Mountains: My Favorite Things

We recently escaped to the mountains for the weekend.  I realize that I often use that phrase, "escaped" to the mountains, and I considered just now swapping that word out for something less cliché ... however, it's the perfect word for this scenario.  I truly feel that it is an escape.

There's just something about the two-hour drive around the craggy mountains and up the winding roads, that is therapeutic; and what follows is even better.  

Very little planning.  Very little social media.  Very little television.  Very little calorie counting. 

Lots of snuggling.  Lots of exploring.  Lots of cheese.  Lots of conversation. 

Here are some of my favorite things:

The Ol' Greasy Spoon

Not the name of the restaurant, but just what Ian calls it.  Our favorite little diner that has no-frills coffee, flaky biscuits, and the best mushroom and Swiss omelet this side of the Mason-Dixon.



Downtown Boone
The sweetest, hippie college town.  We always make a trip to the Mast General Store and some of the ski shops.  On this trip, we bought our 2013 Farmer's Almanac and an $8 deviled egg platter from an antique store.
  

Visits With Our Horse Friends

There are horses in Valle Crucis that we almost always stop off to see.  We can't drive by without giving them some lovin'.

Pure Relaxation

There is nothing sweeter than being in a warm hot tub with snow swirling around you.   

And some classy beverages (HA).

And the frozen, icy spikes of Ian's hair.  It was crazy how fast his hair froze.
  

Comfort Food
A lunch of grilled cheese sandwiches (sourdough and Havarti) with tomato soup.  Simple and tasty.
 

Prepping For The Zombie Apocalypse
Ian loves getting in some target practice up where it's safe to do so.
   

Seeing Drake In His Element
He can't get enough of the chilly air and the snow.  It is so heartwarming.
 

A Wood Burning Fireplace

We love the ease of our gas fireplace at home, but this one is the real deal.

Bunding Up For Dinner
Minus the feet.  Who wears stilettos in snow?!  Me.
   

A Post-Dinner Nightcap
Snuggled back at home, we love to have one more drink together before calling it a night.  Preferably to some great tunes on the stereo.
  

It's easy to fall in love with this place.  Everything about it is just perfect.  The perfect escape.