Things to do in Fayetteville, NC, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

Cape Fear Botanical Garden | Things to Do in Fayetteville, NC

September 4, 2025Leave a comment

Searching for fun things to do in Fayetteville, NC? Add the Cape Fear Botanical Garden to your list! This lovely spot, located just outside of downtown Fayetteville, is the perfect weekend activity for families, friends, and couples.

The Cape Fear Botanical Garden has enchanted visitors with its natural wonders since 1989. The property encompasses 80 acres of trails, water features, forests, fields, overlooks, and a historic homestead. There’s even a gift shop and a café, making it the ideal destination for an afternoon adventure. Throughout the year, the Garden also hosts themed seasonal events, hands-on workshops, educational programs, and fun activities, such as yoga classes and outdoor concerts.

My husband and I recently explored the Cape Fear Botanical Garden with family visiting from out of town, and we all had a wonderful time. Despite it being a Saturday afternoon, the Garden wasn’t too busy—plus, there was plenty of room to spread out. After purchasing entry tickets ($11 for general admission, $12 for military/adults 65+, $7 for kids 6-12, free for children under five) and a bag of fish food ($1), we headed over to the Cypress Pond.

Feeding the fish and turtles in the pond was a highlight of our visit. I was surprised by how large the fish were, and we spent a good amount of time watching the feeding frenzy as we tossed pellets into the water. Don’t miss the Butterfly Stroll area located right next to the pond!

We then wandered through the Children’s Garden, which even our group of four adults thoroughly enjoyed. There are some slides and playground elements for the kiddos, but there’s also a beautiful lily pond, an elevated walkway that takes you up into the trees, and some swinging benches. It’s an interesting area to walk around, and I’m sure kids would have a blast there.

After that, we made our way through the Camellia Garden to the Reflection Garden. We’ll have to venture down the River Trail to discover the Paw Paw and Cape Fear River Overlooks during our next trip. The walk to the Reflection Garden was lovely, with lots of Japanese maple trees to admire along the way.

Next, we meandered past the Great Lawn (complete with a charming gazebo) to check out the Conifer Garden, Banana Tree Pond, and Shade Garden. There’s also an overlook of Cross Creek where you can admire the landscape below. Then, it was onto the Heritage Garden!

I really enjoyed exploring the Heritage Garden. It features an authentic 1800s-era farmhouse, a corn crib, a tobacco barn, a general store, and a fruit/vegetable garden. Walking through this immersive area truly transports you back in time, helping you imagine what life was like over a century ago.

Our last stop on our self-guided Cape Fear Botanical Garden tour was the Garden Terrace Gift Shop. This quaint store is packed with goodies, ranging from locally-made snacks and wines to plants, toys, and more. While we didn’t grab anything from Lucia’s Coffee & Treats next door, it had a solid selection of drinks, pastries, and lunch items.

And that’s a wrap on our afternoon at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden! I highly encourage you to visit this beautiful area next time you’re craving a relaxing escape into nature.

Raleigh Ghost Tour Review | Raleigh Date Night Ideas | Downtown Raleigh Things to Do

July 30, 2025July 28, 20251 Comment

Do you and your boo need some fun new Raleigh date night ideas? Take a walk on the spooky side with a downtown Raleigh ghost tour! My husband and I embarked on one during our most recent date night in Raleigh, and I’m here to spill all my honest thoughts. Plus, you can save 10% on a US Adventures Raleigh Ghost Tour using my exclusive promo code WANDER10!

Use code WANDER10 for 10% off your Raleigh Ghost Tour

Quick disclosure: US Ghost Adventures invited me on their Raleigh Ghost Tour in exchange for a review. However, all of the opinions expressed in this blog are my own. This post also contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you book a tour through my link. Thank you SO much in advance for your support!

Raleigh Ghost Tour Review

Raleigh Ghost Tour Info

The US Ghost Adventures Raleigh Ghost Tour highlights numerous buildings purported to be haunted throughout the downtown area. The tour is about an hour long and covers one mile (there’s also an extended tour, but we just did the standard option). Along the way, your guide will highlight the city’s scariest spots, sharing historical facts and reported paranormal encounters.

