Happy Monday!
I hope you all had a fantastic weekend and Father’s Day! We finally had a nice break from the heat and were blessed with beautiful weather. My weekend was fun and very eventful. Since I had so much going on, I decided to break it up into two posts! You’d be reading here all day if I didn’t.
On Thursday afternoon, Becca and I headed up to Asheville, NC. She had tickets to go see one of her favorite bands play and I came along as backup. The band wasn’t playing until later, so we decided to head up mid-day to have lunch and walk around the downtown area for a bit. I’m excited to share all of my photos from the day!
I packed my extra clothes for the concert, my CVS snacks and two bottles of sunscreen because it was hot!
I dropped Grumples off with my parents after my morning workout because we weren’t going to get home until late. They love having him around. We finally took off at noon! It’s about a two-hour drive to Asheville from Charlotte.
*I was not driving in that second photo.We decided to have lunch at The Green Sage Cafe. We went to the Broadway Street location and it was super cute. Their menu was endless and it made it much harder for me to decide what to get. I’d love for Charlotte to get a Green Sage Cafe!
They had soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, rice bowls, coffee drinks, juices, smoothies, pastries, gluten free options, vegan options, and seasonal specials. They also have breakfast ALL DAY.I ordered a cappuccino with skim milk. Their coffee drinks were so good!
I also ordered the goddess green juice. It had kale, celery, cucumbers, apples, spinach, lemon juice and ginger. I LOVED this juice and it was strong with ginger. I am huge fan of the ginger flavor and love when they don’t go light on it.
I ordered the garden quiche with a side salad. The quiche was made with seasonal vegetables and a sweet potato crush. The salad had tomatoes, carrots, baby greens with a side of balsamic vinaigrette. The quiche was really good and loved how fresh everything tasted. It was also very light and fluffy.Becca ordered the Tempeh Avocado sandwich on vegan bread. It looked so good! It had tamari grilled tempeh, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and chimimayo. It also came with their house-made sweet potato chips. Those chips were deadly! I wanted to order some to-go.We had a few hours to spare before the concert and so we decided to walk around.
I love that Asheville is filled with art and music.We spent at least two hours taking photos around the downtown area. I filled my camera’s memory card with 400+ photos from the afternoon.
There are so many places I want to eat when I go back! A lot of the restaurants looked like they belonged in Europe. I love that feel. Asheville has cute shops too! We shopped the little gift stores and art galleries.
After hours of exploring, we headed back to change for the concert.
“Tree hugger’s get half off wine.” – sidewalk sign.We decided to split appetizers at Lexington Ave Brewery.This place was great! We sat by the open window and watched excitement outside. We talked to several of them as well. I think Asheville is one of the friendliest places I’ve ever been.My drink had moonshine, club soda, fresh lemon and blackberries (I didn’t like it one bit), but luckily Becca did and she took over 🙂 I decided to stick to water.Delicious truffled pommes frites! They are thinly sliced Idaho potato french fries with truffle salt, fresh herbs and served with spicy ketchup, herbed aioli, and a featured sauce. Looks like I’m going to have to make these at home!Another amazing appetizer we split was the four-way hummus plate! It had four flavors of hummus: roasted garlic, spinach, sriracha and roasted beet. It was served with flatbread and veggies. The hummus was probably one of the best I’ve ever had!We sat out by the window chatting and enjoying our day! Sometimes day trips are just what you need.Almost concert time!
Normal isn’t in our vocab.The concert was at New Mountain.This was her second Emancipators concert. I had never heard of them before, but it’s never fun going to a concert alone. I love all kinds of adventures!The show started at 9 pm and didn’t get over until 11.The venue was pretty cool. There were about 800 people there, but we stayed towards the back so we could watch the show. There were so many people up by the stage dancing and getting all sorts of crazy. They really looked like they were enjoying life.We stopped at the gas station for snacks before heading home. We already ate through our CVS snacks at the concert! We grabbed pistachios, fruit chews and apple chips. To keep this grandma awake on the ride home, I jammed out to Frank Sinatra, Sweeney Todd the Musical and Ray Charles.
