Helen, Georgia - a hike and a look around town

After a morning hike, on the banks of the Chattahoochee River in Helen, Georgia.

On Easter Sunday we took a fun day trip up to Helen, in the North Georgia mountains. With perfect weather we hiked to Raven Cliff Falls early in the morning, finishing just in time to walk around Helen a bit and have lunch. Helen is a touristy little town, with inner tubing available in summer and buildings made to look like a German village.

Trout with fries and slaw - note the Ken's tartar sauce!

The dining options looked fairly grim from the start. We finally decided on Troll Tavern because of its nice waterside view. Trust me, that was the best part of the meal! The above fish tasted a little too fishy and the wiener schnitzel was tough. It's a bad sign when the rye bread is the best thing on either plate! Still, it was a really fun day and so enjoyable to be able to hike and eat outside so early in the spring. Next time I'll be researching where to eat!

Wiener Schnitzel with sauerkraut and cabbage.

Weekend in Highlands, NC

Calvin in front of the 4 1/2 Street Inn in Highlands, NC.

In late September we were invited to a wedding in Highlands, NC. Having not been there for many years, I enjoyed researching places to stay. I am so glad that I found and settled on the 4 1/2 Street Inn. Owners and hosts, Helene and Rick, are, in a word, awesome and the inn is within walking distance of downtown Highlands. We enjoyed a quiet, peaceful two nights there, including fabulous breakfasts and fresh-baked cookies each afternoon. In the evenings, wine and nibbles are offered on the back deck. We also took a dip in the hot tub. Our room, #9 on the third floor, was charming - I loved the footed tub! As it rained heavily the day of the wedding, Rick drove us to the wedding site - this really went beyond what we would have expected. If you are going to Highlands, I really recommend this place.

Our first delicious breakfast at the 4 1/2 Street Inn included French toast casserole - so tasty with maple syrup!



Another great breakfast at 4 1/2 Street.



Backyard at 4 1/2 Street.



View from Sunset Rock, a short walk from downtown Highlands.



BBQ from The Rib Shack.

After arriving Friday evening and having our wine and snacks at the inn, we wanted a quick and inexpensive dinner. The Rib Shack hit the spot with great ribs and a brisket sandwich with sweet potato fries. After dinner we watched a local art/antique auction, which was a hoot - Calvin almost got Toni, my co-worker, to bid on something without her knowing it! Then we found Kilwin's Chocolate & Ice Cream on Main St. They get your attention here with free samples, including fresh fudge and warm waffle cones. We ended up with some walnut fudge and homemade ice cream. Luckily there is a Kilwin's in Atlanta, too - at Atlantic Station.

A brave soul climbs up Bridal Veil Falls.



Amy and Cal in front of Dry Falls.

Fun in Celo, NC

The South Toe river - cold but so nice!

Dad and his HOB (hunk of beef).



Diane blows out her birthday candles on the 4th of July.



Burnsville, NC Farmer's Market - nice selection of fresh produce, baked goods, cheeses and meats.



Cute signage.



When pigs fly...

CO&S Retreat

All of the attorneys and staff from my office headed to Highlands, NC over the weekend for a relaxing and productive retreat. We shared some good food and even had a cookie decorating seminar! We all hope this retreat will be an annual event from now on!

Will, Ruth, Amy, Toni, Jim, Marcia & Lori at the firm retreat.



View from the deck.



Marcia's wonderful cookies!



Gingerbread cookies.



Decorating the cookies.



Dinner: Salad, ribeye steak, salmon with teriyaki marinade, roasted potatoes, broccoli & a biscuit!



The finished gingerbread cookies!



Breakfast casserole, fruit & Kringle.

Gobble Gobble

For Thanksgiving we ventured to Celo, NC where I attended the wonderful Camp Celo as a child. In addition to enjoying a great meal with friends for Turkey Day, we had a chance to sightsee in Asheville and climb atop Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi.

View from Mt. Mitchell



Yum! My Thanksgiving plate - trust me I needed a nap after this!



Pies galore!

Nice House and Mountain Fun

The Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC

During the trip to Charlotte and Atlanta we managed to make time for a quick trip up to the NC mountains. We toured the gorgeous Biltmore Estate and tasted some wines at the winery that is located on the grounds. The unseasonably warm weather only added to the delight of being in such a lovely place.
This was also an opportunity to go back and see my beloved Camp Celo, the Quaker camp I went to every summer for six years of my childhood, and our mountain house, which is located only about a mile from the camp. We even cooked dinner there, as you will see below. To me, the air always smells better up in the mountains and I look forward to visiting every time I get the chance.

Amy with goats at Camp Celo

Roaring Fork Falls near the Mount Mitchell Golf Course