Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Monday, August 8, 2016

Birthday Celebration at Mt. Pisgah Inn, North Carolina - August 2016

It was so nice and cool when we got here so I had to put on a sweatshirt... Amazing
Last Friday was my 74th birthday... YIPES---I am getting SO old!!!!!!  Why can't this 'getting older' STOP?????? ha ha .....  But--since I feel like I'm 24 instead of 74,   I guess I shouldn't complain!  This year,   George took me on an amazing SURPRISE Birthday Trip!!!!! What an awesome time we had!!!!!  Here's a quick synopsis of what we did/where we went:
-August 3--- Cherohala Skyway,   Indian Boundary Recreation Area,  Blue Ridge Parkway,  Mt. Pisgah Inn
-August 4--- Blue Ridge Parkway,  Craggy Gardens,  Biltmore House and Gardens,  Mt Pisgah Inn
-August 5--- Left Mt. Pisgah Inn,  Blue Ridge Parkway,  Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Birthday Dinner in Knoxville at the Olive Garden;  Then HOME.

I had no idea ahead of time where we were going,  but George had asked me what I would like for a short trip!!!!  Here's what I told him:  1.  Go somewhere in the mountains where it's COOLER and where we can have the windows opened in the car when we are traveling!;   2.  NO long hikes in Summer --when it's so hot.;  3.  Find a place where we can just RELAX and enjoy each other....

WELL---as you can tell,  George did GREAT planning this trip.  AND---I was SO SO surprised... I have been (and enjoyed) most of the places we went  except for the Mt. Pisgah Inn (where we stayed)... We had passed by it before --but had never stayed there... What a fantastic place to stay!!!!  Our room was great---and we had a terrific view  of the mountains from our balcony.  The inn is right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway --and is at an elevation of 5721 feet (which made it COOL --60's and 70's--- the entire time we were there).  Talk about relaxation!!!!!    It was hard to LEAVE that fantastic place since here at home, the temperatures are still VERY hot and EXTREMELY dry....  I'm ready to go back!!!!! ha

As you can imagine, we took a billion pictures I think (Ha) ---but today,  I'm only featuring the Mt. Pisgah Inn.   Hope you enjoy the pictures --and can click on them to see them larger.


View of the Mountains from our Balcony



George was taking pictures with his iPad from our Balcony..



And of course,  George had to take a picture of a HAPPY Birthday Girl  on the balcony.



Our unit was named Tree Tops and our room was close to the end of the sidewalk.  We had a King-Bed, fridge, TV, and Wifi.   I'd say it was all of the conveniences of home... VERY nice!



The Mt. Pisgah Restaurant was a popular place --and I know why!  The food was TERRIFIC.



George is waiting on his entree --after finishing the salad....



This was the VIEW from our table in the restaurant... Isn't it gorgeous?



George had to get this picture of his 'lefty' Birthday Girl --as I was about to chomp on some pork chops and veggies.... YUM.



I took this picture of a sign in the office --so that I could remember our elevation!



The 'grounds' around the Inn are fabulous ---with places to sit and relax and just enjoy the view.



Is this not Heaven on Earth---sitting here relaxing with the Love of My Life,  enjoying the beauty around me---after a delicious dinner!!!!  Life is good.



We took a walk around the grounds one evening and experienced this marvelous SUNSET.



There had been some rain one evening --so we woke up to FOG all around us!!!!



But we did manage to see a 'bit' of the sunrise that morning despite the fog and clouds.



I love this picture of our view one day when the fog was below us.  Doesn't it look like whipped cream?



Here's one more picture of a VERY VERY Happy Birthday Girl!!!!
Well--that gives you some idea of where George took me on this marvelous surprise trip.. Don't you think he did GREAT?????  Absolutely!!!!   I would recommend this Inn to anyone who loves the mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway... Here is the link to their website if you would like to check it out: Click HERE.