We finally made it back home at 1:30 am. I crawled into bed and fell asleep like a baby!
Questions for you!
- Where was the last place you went for a day trip?
- Favorite road trip snack from the gas station?
- What is one go-to road trip song that you love to listen to?
Linda @ The Fitty says
Did your boyfriend take all these photos of yourself in them? Ashville looks like a very homey town.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Linda!
Asheville is wonderful. I went on the trip with Becca and so she took all of the photos! 🙂
xo
Vanessa says
The pictures look great and you are right, some of them really remind me of places in Europe!
Where was the last place you went for a day trip?
I went to the Dutch coast to visit a friend a week ago.
Favorite road trip snack from the gas station?
I don’t think I ever bought snacks at gas stations. My mom taught me well to bring food from home because gas stations are ridiculously overpriced here.
What is one go-to road trip song that you love to listen to?
It definitely is “Autobahn” by the band Ohrbooten. German song and German band, but the meaning basically is that life is is like a highway and you just have to get moving to end up at amazing places. Really chill beat as well 🙂
Also here’s another thing I feel like sharing with you. After about 6 weeks ago I had my first date with a guy I met at a concert (and I guess I wrote about that in a comment as well), things now look like they get more serious between us and I am super in love. Spreading happiness all around right now <3
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Vanessa.
Thank you 🙂 & I loved the european look!
Dutch coast? That sounds amazing.
You’re right about gas stations being pretty overpriced. We probably should have have eaten through our stash so fast hehe
That song sounds perfect for a road trip and I’ll have to take a listen!
That is the cutest thing I’ve heard and I’m so happy you shared that with me! I love that you are super in love and I hope you continue to stay happy and live each moment to the fullest!! xo xo
Ashton Jury says
Looks like you had a lot of fun in Asheville! All of the food looks delicious! I really want to try that hummus plate and those truffle fries! I am obsessed with hummus, so the beet and spinach hummus sounds amazing! Can’t wait to read your next recap, and I’m glad you got a break from the heat! Though I think you sent it our way because it was 102 here in California! I thought I was gonna die walking around outside yesterday for Father’s Day! xoxo
Taralynn McNitt says
It was such a great little day trip!
That hummus plate and those little pommes frittes have been on my mind! If you LOVE hummus, you would have LOVED LOVED LOVED that plate. I’ve never had better hummus. The break from the heat was so great. I actually ran everyday this weekend without having to plan around the heat. I heard cali and az was getting creamed with heat! Someone told me that Cali was chilly and it looks like we sent the heat your way for sure! We actually had a chilly night in Asheville and I ended up wearing a cardigan. I loved it. Hope you had a great weekend and fathers day!!
Heather @ Polyglot Jot says
That’s fun! I love going to Baltimore, Washington DC, or Cape May for day trips. Favorite road trip snack is probably dried fruit and nuts mixed. AND coconut water!
I love that you listened to Sweeney Todd–i love listening to Broadway tunes! haha
Taralynn McNitt says
Biltmore is so much fun. I need to get back there!
Washington D.C. would be a great day trip place if I lived closer. I never get sick of it!
Sweeney Todd is my jam. Poor Becca had to be tortured during my musical entertainment! ANyting to stay awake and alert though!:D
Bethany says
Where was the last place you went for a day trip?
– So funny… I went to Triple Falls (Dupont State Forest) this weekend hiking with my friends, just south of Asheville! It was a GORGEOUS hike, FILLED with waterfalls.. you have to go!! We stopped at this adorable little restaurant in Saluda, NC on the way home.. fresh and local, and had a little garden filled with wildflowers.. it was called Wildflour Bakery and Cafe! I love supporting local businesses and it was so picturesque that I couldn’t stop taking photos! Only 2 hours from Charlotte and SO worth it
Favorite road trip snack from the gas station?
