Moonshine & Wanderlust

... a cosmopolitan view from a southern perspective

Throwing off the Bowlines

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  I recently mentioned in my post “Rooting” the importance of growing outside your comfort zone and doing new things or things you may have done before or not done for awhile. The importance of branching out.  For me, part of that has involved hiking.

You know what’s even better than spreading your wings a little bit? Surprising people. While you may not look at me and say, “oh yeah – that girl… she likes to hike!”, you should know if I am going to do something I am going to do it and do it well. I’m going to give it my all. Someone once told me I’m the type to “go big or go home.” So, when I start trying to get a group of people who have been hiking a lot more than me to crawl over some boulders with bolted in cables to get to an overhang 2,000 feet above the ground I know I’m doing something right.

The title of this post comes from my favorite quote of all time. I have it posted up at my house, I have quoted it in speeches… it’s the reminder some of us constantly need.

   “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you   didn’t do than by the ones you did do. 

So throw off the bowlines. 

Sail away from the safe harbor. 

Catch the trade winds in your sails. 

Explore. 

Dream. 

Discover.” – Mark Twain

Starr Mountain

My first visit to Starr Mountain was more than 5 years ago and truly deserves its own story so I won’t go into it at this present time. Five years and a lot of life later, I was ready to go back and have a fresh start. And, get my feet wet for some more hiking adventures!

The afternoon my friends and I went was absolutely perfect. The sun was shining, there was a slight breeze and no humidity (praise the Saints).

It had been a long time, but my body quickly remembered why my first experience had been so, ahem, memorable. But, this time was different. Sometimes all you need is a little space, a fresh perspective, and a new attitude to try something again and maybe this time around… it just seems right.

One of the people in our group brought their dog (Grace Kelly would have walked herself off a cliff so I didn’t bring her) so that was even more fun to watch her scamper along and splash around in the water that led up to the mountain. Dogs and children – they appreciate the simple things we as adults who are so consumed in the outcomes we miss the small pleasures on the life climb.

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Always with a camera in my hand

If you get the chance to visit our beautiful area you should get some first hand acquaintance with this spot. I really believe I live in the most beautiful state in America. I love my home. That’s the cool thing about traveling – it makes you appreciate your roots even more than before. Okay… rabbit trail. Back to the hike.

I set off to find this overhang I had visited on my first hiking trip to the mountain, but it was evident I wasn’t going to be able to find the way. The path is hidden and since it’s been such a long time and the person who led before wasn’t with us, I had to finally relent and admit I couldn’t find it. Much to the appreciation of a couple people in our group, I’m sure. Next time!!

There are so many places to stop and look out over the water and the mountain and be in absolute awe of nature and God’s creation. Untouched. Unmarred. Raw beauty. Of course, all those places to stand in awe are also good spots for photo ops… Especially when you get near to the top and you feel so insignificant.

I recently heard a song by Chris August called “The Maker” – check it out here. It sums up everything I felt on this particular day.

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Exhilaration.

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There is this unexplainable feeling when you’re outside in the middle of nature – a feeling of complete freeness. It puts life in perspective. It’s serene. It’s humbling.

We hiked up further to the top and found a good place to sit on the edge and relax. This is what life should be. It was easy. And, I don’t mean in the way that life should be “easy”, but oh how we complicate it so. We’re always in a hurry, always trying to be ahead…

  There was nowhere to be. No rush. No hurry. Just time. And, sunshine. And, friends. And, lots of laughter.

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“A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.” – Elbert Hubbard

 

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Me & my friend E who is moving back out West next month. Incredibly thankful for her friendship!

We headed back down (thank God for the extra padding on my backside because there was some definite slippage) and decided to pull off on the side of the road where there was a sandy area on the water.

I love it when you’re with a group of people and someone suggests something that wasn’t necessarily part of the plan and everyone is game.

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The whole gang – party of 5!

There was an older man sitting across the river from us on a rock, fishing. I couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking. Was this his therapy? To be out in the quiet – the rushing water easing his worries?

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Our four legged hiking buddy, Kiara

So… if you’re thinking about doing something a little out of your comfort zone, do it! If you keep doing the same thing, you will always be the same. Your results will always be the same. Do something different. Who knows, you may find a new love! As for me… I’ve already planned another longer hiking excursion coming up soon.

Until next time… xoxo, patty lauren

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Mercier Orchard

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Fall is coming to an end (I’m still in heavy denial) and I am happy to say I have checked a few things off of my Autumn Bucket List – I’m planning on checking off a few more in the next couple weeks as November closes. One of my favorite things I did (and the one I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to do!) was visit a picking apple orchard.

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Mercier Apple Orchard is located in Blue Ridge, GA. It’s a beautiful drive full of rolling hills and crisp fall colors lining the way. The weather was absolutely perfect the day I went and made for a very enjoyable afternoon. In my mind, I pictured a simple orchard with towering trees, but I was shocked at how large the operation is. Started in 1943, the family owned orchard not only has plentiful U-Pick opportunities, classes, fishing,and cooking demos but an enormous (and, delicious smelling) store complete with a deli that makes some of the most delectable sounding sandwiches.photo 2-3

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The views are magical – I can’t wait to go back this spring to U-Pick fruit… and maybe even do some fishing!
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I picked 1/2 peck to start me off and it turned out to be plenty of apples! We got a ride out to the orchards and given some instructions of what types of apples were ready for picking and we were off! The trees weren’t the towering variety I had imagined, but more stout which was fine by me because I didn’t have to worry about falling out of any trees. Not that I would have tried climbing, but you know… a girl can dream.

