Date: 2009-12-07
To: Blowing Rock,NC
Miles today: 0.0

Fri. Nov.27   Day#1 Our annual trip to Blowing Rock,NC starts with a long drive from Springfield.....all the way to the western NC mountains....the ride is uneventful...we broke out the Christmas CDs for "listening pleasure"...we arrive in Boone,NC abt 3pm & drop off "Operation:Christmas Child" boxes to Samaritans Purse headquarters (108 boxes this year...which went to kids in MALAWI in Southern Africa)....then head to our Chetola condo (IVY #4)in Blowing Rock.Once we got our luggage into the condo...we headed uptown...the winds are kicking into high gear...gusts in the 40mph range...& its very COLD!....the CITY PARK is bustling with people...enjoying hot cider & hot chocolate while the "Singing Vagabonds" were singing Christmas carols....while everyone waits for the Mayor to "Light the tree"...after all of that...we head back to the condo....& settle in for the nite...Sat Nov 28 Day#2Its gonna be an "IN TOWN" day today...Briley & Heather Price are with us this year...John & girlfriend, Courtney too,...Terry & Sharon have rented a motel room in downtown Blowing Rock as they have Rebecca, thier dog, with them (Chetola is a VERY STRICT NO PET FACILITY).We browse the shops...its cold again today...but not as much wind....OUCH!We watch the Blowing Rock Christmas Parade (all 30 minutes of it down Main street!)...we eat dinner @ Cafe Rustica, a nice Italian place in Boone...before settling in for the nite.Sun Nov 29 Day#3Today we venture out & away from our nest (condo) a bit more...John & Courtney are heading back to Knoxville this afternoon...so, we head to Beech Mtn & up to Fred's for a late lunch before they head back...to K-town...I love Fred's (an old General Store high atop Beech Mtn)...we eat here every year...this year I have nachos, chili, & a sandwich...yummmmmmy.We say goodbye to John & Courtney & we head back to the condo....Mon Nov 30 Day#4We have an "IN TOWN" day today...Briley & Heather & Terry & Sharon & Rebecca head back home today....so, we hit the little shops & boutiques around Blowing Rock....& abt noon...we head to Banner Elk & stop by Floyd Townsends RIVER SIDE TREE FARM (our 2nd year buying our tree from him) & pick out our Christmas tree....the Prices pice theirs out & a few wreathes & head home....we bid them farewell....we'll pick up our tree @ the end of the week (Friday) when we head home....Donna & I head back to the empty condo....always a little sad when the Prices leave...we have Kilwins Ice Cream for supper....m-m-m-m-m-m-m-mTue Dec 1 Day #5ANother tradition we've "Latched onto" & really enjoy is taking a DAY-TRIP north of Boone to the tiny town & art community of West Jefferson, NC abt an hours drive above Boone in Ashe County...Beautiful Drive....today is cold...but, Sunny...we get to West Jeff. & hit the shops & all the Art Galleries...(i love them ALL)...i spoke to several of the artists that actually run their own galleries here...very nice. Donna & i ate lunch @ Frasers....(where we met with Cher Shaffer & husband Denny last year)...on the way back...we took the back roads & stopped by the old TODD GENERAL STORE...the owner was abt to close when i walked in...very old store...we drove thru MEATCAMP community on the way back...& back to Boone, where we stopped in @ CHEAP JOE's ART Outlet store....where i purchase a couple boxes of CARD stock to make Christmas Cards...(also has become a tradition).Wed Dec 2 Day #6Today we travel to Boone (just a mere 7 miles from Blowing Rock)& hit the shops & galleries....i love the old "junk" shops too...& it seems this area is full of them...I take in ARTWALK Gallery(i'm talking to them abt a possible show there)...then we head up to Foscoe & enjoy the CARLTON Gallery...We head to Canyons for a late lunch & a cloudy, foggy view...back to the condo...Thur Dec 3 Day #7Donna & I stay "IN TOWN" for our last full day in Blowing Rock...we hit all the shops...take loads of photos, hit a few galleries here in BR...Glidewells for lunch...Donna was disappointed they didnt have Sweet Potatoe fries...we both had the Cuban Sandwich...gooooood stuff.Kilwins for dessert!...weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee...back to the condo.Fri Dec 4 Day #8Today we pretty much just pack up & leave...but,.....NOT before one more drive thru Main Street Blwoing Rock & a stop @ Kojays (our favorite little coffee shop)...& a DOUBLE BLOWING ROCKET (large coffee with 2 shots of Espresso)for the road.On our way outta town we call Floyd Townsend to tell him we are on our way to pick up our Christmas Tree....there was a bit of confusion but it all got worked out when we arrived...we got our tree wrapped (all 8+ feet of it) & loaded on top of Donna's CRV & off we head back to home/Springfield,TN...Another GOOD TRIP to the NC mtns!Happy Holidays to ALL!