But while Libby was off gallivanting at Camp Rome and Camp Cedartown with her grandparents, Michael and I went up to a conference at The Homestead in Hot Springs, Virginia. We broke up the 8.5 hour trip with a Saturday night stay in one of our favorite places, Asheville, N.C. AND we got to stay at my favorite place there. Of course, the Grove Park Inn and the Biltmore Estate get all the great press in terms of where to stay. However, Michael and I have found a B&B, called The Reynolds Mansion, where our hosts Billy and Michael cannot be outdone in terms of hospitality, interesting stories and history, as well as great food at a decent price. I was able to work out a one-night stay for us this time (not generally done) after we made friends with our hosts when we stayed there in the Spring of 2012. While we were delighted to be able to spend one night this time, I do recommend a longer stay, in general. More time to enjoy the home, food and company of the hosts - and of course, of explore Asheville.
Both Asheville, and Virginia, especially, were quite cool while we were there, at least for Georgia standards in June!
We arrived Saturday afternoon after doing several short hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the area on the way up. We did the Richland Balsam hike, the Devil's Courthouse (what a view - 5 states!), and Black Balsam Knob. All nice, not-too-long hikes. They were great to work up our appetite for dinner that evening at The Market Place, a locally sourced farm-to-table restaurant in downtown Asheville, that's been working from this concept for 30 years. And we determined that there's a good reason for it! The place must have moved at some point or been remodeled, as the interior is quite modern. The food was delicious and we have to say it's the best "mac and cheese" we've ever had. Very creamy and different. I'm going to attempt to recreate it at home soon. (Wish me luck- can't quite find a recipe that'd be quite like it online.) There was also live music which is a delight with dinner - this performer was a lady with her guitar, singing Norah Jones, Dido, Jewel and that sort of thing.
After dinner, we walked around downtown a bit, people-watching, building observing, and listening to a couple of different musical acts at the park or on the sidewalk. One group of guys was our favorite. They played bluegrass and Irish folk music and they were quite entertaining, as well as talented. One of the guys reminded both of us of our high school friend, David Fulmer. You really can't see him in the photo below, though. We listened to probably four songs before they had to wrap up for the evening.
After a bit of walking, we had to visit Michael's favorite spot too: French Broad Chocolates. Music there, too - but the act wasn't my kind of music the way that it was last time we visited. Still good, though. Michael enjoyed the "Quintessential Chocolate Cake" and I had an awesome cupcake- chocolate cake with fresh cherries and a nutella frosting. Both were delicious and very rich. And the cupcake wasn't over the top in size or with frosting the way so many are now. It was high quality, so you didn't need a huge one to get your fill. If you ever go to Asheville, they have factory tours and a tasting room now. We'll have to add that to our list for next time! Aunt Toni- make sure you take Millie and Uncle John some time if you're up there again!
On Sunday, we scooted up the rest of the way to western Virginia and the resort. It was a beautiful drive and I actually got to enjoy the scenery, rather than having my face buried in a book. That's because Michael picked out some audio books from the library for us to listen to on our long drive together! It was great sharing the same laughs and having a few other things to talk about besides Libby and Maeby while we were away. :) We listened to "Seriously... I'm Kidding," written and read by Ellen DeGeneres and "A Death in Vienna" by Daniel Silva. Quite different ends of the spectrum but both were entertaining.
We attended the conference, receptions (okay, I attended the receptions and "spouse's tea") and final dinner/gala. We both enjoyed our time, met some nice people and visited with some folks we remembered from previous years. Michael got "closest to the pin" during the golf tournament. Unfortunately, they only got to play six holes - which was apparently the length of the original course there - before the bottom fell out and they had to cancel due to the rain. It did rain or was overcast most of the time and pretty cool, so I didn't get to spend any time at the pool. However, I did get to enjoy plenty of reading, some work and some work on another project I have going on at the moment. I also made use of the remodeled gym and Michael and I did get a bit of hiking in up there one afternoon, too. Oh- and I may have enjoyed room service for breakfast, since I didn't get to enjoy frozen fun non-alcoholic beverages by the pool. I tried to appreciate some down time and the cool weather.
But we were more than excited to get back home to Libby and Commissioner! ...even if we did just get back in time for heat and storms.
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