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The best part? Eat as you go! A sample of this, a sample of that…

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I got a few apples of each variety – they were all so good! It was really everything I had hoped it would be. That sounds corny, but it was a fun experience for this gal. There were a lot of families there – it’s a great outing for friends, families, couples… you can’t go wrong. For $10 you can spend a fun afternoon walking through rows of beautifully grown creations and make some lasting memories.

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You know I have to throw in if Mercier Orchard is pet friendly or not… While pets are not allowed in the orchard, they are allowed around the lake and near the store. I saw several individuals with small pups hanging outside of the store while they enjoyed their fall day walking around the property and waiting on others in their party.

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Be sure to check our Mercier Orchards Events on the Farm page for upcoming events and a schedule of U-Pick varieties!

until next time… xoxo, patty lauren

Tennessee Valley Fair 2014

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If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you may have witnessed my uber excitement over seeing Air Supply at the Tennessee Valley Fair in Knoxville.

It. Was. So. GREAT! Air Supply truly gave a great performance. They got out into the crowd, took pictures with people, beckoned us to sing and sway along. The music was flawless – they sounded just as good as they did in their prime. They sang all of their big hits along with a few lesser known tunes and some surprises. Although they didn’t sing “Rocky Top” as one fan screamed out (thank God) they put on a wonderful show that lasted almost two hours. The amphitheater was the perfect size and was even pet friendly! Grace Kelly was really bummed she wasn’t invited… 😀 It was truly a show to remember!

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The fair lasts 10 great days – September 5th through September 14th. They have an exciting lineup this year including artists like Cole Swindell, Jon Pardi, Ginuwine, Big Daddy Weave, and many more. You should definitely check out their website and other social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) for continual updates throughout the week.

Not only do they have great music at awesome admission prices, but the fair is HUGE. This was my first time visiting the grounds and it was much more expansive than I had imagined. There are plenty of rides for everyone – including multiple ferris wheels (they’re my favorite!) – agriculture shows, beauty pageants (because nothing screams the South like a girl dressed up like a Barbie doll waiting in line for a corn dog), rodeos, and even a demolition derby.

You still have a whole week to go visit the fair – go check out their information and plan a fun night in Knoxville to commemorate the end of summer.

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Morris Vineyard and Winery

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What screams a summer evening more than meandering through rows of vineyard vines, plucking ripe juicy berries from the bud and dropping them down into a plastic bucket? I think berry picking is one of the quintessential summer activities, especially in the south and I’m so excited to share my adventure with you!

I came on the berry picking scene a little late this year, so as my friends and I headed to Morris Vineyard and Winery in Charleston, Tennessee, we knew our picking options would be a little limited. The drive to the vineyard is quiet and winding, but not short of breathtaking scenery.

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 The view, which overlooks the Appalachian Mountains, is breathtaking in only the way raw country scenes can be.

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When you get to the vineyard, you check in at a little lodge to get your bucket. Or, if you are there for wine tasting, you can go inside and check out the rustic accommodations and test their variety of wines – they even carry supplies to make your own wine! Pretty cool, huh?

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During this time of year, Muscadines are the only fruit we thought we would be able to pick, but the gentleman working that day told us they had had a late bloom of raspberries (yippee!), so we decided to pick a little of both.

If you’ve never had a muscadine they are… unusual. They are a part of the grape family but a little more, as my friend said, “wild” tasting. Oh, and they are HUGE.

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We were really eager to pick raspberries, so we headed down the trail to the raspberry vines.

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Since it was a late bloom, the raspberries were a little harder to find but we found some!
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{that picture on the right might be me saying the hill was too steep, but I’ll never confirm}
The evening cooled off as we got ready to check out and head home. It was a great way to spend a couple hours of a summer evening. If you get a chance to ever stop at Morris Vineyard, you won’t be disappointed! Picking season starts in April and continues through throughout the fall. The vineyard has blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, and muscadine vines.
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Easy Like Sunday Morning

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“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” – John Lubbock

Weekends are for exploration and excitement, but sometimes they are for rest and rejuvenation. I’m fortunate enough to live not far some of Tennessee’s most tranquil sites, which I decided to take advantage of this weekend.

Of course even if you are going off the grid you have to have the right outfit…

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{an oversized, white button down is always appropriate :: my turquoise Ralph Lauren cropped cabana pants have been in my wardrobe for awhile – they always come in handy on those low key relaxing days when you still need some style :: i’m currently obsessed with all things fedora (who isn’t, I know, but I’ve been on the hat trend for a good 15 years so I feel no shame) :: a perfect beach tote with sunscreen, towels and reading essentials (remember, when it comes to your beach tote less is more. No one wants five tubes of lip balm, a hairbrush, gum, etc. falling out all over the place. It’s not cute.) :: and while I am known for my shoes, I like the barefoot look whenever possible}

There is something about driving away from everything and everyone and enjoying a few hours without cell service. I like to call it ‘off the grid living’ – and sometimes it’s not just necessary, it’s mandatory.

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I drove with a couple of friends to a place two of my closest girlfriends and I dubbed “Walrus Beach” a couple summers ago. A lot of has changed in our lives since then, but it’s one of my favorite places… not necessarily because of the sand or the scenery, but because of the lasting memories I have made there. It’s not always about the location, but the love you have found in the strangest of places.

There is something raw about lying under the sky and seeing open space… of having the ability to let your mind wander, or remain quiet… of being in the company of unfettered friendship… of simply being.

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{the end}