Tours are offered nightly at 8pm, and groups convene at the North Carolina State Capitol. There is plenty of free parking available nearby, and the meeting location is easy to find since the tour guides carry mini lanterns. Note that tours are rain or shine—and they do mean it!

There was a decent amount of rain and thunder during our tour, and we came unprepared without jackets or umbrellas. While some locations offered tree coverage, we were pretty thoroughly soaked by the end of the night. However, everyone remained in good spirits—and the stormy weather only added to the eerie ambiance.

Locations Featured on the Raleigh Ghost Tour

Above is a map detailing all the stops we made along the Raleigh Ghost Tour.

The experience started with a few stories surrounding the State Capitol building itself. Apparently, some Civil War-era souls may still walk the halls…

From the State Capitol, the tour stopped by Death & Taxes, an upscale restaurant found in a building from 1907. Before being converted into a restaurant, it was used as a coffin house and then a morgue. Unsurprisingly, there are many creepy accounts of ghostly apparitions and interactions.

Next up was the Briggs Hardware Building (where the City of Raleigh Museum is located). Here, we heard the tragic story of a child who reportedly fell to their death down a flight of stairs in the building. You can see the stairs themselves from the street—they’re incredibly steep and look straight out of a horror movie.

After this stop, it was time to visit the White-Holman House. This historic former home had genuinely unsettling vibes, especially against the backdrop of rain and lightning. Visitors say a peg-legged ghost can sometimes be heard going up or down one of the staircases inside. Talk about creepy!

From there, we took the short walk over to Haywood Hall. The 18th-century mansion is considered one of Raleigh’s oldest homes, and the beautiful property now operates as an event venue. Many people claim to see ghostly felines wandering around the house and gardens because the original owner kept upwards of 40 cats as pets.

Get 10% off a Raleigh Ghost Tour with code WANDER10

The next location on the tour was the stunning North Carolina Executive Mansion. It’s a beautiful residence that has housed state governors and their families since the late 1800s. One of the most interesting facts we learned about this spot is that some of the bricks used around the mansion grounds feature cursive signatures. Since the mansion was built with prison labor, these signatures were left by inmates who participated in the construction.

Our final destination (no pun intended) and my favorite stop on the tour was the Hecks-Andrew House. This unique building has a distinctive Second Empire-style architecture and quirky design elements, including stained glass windows and staircases that lead to nowhere. It reminded me a little bit of the Pink Palace from Coraline! Many spooky tales surround the historic mansion, which is currently undergoing an extensive renovation.

My Raleigh Ghost Tour Experience

Overall, my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the Raleigh Ghost Tour. It’s more of a historical walking tour than a ghost-hunting experience, but there’s a nice balance of history and scary stories. I recommend bringing layers and/or an umbrella if the weather might be dicey. Wear comfortable shoes as well, since you will end up walking around a mile.

Our tour guide, Alexa, did an excellent job of guiding the group through downtown Raleigh while highlighting unique landmarks and fun facts along the way. She was very engaging, adaptable, and knowledgeable, and she made the tour interesting for our entire group (which included a wide range of ages).

Final Thoughts

The Raleigh Ghost Tour is fun for couples, families, and friend groups—make sure to add it to your list of downtown Raleigh things to do! Since it wasn’t super intense or frightening, I’d consider it an appropriate activity for anyone over the age of 13 or so.

I especially enjoyed learning about the local history and admiring the buildings’ architecture, so this tour is fun even if you don’t believe in ghosts. US Ghost Adventures also hosts tours in over 100 cities (including iconic locations like the Lizzie Borden House), so I highly suggest checking if there’s one near you.

Save 10% on your Raleigh Ghost Tour with code WANDER10

Big shoutout to the folks at US Ghost Adventures for partnering with me on this post!

Moore's Wall Loop Trail + KÜHL hiking pants review, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

Moore’s Wall Loop Trail in Hanging Rock State Park, North Carolina + KÜHL Hiking Pants Review

May 20, 2025Leave a comment

I’ve been craving a weekend day hike, and Moore’s Wall Loop Trail was the perfect adventure! It’s located in Hanging Rock State Park, less than an hour north of Winston-Salem. The park has much to explore, with many hiking and biking trails of various lengths and difficulties. I’d love to return and take advantage of all the outdoor recreation opportunities that Hanging Rock State Park offers!

