat or refuge. Set high on a mountain and tucked into nature, it was exactly that. Unfortunately, the cottage is no longer in the family but we still make it a priority to find a cute Airbnb and visit family and the area.

Here are a few pictures of a couple Airbnbs we have had the privilege of staying at, all within walking distance to downtown Black Mountain & Lake Tomahawk.

When we weren’t relaxing, reading, or napping on the expansive porch, playing cards, pingpong on a giant wooden table (which doubled as the dining table when the entire family was in town), or exploring in the woods and making a fort among the Rhododendron, we were sure to be on a hike, walking the quant downtown Black Mountain area, driving into Asheville (only 10 miles away), or dining in one of our favorite restaurants.

I want to highlight some of the best hikes, restaurants and our favorite things to do when we go back to visit.

COFFEE: The Dripolator Coffeehouse has been around the longest and still remains our favorite. They have tasty baked goods from another local business and serve up fresh coffee and my favorite latte. It always has the perfect creamy froth that hits just right.

The last picture is of the original paint colors, teal and red. While I loved the pop of red, the new blue and gold is my favorite design change of their exterior.

Dynamite Roasting Co was first introduced to us at one of our Airbnb rentals. They had fresh ground coffee stocked for us. We loved it and had to check it out for ourselves. We immediately saw why it’s also a local hotspot. Great coffee, pastries and more.

HIKING:

Catawba Falls, located in Old Fort – A 4 mile round trip hike takes you to the beautiful 100ft cascading waterfall. Although it is now a tourist destination, it’s still worth visiting. There is now a designated parking lot and bathrooms at the base of the trail. When I was a child, we had to walk through private property to get to the trail which was often overgrown because it was a hidden gem for the locals. It is no longer that way and is well maintained.

Our 8 and 6 yr. olds have no trouble hiking this trail. Our youngest is always in a hiking backpack until we get to the falls.

Tip: If you are commuting to Black Mountain via I-40 from the East, you will come to the Old Fort exit before climbing the mountain. You can easily take this exit and hike on your way to your final destination.

Along the trail you will find areas of the creek that you can wade in and swimming holes if you dare bare the chilly mountain water. Our boys love take a dip and to search for crawdads.

Once you reach the base of the Falls, take off your shoes, wade in the water and snap a photo. There will be plenty of people doing the same so there will always be someone to capture your whole family on your camera.

Lookout Trail, located in Montreat – A 1.5 mile out and back trail. Expect some steeper terrain near the top but I promise, it’s worth the views. Pack snacks or a picnic lunch. You will want to stay to take it all in.

Graybeard Trail, located near Montreat – 8 mile roundtrip

Lake Tomahawk in downtown Black Mountain is a short mulch pathway that goes around the lake. Beautiful views of mountains in the distance and a cute park for kids. Pet friendly. There is also a community pool you can pay to visit and tennis/pickle ball courts nearby.

Linville Falls – Just a 45 minute drive from Black Mountain and a little over an hour from Asheville. This is the perfect day trip adventure that can start with a tour of the Linville Caverns. After the tour drive to the trails which is only a 2 mile out and back. Finish the day by stopping at Linville Winery for a bite to eat and delicious refreshments. We recommend their pimento cheese spreads as one option. The winery is kid friendly and has a beautifully property for kids to explore while you watch them and enjoy the wines. If you’re traveling with kids, they will surely fall asleep on the way back to your rental.

DINING:

In Black Mountain, NC

Fresh Wood Fired Pizza and Pasta – Nothing beats a wood fired pizza or calzone. You can’t go wrong with their menu. They also have seasonal salads. I still remember a summer salad I ordered that had grilled peaches, goat cheese, candied pecans and other toppings over a bead of peppery arugula which was tossed in a in-house vinaigrette. (chef’s kiss) A second location is in Asheville, 343, Depot St. West Asheville, NC

Louise’s Kitchen – Breakfast and Lunch only. So many amazing meal options.

Trailhead Restaurant and Bar – Delicious salads, burgers, sandwiches, and entrees

Black Mountain Bistro – A little more formal of a setting but still kid friendly

Goldfinch – Small plates, tacos, bowls and salads.

My Fathers Pizza – My family always loved creating our own pizza here and we often choose the pesto base. Delicious!

Bush Farmhouse (eclectic setting, amazing food by Chef Mark Henegan)

Open Oven Cafe – A must for breakfast or brunch. Open from 8-2PM daily, Closed on Tuesday

In Asheville, NC

Fresh Wood Fired Pizza and Pasta – (Same menu as above)

Salsas – Craft cocktails & Mexican fusion. I personally feel the meals are splittable. Be sure to start with their fresh salsas and guacamole, so good. Delicious margaritas and a robust menu.

