Girl's Weekend 2012: Mildin' Out

When I called Southern Helle in desperate need of a getaway from work and she suggested a low-key spa retreat in the mountains, I jumped at the idea. As I move up the military food chain, my work has progressively gotten more and more stressful, and a chance to truly recharge and relax was a perfect idea. Lakeview at Fontana is nestled right off the main road but far enough away to forget it all but making the next happy hour. Our girl's weekend package came with three spa services. One of the ones I chose was an all-in-one massage with Grace, their masseuse. She definitely has magic hands and with the aid of hot stones turned my tensed out body into a puddle of blissed out goo by the end of the house massage. I am already mentally planning our return trip and pondering if I can just schedule three massages. They were that good!

Bryson City is a quaint mountain town but had lots of quirky interesting shops to feed Southern Helle and I's shopping addiction. It definitely has its own personality and I quickly found several have to have items, a christmas present and the shop, Humanite. If you haven't heard of it, read Southern Helle's post about trip to see how Erin also uses her store to give back. We had arranged an after hours trip there through the spa that included wine. After hours shopping with a glass of wine in hand is the only way to go! Among the many purchases included an amazing orange militaryesque coat that I am sure will be featured in a future post and a green and yellow dress with cut outs on the back. Anyone who knows me, knows that coats and jackets are my downfall and I could almost fill a closet with my coats alone. If I had had another glass of wine I probably would have done even more damage to my credit card! But, we had more Bryson City shops to explore.

High on shopping and wine

Why hello Mr Scarecrow

Preparing to explore Bryon City shopping
Between the natural beauty of the area, the five star treatment from everyone and everything at Lakeview at Fontana, Grace's amazing massages, the savory crepes from The Cork and Bean, Humanite, mountain music and good beer from Nantahala Brewery, and the chance to escape the world for a few days with my best friend by me, this past girl's weekend was one of the best in Southern Helle and I's 15 year friendship. the only true question left is, Is it too soon to go back?

The Spa's mascot, Sylvester, or as we affectionately called him Chunk, for his never-ending appetite.
Navy Blue Turtleneck: Victoria's Secret
Dress: Francesca's Collections
Black Boots: DSW Warehouse
Jeans: The Limited
Leather Jacket: Wilson's Leather
Purse: Marshall's
3/4 Length Blazer: Target

Excursions in Hiking

One of the many advantages to Southern Helle and I's recent trip to the mountains for our spa retreat was seeing the Smoky Mountains in all of their fall splendor and doing a little hiking. We arrived while all of the fall foliage was at its peak (and just in time for wine at happy hour!). Our first morning we had well intentioned plans to go to yoga after a light breakfast (which included the most amazing granola I have ever had - Out of the Blue Granola, which also has a great story). Yeah, we didnt make yoga. Any day we were there actually. Oops! Instead of yoga we took one of the meandering trails that led right out from the spa's property. The trail was beautiful in all its morning glory and a wee bit longer than expected. Southern Helle and I definitely got a better work out than in yoga!

Doing my best Rocky impression, at what I thought was the summit of the trail.
On Sunday morning, after another morning of pampering, and with the reward of scrumptious crepes from the Cork and Bean, in our minds we decided to explore the Deep Creek trail of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We saw some gorgeous views, a mighty creek and a waterfall. It also gave me the opportunity to break in my new hiking boots some more. Of course my hiking attire naturally consisted of jeans but at least no heels:

Taking advantage of the parks natural light and shadows

The Bryson City area had a lot of different trails to choose from and the weather was perfect to explore them without being cold or too hot. I can't wait to go back and walk some more of them!

Jacket: Target
Running Pants: Target
Hiking Boots: DSW Warehouse
Jeans: American Eagle