– I always end up just getting mixed nuts and a banana 🙂
What is one go-to road trip song that you love to listen to?
– Hands down… Nelly radio on Pandora!! It plays all the classics and me and a girlfriend of mine are obsessed! Such a good station to sing along to and act crazy dancing in the car! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
I’ve heard all about Dupont State Forest and it’s on my list of things to do! I’m also writing down Wildflower Bakery & Cafe! That sounds like my kind of spot. I also get obsessed with taking photos (obviously) lol.
Bananas are my fave.
Nelly radio is on my pandora too!! So funny.
Tara says
I’m on a day trip today visiting my cousin! We are shopping, eating, and swimming! All that street art is beautiful! I would easily take 400 pics of that! Glad you had fun!
Taralynn McNitt says
That sounds like the best! I hope you have an amazing day trip with your cousin!
& Thank you! I had a blast.
Rachel says
Where was the last place you went for a day trip?
I went to Santa Barbara! I live in Los Angeles, but I’m from the east coast and Santa Barbara has a very east coast vibe to it. So it’s great to go there to get away from the city.
Favorite road trip snack from the gas station?
I end up getting snacks that aren’t very good for me… like candy. So I try to pack before I go so I can have healthier options.
What is one go-to road trip song that you love to listen to?
“Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us” by Starship is so fun to blast and sing loudly to. Also, Beyonce’s new album is great for that.
Question for you: Where is your red/floral shirt from? It is adorable and you look amazing in it!
Taralynn McNitt says
I still have yet to ever visit California! I love hearing all about it. It’s on the list.
Candy is hard to say no to. Smart you plan ahead!!
That red floral shirt was like $6.00 from Wet Seal! I got it a while ago 🙂 & thank you!!!
Erin S says
Last day trip I took was to the Grand Canyon, because I love it and my boyfriend had never been and lived in Arizona his whole life. How sad right? 🙂 we also made it a coffee shop trip where we stopped at different places on the way there and back!
Favorite gas station snack right now are Clif bars, I know not the healthiest but always such a treat! Chocolate chip or white macadamia nut.
Our favorites for road trip jams are blink 182 or the pitch perfect 2 soundtrack ☺️
Taralynn McNitt says
I haven’t been to the grand canyon either! I know I need to. I love that you guys stopped at coffee shops. I do that too 😀
I love Clif bars! I’m obsessed with the white macadamia nut.
BLINK182 always.
Jorden says
Great post!! My last day trip was to Detroit!! One pride! My boyfriend and I spent the day in Greektown, didn’t a little gambling and ate some delicious food!! My favorite go to road trip snack is a bag of Gardettos! I know they are terrible for you but it’s a perfect blend of salty carbs! Ha! Im a sucker for the rye chips!! As for music, nothing beats old school Britney, Nsync, etc! Throwbacks are the key to a successful road trip!!
Ps – I just love Becca’s style!! Looks like you have so much fun together!
Taralynn McNitt says
She really has the best style! She’s always helping me 🙂
I love DETROIT! DEFEND THE DEN! 😀
I always eat at Fishbones when I’m in Greek town or the bakery there! Throwbacks are always my go-to for road trips! We did listen to NSYNC and BSpears!
Brooklyn says
All of the food from this trip looks good, but those truffle pommes frites look incredible!
I love day trips! IT is so great being able to just get away for a few hours and explore something new. I miss having a car and being able to do so. I think I’ll have to start renting cars for the day!
http://www.justbeingbrooklyn.com
Taralynn McNitt says
They were soooooooo soooo good! I want to try something like that with sweet potato fries!
It really is great to getaway for a day and then go back to your own bed <3 You better start doing it! xo
Jessie @ The Acquired Sass says
1. Oh geeze. I can’t even remember the last day trip I took that wasn’t for a hike. I would love to plan something like this, but the BF & I rarely have the same days off, so it takes a lot of planning.
