Road Trip – Sanford, NC

Thursday – despite predicated bad weather, my sister Donna and I packed our bags and departed for Sanford. After an easy two-hour trip, we pulled into the parking lot of our rent-a-home for two days. Our suite was squeaky, clean, and pleasing to the eye.

We settled into our room and made plans for dinner. After researching the area restaurants, we settled on the Bay Breeze Seafood. It was a nice restaurant with the typical beach theme. The price was not bad for what I had and the area we were in. Needless to say, this place did not disappoint in food quality.

The next morning, we took advantage of the motel’s continental breakfast and made plans for the day. After breakfast, our first destination was the Ole Gillium Mill Bridge and park. After about a ten minute ride, we arrived at the bridge.

Even though this is a reproduction of the original bridge, it is still pretty awesome.

Across the road from the bridge is the park, which is privately owned but opened to the public most days. Here’s what we saw at this unique mill park.

After leaving the park, we decided to go back to the motel for a brief rest and swim

For lunch, we chose the Rufus Restaurant in Goldston just a short ride away. The restaurant was very small and looked like an old store from the 59’s. It was so small inside that you could barely turn around. There was even with the size  a steady stream of people in and out. Needless to say the food proved to be wonderful. Leaving the restaurant we ventured downtown to the visitor’s center. After collecting brochures we decided to follower the mural trail. Even though we did not find them all the ones we did find did not disappoint.

I also shot the depot and house.

We ventured back to our motel after our day of adventure. Today, we depart to visit our sister in a town about an hour away before heading back home.

Thanks for following me on my road trip. Yall come back now here!

Day Trip – New Bern

On this day, my sister and I decided to travel to New Bern for breakfast. After a short trip, we arrived at Crema Brew Coffee Shop. We ordered lattes and muffins to go. We decided that instead of eating in the crowded coffee shop, we would hop over to the water front to enjoy our meal.

We found the perfect spot at a bench looking out over the waterfront. The perfect breakfast  of chocolate chip capuchin muffin and a dark chocolate latte while taking in the cool breeze  and basking in the gorgeous landscape around us. The perfect beginning to my day.

On the way back, we made an unscheduled stop at Cedar Grove Cemetery. While some may find cemeteries gross or scary, I find them adventurous and full of history. Here are a few pics.

Thanks for taking this journey with me. Plan your own day trip and take the time to enjoy interesting places.

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Daytripping at Volis Simpson Whirligig Park

I believe I wrote about this park before but today my sister went there because she had not been there before. No matter how many times I go back to this park, it is always captivating.

We walked around the park and sat on one of the benchs in the mid-day breeze. It is not until you sit motionless that you really realize the uniqueness of each individual moving part. Even within one sculpture there are parts moving both clockwise and counterclockwise.

We then walked across the street to the Whirligig Museum that contains parts that were formerly a part of the park along with souvenirs bearing pictures of the park.

Adjacent to the museum was a photography museum that contained not only photographs but quite a few large format cameras and a display of camers through the aged.

Our outing was topped off with a sweet from our favorite doughnut shop. A great way to spend a Saturday.

Get out and explore your neighboring cities. You might be surprised at the unique things you will find.

Learn about the story of the artist here: https://www.arts.gov/stories/video/vollis-simpson-making-something-out-nothing

Here’s a short video to give you a glimpse of this park:

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Alphabet Challenge- D

Day-Tripping

My sister and I both love to just take off and randomly pick a destination to explore. While keeping it to a day’s ride, we don’t plan we just go. It’s not just the adventure of going somewhere new, it’s the freedom to be able to do it that is important.

On the day trips we explore new locations and sometimes new restaurants. Sometimes we shop, and sometimes we just stand in awe of what God has created.

On today’s day trip we set out to Fort Fisher, in particular the Aquarium. We arrive at the Aquarium only to be met with a sign “Reservations Required”. Who has ever made a reservation to any of the Aquariums – which is managed by your tax dollars? Since the parking lot was full we decided to do something else. Enroute to the Aquarium we had passed a beautiful location on the beach. We got out and took some shots of the beach and then went across the road to the actual fort. Despite the cloudy day I managed to get these shots.

Fort Fisher

Live life in the moment. Some things have to be planned but every now and then you just need to have an adventure!

Thank you for going on this journey with me. Please like and share.

Continuation of my Atlantic City Adventure

While on the boardwalk we ate at a great restaurant called Rainforest Cafe. The decor fit the name and included a few animated furry friends. The great thing about the restaurants we visited was the large amount of food that was served. All the food in AC is expensive. Since there was always plenty of food served we made a habit of telling our server we wanted to share the meal. Sharing is a great way to get the meals you want and share the cost.

While playing the slots was fun it was the people there that was the real entertainment. As an artist I learned early on observation is everything! There were people of all ages, races, and origins and lots of them. I don’t think I have ever observed so many people in one building.

It was a great time and a welcomed change. If you want take your own Atlantic City adventure contact Bob Kelly Tours or your local travel agent.

Life is too short to watch it go by. Be a part of it and plan an affordable adventure. You don’t have to spend a lot to have a great time. Just being with family can be an adventure.

Have a great day and don’t forget to put God first in your life!