If It's June, We're In The Carolinas

My cousins from across the U.S. decided to have a family reunion in Ocean Isle, S.C.  On the way down, we took some time to visit George Vanderbilt's amazing estate Biltmore in Ashville.  What an absolutely incredible place.  It is truly awe inspiring.  The building, the grounds, the history. Loved it.  Go down to the winery and sample some of the wines they make on site.  It is well worth it and very enjoyable.  We ended up buying several bottles while we were there.  Bringing home a bit of Biltmore with us you could say.

Next stop Ocean Isle, N.C.  We had a beautiful rental right on the beach.  The water was decently warm.  Temps were in the 90s.  The ocean breeze made it bearable.  It was great to see my family.  Some of us it has been over 40 years since we have seen one another.  Many stories and memories shared and new ones created.  One of the "goobers" in this picture is me.  Any guesses as to which one?  

Last stop, Charlotte, S.C. We love traveling through the South.  If you followed my blog long enough, you know we've been all over Florida, Tennessee, San Antonio, Birmingham, Atlanta, Baton Rouge, Myrtle Beach, and Nags Head.  (Many more destinations down the road!).  Charlotte is beautiful!  We stayed at a small B & B (the Bijou).  We explored The Market (hundreds of vendors).  Ate at Lewis Beef - Soooooooooooo good!!! Did the harbor tour (saw Fort Sumter, some dolphins, and a bunch of Southern Mansions.) Took the bus tour the next day - tons of history (Colonial to the Present).  The last night, we did the dinner walk.  Four different restaurants.  Great food, met some super nice folks, and had a very enjoyable time.  Stopped at my favorite supermarket before we left....Harris Teeter. We don't have them in Pittsburgh and it's a treat when I get to shop in one and get things I can't buy here.

All in all, a wonderful week.  As always, it is great to be back home.  Thanks for checking out my blog.  I am grateful that you do.  Be safe out there!