Exploring North Carolina with KathieyV

In Jan 1716 the Blue Laws were instituted in North Carolina.  As I understand it these laws were rules that were established to observe the Sabbath.  It seemed to involve not doing business or buying alcohol on Sunday.  Thank goodness most of these laws are now off the books. I went to an online dictionary and found this definition of Blue Law a law prohibiting certain activities, such as shopping, on a Sunday. (in colonial New England) a strict religious law, particularly one preventing entertainment or leisure activities on a Sunday. Other NC Laws Reading about the Blue Laws lead me to site called "Big Government. Small Brains. Dumb Laws" .  So now I have to read some of the silly laws that may still be on the books in NC.  I will share a few that I found on this site. *It is against the law to sing off key.  I know many folks who would be in jail if this was enforced.  * Persons in possession of illegal substances mus...

I have lived in North Carolina since the early 90's.  I had heard of Lake Lure but have not taken the time to visit until now.  I don't know why I waited so long.  It is beautiful. I will share some of my photos and some tidbits I found online... A bit of history.... In 1925, the Morse family created Carolina Mountain Power Company and funded the construction of a dam on the Broad River (through a mortgage) which produced the  lake  after which the town is named. The full impoundment of  Lake Lure  was completed in 1927. Wikipedia  I decided the best way to see the lake was to venture out onto the lake.  You can take a pontoon boat ride with  Lake Lure Tours , and that is just what I decide to do.  It takes about an hour, and you have a cruise on the lake and learn a bit about the Lake Lure and its history. There are houses of all shapes and sizes on the lake. Lovely views from the pontoon boat... The Lak...

I had an opportunity to attend a  Kendra Scott  event a couple of weeks ago.  Yes, I did get free food and drink to cover this event, which was very nice.  It was held at the  Kendra Scott at North Hills in Raleigh . Just who is Kendra Scott?  Here are a couple of quotes from her website... "Kendra Scott is a loving mom, a driven entrepreneur, and a passionate designer who believes the truest form of success is giving back in a meaningful way." "Since she began her company, Kendra has lived by three core values: Family, Fashion and Philanthropy." My blogger daughter, Stephanie from  MomUnglued,  and I attended the event. With my camera in hand, we set out to explore all that Kendra had to offer. We were not disappointed.  There were many beautiful pieces. The store is beautiful.  It has a warm and inviting feel and is open and bright with many windows looking out onto the other shops at North Hills.   ...

A couple of weeks ago my family and I took off for the mountains of North Carolina.  We rented a house near Blowing Rock and Boone for our family vacation. No matter where you find yourself in N.C. you can usually find a winery nearby.  When ever I travel I try to visit a new to me wine shop or winery in the area.  This vacation was no exception.  Erica, T-Josh and I took off in search of  Banner Elk Winery  in Banner Elk NC. It was a beautiful drive.  T-Josh was the driver of the evening and took us on some beautiful mountain roads, and with the windows open we breathed in the refreshing mountain air.  Wonderful. We arrived and were greeted the wooden Elk just outside of the tasting room.  Then went inside to find some much-needed wine. We each selected our wine and then headed out to enjoy the evening.  We found some nice seats outside overlooking the property.  Lovely view.  Here is what they say on their website ...

Cindy and I were in downtown Durham and decided to check out  Luna Rotisserie/Empanadas  for dinner They describe themselves as combination of South America and the American South in their cuisine.  "The concept for Luna came as a result of my love for Durham, South America, and delicious food."  Chef and owner Shawn Stokes Read about Shawn and his wife  here My favorite item of the evening was the  Crispy Yuca Frits.  What in the world is that?  Well I did not know either.  Here is a  definition I found on line Definition: Yuca Frita is a a side dish made from the fried root of the cassava plant (as opposed to the yucca plant). Usually, the root is cut into  two- or three-inch chunks and deep-fried in vegetable oil. Trip Savvy I would order them again in a heartbeat.   Initially I thought there is no way I will like them as much as french frie...

For weeks all my daughter, from  MomUnglued ,  has talked about is  Buoy Bowls .  She would go on about how wonderful they were.  She would stalk them to find out where they would be on what felt like a daily basis.  I finally gave in and said "Ok, I want to give them a try".  So off we went and I was not  disappointed. They were amazing. You will see quotes from their website in purple print, to match their truck:-) "Buoy Bowls is the end result of an obsession with Acai Bowls  that first started on a surf trip to San Diego, California in 2005. " "...he discovered the Acai Bowl- a bowl of frozen purred acai berries topped  with a variety of fresh fruit and honey. It was absolutely love at first bite!" "Our acai bowls and smoothies are made using the freshest organic and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible." As you can see Maggie loves them too... My favorite was the Surfs Up Bowl.  ...

Cindy and I were out and about again looking for adventure.  We came across the  World Famous Frisbee Dog/DiscConnected K9s  that were displaying their skills at the Freedom Balloon Fest in Fuqua-Varina NC.  Here is what they say on their website... "The Disc-Connected K9s began rescuing dogs in 1992. All of our current performing dogs are rescued; meaning they have all come from either homeless, sheltered, rescued, adopted or abandoned backgrounds. We make the determination (and have all most stayed true) about whether or not we are personally going to keep a dog, or process them through our program and find them new homes. With few exceptions, this has been successful for us." You can also adopt some of their dogs.  They do their best to find the dog and the family a good adoption match.  These dogs are skilled and amazing to  watch. I found in watching the show that it was not just the dog that was agile.  Look at this trainer showing ...

It has been a while since I have visited a new restaurant.  I did a google search and came up with Rye Bar and Southern Kitchen in Raleigh NC.   Sounded wonderful so I called Cindy and off we went on a restaurant adventure.  Here is a quote from their website.... "A refined take on traditional Southern cuisine. That's the essence of Rye Bar & Southern Kitchen, our onsite restaurant in the heart of Raleigh's vibrant downtown. Executive Chef Michael Rigot's seasonal menus feature the freshest, healthiest produce and meats, all from local North Carolina farms. A main dining room, private dining room, and outdoor patio provide an abundance of seating options. Craft beers, uncommon cocktails, and premium wines head the liquid refreshment line-up." The restaurant itself is located in downtown Raleigh in  Raleigh Marriott City Center . The Bar was lovely.  The night we were there it was packed.  Lively place to be. They brought this lovel...

This time last year Erica gave me a wonderful Mother's Day/Birthday Gift.  She knows I love horses and so she purchased a 2 hour private ride at  C & C Farm  in Louisburg NC.  Here is what they say on their site... "C&C Farm offers a relaxed, family oriented environment for equine enthusiasts.  We offer riding lessons, trail rides and pasture boarding on our 65 beautiful acres."  Beautiful horses....  Erica getting ready for the ride...  Our guides.  They were great.  Very nice people.  We were in good hands...  I like this quote from the site... "Most of our horses have been raised on the farm since they were born so we have a very close relationship with all of them and their unique personalities" Alive, well, and smiling after a wonderful ride:-)   You will never meet a kinder lady then the one in the photo below.  There is no doubt that she loves her horses and all the crit...