A Visit to Historic Rugby

Happy Saturday!!

Yesterday, the hubs had the day off. It was such a gorgeous day, so we decided to venture someplace new! Historic Rugby was our decision, and it turned out to be amazing! As soon as we pulled into the Visitor Center, we were welcomed and greeted by the sweetest people! It turned out that they were closed for the season, however, sweet Sue Belle still gave us a private tour! Sue was awesome, and Nathan and I were technically her first tour! Many of the buildings were closed, but the ones we were able to go into were stunning!

Historic Rugby is quite a unique place to visit up in the Cumberland Plateau. It was founded in the 1880's by a British author, & Social Reformer, Thomas Hughes. Thomas Hughes had a vision to create a community he considered to be an aspiring Utopia, especially for the younger sons (not likely to inherit any money) of British families. The village is tucked away in a serene area near the Big South Fork National Park.
Although Thomas Hughes had tremendous goals and dreams for the town, it declined in the 1900's with many people abandoning the area. After years of struggle to keep the town in good shape, a new man, Brian Stagg (in the 1960's) helped repair and restore the image along with the help of some of the descendants of the original settlers. Thanks to Brian Stagg, the village and many of the buildings are registered as Historical landmarks.

Here are some of the pictures I took along our walking tour:

Visitor Center

Kingston Lisle

Straw Hats made in the 1900's

Alexander-Perrigo House

Thomas Hughes Library

Episcopal Church

School House/Museum

Harrow Road Cafe

Print Shop

The town and buildings officially re-open March 17th - there will also be an event going on that day called "Hike Rugby." This little town is super cute, and everything is within walking distance!

I'm looking forward to going back as soon as they open so we can check out the inside of ALL the buildings, and the cafe! There are cute places to stay, including a Bed & Breakfast!

Check out the website for more information: Historic Rugby

There is so much history to be appreciated in Historic Rugby. It's truly fascinating how one man's dream continues thanks to the volunteers who are extremely dedicated in keeping the town alive!

I highly recommend checking out Historic Rugby, especially if you live in Knoxville (and surrounding areas)!! You won't be disappointed!! 😀

QUESTIONS:

* Do you enjoy History?

* What Historical places are your favorite to visit?

* Have you been to visit Historic Rugby?

Foothills Parkway & Gatlinburg Shenanigans

Happy Weekend Y'all!!! 

This past week has been completely full of snow, mountains, and magic. 

There is something magical about snow, especially high up in the mountains. Whenever it snows, Nathan and I like to cruise into the mountains because the beauty never disappoints.
Last week, the hubs and I were super excited about our first "snow." Knoxville only got a few flurries, but we knew the mountains would have more!
Up we went, into the Foothills Parkway!

We were hoping to see much more snow, but it was still a gorgeous day and enough snow to tie us over until the next "real" snowfall!

On a separate occasion, hubby and I went up into Gatlinburg! It has probably been a few years since we have been up there.

As soon as we drove into Gatlinburg, we were ready for some breakfast/lunch.

Pancake Pantry ended up being our decision, and wow, that was a HUGE mistake.

Nathan and I were both incredibly disappointed with Pancake Pantry. It wasn't very busy, but we waited a while for a hostess to sit us at a table. Then we waited forever for one of the many waitresses to come by just get our drinks and give us silverware. We were both starving so we each ordered omelettes. Nathan had the ham and cheese, and I ordered a western omelette. When our plates arrived, I think I actually laughed out loud. The "omelette" I ordered, was literally cooked flat eggs with vegetables (barely cooked), and a non-melted cheese slice on top. The three tiny pancakes on the side were nothing special. For $15 EACH a plate, it was ridiculous. Even the maple syrup was watered down. Phew, at least now we know we won't be going back there. Luckily, Gatlinburg has TONS of other pancake/breakfast restaurants around the area. 

After our sad breakfast, we walked around "The Village" area in Gatlinburg to cheer us up.

I adore the old European feel you get in The Village section.

The Spice & Tea Exchange

Pop Culture

I was thrilled when I saw there was a "Zi Olive" store! We had a Zi Olive right down the road from us not too long ago, but they left! Their gourmet olive oil's and balsamic vinegars are delicious and make cooking easier!

I had to try the smoked pecan olive oil, and it was alright. However, the employee had me try it mixed WITH the Kentucky Bourbon balsamic vinegar and WOW that was SO GOOD! 

