My wonderful hubby and I recently (back in July, but am just now posting) celebrated our 7th anniversary! We normally celebrate with a trip to the beach, since it is during the summer and one of the places we want to go. This year, we wanted to try something different. We wanted to go to new places and try new things. Since we planned last-minute and were on a budget, we had to be creative!
On our way north, we stopped here for lunch. I must say- definitely yummy! I'd never been, so was excited to try.
First stay- Asheville, North Carolina. All I can say is "what an eclectic little town". Wow to the sights!
We didn't have many plans ahead of time, other than where we stayed. So, we relied on UrbanSpoon and recommendations of friends for places to eat. Meet
Asheville Brewing Company. We didn't stick around for a $1 movie that they featured that night, but enjoyed good eats! Above, parmesean garlic knots that were as big as your fist. Below, I forget what kind of pizza, but it was delish!
The next morning, we got up and headed to the BEAUTIFUL
Biltmore Estate. I'd been there before with my family, but Chris had never been. To learn all about the house and how it was built was amazing.
Not to mention the gardens. I would spend all day in them!
After the house tour and lunch in the Stable Cafe, we headed to the winery. It was neat to hear that history as well.
After a little rest at the hotel, we headed into downtown Asheville for dinner at
Tupelo Honey Cafe. Chris enjoyed goat cheese grits.
See the corn below? Fried Parmesean Corn. Y-U-M.
The next morning, we headed through the mountains and ended here. Yes. We went White Water Rafting! Chris had never been, but I have and loved it! The
Ocoee Rafting Company and facilities were the best I've ever seen! The guides were great and the lodge was fantastic.
There is a picture out there of me "riding the bull", where I was on the front of the raft, holding on for dear life as we went through one of the rapids. I never fell in the water. Unfortunately, I later knocked Chris in when we hit a good one. I bounced off of him and back in the boat, while he bounced right in the water. Oops!
Our hotel in Chattanooga that night was terrific for two reasons: the confy bed after a long day, the these cookies they gave us when we checked in!
Breakfast the next morning at
The Bluegrass Grill was to-die-for! A family run restaurant with only about 20 tables was packed. There were no hostesses to seast you. You just waited in line and sat at the next available table. My fresh peach french toast was spot on. Below, Chris' frittata and homestyle fries were tasty too.
We then headed over to Ruby Falls, a neat experience! We had to walk quite a way while under ground.
Check us out while we're underground! This is a beautiful underground waterfall. How neat!
While walking around Chattanooga, we found this cupcake shop. As much as I hate to admit it, it knocks the socks off of Gigi's. They were AWESOME!
We ate dinner that night in downtown Chattanooga, right next to the Aaquarium. Unfortunately, Chris wouldn't let me take a picture of our food. I know I had a bison meatloaf, but I can't remember anything else.
Please don't mind my ponytail in every picture. It was hot, humid, but one of the best trips ever! We had few plans, no expectations, and one of the best anniversary trips so far! I would do it again, seventy-seven times seven times forever!