There are many more great pictures on their website of this inn and area... If you want to know where it is,  the Mt. Pisgah Inn is located just west of Asheville,  North Carolina on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

I'll be sharing more pictures from this amazing trip soon...  But I just had to show you our Inn first.... Hope you enjoyed seeing the pictures.

Hugs,

40 comments:

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Well Betsy, I think George has out done himself this time and he certainly made a wonderful choice of place to take you for your 74th birthday. You both look very well and the views are to die for. Glad the temperatures were OK for you both and I am looking forward to seeing more photos.

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

What a wonderful place to stay. Fantastic views and I can feel the coolness of the mountain air. Aaaahhh! I saved that picture of lovely you in the rocking chair.

I look forward to seeing more wonderful photos from this great little bday trip you had.

Have a great week ~ FlowerLady

Busy Bee Suz said...

I just love that he was able to surprise YOU!!! What a sweet birthday trip. The place looks really nice and I'd give my big toe for some cooler weather right now. LOL!! Happy birthday....you don't act a day over 44!!
XO

George said...

I'm glad the Surprise Birthday Trip was a success. How am I supposed to top this next year? But at least I can look forward to what you have planned for my birthday!

Jeevan said...

Wow! Sounds like u had a fabulous birthday, staying at a place that simply takes away the breath. Love the view from your balcony open to magnificent changes from time to time… the Inn you stayed in seem like made of woods?

I too had a fantastic holiday at my uncle’s wood-house two weeks back and the interior of the restaurant where u relished is similar the wood-house stayed.

Glad u enjoyed the birthday, Betsy! The age is just a number, and not all the young couple get such a bond (George) to carry away them to their dreams land... keep cherishing the warmth and love :)

Lady Fi said...

Many happy returns! You look younger and younger every year!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Betsy, what a wonderful birthday. Looks like an awesome place to celebrate your birthday! Wonderful series of photos. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week!

Big Dude said...

I had done some research on the Inn and it looked like a great place and your shots certainly confirm it. George did a super job with your BD trip and he obviously knows how to take care of his woman. Happy Birthday

linda m said...

George certainly outdid himself. I think he found you "heaven on earth". That place is beyond beautiful.

David said...

Betsy, George did a fine job putting your birthday trip together! Hey, you're not that old...after all you're 15 days younger than I am. Mt. Pisgah Inn looks really nice with views to die for! Happy belated birthday wishes. Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

Ginny Hartzler said...

Kudos to George! He knows ow to plan surprises! This is yet another beautiful place that I have not heard of! The scenery and the inn are both gorgeous! And you are both looking so good! When I saw the rocking chair picture on Facebook, I did not recognize you and wondered just who that woman was. I was shocked to see it was YOU. You both look much younger and SO good! Healthy living, exercise, and LOVE tends to do that.

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

Oh, my goodness -- those views!!! What a wonderful birthday surprise, Betsy. The Inn looks like a perfect place for a birthday getaway! I'm so glad that your 74th was so special. Remember it's just a number: you're a youthful spirit!

Fun60 said...

I knew George would do you proud. Happy Birthday.

Arkansas Patti said...

A belated Happy Birthday Betsy. You are looking great per usual. What a lovely place and those views are amazing. Wow!!
George just keeps setting the bar a bit higher each year doesn't he?. Well done by him and you for choosing him. You are such a great couple.

Lady Di Tn said...

Hats off to George. That was a wonderful birthday trip and the place looks great. Glad to see the Tn Lovebirds are still going strong. Peace

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

Your George is definitely a keeper! What a lovely trip, and you aren't kidding about the view -- fabulous! Happy late birthday to you!

Connie said...

Great pictures, Betsy! Wow, you had an amazing view from there. George did a wonderful job choosing just the right place to take you for your birthday. I'm glad you had such a good time.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

You look so vibrant and young! I'm glad you had an ideal birthday trip.

LV said...

One thing for sure, George has spoiled you. Glad you had a great birthday and be blessed with many more. He picked the right place as most everything around that part of the world is so pretty. The cooler weather definitely a blessings. We are burning up in Texas Most days 104 and heat index higher.