Sierra Nevada – Located in Mills River, NC – The outside property is both kid and pet friendly. They often have live music playing in their amphitheater, outdoor lawn games, expansive outdoor seating, kid play area and a small trail just behind the amphitheater. This could be a few hours of fun and relaxation for you and your family to enjoy great food and tasty beer. Book a tour in advance. I don’t love most beer and thoroughly enjoyed the tour.

White Duck Taco – Located on the French broad river. Grab fresh tacos, sip on a tasty margarita and walk the greenway to local shopping.

New Belgium Brewery – Across the French broad, a short distance from White Duck Taco. They often host local food trucks. Here you can enjoy sitting on the back deck overlooking the French Broad River, hang out on the lawn and play corn hole, and tour the brewery.

The Marketplace Restaurant and Lounge – Farm to Table cuisine. We last visited here on our 1 year anniversary. You will walk down a cute bistro lit street. The meal was unforgettable. This is definitely a good celebratory restaurant. Their social gives a good overview of the ambiance, meals and offerings.

Chestnut Restaurant – Craft food and cocktails – We dined here one a getaway weekend at the Biltmore. This was yet again, another unforgettable meal. Just look at the menu!

Tupelo Honey – A chain restaurant with southern roots.

French Broad Chocolates – handcrafted chocolates in Asheville

To Do:

Walk around and explore the shops of downtown Black Mountain. There’s so many cute nooks around town that have shops, restaurants, breweries and more. You can easily walk to Lake Tomahawk from the downtown area but note, there are hills on the sidewalk lined streets.

Do one of the many hikes suggested.

Plan a day trip to Linville Caverns, Falls and Winery.

Take a day trip into downtown Asheville. Shop. Eat. Hike. Bike the greenways.

Visit the Nature Center. *If you are a NC Zoo Member and show your card, it gets you in free.

Visit Sierra Nevada in Mills River.

Visit New Belgium Brewery.

Tour the Biltmore if you haven’t done so before. There is so much to see and do on the grounds you could fill a day’s itinerary. Bike, hike, tour the house, grounds, gardens, and dine onsite.

Tube down the French Broad. We haven’t done this yet but it’s on our list for the summer. There are numbers companies that offer this experience.

Day trip to Sliding Rock. It’s 100% a tourist spot now but it’s a unique experience. It is certainly a favorite childhood memory of mine that started before there was paid entry and a line to slide down the famous rock.

Day trip to an Apple orchard during picking season.

I’ve really only touched on everything I love about Black Mountain and surrounding areas.

I’m going to just put it out in the universe now, we will one day own property here. It will surely come true now, right?!

Carolina Pines

Published on by Amanda LeggetteLeave a comment
April 2021
August 2022

Tiny home accommodations, a water park, 4 pools, a lazy river, splash pad, putt putt course, sports courts, dog park, a jumping pillow for kids, beach volleyball, arcade, mini bowling, fitness center, beach shuttle transportation and scheduled events/activities for all ages? Such a place exists and it’s just a short drive from North Carolina.

Located in Conway, SC, Carolina Pines is a beautiful RV Resort. But wait, you don’t have to have an RV to stay. There are 4-5 types of cottages (aka, tiny homes) you can rent that will accommodate families (handicap accessible is available).

2021
2022

As someone who grew up camping on many family vacations from beaches to the mountains, this was taking that experience to the next level.

Our first trip was in 2021. We went in late April as a surprise for our oldest’s birthday. Picking up our son a little early from school just to tell him we were going on a surprise family birthday trip is such a fun memory for me. Having never heard of the place, he didn’t know what was coming.

Our boys are busy bodies. From sun up to sun down, there isn’t much time of rest and for that reason, I opted we didn’t rent a golf cart and packed their scooters. I’m so thankful we did this because the tiny home rental was just a short walk from the main attractions. There are bike racks all over the resort for kids to park scooters and bikes.

Our first two trips to Carolina Pines had perfect weather so we were able to enjoy all of the amenities. Check-in is at 3PM; however, you can arrive early and pay a small fee to enjoy the resort amenities. The Welcome Center is beautifully decorated and has very nice bathrooms that you can quickly change into your bathing suits after you check-in. Personally, I recommend arriving early if you can. This will give you an opportunity to drive around the entire property to familiarize yourself with where everything is and make a plan for what you want to do first.

Your days will be filled with so many memories from all they have to offer. On the go kids will love the main waterpark attraction, pictured here.

Newly added are these two plunge slides and a large lazy river.

The waterpark, putt-putt and bouncy pillow all open at 10AM. Sports courts are always open.

2022
2021

The Serenity Pool has a hot tub, lap pool, and one additional pool with chair loungers in a shallow pool. In our visits, this pool is not as busy and somewhat relaxing if you need to take a break from the waterpark.

Should you have rain impede on your plans, I suggest making the trip to Ripley’s Aquarium. It is just a short drive and will provide hours of entertainment. The shark tunnel alone was amazing.

