We prayed for God to send a good couple into our lives. One Sunday, we went to church and saw an advertisement in the bulletin looking for "Young Married Couples." I contacted Ashlee and we set up the weirdest blind couple-date at Ozone Pizza (love that place!) with she and her husband, Jesse. The four of us hit it off and chatted for what seemed like hours.
We started meeting for a social event monthly. A few months later, they introduced us to their friends Jonathan, Amber, and sweet baby Carter (who was just starting to take his first steps). We had another couple join, Rob and Liza. They ended up moving away. Then our group was completed (for now?) by Rob, Rebecca, and their boys.
What started out as social events, turned into monthly socials and bible studies. I absolutely LOVE our group and have felt so much growth spiritually, personally, in our marriage, and in our friendships. None of us are perfect and we know it. It is great "doing life" with people who share your faith.
The next step for our group was travel. In January, we hit up Ashlee's dad's camp at Bunker. It was essentially "glamping" and we had a great time around the fire, on the boat, cooking meals together, etc. 9 adults, 2 teens, 2 toddlers, 5 little dogs. It was busy!
Jonathan and Amber had just been to Helen, GA and suggested we plan our next trip there. They found us a great cabin. The cabin was gorgeous inside and out. There was a huge fire pit out on the back deck built out over the Chattahooche River.
It was really nice by vacation home settings. We loved the well-stocked kitchen and the sunroom. Everyone had plenty of space and I never felt cramped, even with 8 people in 1 house.
There were only 2 disadvantages to the cabin. 1) It was located pretty far from town (up some seriously windy mountain roads) and 2) It was difficult to find. God bless our sweet friends who went up the night before and navigated through ice, snow, and non-GPSed roads. After risking their lives in the driveway, they finally arrived at the cabin at 5am!!! We had it easy the next morning.
We would have been perfectly happy just hanging at the cabin watching the olympics, building fires, cooking, and playing games. But, we did venture "to town."
The closest town was north in Hiawassee. We went to the cutest boutique there:It was called The Loft, but it was not Ann Taylor Loft. Clothes, shoes, and accessories were cute and they had a really good sale going on. I came out empty handed, but it took a lot of will power.
In Helen, I think my favorite adventure was the Habersham Winery. I guess we missed the self guided tour, but we had plenty of fun at the FREE tasting. After our tasting, which had a large variety, we bought a couple of bottles and drank them on the porch. We had so much fun drinking, talking, laughing, and even breaking glassware.
I also really loved the Nora Mill Granary. It was nothing fancy and we were only there for a minute, but it was right up my alley. I love local products and knowing exactly where your food comes from. Also, no additives or preservatives! We came out with spoon bread mix (which came with a cute speckled tin spoon), fish fry, grits, more grits (for Andrew's boss and his wife who can't get grits in NJ), and french bread mix. The dam out back was also beautiful!
One morning, we hiked to Anna Ruby Falls. It was perfect. The hike to the falls was only .5 mile. Then there were options to take it further. Poor Andrew was not feeling well, and we didn't go too far. It felt good to hike and I wish we had more opportunities to do it around here. I think there is probably a lot more opportunity that I realize. I just need to do the research.
Perhaps the best part of the trip was when my baby sister made the 2.5 hr. trip to stay the night. Now that she's away, I cherish every second I get with her.
We did a little bit of walking around town. You could spend hours, maybe days, going in and out of all of the little shops. My favorite was the Pickled Peach. It was full of cute southern gifts, wall art, and all things SEC football. I could have spent my paycheck in there. Super cute and super southern!
We had Valentine's Dinner at Mully's Nacoochee Grill. It was fun to dress up and go out with the group. Dinner was OK. They were under new ownership and I think still working out the kinks. Also, because of the snow and ice, they didn't get their food truck in until very late in the day. My shrimp and grits were yummy, I didn't hear anyone else too excited about their meal.
The next night, we went to The Troll Tavern. It was cute. I had a cheeseburger on pretzel bread that was delicious! But I don't know how fair my judgement can be. We had just come from the winery and I was feeling good.
The next day, Amber and I went to Hofers for lunch. It is a german restaurant with a fabulous bakery. We had sandwiches. Mine was simple turkey, mayo, and pickles. But, it was served on fresh bread that made it extra delicious. I also had a cup of Spatzle (German chicken noodle soup) and it was really good. We got some pastries from the bakery to take home and they did not disappoint.
Our last night, we went to Paul's on the River. The view was great. However, they wouldn't let us put two tables together. It was weird, but ended up fine, as I was happy to sit and give all of my attention to my sissy. I had fried shrimp and Brit had crab cakes. I don't know that I'd go back. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't extraordinary, and it was expensive.
Side note, if we ever venture back that way... I'd like to check out a few other wineries in the area and take a day trip to nearby Blue Ridge to check out Mercier Orchards. The restaurants Harvest on Main and Joe's BBQ both looked worth checking out. And shopping at a place called Fezziwigs...
Overall, it was a fabulous trip! Andrew and I both needed a getaway and we had a wonderful time with our Christian Drinkin' Buddies. I can't wait for our next adventure.