Moore's Wall Loop Trail + Kuhl hiking pants review, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

Moore’s Wall Loop Trail is a roughly 4.5-mile loop that starts at Hanging Rock Lake. Red circular markers indicate the trail, making it straightforward to follow. After a few minutes of hiking by the lake, you’ll arrive at a sign allowing you to continue straight and head clockwise around the loop, or bear right to tackle the loop counterclockwise. We opted for the clockwise route because I read the incline was more gradual from that direction.

The trail is relatively easygoing, beginning to steadily gain elevation as you continue. We started the hike around 9:30am on a Sunday and only passed a few people on the way up. The mountain laurel and rhododendrons were in full bloom and absolutely stunning.

The trail got much rockier and steeper within 30 minutes of starting our hike. At one point, we spotted a snake sunning itself on the trail—definitely keep an eye out, especially if hiking with a dog, like we were! Keep your pups on leash to stop them from accidentally stepping on one as you hike.

Around 11am, we arrived at the observation tower atop Moore’s Knob. From there, you can enjoy unobstructed 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. It was a stunning reward for a short but challenging hike! We enjoyed the observation tower for a few minutes to snap pictures, give our dog water, and enjoy some protein bars before continuing along the loop.

I must shout out the KÜHL hiking pants I tested on this adventure. KÜHL kindly offered to send me a pair to review—I settled on the Haven Joggr and was really happy with how they performed. The pants are made with a comfortable yet durable material that was perfectly flexible but supportive as I hiked.

I’m a big fan of the drawstring waistband because zippers and buttons can sometimes get annoying and restrictive. I also love all the zippered pockets and how they’re cuffed at the bottom. Plus, the Everglade color is too cute! Thanks to KÜHL for sending me these pants—they’ve secured a spot in my go-to hiking wardrobe.

The descent from Moore’s Knob featured many stone stairs, which made me glad that we chose to go clockwise. I much preferred tackling them downhill rather than going up them! About 0.4 miles from the parking lot, you’ll pass through a campground, which involves crossing the street to stay on the trail. It can be a little confusing, but just look for the red circular dots on the road indicating where to go.

By noon, we were back at the car and on our way to Publix to grab some subs for the drive home!

I highly recommend tackling Moore’s Wall Loop Trail next time you want a tough, fun hike that isn’t too long. Let me know your favorite North Carolina hikes so I can check them out!

What to Do in Wilmington, NC | Fun Things to Do in Wilmington

May 7, 2025Leave a comment

Are you planning a trip to the North Carolina coast and wondering what to do in Wilmington? I’ve got you covered with this roundup of fun things to do in Wilmington, NC! This charming coastal town has something for everyone, from history buffs to food connoisseurs, shopaholics, and nature lovers. Here’s my ultimate guide to spending an afternoon in Wilmington.

Visit a Coffee Shop

What to do in Wilmington, NC | travel blogger Wandering the Gap

Visiting a local coffee shop is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with a new city. After hearing about Hidden Grounds Coffee on social media, I had to check it out! This funky dinosaur-themed coffee spot has a small but aesthetic interior full of dino decor and merch. There was a line out the door when I arrived on a Saturday morning, but it was entirely worth the wait.

I tried an iced oat milk Boot Scootin’ Berry latte, a spring specialty drink—it was SO yummy and perfect for the season. The outdoor space is where Hidden Grounds really shines. There’s ample seating and lush greenery, creating the illusion of a tropical oasis right in the heart of Wilmington.

Walk Around Historic Downtown

Wilmington’s Historic Downtown area (the River District) is perfect for strolling around. It’s incredibly picturesque, with classic Southern architecture, cobblestone streets, and towering trees. For waterfront views, hop on the Riverwalk, which follows the Cape Fear River for about two miles. Downtown Wilmington also has many bookstores, clothing boutiques, art galleries, bars, music venues, and restaurants to discover.

