Although I wish I could go back and relive the weekend all over again, it sure feels good to be reconnected with cell phone service, my computer, and my own bed.
As Rachel and I were hiking up a mountain a few months ago, we came up with the idea of having a Halloween party in the mountains with our friends. October is such a beautiful month to be in the mountains and I was so excited to take photos of the fall scenery. I was also looking forward to seeing everyone after being away in Washington D.C. for so long.
We packed up the car around one and headed up so we could decorate before everyone got there.It was supposed to be a two-hour drive, but it turned into a three and a half hour drive because we got distracted and stopped about five times for “decorating purposes.”The house took our breath away. It was so quiet and peaceful, but we were about to change that for the weekend.
This called for a toast!
I just couldn’t put the camera down.
The mountain house was located on Lake Lure. This is the place where Dirty Dancing was filmed.
We had two sets of corn hole out and other games planned.
After decorating and putting away all the groceries, we finished our bottle of champagne and waiting for our friends to arrive.
This place had fishing, canoeing, paddle boats, hiking, and a swimming dock.
There were people swimming in the water. I don’t know how they did it…it was 55 degrees outside.
I am not a streamer expert, so this was stressful. I dropped the streamers off the top of the deck a couple of times and it was a pain pulling them all the way back up. It was a long way down…but I think they turned out pretty well.
We grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, baked french fries, and had other finger foods out. No one was going home hungry.
Brett and Rachel also had birthdays last week so it was a great excuse to make cupcakes and celebrate.
I made a pot of coffee and headed out on the deck to relax.
Once everyone started waking up around eleven, I headed into the kitchen to whip up breakfast!
We had scrambled eggs, bacon, blueberry pancakes, regular pancakes, quiche, toast, mimosas, coffee, yogurt with fruit, and donut balls.
It had carrots, hummus, spring mix blend, crackers, tomato, avocado, pepper jack cheese, and balsamic.
Heather says
I loved this post! The pictures were GORGEOUS!!!! It looks like you all had a great time in the mountains! Hope you get some rest this week 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Heather!! 🙂
Jacqueline says
I’m putting Lake Lure on my bucket list! I freakin love the movie Dirty Dancing. For some reason, I always had it in my head it was filmed in the Catskills. Great photos – you and all your friends look super happy 🙂 what a dream Halloween weekend!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Jacqueline!
It could have been filmed in both maybe! But, they have signs around the area with “Dirty Dancing Filmed Here” 🙂 Definitely put this on your list!
Emily Weir says
Beautiful pictures! I would be so freaked out at a cabin in the woods on Halloween…sounds like a horror movie waiting to happen 😉 Looks like it was loads of fun though!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Emily!
It was less freaky because we had so many people, but we totally talked about it! The creepy thing was that the cabin’s home kept ringing and no one would say anything when we’d answer! Plus at night, we couldn’t see ANYTHING outside, and we kept hearing random things walking around. It was most likely an animal ,but STILL creepy on Halloween!
Mandy says
Looked like a fun weekend! The creepy house picture is really pretty!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Mandy!!
Melissa says
what an amazing weekend!! My friends and I all get a cabin each year around January but the changing leaves in your pictures is making me rethink our strategy..
What’s in that Jonny salad?? It looks so good!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Melissa!
January was our plan last year but we got snowed out! I bet it’s still gorgeous up there.
The johny salad has mixed greens, bacon, cotija cheese, hearts of palm, avocado, red onion, toasted almonds, and a side of buttermilk chive dressing.
Melissa says
Hearts of palm is my fav!! I thought the bacon was goji berries hahaha. Thanks, girl! xo
Taralynn McNitt says
hahaha that would be a weird combo!
Katie @ Katie Wanders says
That house was so beautiful omg great find! Love the idea of a cabin weekend away with friends 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Katie!
