A Long Sunday Drive

Early on Sunday morning, we left Dobson, North Carolina, to travel north on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Knowing that I would be in and out of blasting air conditioning all day, I dressed for the temperature changes. I wore black crepe pants with a wrap front sleeveless top from White House|Black Market and kept my trusty white linen moto jacket close.

Our first brief stop along our journey north was at the historic Mabry Mill.

Our next destination is one we have planned for years. (We have a long bucket list of places we want to visit and things we want to do.) On Sunday, we checked off the Chateau Morrisette Winery and Restaurant located in Floyd, Virginia. It is just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, located at mile marker 171 1/2. Turn onto Black Ridge Road and then immediately turn left onto Winery Road. GPS will take you on a long roundabout way through the middle of nowhere to get there.

The shoes are old by Calvin Klein. The fabulous green bag is from UnoAllaVolta.com.

The view from the window at our table was spectacular. (Photo from the restaurant's Facebook page.) The restaurant has once again earned a place on OpenTable's Most Scenic Restaurants in America!

We shared an excellent four-course brunch in the original part of the grand old building.

Mr. Mickey was amused to see this companion piece to a stained glass lamp in his wine room.

We tasted several of their wines, and they were all excellent! 

Janean Williams is the delightful Front of the House Manager. Luke was our most excellent server.

All of the staff made us feel like regulars!

We purchased a couple of bottles of wine to enjoy later, as well as glasses with the etched emblem of the winery to remember our long-awaited first but certainly not our last visit.

We are already looking forward to our next visit to the restaurant and winery. They offer music, art, romance, mystery, seasonal festivities, refined rustic dining, and delectable wines throughout the year. 

Thanks for joining us on our little weekend getaway!

A Day Trip

Spending the day in the village of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, is always relaxing and pleasant for us.

We visit a few shops then share the black bean nachos at the Six Pence Pub. Next, we visit a few more shops.

There are parks around ponds and lots of beautiful gardens to admire.

I wore a rayon layering tank under a long blue cardigan duster from Chico's. Yes, rayon wrinkles, but like linen, it is a very comfortable fabric to wear in warm weather. The necklace is old from Chico's.

The white ankle jeans are from J.Jill. I love wearing these pants! They are so comfortable, and the fit is perfect.

The shoes are by Calvin Klein. Yes, I wore them all day shopping. I am more comfortable in heels than flats.

The bride and her attendants arrive at her wedding being held at the gazebo by one of the lakes.

We enjoy the many things while visiting the Blowing Rock area, driving through the beautiful surrounding neighborhoods to admire the landscape and fabulous homes.

Along the way, there are several waterfalls and panoramic views to enjoy.

Later in the day, we enjoy visiting Bistro Roca for a glass of wine and one of their fabulous wood-fired oven veggie pizzas.

Stop or sprout wings and fly!

Views along the Blue Ridge Parkway never cease to take my breath away.

Birthday Weekend on Sunday

On Sunday, we wrapped up our stay at The Martha

and stopped for some photos on our way out of Abingdon.

The residences, churches, and storefronts along Main Street are fascinating.

I wore off white jeans with a chambray shirt and a white tank top for the trip home. All items are from Chico's. The Jessica Simpson shoes are from T.J. Maxx earlier this year.

Many of the buildings in Abingdon date back to the 1770s.

This serpentine brick wall was built using hand made bricks many years ago to give privacy to the home's backyard above.

Our journey's next leg included stopping at White's Mill, which long served the neighboring community. Since the late 18th century, the mill provided meal and flour for the farm and kitchen and a gathering place for sharing news and views.

The Mercantile, formerly the Cumbow Store, provided those store-bought essentials and extras that any home needs.

The contents were left as they were many years ago when the mill was still used.

The port o john is appropriately hidden in an outhouse.

This abandoned store along the way captured my attention from afar.

Before our wonderful brunch at The Harvest Table in Meadowview, we explored Emory, the home to Emory and Henry College.