2. I love super fake jerky flavors, like spicy nacho cheese! And usually I get an Icee if they have them + salt & vinegar potato chips. I love that gas stations offer healthier options now, BUT, I choose not to take advantage. I can eat healthy the rest of the time.
3. Semi – Charmed Life by Third Eye Blind is a good one to belt out & if everyone doesn’t know the words they should be ashamed. Also Cest la Vie by B’witched. Other than that, I’ll listen to just about whatever. But country & alt rock // pop punk are my go-to genres. That, & anything in Spanish!
Taralynn McNitt says
Your hikes are always so inspiring. I need to go on one soon. I also love hearing all about your trips!
I love the teriyaki jerky! Or the slimjims. I used to eat those by the can as a kid!
Great music choice…Kyle and I turned on the spanish radio and ended up cooking Mexican food for dinner.
Jordan says
Wow! Your trip looks awesome 🙂 The last day trip I took was to the beach. I love the beach so much I love getting pre-packaged fruit and nuts for road trips and any cheesy 90’s songs are great…anything you can sing along to!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Jordan! 😀 Such a fun little getaway.
Day trips to the beach are the best and that’s on my agenda for this weekend! We will also be packing our own beach snacks!! Singalong songs are the way to go!
LISA says
Pittsburgh this weekend to visit my BIl/SIL and adorable niece and Nephew. We live in Detroit. We went for 24 hours. Snacks I don’t have one kind I prefer on road trips. Music, any kind usually a greatest hits album of some sort
Taralynn McNitt says
I bet that was so much fun! (GO LIONS) I hear so many great things about Pittsburgh. Great hits are always a great go-to!
Lindsey says
Where did you get your black and white striped dress?
Taralynn McNitt says
Express!
Evan says
I saw you in Asheville! I was too drunk at the concert to come say hi. It would have been an embarrassment. What did you think of the band?
Jill says
The Green Sage is my favorite restaurant and I’m so glad you had the chance to experience it. I went to school in Asheville and I miss it so much. They have great seasonal pastries in the fall. You must go back if you are a pumpkin lover.
Taralynn McNitt says
It was so good and I DEFINITELY LOVE PUMPKIN! I’ll have to go back for sure. I can do a fun fall hike followed by some pumpkin pastries!
Mel says
Are you still watching the Bachelorette?
Taralynn McNitt says
I watch glimpse of it when I’m at the gym, but it’s so bad this season. I LOVE JOJO, but I don’t think she’s a great bachelorette.
LO says
I love seeing pictures of you and Becca. It makes me want a best friend like that.
Pamela says
How old are you? You look so young but so mature.
Lauren says
It looks like you both had as much fun exploring the town as you did going to the concert! That’s awesome! By the way, I really like the flowered red top you were wearing in some of the pictures. Super cute!
1. My husband and I went to Pathfinder Reservoir last weekend. Because of the abundant moisture Wyoming has received this year, the dam is overflowing in a waterfall that isn’t normally there. It was amazing! We got pretty wet just from the mist.
2. Umm…does coffee or iced coffee slushies count as a gas station snack??? 🙂
3. I think my road trip song might be one of the instrumental themes from Spirit, Stallion of the Cimarron. That whole album is pretty much my favorite road trip album.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Lauren!!
I bet you took some gorgeous photos of that! Sounds lovely. I went to Wyoming for a camping trip as a kid and I loved it. It’s a gorgeous state.
YES.
That is a unique road trip album!!
Hannah Callahan says
I’ve been reading your blog for over a year and I lived in Asheville. I wish I could have gotten to meet you! So glad you enjoyed your time here!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Hannah! Asheville was so lovely and I’ll be back! You’re lucky to live there.
Sofia says
Hi Taralynn! So glad you loved Asheville (again!!). Next time you go you should look into ZenTubing, it’s an inner tube ride down the river and it’s the most fun thing I’ve done there!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Sofia!
