“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;”
Psalm 19:7
We enjoyed some nice weather last week including a few wonderful days in Highlands, North Carolina. Autumn was definitely in full display. With careful planning, I think we were able to stretch Pam’s birthday celebration into a week long party. The birthday designation made it permissible to have dessert 7 days in a row without guilt (or calories)!
We make many friends through the blog…most we will never see face to face. It was a joy to actually meet friends in Highlands that we’ve only known through the blog. Such dear people! It was very special and encouraging to realize that they would drive over from South Carolina to spend some time with us. And it was also another occasion to have a nice meal + dessert!
Occupying a prominent site in Highlands, the First Presbyterian Church was built in the 1880’s and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
This courtyard was just below our balcony and easily accessed from our spa suite at Old Edwards Inn. I would say it has a European touch, but then again, I am not an authority on such things!
I cannot encourage you to plant Chinese Tallow or popcorn tree, but I will say the autumn color is about as good as it gets. We didn’t realize how invasive these non-native plants were many years ago when we planted 3 of them. Those three are long gone but their offspring continue to pop up all around, no pun intended.
I recently mentioned that I nicknamed our eastern cottonwood “Alabama Aspen”. I laughed when I read last week that another common name for the Chinese Tallow is Florida Aspen. I suspect the shape of the leaf is responsible.
The “popcorn” will cover the tree and be a showy white after the leaves are gone. The birds love it in winter and the bees swarm to the blooms in the spring. All that sounds great, but it takes over the landscape and has above ground roots that can destroy drives and sidewalks. I like these trees but I wish we didn’t have them, if that makes any sense!
This gathering area at Old Edwards is a very popular spot and it is rare to capture a pic without people!
It seemed reasonable to feature this dish since Pam and I both chose it for our entree…but on different nights. We were finally in Highlands when Ristorante Paoletti was open, and it was so good the first night, we went back for more! If you love Italian, this is the place to be. The risotto with grilled shrimp and seared scallops was amazing. We were, after all, celebrating Pam’s birthday, and she is quite fond of Italian food!
Not open until later in the day, this outdoor patio looks very inviting and is likely a popular eating spot on nice autumn days.
All I’ve talked about is food, but these two look as if they’ve skipped a few meals. That didn’t hinder them from playing a good rendition of dueling banjos!
A sugar maple in late October or early November can make you stop in your tracks. Sometimes it is good to pause from a walk or hike and be still for a moment!
I often mention that I hike trails near the house and some have wondered what those trails look like. Well, there is a lot of variation, but this is an example of a nice easy section.
Our world has become very casual, but I admire anyone who chooses to dress up and go out on the town in style!
I did decide to tackle another project before winter sets in. I am not completely finished with the fire pit sitting area but it is open for business. We should have a few cool, (but not too cold) evenings this month to enjoy it! If I get cold, maybe PJ will allow me in the Sunshine Cottage to warm up. She will if any of the grands are present!
A courtyard and sitting area at the base of the stairs coming from our suite in Highlands offers a secluded and quiet spot to relax outdoors! The afternoons last week were pleasant enough to do just that!
I spotted this barn a number of years ago as I traveled through western North Carolina for work. I was glad to see it is still standing and continues to display the signs. With no place to pull off the busy 2 lane highway, it is not the safest thing to stop for a photo… but we just had to have an up to date pic!
There is something captivating about reflections on a smooth mountain lake on a gorgeous autumn morning!
I hope everyone managed to take advantage of moving the clock back last night by getting extra sleep. Sunsets like this will now come an hour earlier!
Have a blessed week!
”Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”.
Hebrews 13:8
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Thank you for the virtual trip to the Highlands Butch and Pam and glad you had a wonderful getaway and birthday celebration! There’s nothing better than guilt-and-calorie-free dessert. 😊 Beautiful scenery and reflections. Hope you enjoy some firepit time, we’re back in the 80s here in NC for the next couple of days. ♥
Thank you, Mary. We will be in the 80’s this week, also. Happy Sunday!
Pam
Beautiful pictures as always with interesting descriptions. Very happy you had such a pretty get away for Pam’s birthday. What a charming place. I am off to look it up. God bless. Happy Sunday.
Thank you, Ruthie. This was our 5th visit to Old Edwards. Charming definitely describes it. Happy Sunday!
Pam
Your trip looked fabulous! And the fire pit glimpse looks very inviting. What a great fall it’s been. Thanks for sharing yours
Thank you, Rita! Fall has been beautiful!
Pam
Wow! Must get to Old Edwards Inn.Food at this time of year is on everyone’s mind. Those pictures are causing me to dream of meals like yours. We had 5 inches of the white stuff this week. I’m not ready. Popcorn trees are like our aspens, invasive. Our aspens had to be removed be Australia they only survive twenty years but there roots go everywhere. Your pictures Butch spoke to me. November is my birthday month and I plan to celebrate all month. Have a very blessed week.
Alice, you would love Old Edwards, it was our 5th visit. Snow has returned to your house, wow! We have 80’s this week. Happy Sunday!
