Rough Ridge

If you want to go on a super cool hike in the NC mountains, you need to go to Rough Ridge. Brian found this trail, and it was one of my favorite hikes ever. The trail itself is interesting- you're basically climbing a narrow rock path up the side of the mountain. It was challenging for the kids, but they could handle it and it wasn't too easy for the adults. It was a little crowded on the trail, but we were there on July 4th so that is to be expected. But when you get to the top, it is absolutely worth it any effort and crowds because the view is absolutely stunning! 

Yes, this was scary to get on!

A neat view of the Linn Cove Viaduct...

A Bojangles picnic lunch at ASU...

And headed home tired and thankful for the beautiful country we live in. An awesome hike and appropriate way to celebrate Independence Day!

And Some Things Never Change

While I was so impressed with the updates made to downtown Hickory, I was equally impressed with the lack of updates made to Kool Park Pool. That place has literally not changed since 1935. And it's really quite shocking and awesome at the same time.

This sign really says it all...

 

These Raleigh kids really didn't know what to think about this place...

The only appropriate meal for Kool Park would be a Shell's BBQ sandwich and cherry vanilla Sundrop slush...omg I am immediately transported back!

 

No chance they didn't love it...

Let the fun begin!

I love this picture of my high-flying girl...

A pool you will never forget and one that you will always want to come back to visit! Oh, Kool Park, you can bet we will be back next summer.

Then back to Mimi's house for some puppy time...meet her newest pup, Parker!

And to finish things off, some of Baba's Strawberry Delight. Perfect way to end a summer day.

Hickory Revitalized

We were excited for our annual summer trip to Hickory! Tweetsie was closed this time around, but we still had plenty of fun plans ahead for the next few days with the grandparents. 

Poppy and Nana kicked things off with a neat tour of revitalized downtown Hickory. I was so proud of my hometown! They built a downtown park, they painted cool murals on the buildings, they created outdoor dining spaces, and built a city walk through downtown. It not only looked great, but it made you want to hang out there. Loved seeing Hickory revitalized!