The road trip memoirs continue…this time instead of driving more (we like to break up the travel days for the little guy) the plan was to stay close to Boone NC and enjoy the local attractions. Here’s the first day if you missed it 🙂
Waking up in the mountains is amazing. It makes me want to curl up in a comfy chair and enjoy a burning-your-tongue cup of hot chocolate with an oversized blanket and just breathe in the view and the crispness that burns tears into your eyes and makes you breathe a little deeper.
(the view from our balcony)
We didn’t really have any set plans after breakfast – just to get ready and go to Grandfather Mountain. We saw a brochure that showed the amazing views and it talked about an area with animals and a fudge shop. We were totally in when we heard fudge.
Will loves brushing his teeth. LOVES it. Mildly obsessed is probably more accurate. I am mildly obsessed with his new hiking boots.
After waiting in the bit of traffic, we headed straight for the animal viewing areas.
The bears were amazing. There were brown bears and a couple black bears too. They were really active while we were there…playing in the water and batting with one another.
Well, all the bears were active except this one. We were joking that it looks like a bear crime scene.
After the animals, we headed for the hiking trail to the top of the mountain.
Jer started out with Will for a bit.
About ten minutes in, we switched and I carried the Tinkler with my sling. It makes things so much easier. It requires no arm strength (which is good because I have zero upper body strength).
Once we got to the top we met the Mile-High bridge…which was called the Swinging bridge back in the day before it was rebuilt with steel and cables.
My deepest apologies to anyone that was there on the day and time I was there. I was that crazy girl that kept counting the number of people on the bridge and yelling TOOMANY! Hey…there was a sign that said 40 people limit….it’s gotta be there for a reason people. I was also the girl telling everyone PLEASE BE CAREFUL! SLOW PLEASE and PLEASE HOLD YOUR CHILD’S HAND. I was like the Grandfather Mountain lifeguard.
Do you see my death grip on that bridge? Yeah…if that thing collapses from Person #41 then I am gonna be clinging on for dear Will’s life.
On the other side of the bridge was a spectacular view.
I probably would have enjoyed it more if that one family with the three boys would have freaking held the kid’s hands instead of letting them RUN. And seriously folks…having the boys pose on the edge of that rock with the slide off into the obyss of nothingness just so you can get a photo?!? I had heart palpitations just watching.
I mean seriously! I feel like they could have done exactly what we did and just adjusted the camera’s angle for a spectacular background without putting your four year old in a dangerous situation.
Sorry about my rant. I have a hard time dealing with complete idiots. I’m praying about it.
After my mini myocardial infarction and a quick snack of fruit snacks and uber-healthy Teddy Grahams, we headed back down the mountain.
Will got really tired about half-way through.
I ate it up. He never cuddles.
I might frame this one…he’s so sweet here.
The best part about the park was (besides the Tiger Paw fudge) was the fact they gave you a tour cd so that you can get all the details & history about the entire park.
Grandfather Mountain was definitely a success…
anytime Will gets tuckered out without screaming, it’s a success 🙂
Tell our friends? Oh we will.
After the hiking and lunch, we headed off to see a local landmark – the Mast General Store…well, actually two Mast General Stores.
The original Mast Store has a US Post Office inside. It’s crazy. I pretended that I was Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman while inside. Jeremy didn’t get it.
While we were there, we picked up a couple sodas. This series of photos cracks me up.
Will was midblink 🙂 Either that or he was intoxicated on the sugar.
Then it was time to head back to the condo to get ready for dinner and give Will a little quiet time.
I asked Jer if we could try to snag a fall picture with all the pretty leaves. The condo was in a really nice neighborhood so I knew that we could find a gorgeous backdrop easily.
I’m so thankful that cameras have timers. I would have no family photos otherwise.
Will loved the leaves so much that we let him play for a while.
Like I said – he loved the leaves.
I loved the landscaping. Is it weird that whenever I go into a hotel I note the decor and when I’m in a neighborhood that I take photos of the landscaping?
I also asked Jer to pull the car over so we could get a plaid family photo on this road.
That man puts up with alot. and when I say alot I mean a photo-hungry wife who asks him to move the SUV (aka my impromptu tripod – or should I call it a quadpod?) so that I can get a better angle.
For dinner we ate at the Red Onion Cafe. It was nothing to write home about but it was the first time that we have brought Power Wheels to dinner. I think that’s a milestone, right?
After dinner we hurried to try to let Will enjoy the condo’s indoor pool. We haven’t been swimming for over a month and the little guy loves the water.
He’s definitely not afraid of the water.
And he loves to splash.
and jump in.