Explore The Cargo District

For a unique change of scenery, check out the Cargo District. Many of the shops and restaurants in this community are housed in shipping containers, giving it a cool and trendy vibe. Check out Hello, Love and The Plant Outpost for quirky gifts and home items. There are also many food and drink options—I got some Italian ice from Sunset Slush, which was deliciously refreshing. I’d definitely love to return and try some other Cargo District eateries.

Grab Lunch

Wilmington is full of tasty restaurants to satisfy any and all of your cravings. I grabbed lunch at The Half, a casual sandwich shop, during my visit. The friendly and inviting eatery has all kinds of unique sandwich creations. I thoroughly enjoyed The Clara, a vegan option with chickpea salad and vegetables on rye bread. It was perfectly creamy, crunchy, salty, vinegary, and slightly sweet. Yum! I’ve also eaten at Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, a low-key but fun hangout spot with fresh, flavorful seafood.

Enjoy the Outdoors

You can’t go to Wilmington without getting outside for a bit. There are three nearby beaches—Carolina, Kure, and Wrightsville—if you want some surf and sand. Another great option is the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden, a small park teeming with pitcher plants and venus flytraps. I’ve also heard good things about the New Hanover County Arboretum, but haven’t made it there yet.

Shop for Local Goods

Don’t forget to stock up on some local goods while in Wilmington! When the weather is nice, the city frequently hosts outdoor festivals and events where you can shop for food, art, crafts, clothes, and more. I also highly recommend Biggers Market, which carries a wide array of produce, snacks, baked goods, meats, and dairy products from local vendors.

I hope this travel guide to things to do in Wilmington inspires you to plan a trip! Let me know your favorite Wilmington activities and restaurants in the comments.

Everything I Ate in Charlotte, NC | Charlotte Food Tour

April 25, 2025Leave a comment

I hope you’re hungry for this guide to everything I ate in Charlotte, NC! I recently visited for a solo afternoon adventure and embarked on a mouthwatering self-led Charlotte food tour. The city is full of incredible eateries, breweries, and coffee shops. While I only sampled a fraction of Charlotte’s delicious food offerings during my short afternoon trip, I definitely plan to return and taste even more!

Lunch: Oh My Soul

I don’t eat dairy, so it’s usually easiest for me to stick with vegan restaurants when I travel so I have plenty of options. After a quick search of the best vegan spots in Charlotte, Oh My Soul emerged as the top contender. The 100% plant-based restaurant is highly rated and the menu looked absolutely divine.

Located in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood, Oh My Soul has a cozy and welcoming vibe. My favorite area was the massive outdoor patio with a 100-year-old oak tree, full bar, and a stage. It was the perfect place to enjoy lunch in the beautiful spring weather, and I can imagine it’s a fun hangout spot in the evenings when there’s live music.

The founders of Oh My Soul are originally from South Africa, so the menu has many “Rainbow Nation” influences. I settled on The Crunchy Mom, a vegan twist on Taco Bell’s Crunchwrap Supreme, with a side of the Kickin’ Kale Salad. I also picked up a “Snickers” Bar to bring home and enjoy later.

This was undoubtedly one of the best vegan lunches I’ve ever had! The Crunchy Mom had a fabulous blend of tastes and textures, with black beans, salsa, homemade “queso,” and more stuffed into a crispy tortilla. I also loved the kale salad, which was light, fresh, and flavorful.

Honestly, dessert was the only aspect of Oh My Soul that I wasn’t crazy about—and don’t get me wrong, the “Snickers” Bar was still delicious. My only critique is it had a strong almond butter flavor that I wasn’t expecting. I would like to try some of their other dessert options, like their dairy-free ice cream, next time.

Coffee: Caffeto Specialty Coffee

I needed a caffeine boost after lunch, so I walked down the street to Caffeto Specialty Coffee. I discovered this charming Colombian coffee trailer on TikTok—it was definitely a popular pick! There was a live DJ playing music when I went, so a lot of people were hanging out and enjoying the tunes.

I ordered an iced dirty chai latte with oat milk, and it was really tasty. While the chai could have been spicier in my opinion, I appreciated that it wasn’t too sweet. The espresso was smooth, and all of the flavors were nicely balanced. I’ve also heard good things about Caffeto’s ceremonial matcha—I’ll have to try it next time I’m in town.