Pam
I am so glad you had a great trip to Old Edwards and enjoyed all the good food and scenery. Such a nice way to celebrate Pam’s birthday!
Your fire pit area looks very inviting.
Have a great week. It will be a busy one!
Thank you, Bonnie. It was a wonderful few days. Yes, a busy week ahead!
Pam
I enjoyed your birthday visit to Highlands. We sold our condo in that area this year. Too much worry and upkeep from not nice renters. We did miss seeing autumn in that area. We are tired of traveling at our age. I agree with Pam. I love Italian food and so does one of my daughters. She was sure we would find Italian blood in our DNA, but no. All Scotch and Irish.😄
Thank you, Nancy. It is much harder to travel as we get older. Our son also loves Italian food! Happy Sunday!
Pam
I love going to Highlands, and we like Madison’s for a meal too. It is only 90 minutes from our western NC home. We usually don’t stay overnight, so we haven’t been to the Italian place, maybe next time. Happy Birthday, Pam! And great photos, Bruce.
Thank you, Carole. You must try the Italian restaurant. Amazing food!
Pam
As ever, what a delight to tour vicariously through your good graces…. the pictures say it all.
The Inn has such an aura of “old world” and comfort….great choice. Although it took toil to
construct, the fire pit setting has such a simple/no nonsense/no fuss/no bother look about it.
I would imagine it will be “copied” by a few of us as a result…Thank you for alerting us that birthday indulgences carry no calories… even birthdays of others… that takes care of this year’s many celebration enjoyments…I’m going for it…A blessed Sabbath to all…
Mary, you would love the inn! I am RM went ahead and completed the fire pit. I think we will use it this week. Wishing you a blessed week!
Pam
We live in Wisconsin but have good friends in Georgia. We have visited Highlands many times. One of our friends has a lovely house there. And we have enjoyed meals at Old Edward’s Inn. Fond memories of a very special place.
Thanks so much. Thanks for sharing your memories. Wishing you a wonderful week!
Pam
Beautiful pics of your birthday getaway and the new fire pit. The Highlands are gorgeous and a wonderful place to enjoy Fall and Fall birthdays! You’ll enjoy the fire pit possibly this week since the temps have changed and it’s getting darker sooner. The food looks delicious. Enjoy your day. Clara❤️
Thanks so much, Clara. Our few days in Highlands were beautiful with perfect weather. Yes, I have to adjust to the time. Wishing you a great week ♥️
Pam
What a gorgeous and relaxing get away for Pam’s birthday. Nice to celebrate in such beautiful surroundings. The reflection you caught on the lake is stunning. Happy Sunday. Have a great start to the new week. xoxo Kris
Thanks so much, Kris. We had a beautiful few days in Highlands. Happy week to you!
Pam
Your getaway sounds just wonderful — such beautiful images and so picturesque. I can’t imagine a nicer way to extend the glorious birthday celebration. I love the inn! And your firepit will get plenty of use — you’re a little more temperate than we are; I think our outdoor fire days are over for a few months!
Thanks so much, Jeanie. We thoroughly enjoyed our getaway, the weather was perfect. Happy week to you!
Pam
Lovely post with beautiful pictures. Glad your trip was so relaxing, and the food delicious. Highlands is indeed a wonderful place. Happy birthday again, Pam. Love to all.
Thanks so much dear friend. It was a lovely trip with great weather. Love to you all!
Pam
What a joy to finally meet in person! It felt like we have always known each other!!
Your fire pit looks like ours, and I am itching to get out there…but it’s 80 degrees at the moment. I ordered a cast iron gizmo called a pie iron to make grill cheese sandwiches in the fire…or even better, Nutella and bananas! We girls checked out the new Grand Bohemian in Greenville, SC. It is spectacular, right on the waterfalls downtown. Put that on your list so we can visit again!! 💕
Roxanne, it was so sweet of you to make the trip up to Highlands for our visit. We must do it again. Nutella and bananas, yum…I would love that! We have stayed in a Grand Bohemian in Savannah, I think. Sounds wonderful!
Pam
Breathtaking photo of the still lake.
Blessings to you both, Jennifer
Thank you, Jennifer!
Blessings, Pam
What wonderful celebration for Pam. Beautiful pictures. Making lots of memories! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Thank you, Cindy! Happy week to you!
Pam
What a lovely get away for Pam’s birthday! And no calorie dessert… can’t get any better then that.
The fire pit looks great!
Happy Sunday!
Thanks so much, Nancy. Happy week to you!
Pam
It looks like you all had a wonderful time celebrating Pam’s birthday! Old Edwards Inn is a perfect place to stay. Wishing you both a blessed week ahead!
It was a great few days in Highlands! Happy Monday!
Pam
Such a beautiful and peaceful spot.
Thanks for sharing.
(Things have been hectic and crazy down here, so the virtual trip took me away!)
I am glad you had a brief respite from the hectic time!
Gorgeous pictures and delicious food. Happy Belated Birthday Pam!
Thank you dear one!
It looks like you had a lovely birthday vacation! There is nothing more beautiful than the mountains in the fall, in my opinion. I’m glad you got to experience that! God bless you all.