Casey was gracious enough to be our host this year at her family's house on Oak Island. Jenn, Casey & I headed down to the beach Friday morning while Mary Beth and Jessica waited to leave after work. We weren't on the road long before we embarked on our first adventure. Jenn 'knew' of a place to eat in Faison so we jumped off I-40 & trekked into the country 3 miles. Lo & behold in the middle of nowhere we found Southern Exposure.
If you're ever on I-40 headed towards Wilmington around a meal time, this place is definitely worth a stop. I'd describe it as southern elegance with a country twist. Lunch prices ranged from $7-$10, we heard dinner was much pricier.
After a quick stop for ice cream at a small shack boasting the 'best ice cream in Brunswick county' (definitely not in my opinion, but at least now we know), we arrived at the beach house. Here's where adventure #2 began. Casey begins walking up the back stairs of the beach house & freezes. I'm right behind her & think, 'umm maybe she sees a bug?' Nope, the window of the back door is completely shattered. Upon seeing this Casey responds, 'umm maybe a bird flew into it?' Wrong again, looks like a bullet hole to me. Sure enough, we get in the house to find a corresponding hole in the drywall across from where the entrance hole in the window is. Yikes. So much for our beach music concert plans. We spend the next hour or so bonding with police & detectives who 'thoroughly' investigate the crime scene. And by thoroughly I mean the police officer just graduated from police school and told us this was the first bullet hole he had seen. He did manage to describe the location of the gunman as being on the other side of the back door. Wow Sherlock, I think we could have figured that one out! Needless to say, we were all tired enough to sleep just fine once we taped up the window:)!
When Jessica and Mary Beth arrived we celebrated the upcoming arrival of baby Callie. This will be Jessica's 2nd child, but 1st girl. We feasted on fondue and sparkling grape juice.
Yay for a surprise baby shower!!!
Saturday morning we lounged around eating cinnamon rolls and chatting before we mustered up the energy to brave the heat.
First we hit the party store in hopes to find some treasures for Mary Beth's upcoming baby shower. Didn't find what we were looking for so we opted for some Kodak moments instead.
We then browsed through a few touristy shops in Southport before discovering what has to be the best restaurant in town-Taylor's. I'm honestly trying to plan a vacation around this restaurant alone. I figure we could eat 3-4 meals there within a 24 hour period and then drive back to Raleigh. It is well worth the 3 hour drive to experience this southern gem.
Here is my plate...fried catfish, collards, sweet potatoes, and a biscuit. All for $7.50. Need I say more?
If this wasn't enough, look whose picture is on the wall...
Yes you're right, that is Ina Garten. I hope that's not the closest I get to having my picture taken with the Barefoot Contessa but in reality it might very well be. I spoke with the owner about meeting Ina & she assured me that both she & her husband Jeffrey were very friendly and down to earth. So good to hear, I was afraid she could be a little snooty coming from the Hamptons! Tyler, Giada, Paula and other Food Network celebs graced the walls as well. Wow, you know you've made it in the world when you can posts pics like this on the walls. Seriously...you've got to try this place!!!
We chilled back at the house for the rest of the afternoon, watched a chick flick & then got ready for a seafood dinner, always our tradition when at the beach. After dinner we finally saw the ocean! And what better way to enjoy the waves than on the pier at sunset?
Sunday morning we spent a little more time out on the beach before it got too hot. Jessica, Jenn and I went for a nice walk which ended in a lecture about sea turtles from a lady who makes it her mission to educate the general public on turtle breeding tendencies. Casey & Mary Beth, our 2 beach bums, relaxed in the sand and soaked up some sun.
I'm so grateful for this annual retreat. Maybe next year we'll bring the guys along for the adventure...
3 comments:
I had such a good time! Look forward to many more :)
this looks like such a fun girls trip. i hope i am with you when you meet ina garten. that would be perfect.
incredible trip indeed! So thankful for you gals! Love you!
Post a Comment