Every year if time permits, we like to go visit my Nana in Blowing Rock.
You see, Nana is awesome. She was married to my Papa for almost 40 years before he passed away back in 2002. And she still fiercely loves him and talks about him as if he hung the moon. She treats us with nothing but love. Warm hugs, smiles, tears, laughter and her delicious signature fried chicken are all things that can be expected on a visit to her house.
She & Papa built their retirement home outside of Boone & Blowing Rock, N.C. and had planned on being there forever. Unfortunately, Papa’s passing came too soon for any of us and it changed Nana’s plans. She decided that she didn’t want to sit around in that big ole’ empty house all alone. So, she got her real estate license, sold the house, bought a new one in town and made herself right at home. Everybody in Blowing Rock knows her name. EVERYBODY. And they all love her. She just exudes her radiant personality everywhere she goes. So, how does one get to know EVERYBODY in a town? Well, it’s a small town. And a quaint one at that. So, prepare yourself for…a picture explosion!!!!
Here are some from our most recent excursion.
We took a trip over to Valle Crucis, N.C. to the original Mast General Store (patience! Saving that for another blog…) On the way back, Nana spotted some friends of hers (like I said, small town), pulled over to chat. Kara & I got out and snapped pictures of horses. Cause horses are cool.
Here’s an old one. Nana’s company was setting up an event at this old house and THIS was their back yard. Not too shabby eh?
So, I know it’s May….but I don’t care. I love Christmas any time of the year. Here’s a handful of pictures of Blowing Rock around Christmas time. It’s eerily quiet. No tourists in the winter. Only locals are walking around. The town is decorated with trees and lights everywhere. Think Gatlinburg, but without all the um…colorful people.
I LOVE the shot of the lamp post. Reminds me of Narnia.
And of course, no trip to Blowing Rock would be complete without a shot of Nana’s “Disney” dog. Look at that face!!!
I’m digging that lamp post shot as well!
Thanks Jason! That’s one of mine!
Pretty sure I could get used to living there.
I am one of your Nanas dear friends, and I promise you that there is nothing more wonderful you could have written about her. She is all those things to me as well and the best friend I have ever had. I love that you did something so kind for her, and I look forward to meeting you soon, Lauar
My husband and I bought your Nana’s house in Blowing Rock. I knew as soon as I walked in that it was a house built and lived in with lots of love. We love it there, too, and have tried to remain true to your Nana and Papa’s vision for the house and property. My 4-year old gradson is already asking when Gran and Papa will take him to the mountains again. And, of course, we love your Nana, Anne. She is the dearest, sweetest lady and we try to see her as often as we can when we are at our lovely mountain getaway. I hope we will meet you someday as well.