I really should start him on swim lessons. Right after we DIY a pool 🙂
So that was our fun day in Boone. I threw a bunch more photos into a slideshow if you wanna watch…
cracking up at the Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman reference! LOVE that show! Looks like you all had a great time!
looks like a blast.
my husband totally groans whenever i try to take photos. seriously. i’m as photo hungry as you. i just don’t get away with as much 🙂
Wow is that first family photo gorgeous! Please mail me one, and I’ll proudly frame it and display it in our house =) Love road trips, it’s how we prefer to vacation. Love the hiking boots and your family truly is beautiful!
I love the Boone area. My husband went to college there so it is always fun to go back. We went a month ago and the weather was so cold (it snowed) and it was our first time camping as a family with our one year old! He actually did pretty good, but we had to buy gloves for him. I have never done the activities on Grandfather mountain, but I will do that next time with our son…he will love it. We are always rock climbing instead. And Mast General Store is awesome, we go there every time for candies. I wish I knew you were headed there…I would have suggested Black Cat Burritos, they are so good!
I went to college at Appalachian, Boone is so fun, so glad you enjoyed it! Your pictures are absolutely beautiful! Next time you are there try Cafe Portofino, AMAZING!!
Love the plaid group pictures! Your family is adorable 🙂
I’ve never commented on your blog, but I just wanted to say that I love posts like these. Thank you 🙂 It’s why I check your blog many times a day!
Will was cool with being in the sling and not walking because he can “do it himself”? Maybe I need to try that on our next hike…it would be much easier than having to stop so someone can point at every rock/big/leaf.
” I have a hard time dealing with complete idiots. I’m praying about it”… totally made my day!
Looks like such a fun Day 2! Lovin the plaid picture 🙂
At least Jeremy smiles when you’re taking pictures…. My husband makes this smirky “I’m done now” face especially if I want a good family picture… That or he sticks his finger up his nose…. Guess how many of those pics we have 🙂
Weird question, but where did you get the sling for Will? I love it!
We were at Grandfather Mtn. this past weekend. Looks like you had much nicer weather than we did (29 degrees and 40 mph winds at the top). The trees near the bridge were covered with snow/ice and the bridge was rather icy as well. The wind was so intense, it kept blowing me up against the railings and my fingers were burning like crazy after just a few minutes. And yes, there were still parents taking their children out in that craziness. The crowd was rather light though – no need to worry about the 40 person limit. LOL.
Your pictures are beautiful!
You’ve got me wishing I could just up and take a road trip to NC. You have to love a state that has a beach on one side and mountains and fudge on the other.
You have a gorgeous family, Ms. Katie. And you remind me I need to start taking more pictures of the hubs and I when we travel.
I watched all 9 minutes and 26 seconds! Love all the photos!
I love that area… 🙂 My family actually lives up in Roan Mountain, TN which is about 30 mins away. We also used to own a cabin on Beech Mtn (which is right near there). I love Boone. I have probably been to that Mast store like 10 times! 🙂 Been to that bridge too… but got to say… it scared me half to death to walk on it… I am glad you had such a fun time! I go there whenever possible… it is such a great place to relax.
I love the mountains in the fall! Those pictures are fabulous! The one of Will snuggling up to you is especially precious. You really should frame it!
First, I just bought those same boots for my little guy! I can’t wait until it’s a little colder so he can wear them. Will is seriously stylin! My son is also obsessed with “brushing” his teeth- he runs into the bathroom every morning and screams “Teee!”. Now if he would actually start brushing them, rather than sucking on the toothpaste…..
This post inspires me to take more car trips- need to get on that.
Im totally going out at the weekend to snap some Autumn pics of me and my hubby!
These pictures are adorable, you have such a beautiful family! And don’t worry… I get drunk off Cheerwine too. 🙂
Hi Katie…I’m a new reader over from Young House Love….we live about an hour on the TN side from Boone. We visit Grandfather Mountain every year just for the views. Love reading your blog!
I love your pictures…can’t believe you do those on a self timer! Great
I love Will’s hiking boots. Where did you get them?
Great fall family pictures!
fun! where did you get the sling for will? my son just turned one and started walking so he doesn’t do well on hikes. actually, his mommy and daddy have to lug him around and since he’s already 26lbs, WE don’t do well on hikes! i wonder if that sling would be strong enough to hold him?
Dagburnit! I wish I had known you were coming to Boone… I live in Boone and would’ve hosted your family like nobody’s business! I feel like our town is really on the map now with your visit — it doesn’t even matter that President Obama was here just a few weeks ago because you are much more important than he is in my opinion! Haha.
