Category: travels

rosé all day

Published on by kristenfyock2 Comments

Okay, so, maybe not all day, but it was the varietal of the day for my sister’s bachelorette winery tour. I’m so glad that rosé is becoming somewhat en vogue, as I’ve been a fan ever since traveling in the south of France for my honeymoon. We had three stops lined up for the day, and agreed to try the rosé at each. While the wine at the first, King Family Vineyards, was my favorite (a dry rosé, named after the small town of Crozet in which the winery is located), the atmosphere at our third and final stop was unparalleled. Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards is nestled just outside of Charlottesville and offers pristine views coupled with rustic elegance. A joint effort of husband and wife team, Lynn Easton and Dean Andrews, Pippin Hill combines their wealth of professional experience in luxury properties and bespoke events. It’s no wonder that Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux were rumored to have been married here! As I imagine is the case most Saturdays, they were busy setting up for a wedding later that evening. Though I don’t have any weddings to plan anytime soon, I would love to come back here for a special occasion, like an anniversary dinner, to try their “vineyard to table” cuisine. While it was the perfect way to celebrate my sister’s final days as a single lady, I was surprised to see many young families with toddlers in tow at King Family and and Veritas Vineyards. It actually makes perfect sense as there are big grassy knolls to upon which to spread out a blanket where adults can catch up with friends over their vintage of choice, and the little ones can run and play. I can’t wait to pack a picnic, round up a few friends, and head back to Virginia wine country. I’d love to hear any recommendations of other Virginia vineyards or wineries that are worth trying. I know Virginia isn’t especially known for great wine, but it still makes for a nice day-trip and the scenery can be simply stunning. Salut!

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Village of Pinehurst

Published on by kristenfyock1 Comment

Tad and I spent last week visiting my parents in Pinehurst while Ted was out of town at a conference for work. I always enjoy going back home to North Carolina, and it was Tad’s first big trip. We mostly relaxed and stayed inside since it was cold and windy most of the week, but took advantage of a sunny day to go stroll around the village. There are always new shops and restaurants each time I go back. This time, my favorite new stop was the old post office, which has been converted into a library and coffee shop, The Roast Office. How clever! I couldn’t help but stop to try a local roast, and have my picture taken in front of their “you are brew-ti-ful” sign. Another favorite shop is The Gentleman’s Corner, which stocks Barbour, Vineyard Vines, and other Southern staple brands for men.

Avid golfer’s find no shortage of fun to be had in Pinehurst, but since I’m not too handy with a golf club, I’ve spent more time strolling the village streets than practicing my swing while in town. There are cooking classes, wine shops, boutiques, spas and more to enjoy if golf isn’t your thing. Though I stay with my parents when I visit, the Carolina Hotel would make for a lovely weekend escape, and if you’re not from the South, make sure to try some local barbecue and sweet tea while you’re in town!

Side note for new moms – our Nuna Mixx stroller handled well on the cobblestone terrain, and was light enough to lift up and down the few steps we encountered!


  
  
  

Babymoon

Published on by kristenfyockLeave a comment

I have been so excited to get away and spend a few days basking in the sun and sand. Unfortunately, we learned that we shouldn’t call a beach vacation any sort of “moon” since that seems to invite the rain. We headed down to Jekyll Island for a mini honeymoon for a few days immediately following our wedding since we had decided to take a longer trip to Paris and the French Riviera later that year. It rained the whole time! The same thing happened this past weekend when we jetted down to Naples, Florida for a babymoon, a final vacation without a baby in tow.

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As soon as we landed, we scurried down to the beach to try to catch a few minutes on the sand in between rain showers, but quickly had to seek shelter at the beach cabana. We spent the afternoon darting outside between rain showers, and eventually admitted defeat before seeking out a dinner spot in the historic downtown area.

The weather our second day wasn’t much better, but we had plans to visit dear friends at their nearby home that afternoon and evening. It was wonderful catching up with old friends and sharing a delicious meal. We even snuck in a sunset stroll as the weather cleared just in time for sunset.

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Our final full day, we had to admit defeat when faced with a forecast that showed nothing but thundershowers all day long. I spent hours finding a resort that boasted comfy cushioned beach and pool loungers, but also made sure they had a spa with prenatal friendly treatments, so that’s where we sought refuge from the storm. We treated ourselves to massages, I splurged on a facial as well, and enjoyed access to the spa facilities for most of the afternoon. I had also made dinner reservations at BALEEN, one of the few restaurants where you can actually enjoy a sunset dinner on the beach. Again, the rain foiled our plans, but we still enjoyed a lovely meal from the covered patio instead.

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