Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Banner Elk

We often drive up to Banner Elk to have dinner at our favorite restaurant, Artisanal.


Banner Elk is a lovely village on the way to the high country of North Carolina.


This crazy stone wall winds all up and down the hills leading to Eagles Nest. Driving through the countryside you will see many gated communities that feature luxury log homes and fabulous mountain retreats. 



This is the gatehouse of Eagles Nest and one of the smaller log homes in the background. As you approach the top of the mountain the homes become more and more fabulous, such as this one



One of my favorite college campuses can be found here in Banner Elk. Lees-McRae is located near the heart of the village. 


Stone buildings and beautiful gardens can be found throughout the campus. 


I am sure many black bears have wandered across this campus over the years.


I am sitting with a bronze of the founder of the college.







This is the front porch of the historic rock house.



The main street of the village is lined with flowers and punctuated with this bronze statue of a baying elk.




Mickey's entree was so pretty!


My after dinner Grand Marnier was quite lovely also.



I am wearing a blue Traveler tank and pants from Chico's. The deep fuchsia jacket is from Stein Mart.





The Nina evening shoes are several years old but I had not yet worn them. They have tiny light topaz color rhinestones on them.