I’m glad you enjoyed your trek through our gorgeous mountains and that you and the fam were able to spend some awesome time together. You are just so lucky that I didn’t run into you while you were here because I would have paparazzi’d you big time. I absolutely stalk you and Sherry via blogland and am not ashamed to admit it one bit… guess avoiding crazies like me is a good reason you guys don’t share your trip destinations beforehand. Bwahahahaha!
Katie, you have such a beautiful family! I loved looking at these pictures – fall is my favorite season and I can’t get enough of the leaves and nature shots!
The picture of Will snuggling in the sling is so precious. What a beautiful area! I wish we could roadtrip there. . . maybe next year 🙂
So many things I love about this post. First, the Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman reference. Pretty much my favorite show for a long time. They need to start playing reruns of that series stat. Also love all the plaid. You guys are gorgeous!
Looks like a fun time! I love the family photos and the pictures of Will swimming!
You guys make the cutest little Flannel Family!! I LOVED your pictures of the outdoors. That view in the fall is the exact reason why I will stay in Virginia or some other equally beautiful place to be in the Fall months. I. LOVE. FALL. . . almost as much as you like bacon! 🙂
Frame it!
So glad to find another great blog to follow.. I was OVERLY sold on your blog after all your bacon lovin’ comments! My husband’s a chef and for his last birthday I got him a shirt (which he wears ALL.THE.TIME) that says… “Bacon is meat candy”…lol) He’s pretty obsessed with it.. now I need to find another one for this coming birthday that is equally as cool.. 😉 NO PRESSURE!!! 😉
You can see our blog post with him wearing that shirt here… http://kelleyfoodies.blogspot.com/2010/12/where-in-world-is-carmen-san-diego.html
OH and has anyone ever told you your husband looks like Tony Romo with a cap on..from far away and if you shake your head from side to side real fast…spinning in circles?? lol… kidding… no but he REALLY does!!
Yvette @ http://www.kelleyfoodies.blogspot.com 🙂
These are seriously awesome family photos. You, Jer and Will are so darn good looking and look like a very happy family. Thanks for sharing!
My favorite is the one with all of you in plaid shirts with the beautiful fall leaves as a backdrop. I enjoyed the fact that you all coordinated.
Also, you are so brave for walking on that bridge. I don’t know if I could have even walked across it. That thing looked long!
very nice photos. I love your family : ))))
I would have played Dr. Quinn medicine woman with you. It makes my heart happy that you did so. As always Katie, the photos are amazing! You all look so cute in your plaid, its workin’ for you! : )
I love all the family photos! So cute!! Now I really want to take my little family to the mountains, and Boone is gorgeous this time of year. We might as well since we are just in the upstate of SC.
“I have a hard time dealing with complete idiots. I’m praying about it.” Bahaha! I am the SAME way!
Looks like you guys had a great family trip. Love all the family photos.
BTW, I would probably be freaking out about those kids on the edge of that rock too. I even freak out when my teenage cousins do that, let alone 4 year olds!
I love everything about this post! I grew up in Salisbury (the home of Cheerwine), went to college at Appalachian, and worked at The Red Onion for 4 years! I still go eat there every time I’m in town. Boone is one of my favorite places in the world. Looking forward to headed up there for Thanksgiving.
Thanks for sharing your adventures with us! I loved the slideshow. What is the name of your sling? I need to get one!
Don’t give up hope in your non-snuggler. My Will was a non-snuggler too around his age. He came around though and now he often asks to be snuggled. It started somewhere between 2 and 2 1/2 btw. Love that you still use your sling too!
Looks like so much fun. you sound like I would on that bridge. Seriously people.
also– love your sunglasses.
I just learned a lesson against skimming text and just looking at the photos. (Not that I do that. Ahem.) I was all, “Aw, Will got hiking boots…GAH, A COUGAR!” I missed the part where the animals were contained, and by the time I caught that relevant tidbit I’d already imagined your family fleeing for dear life. (Which makes zero sense in hindsight, since you took the time to take the picture.) Whew…glad you had fun, and that your only near near-death experience was on the bridge…which, as it didn’t collapse for you, is sure to collapse for me and leave me swinging Tarzan/Jane style to save MY kids.
Somehow I think I just turned your sweet post on a road trip into an action film. It’s a gift.
Wow, you definitely got some awesome pics on this trip. Love all the family photos, leaves, and the cuddly toddler. Grandfather mountain looks great and we will definitely have to check it out the next time we are in that area. I just had my first taste of Cheerwine last week. It is now being carried in Publix stores in FL!
I totally agree with you about the kids running wild. There have been a few times when hiking that I’ve grabbed other people’s kids and told them to slow down and be careful because they were shoving on MY kids as they ran past on a narrow path with a steep drop off.
