Spectactular, sculptural tree outside the Gideon Ridge Inn in Blowing Rock, where we spent last night to celebrate our anniversary. We spent a couple of nights here on our honeymoon 35 years ago, and when we can --- which is by no means every year, even though we're just down the road --- we like to come back.
Last night: drinks in the Gideon Ridge bar, then dinner at the restaurant of another historic inn in the center of town. We've always looked at the Ragged Garden Inn from outside and remarked on how cool it seems; the restaurant is definitely a special-occasion place, but it was very good, with a nice atmosphere. They put us at a tucked-away little table in a corner by a window, and we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.
What I wore, from my 9x9 capsule:
I should add that at all times, as far as I could tell, I was the only woman in Blowing Rock wearing a dress. The vibe is very outdoorsy/dressed-down/jeans and puffer jackets, all of which you know are expensive without having to ask. It's that kind of town. But I didn't care about any of that. I was comfortable and happy in my glowing silk dress, which I'm always glad for an opportunity to wear. It's not fussy, especially with boots, but it is beautiful.
Today:
Breakfast at the Gideon Ridge, a little sitting around in our suite, with its view of Grandfather Mountain, then into the car. We knocked around the town for about an hour, then drove as far south on the Blue Ridge Parkway as we could. It's still closed just south of the Linn Cove Viaduct, so we backtracked and went to the visitor's center, where there's a nice trail you can take for some moderate views. It's really a longer trail that goes lots of places, but we walked just to the other side of the viaduct and looked out.
Here's the view, plus what I'm wearing for Day 2 of my 9x9 capsule challenge:
*Wool& Sierra dress (XS) in Iris Blue, bought January 2025, last worn March 10. Wears in 2025: 11
*Secondhand Eileen Fisher silk-rayon cardigan, bought right before Lent, first year of wear
*Secondhand bamboo-cotton leggings, bought 2021, fourth year of wear
*Farm to Feet merino socks, second year of wear (not seen, not really part of capsule)
*Secondhand Birkenstock Melrose boots, bought 2023, second year of wear (also not included in capsule)
It was a glorious day in the high country, with a projected high of about 65F. The wind was still stiff and cool, though, so I was glad of my cardigan: lightweight but quite warm.
Now we're back home. Down here, it's a good five degrees warmer, at least, than it is in the mountains, and I have lost some of the layers I was wearing:
Now I'm just wearing my Sierra and my Birk Rosemeads. Later I'll put the cardigan back on, but I don't need it now.
AND I'm back to the real world and all the work I didn't do yesterday. At least Dora and I can lounge upon the screened porch while I try to get my head back into that space.