outer banks adventures.

I'm just going to go ahead and apologize for the picture overload in this post - there were so many good ones, I couldn't choose!

This weekend the hubs and I made our first trip out to the Outer Banks with four of our friends to celebrate Catherine's upcoming birthday. It was a relaxing + fun few days to reminisce about summer and spend a last moment soaking up the sun. We had beautiful weather of nearly 70 degrees both days, so we took full advantage and spent the majority of time outside! It was a great weekend of yummy seafood, beach walking, our first paddleboarding experience, exploring the gorgeous landscapes, and best of all done with great company. There was so much to see, and I can't wait to go back and explore some more!

 I went running on Saturday morning, and it was bizarre to be the only footsteps on the beach!

 

 Paddleboarding was a blast. The views were out.of.control. I want my own board now!

 

 Saturday afternoon we took the ferry to Ocracoke Island and rented bikes to explore the island and watch the sunset. I loved the old lighthouse!

Chad and Catherine, Will and Katelyn

 This is also the location of my favorite picture from the weekend - you can guess why.

 The sunset was beautiful, even hidden behind a few clouds.

Sunday was started off at a cute little local coffee shop called Uglie Mugs. It was full of beachy charm, and the food and drinks were delicious.

The rest of the day was spent with more paddleboarding, a yummy lunch, and the long drive home. On the way back Austin and I stopped off quickly at Bodie Island lighthouse. Why are lighthouses so cool?! I love them! I think being the keeper of the lighthouse would have been the coolest job - I wish they still existed, cause it would be me living in that little house for sure.

 

 So thankful for this mini-vacation we got to take as a breather before the busy holiday season begins, and for the wonderful people we got to share it with!

a weekend in Chucktown

This Labor Day I headed down to beautiful historic Charleston for the first time! It was a girls weekend away to celebrate my dear friend Leah's upcoming marriage in October. We spent three days laying on the beach, eating delicious food, and walking around the city.

Our lodging for the weekend was a beautiful house on Folly Beach, only a short walk from the ocean, where we spent a large part of Saturday relaxing and soaking up the sun!

Saturday night was our big night out in downtown Charleston, so all the ladies dressed up in black dresses while the bride wore white!

 

 

Sunday was a relaxing day exploring the historic parts of Charleston. We spent a long time walking through the historic Charleston City Market, which was rows upon rows of local vendors selling their various goods. I think I was too overwhelmed to think about taking pictures of the inside, but it was fun to walk along and see the creativity people have as well as some of the local fare.

One of the things I was most looking forward to seeing was really the only thing I knew about Charleston before I went - Rainbow Row! It was just as beautiful as I'd imagined.

We spent a few hours walking around the waterfront, the Battery, and through some old neighborhoods full of charm. I was amazed by all the beautiful old houses and fun nooks and crannies to explore. Seriously, gorgeous!

 

 

I am incredibly blessed to have met these girls when I moved to North Carolina and they have become some of my dearest friends. Close friendships that last are rare and beautiful. Savannah has always been my favorite city in the South..I was somewhat skeptical that Charleston could even compare, but it is a beautiful place full of history. I can't wait to go back!