Okay this is just too weird. Me and the Fam.(Wife, 2YO son & 2MO daughter) were in Boone 4 weeks ago. We stayed in Echota(the in-door pool was awesome), went to Grandfather Mtn. and ate dinner at the Red Onion, but we didn’t all brush our teeth together:)
I went to College(AppSt) there and it’s good to see the other “Mountaineers” that follow your blog.
What a beautiful little plaid family you have – too cute!
Small world!
did you have a good experience at Red Onion? We hate to think that our bad service and semi-decent food was the norm 🙁
xo – kb
That was my first time too! Jer teased me about not ever hearing about it before…but it was good!
xo – kb
I so appreciate your mini-rant! I felt your same rage on Halloween when groups of 4 & 5 year olds were running through the streets by themselves! What?! It’s cool though, the parents were drinking in a garage 3 streets over. Awesome. On a happier note, loving these Fall photos. As a Midwesterner, Fall rituals include many stops to take photos of trees as they change every day. Can’t wait for more!
haha…yeah, it would have been really cool and really scary if that was just laying on the side of the hiking path. eek!
xo – kb
p.s. I make the grocery store visit into an action film in my head so we both have that same gift 🙂
LOVE DR. QUINN! I hope somewhere out there they have all the episodes on DVD because I loved that show!
And I’m just loving all your photos in this post, especially the family ones. Such a good looking family. Bless you!
It’s from SevenSlings.com – but they are pricey but great. I think if you join their mailing list, they have these super-sales and the slings are only $5…so I definitely recommend waiting for that!
xo – kb
haha…no he hasn’t heard that one. Actually people tell his brother that he looks like Tony Romo but not Jer 🙂
xo – kb
I got it on super sale at SevenSlings.com – they are pricey up front but during sales are super cheap.
xo – kb
What a cute plaid family! I heard Dr. Quinn.
They were from Target and we joke that Jer needs the adult version 🙂
xo – kb
I mean heart!
Definitely not the norm. I’ve eaten there several times and haven’t ever had bad service. I’ve always enjoyed my food selection and most of the time get complements for suggesting that we eat there(friends/family). This was my first time eating there with kids, so I was kinda leary, but it went well and they even gave my son a coloring kids menu and a box of crayons.
Sorry, you guys weren’t so lucky!
Sevenslings.com – they are normally $39 but they have these sales if you join the mailing list! I think I paid $5 🙂
xo – kb
We definitely took breaks on the hike so that Will could explore a little…but then it was back in the sling for more walking because you are right – stopping for every bit of dirt is ridiculous.
xo – kb
Yeah…we figured our server was new. We thought all was well as we got our appetizer but then our food came and we had no silverware (after asking several times several different people) and no drinks. Then it took us thirty minutes to pay. I actually took Will out because I didn’t want to cause a scene – I am not good with a screaming toddler and a bad server.
Glad to know it was just the black stone 🙂
xo – kb
Ok, so I read your blog every day while at work (shh, dont tell anyone) and “…We were joking that it looks like a bear crime scene…” literally made me laugh out loud. Thanks for that!
Wow, talk about gorgeous backdrops! I live in Phoenix, Arizona, so our leaves (the few that we have) turn in like January. lol I don’t get to see fall leaves very often.
I love all of your family photos so much!
I grew up going to Boone/Blowing Rock every year as a child and I went to Appalachian! I’ve been to Grandfather Mountain many many times and you are super lucky the bears were so active! Normally they are all sitting where that black bear was passed out 🙂 Also, the statue is of Mildred the Bear, I thought she was my best friend growing up! Glad you enjoyed Boone!!
Why is your family so stinking beautiful? Makes me hate you just a little except for the fact that I love you. (Love the blog)
Did you guys feed the bears at Grandfather Mountain? My husband and I went there for our honeymoon in 2007 and anniversary in 2008. There was one bear that would just sit there and stare at you and when you tossed him food he’d just catch it in his mouth. It was too cute. Glad you guys had a great time. The parkway is fantastic this time of year. 🙂
Hahaha I laughed out loud when I saw the picture of Will and his eyes half open…and the family pictures of you all are just beautiful…y’all are a great looking family!
Katie-
Your plaid family is too cute! I thought of you last night at a conference I attended (not weird, right?) – the speaker gave out bacon themed prizes for participation. Mmmmm….bacon soap. lol.
Hi Katie!
I sure hope you see my post….in the time that I checked out your page today to the time I went to leave a comment (5 minutes maybe) about 30 more comments were added! You are a rockstar! Haha I’m brand new to checking out blogs and I’ve considered starting one of my own for the sake of keeping family updated. You and Sherry are an inspiration (am I the first to tell you that you are an inspiration? I dream that I am, but probably not.). Anywho, basically…I love the little Bower & Petersik families! I, myself, just married…new house…aching for a baby(TMI?)…and DIYing all over the place. My question….finally….is about your photo skills. Please don’t sigh and roll your eyes, because I know you have probably addressed it already. Can you maybe just redirect me to a link of where you possibly have already discussed when you, or the carmera, first picked each other up? Just curious if you took a class or are self taught….any tips, etc.. Thanks & excuse the ubber longness of my comment.
