goin’ to carolina in my mind

goin’ to carolina in my mind

…and body!

If you want a last minute flight deal to get outta cold dodge (like I did this past weekend) check out Spirit Airlines. This is my second time on Spirit air in the past 6 months and I am loving them. They were cheaper than any other airline by hundreds of dollars once again, and I got my tickets 2 days before leaving. Some might say this is a big hitch: You have to pay to bring any luggage and you don’t get free soda. I think- what does that matter if my end cost is still less that $200 total with all taxes, fees, luggage, etc. to fly half way across the country? I’ll bring my own soda thanks.

So to the sunny warm south I went, and oh was it a much needed and awesome weekend! (Chicago is a truly amazing city but 38 degrees and rain on April 28th was my Windy City limit.)

I love me some NC. Not just for the sweet tea, hush puppies, heat and tanning time, but that southern charm and hospitality, the good friends I made when I lived here, and everything from the mountains and green of Boone and Blowing Rock, to the sandy beaches and sunsets of the Outer Banks. NC and all in between. This was taken at Border Station on my way to the Outer Banks a few months back:

(I always stop there for Dairy Queen Blizzards. Mmmm…chocolate ice cream, M&M’s and Oreos…)

OBX is by far my favorite beach area in the country. So much wide open:

and uninterrupted space to relax:

I’ve spent time there every summer for 14 years with a group of friends I love like family:

(I have a lot of cute pix I have taken of their kids they don’t know about. Plans for gifts later in life…:)

I lived in the Outer Banks during the summer of 2001 too. I always love to play on the dunes at Jockey’s Ridge:

… to lunch at Tortugas Lie:

….for yummy fresh sandwiches, fries and cold beer:

…and spend time alone on the beach at sunset:

Naturally I’ve explored spots like the Wright Brother’s National Memorial:

…where even the Park rangers like blue lollipops!

(I love a guy that’s a good sport:)

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is quite a sight to see:

Piping hot of the press, fresh Duck Donuts are always a good treat too:

…after you go for a run on the beach of course.

I love the back roads of the green and lush Boone and Blowing Rock:

…and other back country road all over the state:

Another coastal area I love and have lived in is Wilmington. Beautiful sun rise mornings:

…and sunset nights:

There’s something to be said about that warm humid air, the active lifestyle all over the state and that southern twang that leaves me always wanting more. If you’ve never explored around North Carolina, grab a bathing suit and a pair of hiking boots, throw the kayak on top of the car and don’t forget your sunscreen for all that sun. Road trip!  If you need a guide, give me a call.

The Best of the Road Small Town America for 2012? I’m thinking some spots in NC could give others a good run for their money and I want to go find them! Vote for Team Blue Lollipop Road and we will come pay you a visit!