A couple of tips when planning your visit:

  1. Note the dates of when the waterpark is open and closed for the season.
  2. Pack snacks, basic needs for making poolside lunches (bread, deli meat/cheese, PB&J, fresh fruit), ziplock bags, and possible meals for grilling as each home has charcoal grills.
  3. Things you’ll need for grilling that are easy to pack, lighter, small bag of charcoal, and roasting skewers for marshmallows over the fire pit. If you’d rather, the general store at the resort has these items.
  4. Coffee drinkers, pack filters and coffee. Each home has a coffee pot but you will have to provide the filters and beans for that cup of joe.
  5. Pack basic needs for the pool: towels, sunscreen, puddle jumpers if needed, etc.
  6. Pack sound machine & pack n play for the littlest ones.
  7. Plan ahead. You can get a better deal and have more options of availability if you book well in advance. The homes book quickly!
  8. Be prepared to plan a return visit! We’ve had so many friends and family visit Carolina Pines after we fist went based on our recommendation and they’ve since been back many times.

If you have specific questions about what home may accommodate your family best, I’ll be happy to try and help you make that decision.

One final recommendation while you’re at Carolina Pines. Try dinner at Ella’s, located in Calabash for a traditional seafood meal. It was a childhood favorite for my husband which he was thrilled to introduce the boys to. Easy to say they were happy.

Comment if you have been to Carolina Pines and any tips you may have learned on your visits.

Disney on a Budget

Published on by Amanda LeggetteLeave a comment

If at all possible, I highly recommend traveling to Disney in or around January. In the past three years, we’ve always had mild weather in the low 80’s to upper 70’s. While temps can dip below that in January, the averages are still lovely.

In addition to milder weather, the crowds aren’t nearly as bad as summer months when EVERYONE is traveling during summer breaks.

Lastly, most resorts run specials during this time. We were lucky to snag a deal at the Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Admittedly, we have been spoiled in the fact that we stayed at Disney’s Grande Floridian the 2 years prior. That wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for my husband having work obligations there.

What we love about both resorts, there is a running path connecting the two and a course you can run for additional mileage. Not to mention, it’s fun getting lost running around the resorts themselves. We also found the convenience of the monorail at these resorts ideal. With two little ones, it makes getting to places so much easier. You can also view the Magic Kingdom fireworks show nightly from each resort, music included as they have speakers projecting the full show for your enjoyment.

When considering where you’d like to stay, I highly recommend researching the cost to park a vehicle, sometimes at the resorts, but also at the parks you’ll be visiting. You may find it’s worth staying at a resort that is on the monorail.

You don’t need a car at Disney! When you stay at one of Disney’s resorts, you can sign up for Disney’s Magical Express, a bus service that takes you round-trip from the airport to your resort, for free. I understand why families do Disney. They make it so simple to travel with children without needing so many things. (No need for car seats on the buses.)

We booked flights with Southwest Airline points so that wasn’t a cost to us. If you have a credit card with rewards, check to see if your travels can benefit.

Tips for visiting Disney Parks on a budget:

  • Pack a bag solely dedicated to food. Snack items you and your littles enjoy such as flatbread rounds, peanut butter/almond butter and jelly, protein bars, ziplock bags, oatmeal, granola bars, fresh fruit, Chomps, raw nuts, cheez its, etc.
  • Pack paper plates, napkins, and bowls. They will be used in the hotel room.
  • Resorts have serving sized peanut butter, jellys, cream cheese, and plasticware at the cafe bars, for FREE.
  • Pack empty water bottles that you can fill up on resort.
  • Pack a compact/foldable cooler for your daily lunches and snacks in the parks. (Unless you have a stroller rental, see below, where it is included.) YES, parks allow them! They just check any bags and coolers thoroughly at security before entering.
  • Pack plenty of sanitizer, Clorox wipes and wet napkins.

Don’t hassle with packing a stroller. A friend of mine told me about Kingdom Strollers 3 years ago. It’s a stroller rental service that I cannot live without when doing Disney!

I’m excited to share Kingdom Strollers has provided me with a custom link for you to book your rental, HERE .

Cleanliness is my main care when renting. Three years renting with them, the stroller always looks brand new. They take pride in their process for sanitizing their strollers which you can read about on their site.

We always get the double Bob. Our most recent stay we reserved it for 4 nights, I added the insurance for $25 for the duration of the rental and paid around $90-100. To me, that’s worth not having to hassle bringing our own single stroller and having 2 kids fighting over who gets to ride. (Plus the risk of it getting damaged when checked at the airline.)

