Last Sunday Dynamo and I left our baby, Charlie Boy, with my parents and headed off on a mini vacation.
This was the first time since Charlie came into our lives that we left him. I was worried sick! He, on the other hand, didn't mind a bit! I cried as we pulled out of the driveway waving and he just kept sniffing and didn't think anything of it! He did try to chase us down the lane for a bit, but as soon as Grandpa called him back he turned around.
We had a bit of a stressful ride down because of all the rain, but we made the best of it and took our time. We got lunch and grabbed some blue raspberry blowpops and snapped the above pic in the car! Our tongues were really blue!!
Our destination was the Robert Ruark Inn in Southport, North Carolina! What a lovely historic home converted to a B&B. We have stayed here in the past and wanted to come back for another visit.
The town is a quiet place with not much going on. And...we like it that way! They have a waterfront park with lots of benches and swings. Most times of the day you can find people out swinging and enjoying the view of the river.
I couldn't wait to get down to the river to swing and hunt for shells and sea glass.
Here we are taking our own picture on the swing...
All of our pics will be like this. That's how it goes when it's just the two of you on vacation. We spent lots of time hunting the riverfront and also enjoyed a day or two on the beach at Oak Island.
This time of the year the beaches aren't too crowded there.
All of the kids are getting ready to go back to school and it's really mostly adults!
Dynamo loves to play in the waves. This makes me very nervous. But, because he hurt his back he didn't go in this year. So, we people watched and relaxed.
We checked out lots of different local restaurants. We love to eat at local establishments that are different.
We had lunch one day at this lovely little bakery/cafe called Baked with Love.
Talk about friendly people and good food!
On each table are different salt and pepper shakers. They are so cute!
And, the cookie ice cream sandwich was so good!
The best part was the bathroom sign...
Oh, and my new favorite is Joseph's Italian Bistro! It was the best ever! The bread was to die for! Cheese on top and a dipping sauce. Oh, and the salad! YUM!!!
The view from the deck was peaceful!
Each day was so lovely and relaxing. It rained most nights and we heard the "tinking" sound in the fireplace of our room! We woke to fresh leaves and a wet bike seat! Two mornings I got up before Dynamo and everyone else in town and headed to the waterfront via bike to look for shells and stuff for about an hour. I found this one cool shell on the beach that looked like a heart. I snapped the pic with my phone! It made me think of Dynamo of course!!
The pace in Southport is much slower and everyone is so friendly! We had to visit our usual places including the Art Shak and Bullfrog Corner. Where else can you find puppets for sale than in Bullfrog Corner?
This year we checked out the maritime museum where Dynamo peered out across the river through a periscope! Yes, from a real submarine!
I, of course, zoned in on the sharks' teeth on the wall!
I have childhood nightmares from jaws. Sharks rank up there with snakes in my book! I don't go in the ocean either!
Dynamo even practiced tying some nautical knots while in the museum.
Southport's residents have quite a sense of humor obviously. Check out these porch ladies that decorate a nearby porch.
And...this cool yard lady...
Our time away was lovely. Too short of course. But, we recommend Southport to anyone who wants a little slower pace without the commercialization.
We stayed in the Virginia Room. Fantastic!
Oak Island reminds me of Nags Head years and years ago.
And, on our way home we stopped in Wilmington for lunch and ice cream at Kilwin's!
We had lunch at the Wayfair. YUMMY!!! Best mac and cheese I've ever had!
I was sad that our trip was over, but we thoroughly enjoyed a little time away together! Hope you're having a happy Tuesday!