Snack: Salted Melon Market & Eatery

On my way out of town, I decided to grab a snack for the drive home. A smoothie sounded refreshing, so I headed over to Salted Melon Market & Eatery. The Matcha Magic drink ended up being the perfect pick-me-up. With yummy ingredients like vegan protein, spinach, and banana, it was equally beautiful and delicious! I’d like to return and try a full meal at Salted Melon because the food menu sounds amazing, and it had a fun, laid-back atmosphere.

Charlotte, your food scene left me thoroughly impressed! I will definitely be back to explore the city and sample more local spots—especially since I didn’t have time for a brewery during this visit. What are your favorite Charlotte food places? Drop a comment with your recommendations!

My 2024 Highlights | Canyons, Eclipses, Moving, and More!

December 30, 2024December 30, 20241 Comment

Like many others, I’ve been reflecting on the past and looking forward to the future recently. With 2025 just around the corner, I was inspired to revisit and share some of my favorite memories from the past year. What were your highlights from 2024, and what are you excited about in 2025? I can’t wait to see what the new year has in store!

Staying at the Stanley Hotel

2024 highlights, by lifestyle blogger Wandering the Gap

I’ve wanted to spend a night at the Stanley Hotel (the inspiration behind Stephen King’s “The Shining”) for years, and it finally happened in 2024. My husband, Solomon, and I took an overnight trip there in February, and it was an unforgettable stay.

The hotel was beautifully spooky, and we had a fun time wandering around the property. I highly recommend staying there if you’re a fan of history, horror, or the paranormal.

Witnessing the Total Solar Eclipse

My dad is a phenomenal astrophotographer, so when he asked over a year ago if I’d be interested in traveling to Arkansas with him to see April’s total solar eclipse, I was immediately in! We found a cute and relaxing lakeside Airbnb in Hot Springs and he successfully captured the entire event.

Watching the world go dark was surreal and an insanely cool experience to share with my dad. We also checked out Hot Springs National Park and the Garvan Woodland Gardens, which were stunning.

Visiting Disney World + Universal Orlando

It might be a bit silly, but I made great memories during a trip to Disney World and Universal Orlando with friends earlier this year. I hadn’t been to Universal in over a decade and it was fun to revisit the resort. I enjoyed it so much that I recently returned for a one-day solo trip! Why not, right?

Driving from Georgia to Colorado

Solomon spent a few weeks working in Georgia over the summer, and we road-tripped back home to Colorado after he wrapped up. My best friend joined us and we had quite the eventful journey through Tennessee, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. I loved having an excuse to spend quality time with some of my favorite people and explore new places.

Taking a Yoga Class at Red Rocks Amphitheater

Going to an event at Red Rocks Amphitheater was one of the top items on my Colorado bucket list. Sadly, things didn’t align for me to see a concert there, but I did attend a sunrise yoga class with a friend. It was 100% worth the early wake-up call and an amazing start to the day!

Selling Our House

At the beginning of 2024, Solomon and I knew we’d be moving out of state before the end of the year. That time officially came over the summer when we sold our home and prepared to move cross-country. If you’ve sold a house, you know how stressful it can be—we learned a lot of tough lessons throughout the process.

As frustrating as selling the house was at times, we were incredibly blessed to have a buyer go under contract the same day it hit the market! I’m grateful that everything worked out, even if there were some bumpy moments.

Going on a National Parks Adventure

One of my favorite experiences this year was going on a weekend adventure to four new national parks. Solomon and I visited Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Arches, Canyonlands, and Mesa Verde—it was a blast!

We went hiking, took a scenic off-road drive, and stayed in an adorable tiny house in Moab. I’d love to take a longer trip to the parks in the future for more sightseeing.

Spending Labor Day in Newport, Oregon

My parents live on the Oregon coast, so Solomon and I decided to visit over Labor Day weekend. I always enjoy going to Newport because there’s so much to do, from whale-watching to trying local foods, admiring tidal pools, and more.

The highlight of this trip for me was seeing my dad’s astrophotography exhibition at his local arts center. I’m so proud of him and his work never ceases to blow me away!

