State Fair 2015

Nine years, that's how long ago Aaron and I first went to the NC state fair as newlyweds. Hard to believe its been so long! This year with our three in tow it was a very different experience. The most surprising thing was how much Levi enjoyed the fair. In fact, I think he had more fun than anyone! He won prizes, picked up free magnets, got his cotton candy, and sat in a helipcopter....even the crowd couldn't dampen his spirit.....unusual for my little introvert. The grounds were just as beautiful as I remembered and once again the fall weather made for a very enjoyable day at the fair!

Just inside the gate....at this point I think we had already walked 10 miles....ok maybe not 10, but we certainly got in a lot of steps to and from the parking lot. 

Checkout race where Levi won a chip clip....he says he won it for me! Add this to his idea that we need to go on a date and order spaghetti for two and you might start to get an idea of what a sweetheart he is!

Geico had an awesome set up with photo ops, more free stuff, digital pinball ( Aaron made top 10 score) and karaoke.

Taste testing.

 My favorite area of the grounds...the old timey and smoky bear part.

 The wood smoke smelt great and the folk music was perfection.

Fire fighting copter.

More fire fighting stuff.

Tabacco leaves....not sure why these were cool?

Smoky the Bear!

Fire fighting training. Maybe on of the boys will be a forest ranger?!

 The second best part of the fair....the gardens...the folk arts building and animal barns are close runners up.

"Flora Sapiens" roaming the gardens.

Red Riding hood theme

Ferdinand theme

Tea anyone?

He was talking about cotton candy all week....it did not disappoint.

Balloon art

The hat  kinda swallowed Isaiah.

One of his rare moments not spent in the stroller zoned out.....he was at the doctor's office on Wednesday with croup. ;(

Is this a believable background?

First time I'd heard of Libertarians was nine years ago at this very fair....no need to explain their position to us this year, we're with them! 

Somebody say turkey leg?!

Amaznig Autumn

This Fall season has been one of the most beautiful I can remember, both in weather and color! Sadly, all this beauty didn't start until after my family's visit ended....bummer! Last weekend we timed it just right to take in the autumn sights in the western part of the state. We visited an orchard recommended by friends, walked the adorable downtown of Hendersonville, and drove part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The parkway was really, really beautiful! Also fun was the fact that at the higher altitudes the fall leaves were gone, it looked and felt like winter, but as you came down to Hendersonville trees were just peaking.....it was like traveling through time. Next year we want to plan a full week in a cabin so we can roam, sketch, relax, and just soak up the best season of the year!

Stepp Orchard....ranks up there with Vaughn's in Missouri and Reid's in Kentucky

It was so cold when we first arrived, and the picnic tables were under a shade tree, our jackets were barely enough to keep the shivering at bay.

Apple butter, apple cider, apple slushies, apple pie, apple doughnuts, apple crisp, apple fritters....its all good!

Check out this scenery as we walked to orchard #3

Reaching for the high ones.

 A bushel of Arkansas Black

An apple just his size.

Again with the scenery, this is where it beats out Reid's and Vaughn's.

The apple canon was Levi's favorite part, though Rebecca was the better aim.

In Hendersonville we stopped to take pictures of several of the bears decorating the street corners.

Boutiques, Antiques, and Art....reminds me a lot of Boulder, Co. last year.

Rebecca found her favorite store!

Here she comes purchase in hand.....she's got a very nice daddy!

more bears

If they had been open I would have had Aaron get an old fashioned shave....how quaint is this!?

Isaiah wanted his picture with every. single. bear. I'm only sharing a handful. 

For grandma Maryann the cyclist of the family.

My favorite bear of all.

Blue Ridge Parkway overlook near Ashville.

Gold and rust.

25 of the 26 tunnels along the Blue Ridge are in NC.

At one stop off we found trails, a brook, and perfect natural photo spots.

 Once in a while I can get the angle right for a selfie....but only once in a while.

Hot cocoa after a busy day....check out his expression.

This is the new design for Cracker Barrel. The test store is here in NC and its the design they are planning for their western stores. I like the updated look....a little more industrial/vintage.

Some cream paint on the walls really brightens things up a lot!