We saw a sign for that and it’s totally on our list of things to do!!!
Carly says
That quiche looks DELICIOUS! And it looks like you had a great time! I’ve always heard good things about Asheville! Guess I have to add it to my ever growing list of places to visit!
My last day trip was to Newburyport, MA… its an adorably charming New England town! Perfect for an afternoon of walking around, drinking coffee, and finding a bite to eat!
I love that gas stations are starting to carry healthier snacks! My go to is usually nuts and granola bars, because I know if I go for the candy I always crash when we get to our destination!
My go to road trip songs always seem to reflect where I’m going or what I’m doing. A couple years ago I drove down and met my best friend in New York City… I must have listened to Taylor Swifts ‘Welcome to New York’ half a dozen times on that trip! ha!
Can’t wait to read about the rest of your weekend! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Carly!
Definitely add it to your list!
I’ve heard great things about Newburyport! I love charming towns. I know i’d love that. I bet you had a great time!
I always do the pistachios!
T-Swift is a great road trip go-to!!
xo xo hope you have a great Tuesday.
Kelsey says
1.Where was the last place you went for a day trip?
The last day trip I went on was to Atlanta, GA for a Braves game 🙂
2.Favorite road trip snack from the gas station?
I know most of the stuff I get from the gas staion aren’t healthy things like energy drinks and several types of gummy worms and gummy bears. Sometimes I do get beef jerkey but I really try to stay away from gas stations because I always want the candy 🙁
3.What is one go-to road trip song that you love to listen to?
Roll on-Kid Rock it’s a older song but I love it! 🙂
I love all your pictures and wish I could travel as much as you do. I am waiting for a camera so I can start taking some really good photos as well 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Kelsey!!!
Love ATL! I went to a braves/yankees game last summer!
Hey sour gummy worms or sourpatch kids are my fave!!!
Great summer song!!
Jennifer says
It’s actually been so long since I’ve gone on a day trip! In MN there isn’t much besides farmland unless you’re going up to someone’s cabin or have a cabin on the lake. However, DULUTH would always make a fun day trip! I love it up there.
My usual go-to would probably be granola bars, or apples/fruit that can stay fresh in my bag!
I truly love the Last Song Soundtrack because it includes music that I typically don’t listen to, and gives me a break from all the country that I listen to! But I will say, my favorite road trip song moment was driving into Nashville with a bunch of friends listening to “Crazy Town” By Jason Aldean. It was a fun moment I’ll never forget!
shanna says
that venue is awesome looking!
Asheville looks so pretty.
um, it’s been far too long since I’ve taken a day trip or road trip. I don’t even remember. though I am particular to 90’s music while traveling.
Anonymous says
It’s so great to see you in my town! If you guys make another day trip, come on a Friday and enjoy the drum circle downtown. You’d also probably like the vibe over on Haywood Road on the West side of town. Lots of restaurants and bars, plenty of people walking around, live music, and some awesome food trucks. Same for the River Arts District, but lots of art galleries to check out. ?
Sammee says
It’s so great to see you in my town! If you guys make another day trip, come on a Friday and enjoy the drum circle downtown. You’d also probably like the vibe over on Haywood Road on the West side of town. Lots of restaurants and bars, plenty of people walking around, live music, and some awesome food trucks. Same for the River Arts District, but lots of art galleries to check out. ?
Anonymous says
Last day trip was to my Husbands hometown (unfortunately not much to do there) so Im going to pretend my last one was Ann Arbor MI to visit my sister and see her store downtown! As for gas station snacks I always hope for Larabars but I also love Cliff and Kind bars! If I am with the hubby we are always listening to county but if I’m with friends its always belt your heart out songs (Disney, Celine Dion, Aerosmith (Don’t wanna miss a thing)
p.s. Love both your outfits!!!
What is one go-to road trip song that you love to listen to?
Aubrey says
beautiful
Anonymous says
cute post