🙂 Chrissy
That place looks beautiful! We need to plan a roadtrip there sometime! We are in Ohio right now, but we will be moving in 2013. I am putting this on my Ohio bucket list since it is within driving distance.
I love your jeans- What style/ wash are they?
Actually my first camera – it was a Canon Rebel – first met at my 1 year anniversary. It was a gift from my darling boytoy. And I am self-taught (guess that comes with being a homeschooled kid) so I can’t really recommend any sites per se. I do recommend reading your manual a million times though…it’s amazing how much you can learn 🙂
xo – kb
No we didn’t – I didn’t even know we could!
xo – kb
Mildred! I should have known! Thanks for the info – I love weird facts like that 🙂
xo – kb
What a fun time! I’m slowly trying to convince my bf/husband to go on a road trip. (convince=nag) I don’t think our 9 month old will have as much fun as Will but it’s the memories that count, right? Plus, I’m dying to see colorful sleeves and (dare I say it) snow! Alright, one more thing. I have been (mentally) planning a plaid family photo shoot but my husband the ‘photographer’ isn’t as excited as I am. Oh well, time to do some more convincing 😉
I went to school at App for 4.5 years and NEVER ate at Red Onion. Did you do any shopping in Blowing Rock? There is one of the best Christmas shops there but it is expensive. Im super jealous of your trip up there, my husband is about to drive me crazy to get back up there!
I noticed you didn’t tag the leaves photos as “throwing things”. I suppose that’s because fall leaves are ideally suited for throwing! 🙂 Will must have been in heaven.
Adorable pictures! Also, I love your sunglasses! Where did you get them?
Ha ha – I have a hard time dealing with idiots too! 🙂
Oh. my. goodness. LOVE the photos! It makes me want to drop what I am doing (work) and run (not walk) to the nearest “photogenic” spot with my family.
What settings did you use on the family photo of you guys sitting in the leaves, with the trees in the background?! Gorgeous!
Oh, and yes, definitely frame the cuddle session.
For some reason this quote put a stitch in my side, “After my mini myocardial infarction and a quick snack of fruit snacks and uber-healthy Teddy Grahams, we headed back down the mountain.”
Also, The Boyfriend looks like he should be a famous country singer, just in general.
By the way, I had never heard of Cheerwine until last week. One of my best friends is from North Carolina and she showed me an article in Garden & Gun Magazine (another thing I never knew existed but is amazing and redneck as the title would lead a northerner to believe), of southerners top favorite brands, and that soda was in it. I had heard of approximately 9 of the 50 items.
Then again, she has never had B&M Brownbread toasted up with red hot dogs. So we all have our things.
..and not redneck. It’s not redneck at all. It’s a great magazine! Oh vey. Fingers too slow for my speedy brain. *sarcasm*
By the way, I read your blog before bed last night – and so of course in one of my dreams you were in it. I don’t remember anything about it except there was a wedding and you told me, “you’re actually funny in person. you sound horribly boring on your blog”. I was like “aww thanks….I think.” Haha.
How fun! I commented on your first Road Trip post – my husband and I own a farm in Spruce Pine (maybe you saw a sign for it on the Parkway, but probably not). It’s an hour south of Boone. I used to live in Echota! It’s such a nice community. Grandfather Mtn is so fun. We hiked the profile trail last spring (which was terrifying at times) and ended up at the swinging bridge. After climbing many rocks I couldn’t bring myself to cross it so I waited for a car at the top. Ha! You’re braver than me. Have a good day!
Where did you get your sunglasses??? I love them.
Thanks! :o) Cute blog, btw.
Hee hee hee. My family is from NC and we are SO that family that tries to make the swinging bridge swing.
We love Mast, too!
Looks like yall had a blast!!
I have a few of these photos that are my favorite – wanna hear which ones? Mk, well the snuggling one is so precious (i almost abrev’d precious but wasnt sure if I would sound like I was 16) my other favs are the drunk baby picture (who wouldnt love a drunk baby) annnnd the one where Will is standing like such a big boy in the leaves by himself and hes a little off center. LOVE IT. OH and I really like Jeremy’s face when Will is jumping into the pool. Such a photogenic family. sorry about writing a novel – annnd being that creepy girl telling you how much she likes pictures of your family. Over and Out!