Also included are the drink holders, a cooler, and rain cover for the entire stroller. They deliver to your hotel and pick up from your hotel. You can also have it delivered to the airport! Their customer service is phenomenal. They’ve always been early for their deliveries, send convenient text reminders about your pick-ups and returns, and always have the friendliest staff to greet you. Need to cancel or change your reservation? They don’t penalize you and are happy to accommodate your requests.

Simple Tips for Planning:

  • Book your travel
  • Reserve your accomodations
  • Book your park tickets
  • Download the Disney app & easily link your reservations and tickets.
  • Determine which parks you are visiting which day then reserve your 3 Fast Passes (per person)
    • Tip: After you use your 3 Fast Passes, you can book additional reservations for more rides in the same day. Keep this in mind when planning out your day because you won’t have access to additional FPs until all reservations are completed.
  • Use the app to view showtimes for each park, parades happen throughout the days at Magic Kingdom and are always fun to enjoy. Plan to arrive a little early to get a good spot.
  • Use the app to view when buses are arriving at your resort to take you to each park.
  • Use the app to make dinner reservations. The character breakfast at Ohana at the Polynesian is popular. We experienced Chef Mickey our first trip. It was fun, but they are expensive. It’s an all you can eat buffet so we planned for it to be a late lunch to serve as our lunch and dinner that day. Their is also a character meal at The Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom. All of these options can be accessed via the monograil. Chef Mickey is in The Contemporary Hotel and can be accessed by monorail or the walking path from Magic Kingdom.
  • Once basic reservations are made, you can make an itinerary. I make a loose schedule and allow for the day to happen in lieu of holding to a tight schedule. That’s just not fun for anyone.

A Suggested Schedule:

  • Magic Kingdom – Day 1
  • Hollywood Studios – Day 2
  • Animal Kingdom – Day 3

I recommend this order because Magic Kingdom is a heavy walking day with the most rides. It is truly magical from the moment you walk in.

We discovered that Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom isn’t as busy first thing in the morning. Arrive when the park opens, ride Dumbo, The Barnstormer, Meet Donald, Goofy, Daisy and Minnie Mouse at Pete’s Silly Slideshow (short lines at this time), make a FP reservation for “it’s a small world”, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The Mad Tea Party and Carousel are always fun too.

There is a nice shaded boardwalk that surrounds Tom Sawyer’s Island. It’s about this time in the day when the kids are ready for a snack and we let them enjoy a Mickey Ice Cream after.

Our boys always love The Jungle Cruise. Try to make a FP reservation for this ride also.

*Tip – If you’re traveling with a little one that is too short for a ride, a cast member will offer you a Ride Swap. They scanned our bands to allow for my husband and I to take turns riding with our oldest and also gave us FP to make this swap happen quickly. This is available at any of the parks.

Be sure to catch one of the park parades and shows in front of the castle. The muppet show in Libertyland is also fun to watch. Both also provide an opportunity for rest. There is a nice faux grassy lawn area in front of The Crystal Palace & Casey’s Corner where we have enjoyed our picnic lunch and the parade at the same time.

*If traveling with a baby and/or a child with sensory sensitivities, there is a Baby Care Center in this same area. Read about the facility resources here.

Plan to make Magic Kingdom an all day experience and include the night show at the castle.

Day 2 at Hollywood Studios is kind of a chill day. Make your FP reservations for the Slinky Dog Roller Coaster and Alien Saucers.

*There is a beverage cart in the line for the Slinky Dog Roller Coaster – adult beverages included.

If you’re a Star Wars fan, we were told you need to get there at opening if you want to experience Rise of the Resistance. There are only so many slots they can accomodate for the day. Once you get your booking time and they are all reserved, there will not be another opportunity. We’re not followers of Star Wars but we were blown away by the expansion of Galaxy’s Edge. You might as well have been in the movie, it was unreal!

There are so many great shows at Hollywood Studios, Frozen, Beauty & the Beast, 3-D Muppet Show, and Indiana Jones just to name a few.

Day 3 at Animal Kingdom is also another pretty chill day. Be sure to make a FP reservation for the Kilimanjaro Safari, an up close encounter with African wildlife you won’t believe.

We went straight to the Tree of Life when we first arrived and were able to walk straight into the It’s a Bug’s Life show. You can look at the available showtimes for this online. From there, we had a 10-11AM FP arrival time for The Lion King, a must.

If you are in need of a little extra coffee, there is a Starbucks called “Creature Comforts” on the way into Africa. Drinks are allowed in the Lion King Show.

Make a FP reservation for The Lion King. We didn’t have any inclination as to what this show would be like but it blew us away. There are times when the cast members are interactive with the audience. If you want your littles to have the possibility of standing alongside a showman, try sitting on the edge of a row.

After the show, we made our way to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. There, we hopped on a train that had views of some African wildlife, Ostrich, Elephant, etc. Once we arrived, we enjoyed a nice shaded path to a fun petting yard for little ones.