Moving to North Carolina

When September rolled around, Solomon and I said goodbye to Colorado and hit the road for North Carolina. It was an interesting experience, to say the least—we packed and moved everything out of the house and into a storage unit while staying in an Airbnb for two months, waiting for the military to decide when and where we’d be moving.

Once we got the green light for North Carolina, we moved everything out of the storage unit and into a freight truck to be shipped. We hitched my car to the back of Solomon’s truck, piled in with our belongings and Willie, our dog, and made our way across the country. There were some looong days on the road, but we made the most of it and got to see some friends along the way, too.

Getting Settled

We’ve been in North Carolina for a little over three months now and it’s definitely starting to feel like home. While no location is 100% perfect, there’s a lot to love about living in North Carolina. Our current house has much more outdoor space than our previous one, including a screen porch and a fenced-in backyard, which Willie loves.

The cost of living is significantly lower compared to Colorado, and we’ve already hosted friends and family several times. We’ve also been exploring the state and have taken trips to Carolina Beach and Hot Springs. After all the moving chaos, I’m so thankful we’re finally settled in a safe and comfortable living space that’s just right for us.

Cheers to 2025—I hope it’s your best year yet!

Hot Springs + Asheville Weekend Trip | Post-Hurricane Helene Western NC Travel Guide

November 11, 20241 Comment

Solomon and I just returned from a relaxing weekend in the mountains, and I’m sharing everything we did and saw while away! We knew ahead of this weekend that most of the towns in North Carolina we were interested in visiting would still be dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Since we just wanted a chill fall getaway to unwind, we figured it would also be a good excuse to give our business to an affected town. We settled on Hot Springs because we found a beautiful cabin available for the weekend, and the owner was encouraging visitors to support the handful of local businesses that have reopened.

Some towns throughout western NC have been completely devastated and are shut down for the foreseeable future. However, many have begun welcoming visitors and are eager for the tourism and financial support. Also, portions of North Carolina’s wilderness areas, like Pisgah National Forest, remain closed.

Do your research before traveling to western NC to avoid unintentionally putting strain on already struggling communities. Tourism is a major revenue source for some towns, but it’s essential to remember the local residents and organizations are just trying to make ends meet one day at a time. Be a conscious and responsible traveler—give your business to the places that need it the most!

Day 1: Hot Springs

Breakfast at Smokey Mountain Diner

Hot Springs and Asheville weekend trip, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

We kicked off Saturday with breakfast at Smoky Mountain Diner. Everyone working at this casual, homey spot was warm and welcoming. They made sure to let us know they had cinnamon rolls available (Saturdays only), so of course we had to order one.

Let me tell you, this was the best cinnamon roll of my life! It was soft with a slightly crispy exterior, full of cinnamon spice, and covered in an irresistible icing. We enjoyed it so much, we ordered a second one. I ordered a breakfast plate with eggs, sausage, hashbrowns, a biscuit, and gravy, and it was all scrumptious.

Hot Tub Time

Photo credit: Hot Springs Treehouse Cabins, NC.

Our stay at the Treehouse Cabins was cozy and relaxing. Cabin #2 had a stunning mountain view and everything we needed for a comfortable getaway. The best part was the hot tub overlooking the town of Hot Springs. It was chilly and overcast after breakfast—perfect weather to soak for a bit.

Hiking Along the Laurel River Trail

After watching a Harry Potter movie and playing some solitaire at the cabin, it was time to enjoy the crisp fall weather. We set off on the Laurel River Trail, an easy path that meanders along the river. Walking beside the water was scenic and peaceful—we stopped a few times to sit on the rocks and watch for fish swimming around. The entire trail is a little over seven miles roundtrip, but we headed back early, hiking around four miles total.

Stocking Up at Tobacco Road Burley & Brew

Tobacco Road is the local beer and wine store in Hot Springs. We swung by to grab an assortment of hard ciders and were surprised to see a rooster hanging out inside! (It actually wasn’t our first of the trip—earlier, a group of five or six roosters cruised by hunting for bugs while we were enjoying the hot tub.) Tobacco Road had an impressive selection, and we chit-chatted with some friendly locals on our way out. There was live music and a bonfire just outside, and it was cool to see the community united and in high spirits.