It was so much fun to get away 🙂
Lyndsey says
You look so good.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!! 🙂
Allison says
I have followed your blog for a few years now and I love keeping up with your life especially since you moved to Charlotte, NC. But I was really excited to read this post because you were in my county! I am from Rutherfordton, NC, and I pass by this house all of the time. I have always imagined what it might look like if it were renovated. Glad you had a fun weekend!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you and that is crazy! What a small world 🙂
Kerri Mcgrail says
Looks so fun! love the idea of renting a cabin! The fall foliage is so beautiful- you captured it with some amazing photos! I can’t really do two nights in a row of drinking either- it is too much for me!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Kerri! We had so much fun 🙂 I could probably do two nights if tequila wasn’t involved lol
ML Bishop says
We’ve had shit foliage up here in New England- so it was awesome to see your pics! Just stunning!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!:) xo
Courtney says
You should consider a boob job…
Taralynn McNitt says
You should consider a filter…
heather says
some of her content annoys me occasionally too, but that’s honestly such a dick thing to tell someone…anyone. What an asshole.
Leslie says
You look adorable and I love the devil/angel idea!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Leslie!
Paige says
OMG! I LIVE DOWN THE ROAD FROM THAT HOUSE! I can’t believe you were so close to me!
Taralynn McNitt says
THAT IS NUTS! another person who commented is from the area too!
KellyAnne says
This post was so much fun. It makes me want to be friends with all of you! I love how fun your posts are and so “realistic.” I read a lot of blogs and they seem so perfect, but you really know how to have a good time. I think that is why yours is my favorite. Where did you get those teal solo cups???? I am having a party for my friend’s birthday next month and her favorite color is teal.
Taralynn McNitt says
Awww 🙂 Thank you Kelly!
Those cups were just bought at Walmart!
Desire says
How did you lose so much weight?
Taralynn McNitt says
I’ve just been watching what I eat and working out 5 days a week.
Tessa says
I’m loving your dark hair! It looks great with the red costume. You rocked it!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Tessa!!
Tara says
That looks like it was a blast! You look really happy! And, that is a sweet picture of you and Nick!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Tara!:) It was so much fun. xo
Jen says
Omg so beautiful. Where is this cabin? Did you rent it? I live in Charlotte and have been trying to find a pretty cabin like this one to rent for a weekend!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Jen! It’s in Lake Lure! 🙂 We rented it. You can email me for details!
Betsy says
Your photos are absolutely breathtaking. Can we be friends?
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Betsy! 🙂 & YES! XO
Jacquelyn K. says
Beautiful scenery! Also loving your costume dresses – I want one for New Year’s Eve! Why didn’t nick and the boys dress up?
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Jacquelyn!
The dresses are really cute and come in different colors. Nick came up late Friday night and brought a mask lol (typical) He was dressed up earlier for his work, so I think he had enough 😉
Denver says
You look hawt!
Taralynn McNitt says
😀 THANK YA!
Liz says
Does crystal light ever bother your stomach? Every time I drink it, i get horrible cramping and a headache. Maybe from the sugar substitute? I really want to be able to drink it since it tastes yummy and is low calorie, but no such luck.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hey Liz! I normally don’t drink Crystal light but occasionally as a mixer. I don’t get any of the nasty side effects but it could definitely be possible with the sugar substitutes. You should try the Truvia mixers!
Liz says
Didn’t know Truvia made mixers! Going to look for it!
Taralynn McNitt says
Right next to crystal light!
MacStucker says
I love that you call Bakersfield your “favorite salad spot”!! LOL There’s one here in Cincinnati. I love the Johnny salad too, but the tacos. Oh man, the tacos with their guacamole!! MMMMMMM.
Taralynn McNitt says
lol I’m not a huge taco person. I have tried them and they really are great:) That salad is just to die for!
Taralynn McNitt says
and the guacamole and queso are on point!!
Elizabeth says
Your friend group seems really fun! Where did you all meet?
Loveee all the scenery pictures, #backyardgoals
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks! All through mutual friends:)
Kristin C says
Gorgeous! I used to work about 10 minutes from Lake Lure.
This is the first time in 6 years that I am not living in the mountains during the fall. At least I can live through your pictures, right?
Taralynn McNitt says
It was beautiful! 🙂
Giusi says
It’s such a pleasure to see you happy Taralynn ! I really mean it ! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you 🙂
Giusi says
Wow 🙂 It”s the first time you respond to my comment, thanks a lot 🙂
I’m following you for 3 years now and you are such an inspiration !