I also recommend exploring the other trails in Africa. You will see so much wildlife, it’s as if you’re at a dedicated zoo.

Up! is a fantastic show. Our boys are lovers of nature so they enjoyed the interactive show and close encounters with real life birds. We didn’t realize this show was so interactive. If you want to be a part of the show, try to sit on the end of the rows in the middle two sections. I won’t give away the surprise, but just know it’s REALLY COOL.

You’ll also find 2 rides in Asia, Everest and the Rapids. FP reservations would be good to have.

The River of Lights show is now open and a wonderful evening show to experience before leaving the park for the day. Either arrive early or make a FP reservation. Might I also suggest you choose seating with easy access to the exit.

We spent our last day poolside at the resort and loved the time to decompress and relax after all of the park excitement. We were lucky to have warm weather and enjoyed the pool everyday we were there. The kids in particular loved the slides at the main pool. I admit, they were fun!

Because our Disney Magical Express didn’t depart until 4:30, we had a full day poolside. We retrieved our bags from the bell service with plenty of time to change into clothes for the trip home.

Time together as a family and making unforgettable memories was so special. The ear to ear smiles our boys kept on their faces the entire time, the open mouthed laughs of excitement on rides, saying “yes” when they wanted the Mickey Ice Creams, the best bedtime stories told by daddy each night, and extra snuggles and love from the boys are all things I will never forget.

We are thankful for the Magical Time!

Holiday Gift Guide for HIM

Published on by Amanda Leggette1 Comment

Shopping for my husband & other men in my life (my dad, father-in-law, etc) has never been easy. They always seem to have it all because they typically buy when they need/want something leaving the gift-giving task more of a challenge.

I’ve put together some of my husband’s favorite items that I hope will serve as a starting point for you as you create your shopping lists.

Patagonia Pro Low Trucker Hat – Great to wear casually.

Patagonia Fitz Roy Schoop Hat – Second option to wear casually.

Yeti Rambler Mug – Large handle grip, perfect for on the go coffee.

Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket – The only winter coat your man will need, it’s sure to keep him warm.

Patagonia Better Sweater Vest – Both Stylish and warm, this vest will keep your man warm when you don’t need the full coat. It also layers well under a jacket for extra body warmth.

Patagonia Nano Puff Vest – Because vests are best and keep you warm. They are favorites of ours as NC winters are somewhat mild. Worn solo or layered with a jacket.

Magnetic Car Mount for Phone – Great stocking stuffer. Provides safety and keeps the phone accessible while driving.

Pearl Izumi Men’s Cycling Shoes – For the avid (or beginner) cyclist, both indoor spin and road cycling.

  • Bike Cleats – Needed with Cycling Shoes. Favorite cleat options of ours that make snapping in and out of pedals easy but a tight enough clip in that you won’t pop out without trying.

Suncloud Polorized Optic – (a Smith’s sunglass owned company and a fraction of the price) They are my husbands go-to with so many style options.

Carry-on Spinner Bag with USB – 4 wheels is the only way for a roller bag. A favorite for that traveling businessman in your life.

Weber 1200 Gas Grill – Compact, easy to travel with for tailgating or camping, small enough for a porch, and a great grill for perfect cooking. I personally love it because of the ease to lite it.

Daniel Wellington Classic St. Mawes Watch – This watch looks great worn casually and with business attire. My husband loves this classic style and the thin face – no issues with the face getting caught on his shirt sleeves.

Personalized Monogram Watch Box – For the watch collector – personalized and a nice accent piece for your loved one to display his beloved watches.

DJI Drone – For the tech lover. My husband has had his for 3 years and loves that he can also navigate the drone via phone & ipad (for larger display screen). Takes wonderful pictures and videos.

Robotics EVO Drone – A second drone option with high reviews as well.

Customizable City Coordinate Sign – Great for the home or office decor.

Stay Humble/Hustle Hard Sign – Perfect office decor and a simple daily reminder.

SEE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR HER – HERE

NC Wine Trails

Published on by Amanda Leggette3 Comments

Shiplap Scripture

Two of our best friends live in the heart of NC wine country, Yadkinville, NC.  Starting in 2011, we ventured to different vineyards with them in the beautiful countryside and have found some hidden gems in our beloved state.

Here you will find options for self-guided tours as well as tour-guided NC Wine trails.  I’ve provided tips for each trail but you’ll find some of the vineyards are repeats so tips won’t be repeated as well.

If you’re looking for a guided tour, you can book with Yadkinville Valley Wine Tours. They offer tours with pre-set vineyard stops or you can customize your own wine trail. They were wonderful to work with and accommodating to our requests.

Our first adventure throughout Yadkinville was a ladies only trip. It was a great way to see a few vineyards, have a tour guide who provided information on the vineyards and the wine making process at each, and safely navigate us along our wine trail.