Dinner from Tin Can Pizzeria

Tin Can Pizzeria, an Asheville-based eatery, was serving slices from a food truck down the road. They have a fundraiser to continue their mission to provide complementary meals to towns like Hot Springs affected by the hurricane—I highly recommend donating! The pizza was really tasty, especially the sourdough crust.

Day 2: Asheville

Sauna House

Photo credit: Sauna House.

On our way home on Sunday, we swung by Asheville to see some friends. They suggested we visit Sauna House since the resort in Hot Springs was temporarily closed. Sauna House was a totally new experience for me, and I loved it. We started with 10-15 minutes in the sauna before rinsing off and taking a cold plunge. I’ve swam in cold water before, but that plunge was next level!

After what felt like an hour (but was probably only a minute), we moved to the heated seating area to let our body temperatures self-regulate and return to normal before repeating the process twice more (minus the cold plunge on the last round). While going from the steaming hot sauna to the icy pool was a shock to the system, it felt mentally and physically amazing afterward. I definitely have a newfound respect for those who do daily cold plunges.

Brunch at Mother

After about two hours at Sauna House, we headed next door to grab food at Mother. This eatery has a small but delicious menu of cafe classics like quiche, grilled cheese, and soup. I had the daily special—a twist on an old-fashioned tuna melt—and it was to die for. The highlight, aside from the tasty tuna filling, was the bread: two thick slabs of perfectly toasted sourdough that I’m still dreaming of.

Coffee for the Road from Farewell

Since Mother was only serving cold brew coffee, we walked up the street to Farewell. Everyone got pumpkin spice lattes (which were divine—heavy on the spices without tasting sickly sweet or artificial), and I tried an ube latte. I’ve never had ube-flavored anything, so I had no idea what to expect. It had an earthy, slightly nutty taste that I enjoyed, though the group was 50/50 on liking it. Armed with our coffees and refreshed after the Sauna House visit, we hit the road for home!

As sad as it is to see so much destruction from Hurricane Helene, I’m amazed by western NC’s resilience and know the affected towns will return even stronger than before.

Little Creek Loop Trail – Raven Rock State Park, North Carolina

October 28, 2024October 27, 2024Leave a comment

With the fall colors finally beginning to appear in our area, my husband and I set off on a leaf-peeping adventure. We decided to explore Raven Rock State Park, which is a quick 20 to 25-minute drive from our house. It was a cloudy, crisp fall day—perfect for admiring the autumn foliage.

Little Creek Loop Trail in Raven Rock State Park, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

Our initial plan was to check out the Fish Traps Trail, but we ended up on the Raven Rock Loop Trail. The path gradually descended through the forest, leading us to a junction after about 1/4 mile. We decided to head right and follow the Little Creek Loop Trail. This roughly 3-mile-long path follows a small creek to a camping area before looping back to reconnect with the Raven Rock Loop Trail.

There were beautiful mountain laurel shrubs and fall colors along the way. We saw a few deer at one point and only a handful of other hikers as we meandered through the woods. Our dog had a blast smelling every plant and tree he could and getting his paws wet in the creek. Little Creek Loop Trail was the perfect way to spend a Sunday morning—we’ll definitely be back to check out more trails in the state park.

How to Help Western North Carolina | Hurricane Helene Relief Effort Resources

September 30, 2024September 29, 20241 Comment

I’m doing something a little different this week and sharing resources to help those in Western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. My husband and I just moved to NC and while Fayetteville wasn’t hit too bad, we have some friends and family in the Asheville area who are experiencing severe flooding and loss of power, rationing supplies, and are essentially stuck in place due to poor road conditions.