This place looks beautiful! It’s definitely making me want to take a fall road trip. You certainly got some frame-worthy pictures!
Love love love this post! Will looks adorable in his flannel shirt! and those boots are too cute! You make me want to have a baby haha For now just the puppy will do!
By the way I made the “pumpkin bread recipe” into muffins and gave you a shout out! Hope you get a chance to check it out.
http://www.larysubero.com/wp/?p=3533
Hi Katie,
I was wondering how you and your family find all of your condos/rental places, rather than hotels. It seems more cost-effective, but I have no idea where to look for something like this.
LOVE you blog, and that first family photo is amazing!
Off to check it out!
xo – kb
Target – they have a million different styles!
xo – kb
We didn’t get out for any shopping…I know…BOO. Maybe next time 🙂
xo – kb
TOO MANY THROWING PHOTOS! that’s what I was thinking when I was editing…so I got lazy. Typical for me 🙂
xo – kb
They are french…from a quaint store called Tar-jay 🙂
xo – kb
I usually just set the fstop to 5.0 and then have Jer stand where I need him for the shutter speed (make sure it’s always above 1/250) and the ISO accordingly. Then it’s just a matter of running fast enough and remembering not to look like I’m outta breath for the timer 🙂
xo – kb
haha. well, you do sound horribly boring in the comments.
kidding 🙂 anyone that has seen an issue of Garden & Gun can’t be boring!
xo – kb
I am going to flat out say it: your trip makes me want to have kids. And go on trips like this one so I can have memories like these. My husband and I have gone on some amazing trips, but… there is something about your photos here that just… make me want to have kids. This seems like such crazy talk for me, too..
OH MY GOD! Thank you so much for checking out the post! Let me know if you make them for Will! 🙂 Thanks again for the inspsiration!
I was going to ask about your sunglass but see that was covered. I was sort of hoping they were designer so I might be able to buy them. Being from Tar-jay means they’re long gone from the stores now.
Also, I love you shoes. It’s hard to find a good simple, Not-white sneaker to pair with jeans. I miss the pumas I had years ago in grey/navy that they haven’t made since.
Super cute trip. Can’t wait to see the rest!
Wonderful photos.
To bad living in Arizona means no fall leaves 🙁 just dead cactus.
Keep being photo hungry! We all love it!
Your family is so beautiful. I love your posts!
Great memories. Love the pics of Will playing in the leaves..so happy!
Emily – You can’t feed the bear anymore. I was supprized to see that they had stopped that, but he park service told us that they were unable to monitor their food intake. Some where getting more than others. It was also sad to see them do “tricks” for food so I’m kinda glad the stopped it.
I was going to ask the same question regarding Will’s sling. Thanks for the source, Katie.
Cute Cute pics of y’all 🙂
Reading your darling road trip posts makes me want to go on one! Ahhh! And I totally hear where you’re comin’ from on the ‘complete idiots’ thing. I would have been the same way if I had been there. We could have teamed up 😛 hahaha! Your pictures are all amazing! So much fun.
Your blog post today made me SQUEAL with excitement. I’m a graduate student at the university (Go Mountaineers!) in Boone, NC. Just the fact that the Bowers came this way makes me very giddy, I mean what if I would have seen you?! Probably a good thing I didn’t becaust that squeal would have been a shriek of weirdness for all nearby. Plus my husband thinks I’m crazy with all my “blog” friends I’ve secretly made via blog posts. Glad you all stopped by our neck of the woods…check out our blog to see us living that mountain life everyday. We love calling Boone our home! 🙂 Come back and visit anytime!
Aww. Sad. I guess it makes sense though. Oh well. They’re still fun to look at even if you can’t feed them. 🙂
I am loving all these photos!! We just moved to Hendersonville, about 2 hours from Boone. We’ve been on the lookout for new places to visit and Boone just made the list! It’s beautiful!
love.love.love. Grandfather Mountain. We went in February and it was gorgeous (with snow). But the leaves are way prettier! Will’s hiking boots are adorable. We are about to have our first baby (a boy) and I CAN’T WAIT to take him hiking boots and dress him in adorable hiking boots.
Thanks so much! I will definitely be trying this out!
REALLY? He hasn’t?! I’m honestly shocked..he could totally be his stunt double. And if he hasn’t been told that then I HAVE to see a picture of his brother! 😉
You should totally do a split screen of them.. 😉 just sayin’… hahaha..
Oh my gosh a Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman reference. Love it! Also – Will seriously gets cuter every day. 🙂
Thought you might enjoy this Tribute to the Mile High Swinging Bridge. Pay special attention to the section titled “No Matter How Brave You Are”
http://www.grandfather.com/worldofwonder/mile-high-swinging-bridge/tribute-to-the-mile-high-swinging-bridge-by-charles-kuralt/
You’ve been duped, KB!