Photo – Carolina Wine Crush

Trail 1:  This tour was with YVWT and consisted of the following:

Laurel Gray Vineyards
Shiloh General Store
Shadow Springs
Dobbins Creek
Raffaldini
You could also use this trail for a self guided tour. (With a designated driver of course.)

Trail 2:
Laurel Gray Vineyards
Sanders Ridge
Hanover Park Vineyard
Flint Hill Vineyard for diner and tasting

+Tips for this trail, Flint Hill no longer offers full service dining; however, they do have regular events you can attend for amazing food prepared by their chef.  Ziplining and Hiking trails are available at Sanders Ridge if you want to make it a full day at this vineyard.

Trail 3


Laurel Grey Vineyards (notice a trend in this as our starting vineyard, it’s beautiful scenery, great wines, homemade sauces paired with your wine tasting, & the best bread loafs & cheeses made by the homesteaders of Shiloh General store available for purchase. You will need your vittles for your day of tastings.
Dobbins Creek
Elkin Creek Vineyard
Raffaldini Vineyards
Shelton Vineyards
Rag Apple Lassie

+Tips for this trail – Enjoy wood fire pizzas at Elkin Creek & Diner at Shelton’s Harvest Grill.  The brisket grilled cheese with gouda, caramelized onions & bacon jam, sweet potato fries, charcuterie board & spinach salad are a few things our group enjoyed at Harvest Grill.

Trail 4
(Perfect for a staycation or ladies weekend- book a cottage at Medaloni Cellars. Adorable accommodations, beautiful scenery, live music, and hiking/walking trails)

Raylen Vineyards
Raylen Vineyards
Medaloni Cellars with Gouda
Divine Llama
Divine Llama

Raylen Vineyards
Medaloni Cellars
West Bend Vineyard and Brewery
Divine llama Vineyard

+ Tips for this trail, West Bend Vineyard frequently has food trucks and live music, check their calendar of events. Their restaurant is across the street, Grapevine Grill, open Thursdays & Fridays 6-9PM.  Medaloni & Raylen also have food trucks and live music regularly.  For lighter fare, enjoy cheese & crackers at Medaloni.  I recommend the Gouda because it’s just so “gouda”.  Divine Llama offers llama yoga, hikes with llamas and more.  Who wouldn’t want to sip their wine in the company of these friendly llamas?

jolo
Photograph – JOLO Vineyard

JOLO Vineyards – If time allows, add this stop or schedule it for day 2 of your trip.

Trail 5

Chateau Morrisette
Views from Chateau
Chateau Morrisette

Sanders Ridge Vineyard
Shelton Vineyards 
Chateau Morrisette (This vineyard is across the border in Virginia.)
Plan dinner reservations and allow time for a tasting ahead of time. You may just get lucky to see a beautiful sunset like we did.

+Tips for this trail – Hanging Rock State Park is not far if you want to add some outdoor adventure to your trip.  You could easily set up your camp site ahead of time but keep in mind state parks close their gates at night.

Trail 6

Elkin Creek Vineyard & Winery
Carolina Heritage Vineyard & Winery Raffaldini Vineyards
Dobbins Creek Vineyards
Brandon Hills Vineyards

+Tips for this trail – Elkin Creek offers cabin rentals to make this a perfect option for a ladies/couples retreat.

Trail 7
Camp at Stone Mountain
Laurel Gray Vineyards
Raffaldini Vineyards
Piccione Vineyards

+Tips for this trail – Stone Mountain offers hiking trails with beautiful scenic views if you wish to add outdoor adventure to your trip.

Carolina Wine Crush
Carolina Wine Crush
Carolina Wine Crush

I hope you have fun planning your NC Wine Trail.  I’d love to hear your feedback and suggestions if you venture to other vineyards I didn’t mention.

Cheers!

 

The Magnolia Venture

Published on by Amanda LeggetteLeave a comment

SILOS BAKERY
HERRINGBONE BRICK PAVERS IN MAGNOLIA SEED & SUPPLY SHOP

There came a day when visiting Waco, Texas was added to my bucket list.  Like many, Fixer Upper became my favorite reality show.  Joanna’s effortless style was right in line with mine and spoke to my heart.  Did anyone else feel like they were living their dreams vicariously through Joanna when the show aired?  I think what drew me into the show most was the comedic personality of Chip.  He immediately reminded me of my husband, the random jokes, constant laughter, and inability to be serious at times you need to be, I WAS HOOKED.

When we found out we were pregnant with our second child, we jumped at the opportunity to have an early baby-moon adventure.  Believe it or not, it was my husband’s idea to book a trip to Texas and visit all things Magnolia.  That is love my friends.  You can imagine, there was zero hesitation in planning this adventure.