Merci Taralynn (from Brussels) ^^
Taralynn McNitt says
🙂 xo Giusi!
Kalli says
That is such a pretty view! My family has talked about going somewhere pretty next Fall and I’ll definitely have to recommend this place!
Kalli says
That is such a gorgeous view! My family has been talking about going somewhere real pretty next Fall so I’ll definitely have to show them this place!
Taralynn McNitt says
It was beautiful! 🙂
Jessie says
That house looks so nice! Glad you had fun. Love how realistic you are!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Jessie! 🙂
Julie says
What a cool idea! All of the food looks divine, as well as your pictures! What kind of camera do you use?
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Julie! I use my iPhone 6plus and my canon rebel t3i with several difference lenses.
Tara says
Where has Tino been?
Taralynn McNitt says
Tino lives with Nick and I was in D.C. for three weeks.
Sandra says
Hi I live in Las Vegas. I was searching cute fall pics for my background on my phone and found yours. Which now I totally want to go to North Carolina. I’m looking at tickets and I don’t know what dates would work best that I can enjoy the trees changing colors and that me and the kids could enjoy the lake. U did mention it was pretty cold. Plus the house that you stayed at was it a hotel or a cabin ?? I don’t know where to stay so I can get a beutiful view like that. I would totally appreciate it if you could get to me. Thanks a bunch.
Taralynn McNitt says
Probably late October/early November! Look up lake lure houses on Airbnb!!
http://www.airbnb.com/c/taralynnm
Rebecca says
You’re pictures are GORGEOUS! Do you use an iphone or a professional camera? I’m really getting into photography and always looking for tips! I especially love all the colors of the leaves in your pics! Oh, Fall!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Rebecca!
I use both my iPhone 6Plus and my Cannon!
🙂
Kristin says
Wow!!! What a beautiful view for the weekend. I can see why you have so many pictures, I would have taken that may too. Looks like a fun get away!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Kristin! It was beautiful. 🙂
Amanda says
It sounds like you had a fun weekend- what a beautiful area!
Taralynn McNitt says
It was amazing! 🙂
Melanie says
What a fun weekend! Love the costumes! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Mel!!
Cendal says
You should be a photographer for magazines!
Taralynn McNitt says
That would be so fun!:)
Demi says
Gorgeous shots!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks!
Sarah says
Beautiful photos of your weekend! You look so refreshed! a well deserved getaway!
Sarah
sefoster8.blogspot.ca
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Sarah:) it was a lot of fun!
Amber says
Looks like you had an amazing time and the pictures are beautiful. One important question: Did I spy a Gamecock cornhole table? LOL ?
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Amber! & YOU DID! Some of our friends are Gamecock fans 😉
Mousy says
You look pretty! My friend and I want to be the angel and the devil too next year!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!!
Maggie says
Your pictures are beautiful! What camera do you use?
Taralynn McNitt says
I use my iPhone 6plus and my canon rebel t3i 🙂
Anonymous says
You’re beautiful!! Thank you so much for this inspirational blog! You have inspired me to get healthy and to stop eating junk….. Before its too late? you’re beautiful NEVER forget it?
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!!! 🙂 xo xo
Madison says
Wow so funny I just ran across this on Pinterest. That “creepy house on the hill” and the tiny tiny town you drove through to get to lake lure is in my town. That house was beautiful at one point and it got ran into the ground. About 5 years ago they began renovations (which is why there is a huge hole behind the house where if you step out the back door you fall a billion feet) but then they just gave up. Glad you enjoyed lake lure. It truly is beautiful and the only enjoyable part of growing up in this small town.
Taralynn McNitt says
Such a small world!
So sad that house was run down! You’re so lucky to live a beautiful town and I can’t wait to go back! xo
Briana Marshall says
Where was this ? I am thinking of having a bachelorette party on a lake seems so nice
Camesha says
Good evening Taralynn. I am interested in renting the property you guys stayed at. It is gorgeous. Do you have the link to the property?