CHEERWINE!!!! Oh how I miss you! Please come to Canada!
I was hoping you’d say that-maybe I can actually find myself a pair. Thanks!
I love those family photos-beautiful! Just looking at your pictures on that bridge about scare me to death! I am sooo afraid of heights, I probably would have passed out if I had seen kids on the edge to take a picture.
I think you might have the best-dressed little boy I’ve ever seen. He is adorable. Love the plaid family photo with the fall leaves in the background, but I think my favorite is the one of you and Will on the rock next to the abyss with the spectacular background. 🙂 You look gorgeous!
Katie!! Just saw this on pinterest and I SOOOOOOOO thought it was you! http://pinterest.com/pin/126171227030149022/
You’ve got the best dressed boy on the block! Do you get most of his clothes at Baby Gap? I have three boys (5, 3, and 1) and love the Gap, but not the price tag! Have any secrets for scoring good deals?
I agree with Tad….not the norm. Red Onion is known as being one of the best here in the high country. Hate you had a bad experience, if the owners knew about this they would be very disappointed with your first impression. Maybe give it a shot again another time or walk across the street and indulge in the famous Daniel Boone Inn, serving family style and oh so good!
Gah! My heart just melted at the pic of the both of you with Will resting his head on your shoulder. My little girl 16 months isn’t a cuddler either but recently has become super affection giving kisses and hugs at the most random moments. I’ll take what I can get. 🙂
I love reading your vacation/trip posts. You have given me some great ideas for trips I want to take in the future. One I have been DYING to do is driving up and staying on Amelia Island. That’s definitely going to happen very soon.
I also love the picture of Jeremy and Will touching the sign. Will is so stinking cute!
How do you get Will to look into the camera when you take family pics!? That is a miracle!
Really looks a wonderful day 🙂 All of the pictures are awesome but the one of the view actually made me skip a breath. I’ve never been anywhere with that much nature, haha, and it was the most beautiful thing to see it in one of your photos. Definitely going on the “must travel to” list!
Loved every minute of your video!
Yes, Cafe Portofino!! you HAVE to get the spiced sirlion… I dream about that dish!
Love Boone! i was just up there last weekend with my husband (an app state grad). Blowing Rock is a great little town- they have the best pumpkin butter and a great Capel Rug outlet!!!
I hope you kept that Cheerwine bottle, it has great lines! You rock those sunglasses too KB. I love looking at all the colour in your Fall photos. I live in the “tropics” in Australia & we don’t really get those kind of changes during our season. Also, it’s not weird to want to capture all kinds of beauty in your surroundings. I agree that Jeremy is very patient, my husband would not indulge me that far; pull to the side of the road maybe, but anything else I think I would be pushing my good fortune!
Jer found the condo rental on VRBO.com and we got a discount because it was last minute…I think it was $99 a night plus taxes & a cleaning fee. But it was cheaper than getting two rooms in a hotel so we figured that it would be best for Will and gave us plenty of room (it slept six or seven I believe so it’s definitely cheaper if you have a big group).
xo -kb
The photos are gorgeous, gotta love Canon quality! I dressed up as Dr. Quinn when I was in 2nd grade and NOBODY could guess who I was haha but I sure loved that show!
You see…now I want to go back just to explore all these places.
Next time I guess…
xo – kb
I showed him a million times the little red blinking light and then we yell CLICK and tickle him after it goes off 🙂 Works like a charm!
xo – kb
We do have a lot from Baby Gap but most of the time, his shoes are either ebay or Target or outlets. And the Baby Gap stuff is always with a coupon in hand and a big discount upfront. Also, the Gap outlet near us has a lot of sales. Oh and Goodwill also has good stuff. And I love Childrens Place too…we have an outlet near us of that one too…much cuter in the boy stuff.
xo – kb
haha…I wish!
I would kill for her waist 🙂
xo – kb
bahahahahaha. PLEASE tell me that you really DID yell at people on that bridge?! that is awesome.
and wow- when i saw the 3rd family photo, i started thinking of how jealous i am of your boyfriend’s willingness to take and be in photos! my hubs tells me every time i get my camera out that cameras ruin lives. can we trade for a day? 🙂 can’t believe he moved the car to get a better angle. you are one lucky lady. 🙂
Great photos! Looks like an awesome trip.
Katie,
Where did you get that adorable button down shirt in the pics? I know you are a Canvas fan so I thought maybe it was from there?
Ok, truth: Do you edit photos of yourself before you post them to the blog? Even in your most casual moments, you look so fresh (minus your Snookification).