I quickly realized there weren’t too many places to find information on self-guided tours.  While much has changed since we visited on this particular getaway, there’s a tour company, Waco Tours, I wanted to provide an option for those of you who are like us and love to venture out exploring new cities on your own.

If you’re here because you are planning your future Waco trip, I have one piece of advice – don’t hold yourself bound completely to a schedule.  Allow yourself the opportunity to speak with locals and stop when a place catches your attention whether it’s a cute shop, a restaurant or a park that is drawing in crowds of people.  It’s in those moments that you’ll find local treasures, tangible and memories made, and meet some pretty amazing people.

Having been to Austin, TX before, I looked into flying into Dallas, TX and compared flights into each city.  Both are equal distance to Waco and offer cheaper flights compared to flying directly into Waco.  Southwest Airlines is our go-to and makes it easy to book one-way tickets to and from different airports.  (Plus it didn’t hurt that we had points for free flights.)  We ultimately traveled round trip in and out of Dallas.

Consider Priceline for booking a rental car.  Enterprise is generally our go-to but you’ll see all options at discounted rates on Priceline and can easily do a price comparison.  Enterprise doesn’t charge extra for multiple drivers if you’re married.

After the flights and car were booked, the hotel was next.  At the time of our trip, there weren’t any Fixer Upper airbnb or VRBO rental options but you can now find so many!  I’ve since been back to Waco after my first trip and stayed at this adorable studio, Dutch Door House.  The hosts were amazing and even helped my mother and I get into the rental after hours when the key code wasn’t working for us.  They also provided a pack-n-play for my 1 year old, sheets, snacks, coffee & tea, and all essentials needed for a comfortable stay.  Although it was small, it was perfect for us & super budget friendly so we could have more fun shopping without any guilt.

If you do want to stay at one of the iconic Fixer Uppers, here are a few options you can check out and also search for additional rentals.

Rock Star Reno, Barndominium, German Schmear House, Shotgun House

Barndominium
Shotgun House
Rockstart Reno
Rock Star Reno
German Schemear House

Now let’s get into the fun stuff.  I’ve listed out a suggestion for a single day in Waco and one for up to 3 days.

If you’re planning well in advance, go ahead and make reservations at Magnolia Table if they will accept them.  Hours are 6AM-3PM Monday-Saturday.  Wait time is generally 1-2 hours otherwise for breakfast/lunch only.  If you’re traveling on limited time, this may not be feasible for your schedule.

Day 1 in Waco, TX

Stop 1:  Common Grounds – 1123 S 8th St, Waco, TX 76706, 8AM

As featured on Fixer Upper, get a great cup of coffee from the locals.  Located next to the beautiful campus of Baylor University.  They are known for the Cowboy Special and their “secret sauce” that’s in multiple menu items.  Get ready to have a jolt to fuel your day of exploring.

Stop 2: Magnolia at The Silos – 601 Webster Ave, Waco, TX, Opens at 9AM

Photo by Amanda Leggette
Photo by Amanda Leggette
Photo by Amanda Leggette
Photo by Amanda Leggette

Try to arrive when/before they open as parking is usually plentiful and the lines are sparse. (Weekdays particularly)

I recommend walking through Magnolia to get a good look at everything, it can be overwhelming.  Then go out on the gorgeous lawn space, grab a bite to eat at one of the food trucks on site or the Silos Bakery.  Sit and enjoy the community, music & have conversations with others sitting nearby.  It’s interesting to hear where people are traveling from.  Offer to take pictures.  People will return the favor without you having to ask.  Explore the grounds, step into the Magnolia Seed & Supply garden shop, enjoy the music & activities for kids on the lawn then head back inside to make your purchases.

*Tip* Magnolia will package and ship your purchase of $75 or more for FREE.

Had I known that on my first trip, I would have been in trouble.

Magnolia at The Silos was still pretty new when we first went.  The lines were long but moved quickly.  Upon entering, they had WELCOME lettered on the entrance floor.  As my husband and I shopped, I noticed individual miniature metal letters for sale that sparked an idea for a baby announcement.  I found letters B A B Y 2, walked back to the front of the store and we took this picture that we’d soon share with friends and family.

IMG_0840

Stop 3: Trolley

Hop on the trolley that picks up in front of the Magnolia entrance.  They return back to the Silos with multiple stops along the route making it easy for you to see downtown with a FREE tour guide.  They provide a map of the stops and information along the ride.

The trolley runs every 15-20 minutes, Monday-Saturday from 9AM-6:30PM.

Trolley-Route

Stop 4: Spice Village – 213 Mary Ave, Waco, TX 76701

IMG_3862

Get off the trolley at this stop.  If you don’t have lunch reservations at Magnolia Table, you can eat at Olive Branch Bakery & Cafe for tasty local fare, located on the first floor of Spice Village.  *If you do have reservations at Magnolia Table, you will want to map out the drive time from where you parked so plan accordingly.

