Wine Tasting & Hiking in North Carolina

I took an extra long weekend for Labor Day and rode up to the mountains with my cousin to visit some of our friends. There are two places of note I did make a point to photograph that I wanted to write about. Sadly, we visited an adorable little bookstore that I neglected to record, but I’ll at least link to their website for future reference.

Silver Fork Winery

A few of us were dumped at Silver Fork Winery for a few hours Saturday afternoon where we heartily imbibed in chilled wine while listening to a live band, shamelessly people-watched, and partook in cheery conversation. We each had our own glass in the first round, but then bought bottles of the Chardonnay Reserve and Rosé to share. We all loved the Chardonnay Reserve, but agreed that the Rosé tasted slightly watered down. But it was a cute little spot and I would 100% go there again. As I am a sucker for a vineyard with a striking view. And what is more striking than mountaintops, I ask.

Hawksbill Mountain

Sunday evening, we went on a sunset hike up Hawksbill Mountain. I can honestly say that was my first real hike. We hiked a couple of smaller, less strenuous trails earlier in the day, but Hawksbill was by far the most intense. We had to stop a handful of times to catch our breath, but when we made it to the top of the mountain it was definitely worth the effort, as evidenced by my pictures. A can of beer never tasted so good! But, also, the Sycamore Pumpkin Blond Ale, or whatever its proper name is, was just a really good beer, coming from an oenophile. I would drink it again, even off-mountain. Also, I am really proud of myself for being a little adventure-seeker this summer. This was an amazing experience for a standoffish, introverted homebody. She is pleased. ☺️

P.S. — The Bookstore

After lunch on Saturday, we walked across the street to Adventure Bound Books. I’m so sad I didn’t even think about getting a picture of the storefront, which I normally like to make a point of when I visit a new bookstore. I guess I’ll just have to stop by there again! I can, however, share a picture of my loot. Observe.

This is, of course, less than what I’d accumulated in my arms while browsing their inventory. Some tough decisions were made, but I was happy with my final purchase. There is one book I almost bought that I put back on the shelf and now I wish I’d just gotten it anyway. Although, I am really pushing it with available real estate on my bookshelves right now, which is none at the moment. Even my Stephen King had to go on top of a row books rather than IN the row of books. But more on that later.

Thank you to our hosts for a lovely weekend!

xLMB