July, 2007

Vacation to Maggie Valley, NC

Because I'm newly retired and now on a fixed income :), Gary and I decided to take a shorter vacation this year. Last year at this time, we spent a week in Topsail, NC. It was beautiful, but a full week, plus overnight stays to and from our destination sounded costly. So, we are taking a 5-day trip to Maggie Valley, NC, and enjoying every minute of it.

We are staying in the John Deere room of the Stony River Motel. Yes, the John Deere room. Each room in this motel has a theme - NASCAR, motorcycles, Betty Boop, Campell's kids, Tennessee Volunteers, Florida Seminols, etc. We were fortunate enough to land the JD room. :) It is a quaint, paneled room - decorated with beaucoup JD paraphernalia. We have a refrigerator, a microwave and cable TV, too, but the best feature (aside from all the John Deere stuff) is the balcony over the rushing stream.

This is the view from our balcony. There is a table and chairs out there so we can eat by the stream. Unfortunately, it is a little chilly here. When we arrived on Sunday, 22 July, it was 67 degrees and rainy. The weather cleared up later in the evening, but the temperature dropped to the upper 40's. Not exactly a summer-lover's delight. But, I'm fine with it because I know it is temporary. :)

This is the view from our front door. Notice the "flower bed," decorated outhouse and other interesting objects d'art. We are within walking distance to shops (which we aren't too interest in) and restaurants (which we are interested in). Our first evening we ate at a terrific Mexican place, Guayabitos. Mmmm. Perhaps, I will close now so we can go find something to eat this evening.

I will add more later!