After lunch, head upstairs and shop among the vendor booths where you’ll find a mix of antiques, vintage finds, screen printed shirts, etc.

Keep an eye on the time & remember the trolley runs every 15-20 minutes.  Head back to Magnolia after you finish shopping.

Stop 5: The Findery – 501 S 8th St, Waco, TX 76706

After you get off the trolley, drop off your purchases in your car and head to The Findery, walking distance from Magnolia and on the same street.  Two stories of vintage and new inventory for your home.  One more block away from the main storefront is The Findery’s warehouse with even more goodies.  Vintage and reclaimed overload! Ask an associate for directions if you want guidance on getting to the warehouse.  As you leave The Findery from the back door, turn around and look at the mural wall.  It makes for a great photo opp.

IMG_3840

Stop 6: Head back to your car but be sure to snag a cupcake & afternoon pick-me-up of coffee from the Silos Bakery if you haven’t already.  If the weather is nice, I highly recommend getting it to go and heading to the next suggested stop.

Stop 7: Jacob’s Ladder at Cameron Park

IMG_0761

After climbing nearly 100 steps to the top, you’ll have beautiful panoramic view of the Bosque River.  If you have little ones with you, there is a park and open space for them to run around and burn some energy without fear of them breaking inventory in the shops.  Enjoy that baker cupcake and coffee with the views if you haven’t already.

If you want to save Jacob’s Ladder for the morning of your second day, you can also enjoy the miles of trails along the river and wooded trails throughout the park.  I think my husband and I ended up hiking around 5 miles and saw beautiful scenery along the way.

If time allows before sunset and dinner, head to The Waco Suspension Bridge, 101 N University Parks Dr, Waco, TX 76701, for views of all bridges down the river.  There’s also a walking trail if you’re not already worn out.

Stop 8: Dinner

We ate at Ninfa’s Mexican restaurant as it was recommended by a local.  A quick google search will give you additional options for dinner.

 

DAY 2 – Antiquing & Fixer Upper drive-bys

Little shop on Bosque
Harp Design Co

Stop 1: Shop on Bosque – 3801 Bosque Blvd, Waco, TX 76710.

If you’re an early riser, plan to do a drive-by of the original Magnolia store, aka The Little Shop on Bosque, to gain perspective on where Joanna started and where she is now with her business venture.

Stop 2: Harp Design Co. – 808 N 15th St, Waco, TX 76707 – Opens at 10AM

If you’re on a ladies trip, snag a t-shirt for your man/kid(s) from here.  The shirts are SUPER soft.  It’s fun to see Clint Harp’s homemade goods in person.

Stop 3:  Milo Biscuit company, located at 1020 Franklin Ave, Waco TX.  We enjoyed their fresh breakfast when their food truck was parked in the Silos common area.  Now, they have a storefront serving up Lunch, Brunch, Happy Hour & Dinner fare.

Stop 4: Austin Avenue Antique Shops

Cameron Trading Co. , Moon Rein by Christi, Papillon Antiques, and La Grange are a few that I visited on my second trip back on a mother-daughter trip.

Stop 5: Laverty’s Antiques & Furnishings – as featured on Fixer Upper, 600 N 18th Street, Waco, TX *Check to see if they are open first as they have limited hours due to their travels for vintage pickin’

Stop 6: The Junkey Money – 2223 La Salle Ave Waco, TX 76706

You’ll find additional shops on La Salle, hours vary if the owners are traveling to vintage pick for their shops.

If you want to drive by some of the Fixer Upper houses from season 2, you’ll pass through Woodway, TX and can view a few on the way to the next stop.

Season Two Flips

Stop 7: Cedar Chest, 31707 West Highway 84 McGregor, TX

Stop 7: Magnolia House – 323 S Madison Ave, McGregor, TX 76657

IMG_3958

Chip & Joanna’s first Bed & Breakfast

Finish up the day driving by some of the other Fixer Upper homes if time allows as you head back to Waco.

Day 3: Homestead Heritage & Cafe Homestead to eat, 608 Dry Creek Rd Waco, Texas 76705

If you happen to be leaving out of Dallas, TX, plan to leave out late and allow time to stop by Homestead Heritage on your way.  It’s in northern Waco, TX and on the way to Dallas.

Thanks to my mom’s research, she found this amazing treasure in Waco.  Cafe Homestead is one of the Gaines’ favorite places to visit.  It’s also the location of the Blacksmith Joanna commissioned to make a dinner bell for one of her families on Fixer Upper.

Explore the grounds of Homestead Heritage to understand what is involved in true Homesteading.  You’ll appreciate locally grown, locally sourced, and locally made food and homegoods like never before.

It’s my hope that these suggestions help you with your trip planning for your Magnolia Venture.  I’d love to hear from you after your trip!

Safe travels.

xo, Amanda