--On the way, my belief that Stafford County is actually a piece of trash was strengthened as I drove down the highway next to a truck full of idiot rednecks who tried to run me off the road...for miles. I sped up, I slowed down, I flipped birds, and finally I picked up my phone to call the Po. I guess homeboys didn't like what they saw because they sped up and got off at the next exit. Seriously. Get some class, assholes. But I digress.--
So Eileen and I hit the road to the glorious land of Blacksburg where I meet up with the one and only fabulous Julianne who now lives in the cutest blue house evah, just a hop, skip, jump from my old Tiny House. It was bittersweet to be back because I love the 'burg but I know I'd be annoyed as hell if I still lived there.
Anyway. Drank some beer from J's kegerator. Chilled w/Owsley/Pockets/Mason/Mason's Dad. Made some random squash/mushroom concoction. Picked up E and went to Mill Mountain. Realized their products are shitty nasty burned crap...but I drank it nonetheless. Hit up the Rivermill for some cheap beer and graffiti memories. Crashed at Casa de Alwang. Woke up at the butt crack to start our journey to Asheville (but first, made a pit stop back at Mill Mountain to mooch free food/beverages compliments of U.S. Cellular...bawmm).
So we drove to Asheville. Looked around, shopped cute stores, watched J spend money in every shop we entered, and finally hit up our luxurious abode, the Asheville Howard Johnson (rated 2.8 on the customer satisfaction scale!!).
Enter HoJo.
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There was a stray cat to welcome us.
Let's just say the ol' HoJo left us feeling safe, warm, and...itchy/creeped out by the cigarette burns in the "comforters." Whatevs, for $40, I'll take anything hollaa...
After dropping our stuff we: went back out for more retail therapy; ate doughy pretzels at Mellow Mushroom on the cheap with our 15% coupon; contemplated buying Uggs and Doc Martens; and mastered the art of the parallel park.
We also visited the Mast General Store where E found candy and
I found an awesome fleece coat/jacket.
We stumbled upon this sweet thing--a double-decker bus that someone converted into a coffee shop. Glorious. Order your drinks on the first floor, sit and enjoy on the top. LOVED it.
Look at the ceiling! Obsessed.
Asheville love.
Oh! Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree!
Here's the upstairs. Decked out to the max with mosaic table tops/awesome lights.
Peppermint hot chocolate, yes please!
Ridin' dirty.
After the double decker we headed back to the hotel where J fell asleep at 9:00. Then, we froze our asses off with the "heat"/AC unit blowing softly in the background.
The next morning, we woke up and headed to the Visitor's Center to figure out where the illusive Gingerbread House competition was being held. Got some info, saw some shit, stopped in a bizarre bazaar where they had lots of crap and some salted walnuts that were delicious. I tried on some hand soap that literally smelled like urine...but it was organic, so we're good!
On the way to the Gingerbread House hotel, J made me snap this awkward stalker photo of one of the amazing houses on the way. So cute, Mini Cooper included.
We made it! The Grove Park Inn, where lots of celebs/presidents have stayed (including Michelle Obama, ok, and Barack too). I mean, this joint ain't got nothing on the HoJo, but it's aight I guess...
Mountain retreat like woah.
Inside, this place was filled with crazy gingerbread creations from near and far. Most of them were INSANE, like, you know for the youth division someone's mom was totally up at night crafting these things.
I obvi loved the blue ones the best.
There were also Christmas trees scattered all of this piece...most were themed...this one was the best though.
That's right. There were birds hanging off. Brilliant.
Ok, so, these are all the pictures I've uploaded so far. I know you're just dying to see the rest. We'll see how lazy I'm feeling tonight as to whether or not I post some more. This adventure's not done yet!
Stayed tuned mofos....
Holla Back, Clack Clack.
ReplyDeleteMoar pictars, please.