We were just in Asheville at the beginning of September, and it’s hard to fathom all the damage that’s occurred from the hurricane. I’m thinking of and praying for everyone in the affected areas—while we can’t physically be there to provide support, there are many ways to help from afar:

American Red Cross – the Red Cross has several Hurricane Helene initiatives for impacted areas throughout Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. You can visit their website or text HELENE to 90999 to make a donation. They also have resources for finding a shelter, locating loved ones, and giving blood.
North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) – the VOAD has compiled a list of contact information for statewide Long-Term Recovery Groups and Community Organizations Active in Disaster, letting you find ways to support disaster relief efforts in your local county.
GoFundMe – while you should be cautious about donating to random GoFundMe pages, the company has create a hub of verified fundraisers for those affected by Hurricane Helene.
Operation Airdrop – on September 30, Operation Airdrop will begin flying essential supplies to areas of Western NC hit by Hurricane Helene. You donate money, supplies, or your time by volunteering at the flight staging area in Concord.
Samaritan’s Purse – you can donate or sign up to be a volunteer through Samaritan’s Purse. The organization’s headquarters are located in Boone, which has been severely impacted by flooding, downed trees, and loss of water and electricity.
Forsyth Humane Society – email foster@forsythhumane.org with the subject “Hurricane Helene Foster” or visit their website to help animals displaced by Hurricane Helene. They are partnering with the BISSELL Pet Foundation to assist the Asheville Humane Society, which urgently needs fosters.
North Carolina Community Foundation – donate to the North Carolina Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund, which supports mid- and long-term relief efforts in Western NC.
Appalachia Funders Network – this organization has launched an Appalachian Helene Response Fund to provide support to areas throughout the region most impacted by the hurricane. Check out the website to learn more and donate.

Please keep Western NC and all the other Southeastern areas hit by Hurricane Helene in your thoughts and help if/however you’re able to! Stay safe out there.

North Carolina Fall Bucket List | Fall Things to Do in North Carolina

September 23, 2024September 22, 2024Leave a comment

Autumn is officially here, and I created the ultimate North Carolina fall bucket list to celebrate! My husband and I recently relocated from Colorado, and it’ll be our first fall living in North Carolina. I loved fall in Colorado, but the South holds a special place in my heart since I grew up in Georgia, so I’m excited to be back for one of my favorite seasons. We’re still in the midst of moving and unpacking, but I’m itching to get out and experience all the fun fall things to do in North Carolina!

1. Get apple cider donuts from an orchard

Apple cider donuts are some of my favorite fall treats. While you can find them at most grocery stores this time of year, nothing beats authentic donuts from a local orchard. We didn’t have many apple orchards in Colorado, so I’m excited to check some out here in North Carolina.

2. Carve pumpkins

Every fall, my husband and I carve pumpkins to keep on our front porch around Halloween. I love getting creative with different designs and having a friendly competition to see whose turns out better. Once October 1 rolls around, it’s time to start brainstorming what we’ll carve this year!

3. Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway

While I’ve driven along portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway before, I’ve never seen it in the fall. It’s one of North Carolina’s most beautiful roads, and I’ve heard it’s especially stunning when the leaves are changing. I can’t wait to go leaf-peeping along the parkway with a pumpkin spice latte while listening to my favorite fall tunes.

4. Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains

It’s been years since I’ve visited Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and I’m eager to explore more of it now that we’re living in North Carolina. The fall foliage is supposed to be breathtaking throughout the park and there are tons of cool hikes, waterfalls, overlooks, and scenic drives to check out.

5. Have a scary movie marathon

A few years ago, I started an annual tradition of watching a scary movie every day in the month of October. Horror is one of my favorite movie genres, so it’s the perfect way for me to celebrate spooky season. I’m excited to rewatch some of my go-to horror movies and see some new ones.

6. Bake a festive pie

My husband is a wonderful baker and we usually make at least one pie every fall season. I love classic apple, pumpkin, and pecan pies—sometimes, we switch things up with a sweet yet tart cranberry custard recipe. I’m already dreaming of whichever pie we decide to whip up first!

7. Take a day trip to Old Salem

Old Salem is supposed to be an adorable area to visit during fall. I’ve never been, but the pictures I’ve seen make it look as pretty as postcard. I think it will be fun to take a day trip to the historic neighborhood to walk around, visit some museums, and do some shopping.

8. Spend a weekend in the mountains

There are so many quaint mountain towns throughout North Carolina that I want to explore, like Black Mountain, Boone, and Hendersonville. I definitely plan to take a weekend this fall to check one of them out when the foliage is at its peak. Nothing beats a relaxing getaway up in the mountains, especially when there’s a chill in the air and you’re surrounded by gorgeous red, orange, and yellow leaves.

Let me know your recommendations for enjoying fall in North Carolina!