Weekend Getaway

Last Friday husband and I took the opportunity of a three day weekend to spend some time in the mountains. October is by far our favorite time of year -- changing leaves, cool temperatures, both of our birthdays. So after debating the weather and our schedules, we decided that a few days in the woods would refresh our spirits. We packed up our truck and headed to North Carolina, to Standing Indian Campground.

  

While the weather didn't exactly cooperate, the weekend was a much needed escape from the business of our lives. Saturday was gorgeous, so we hiked to Picken's Nose - a quick in and out hike that afforded incredible views. We stopped at Mooney Falls on the way back to our campsite, and spent the remainder of the afternoon reading by the campfire. It rained overnight on Saturday night and stayed cool and wet for the remainder of our trip. Sunday my family came up for a small birthday celebration, complete with pumpkin mousse pie. Monday morning we attempted a sunrise hike, only to be met by a wall of fog. Nonetheless, it was still so peaceful to sit on the side of the mountain, bundled against the cold and share hot coffee with my one and only.

The scenery at Standing Indian is simply breathtaking. From the changing leaves to the grey skies and the mountaintop views. Standing Indian is by far one of my favorite campgrounds. There's something magical about the Nantahala National Forest that speaks to my soul. The natural beauty, the history. I'm not sure what it is, but we left Monday morning with refreshed souls and lighter hearts.

xoxo

copyright Hiking in Stilettos

Weekend Adventures: Bryson City, NC

For a dual anniversary-birthday celebration extravaganza, husband and I recently spent a few days around Bryson City, NC. We started off our trip with one night of car camping at Tsali Campground, located near Fontana Lake. The weather was cool and crisp, but not too cold for sleeping in a tent.

Friday morning we started with breakfast over the campfire, freshly brewed coffee, and then off for some mountain biking. Tsali has multiple options for biking, and we opted for the 8 mile trail. The path wound through the mountains following the edge of Lake Fonatana. While there were a few technical parts that required walking from an amateur like yours truly, the trails were very rider-friendly and filled with turns, hills, and little jumps.

After a day of biking at Tsali, we headed into town to the West Oak Bed & Breakfast, a perfectly adorable B&B located on the hill just on the city's edge. Our room was small, as are most bed & breakfasts, but included a complete kitchen and a washer/dryer. There was a lovely outdoor patio for drinking coffee and enjoying the mountain view.

Saturday was spent in the mountains of Deep Creek, where we spent 14 miles hiking through the beautifully colored fall leaves. We stopped often to admire the waterfalls near the base of the mountain, and even saw a little black bear on the trail! It was a great hike, with plenty of uphill climbing, lunch on the trail, and incredible views of the fall colors.

Forever 21 vest & earrings, H&M shirt, Joe's skinny jeans, The Loft scarf, vintage boots

While in Bryson City we ate at Anthony's Pizza and devoured the most delicious Margherita pizza I have ever eaten! Chicken, fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and mozzerella. Yes, please. We also had a cozy breakfast at the Freymont Inn, complete with a fire in the fireplace, blueberry pancakes, and home-cooked potatoes.

Bryson City is definitely one of our favorite places in the southeast for outdoor adventures, especially in the fall. There's just something magical about the Smoky Mountains with their vibrant leaves and looming morning fog. It's charm pulls you in from your first glimpse.


Happy Adventures, friends.
xoxo

copyright Hiking in Stilettos