Ann said...

What a great birthday celebration. George did good. That is such a gorgeous view

Ruth Hiebert said...

Beautiful scenes.The views are amazing.You look so happy,that kind of explains it all.

happyone said...

Wow George planned well. What a wonderful birthday celebration.
Happy Birthday a bit late. : )

The Furry Gnome said...

You are one lucky lady! Happy Birthday!

Betsy said...

What a wonderful birthday trip. You have a keeper in your George. The views are wonderful.
Blessings,
Betsy

Linda G. said...

George did a great job planning your surprise birthday trip. You know that I would LOVE staying at that inn just as much as you did.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Glad you had a happy 74th birthday! It is great y'all get to travel to such pretty places. I love the blue ridge parkway! I understand wanting to get away from the heat

Susie Swanson said...

Beautiful place and I'm so glad you had a wonderful birthday. And to see such beauty and go where it's cooler is worth it all. We need to make a trip over there soon. Blessings and Love.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Happy Birthday sweet lady! You went to one of my favorite places for your celebration. We've camped there several times and always enjoyed it! And the weather is always fabulous! What a FUN trip! You packed a lot into a short trip. AND...you love BEAUTIFUL!!! Enjoy your week!

DeniseinVA said...

Great photos Betsy, this looks like a real neat place to celebrate your birthday. I have taken note of the Inn for when we head out that way. I love how you can find out about so many nice places from blogging, thank you so much. Happy Birthday, a little bit late :)

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Happy 74 birthday month, Betsy! George picked the perfect place to celebrate your birthday--Mt Pisgah Inn looked fabulous and I know you both enjoyed its views and comfortable surroundings and the cooler weather. You look so happy in the rocking chair photo resting and enjoy it all!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

George did a great job on this birthday surprise. I love all of these pictures, but my absolute favorite is the one of you in the rocking chair. That's frame-worthy!

BeachGypsy said...

Wow Betsy! your hubby did a GREAT JOB and that is one gorgeous place! the pictures are beautiful, the whole place just looks heavenly and so peaceful and quiet....you can almost feel the quiet through the pictures! The restaurant looks very nice too, your pork chop supper sounds so good. The BEST PART (aside from enjoying relaxing and being with your husband of course) HAD TO BE the nice cooler temperatures!!---wasn't that so refreshing?? Its hot as blazes here....this girl is looking forward to fall and winter, our 'going to the beach and long hikes' months here in Charleston. So glad you had a great birthday and looking forward to seeing more pictures okay?

Devilish Angel said...

Belated Birthday Wishes Betsy :)

diane b said...

George sure did make a good choice. It looks super relaxing. I love the shot of you relaxing after dinner. Nice views too.

Beatriz said...

Yes Betsy, life is good, and you both know that!
Wonderful trip-gift, huh!
Congratulations and many, many years ahead with joy and hope!!!

Take care <º(((<
Bia

www.biaviagemambiental.blogspot.com

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Well happy birthday! What a great trip. Love the photo of you relaxing in the rocking chair.

Linda said...

You are lucky! George did great! Glad you enjoyed your birthday.

Small Kucing said...

A wonderful way to celebrate your birthday Betsy. George certainly had careful planning for your birthday. Lovely to see both your smiles :O)

Lowcarb team member said...

Wow that photograph 'view of the mountains' fantastic.

Many many good wishes (belatedly) for your birthday.

What a lovely post to look at and read.

All the best Jan

Linda P said...

I'm catching up on your news. It looks as if you and George enjoyed a lovely Summer and you're both looking well. What a lovely surprise trip for your birthday! I'm taking life slowly at the moment and so is my dear husband who is my main carer at the moment, bless him, although my other family members have been wonderful too. Thank you so much for your prayers for my recovery. We have faith in the power of prayer as well as being thankful for the medical professionals who look after our needs. I send loving thoughts to you, George and your lovely family also.