If not, I think it’s high time for a post about make-up and “finding the light” from a former top model. 😉
Katie, I hope I’m half as blessed as you when it comes to finding my one and only and having an amazing life.
One thing that scares me the most is not finding the one you love, like love-with-all-your-heart-oh-em-gee-he-breaks-your-heart love. (Does that make sense?) I think every one deserves that.
Just wanted to share.
And your photos are amazing.
And I too love landscape & decor, I always note decor at hotels or driving past peoples houses or businesses.
Jer & I’s shirts are from JCrew outlet. I think mine was $15. And Will’s plaid shirt was from Baby Gap…bought at super clearance a while back.
xo – kb
yes I did. And later in the parking lot at the fudge shop this girl ran into me and she said – oh you are the girl that yells at people. nice.
xo – kb
Just found your blog last week…I know right,…where the heck have I been livin? Under a rock apparently…which I may try..it’s probably nice and dark and cool under there. I digress…we would be friends. You are hilarious…and I am a hoot (so I hear from other people, who say they are my friends 😉 whatever a hoot is…think that is bad thing? Good thing…discuss….
Seriously, love the pics…adorable, casual, super fun family 🙂 Hope to chat in real time sometime 🙂
I grew up in Banner Elk and went to ASU in Boone. We went to Grandfather Mtn. every year and I remember feeding Mildred marshmallows as a kid. Funny that you can’t even feed the bears now, when they used to let you buy a cup of mini marshmallows and feed it to them. My mom is terrified of heights and we would always wait until she would get to the middle of the swinging bridge and jump and down. Horrible, I know. I’m surprised she still speaks to us. Next time you are in Boone, you should eat at Macado’s on King Street (not far from Mast’s).
Great photos! I need to pull over and take advantage of the fall foliage before it’s all over!
I agree with you about parents putting their kids in danger just for a photo. It makes my heart race to see it. I don’t even know how you walked over that bridge because I would have had a panic attack on the spot.
These are great pictures and looks like an awesome day to have visited…
did you photoshop a toothbrush into that top photo?? sneaky
Is it inappropriate to remind you that your bf is a total hottie?! = )
Glad you guys enjoyed your little vaca…
Oh I know Melissa…I know 🙂
xo – kb
Haha…nope – no photoshopping. It was just hanging outta my mouth as I snapped the picture 🙂
xo – kb
I love this post! The family pictures are amazing (especially the toothbrush picture)! You mentioned in a previous post that you were thinking about cutting your hair, but I think it looks great long and wavy. I know my opinion doesn’t matter but just thought I’d throw it out there 🙂
Same here (especially seeing the toothbrush picture)! Every time someone asks me when we’re going to have kids I always give a crazy response like “are you going to pay for daycare?”. Seeing these picture has definintely gently nudged the mother in me though 🙂
I was just going to ask you the same thing! My parents live on Beech Mt (very close to Grandfather) and we have been to Grandfather a few times – I can’t believe that you can’t feed the bears any more. We used to die laughing at the laziness of the bears!! If you didn’t toss a peanut right at them, they would just look back up at you and wait for you to toss a better one! It was hilarious! I guess it is better for the bears to not have the general public feed them though.
And I completely agree with you about that bridge. My hubby laughs at me every time I cross it and I am all tense and freaking out at the people around me! So I feel your pain Katie Bower! 🙂
There is a ton of friendly friendly things to do in that area – we try to go up every summer. We used to go up every winter too, but it’s been a while since we have been able to manage that. We are hoping to to up this winter though!!
I just gotta say, y’all are such a beautiful family; I am so jealous. It looks like y’all had a blast.
I love the pictures. Bear crime scene? Awesome.
We just went to the Mast General Store at the beginning of October. My two boys LOVED all the bins of candy, so we let them pick out a few pieces. We were in town for a wedding in Linville Ridge (just outside of Boone). What a beautiful place! Waking up to views of Grandfather Mountain was just spectacular.
First off let me say…Jealous! We were in Banner Elk/Boone in August and went to Grandfather Mountain and neither the otter nor the cougar would make an appearance for us! Ok now that , that is out of my system, next time you’re in Boone you MUST check out Appalachian Antiques on King Street (not too far from the downtown location of the Mast General Store). It is by far one of the best Antiques Malls out there, downstairs is AWE.SOME. Oh and Melanie’s Food Fantasy has the best organic, locally sourced brunch I’ve EVER had!
I’ve been to Boone once, I was a teenager and thought it was completely boring. Your post has shown me an entirely different side of that place! I love the Parkway, I’m trying to convince my husband to pack up the kids and take a trip up there! Love all the plaid you guys have on, you have a beautiful family deary!
I said deary… I swear I’m not 60.
haha!
xo – kb