I'm looking forward to trying these for some new recipes soon!

Wednesday was National Hot Cocoa Day! I've been celebrating with hot cocoa quite a bit this season. 😏

As far as Christmas music goes...there is no better Christmas song than "O'Holy Night," and my favorite version is O Holy Night - Glee Cast

 It's a gorgeous song, and this version does this song completely beautifully. 

However, if you do enjoy something more modern (I do, as well), try out (on iTunes) Kaskade Christmas! I've enjoyed this album a LOT this Holiday Season! It's modern and unique!!

QUESTIONS:

* How do you enjoy your Hot Cocoa?

* What is your favorite Christmas Song?

* What is your favorite Christmas movie?

Wisconsin Trip Recap

Good morning y'all! 

I made sure to get up early to finish this recap post, before I start working on house chores!

Thanksgiving is next week already! I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to it! 😄

Our furbaby is happy now that Nathan and I are back home!

The most important lesson I have learned this year is that you never know what you have until it is gone. Take the time to see family/friends because life is short.

My Uncle was turning 70, I knew I couldn't miss the opportunity to surprise him for his Birthday celebration! Nathan and I drove up to Wisconsin, and surprised him the night before his party! My Mother flew in as well and had surprised him earlier that day! My Aunt did a great job pulling everything together, he was so shocked!

Obviously, our road trip adventure had to begin with some hot coffee from Dunkin Donuts!

Of course, Taylor Swift's new album came out, so I made Nathan listen to it at least a few times on our drive! ;p Not gonna lie, I'm obsessed with this album! My favorite songs are currently is, "I Did Something Bad," and "Getaway Car."

Our trip lasted about 11 hours because we took our time and stopped along the way.

In Berea, KY, we stopped at the Kentucky Artisan Center!

The first painted rock I have come across!

The Artisan Center was such a fun stop! There was a cafe, seating area, an area for demonstrations, and of course TONS of handmade items/gifts by local artists! I highly recommend checking it out if you are nearby!

I wish we could have spent more time, but we had to get back on the road.

I did pick up some Wild Pecan Cocoa granola at the Artisan Center! I can't wait to try it with some yogurt!

Speaking of snacks....

A road trip is incomplete if you don't have proper snacks! I grabbed these coffee nut m&m's to try out along the way - they did not disappoint!

Um, yes! Coffee Nut M&M's are delicious!



SURPRISE!!!!

Haha, there is no sound because although it was a very happy moment, my Uncle was shocked and said a "bad" word! 😂

We had a wonderful evening catching up and hanging out!


A friend of the family/neighbor offered to take Nathan and I over to a trail in the neighborhood, so we took him up on his offer because we desperately needed a good walk after being in the car the entire day before. It was a nice short hike, but exactly what we needed. 

You never know what you will see! We came across a cute fort and had to get our picture taken in it!

🎈 PARTY TIME!!!

Happy 70th Birthday!

Birthday cake time!! 🎂

The Birthday cake was hilarious because the candles were trick candles that wouldn't blow out!

The party was a huge success!!

Nathan used to live in Switzerland; we found out about the charming town of New Glarus, "Little Switzerland," being only right down the road, we had to go! My Uncle and Aunt were so sweet to take my Mom, hubby, and me down there to explore the town and have breakfast at Chalet Landhaus! 🇨🇭

There were painted cows everywhere!

Exactly!

Rosti Potatoes

The restaurant was adorable! The staff was friendly, and the food was fresh and delicious!

Our time spent in Wisconsin truly was an incredible time! It was basically a family reunion because I  got to hang out with cousins that I haven't seen in over 13 years! 

I'm looking forward to another trip up there, hopefully soon!

On our way back home, we took a quick detour to stop and see some of Nathan's family history - the old family farm, and the town where his Great Grandparents, Grandparents used to live!

Stare down with a squirrel

The Elms Building in El Paso, IL

The Elms Building is beautiful! If we had the money, we would buy it and fix it up! It would make a spectacular Bed & Breakfast, wouldn't it?!

Since we were traveling on Veterans Day- I didn't get a chance to say Thank You to all of our Veterans!! 🇺🇸

Words can't express how thankful I am to our Veterans, and those still serving our Country!

QUESTIONS

* Have you listened to Taylor Swift's new album? Do you have a favorite song?

* Have you ever surprised someone for their Birthday?!

* What are your plans for Thanksgiving?