Library visits

We've had decidedly too many posts with pictures for fall on here lately that I decided we could use a post decidedly not about fall. With pictures. About once a week we make our way uptown to the local library for story time and the use of their wonderful selection of toys. You see, library visit days, together with our walk through the woods day, our grocery shopping day and others, are part of our weekly rhythm. And my two love it. The library visits, I mean; not so sure about the grocery trips but we have to eat, right? 

The main library we use is one of three locations in our county and in addition to printed books also offers a wide variety of online resources. Before I had children I used to go by after work and get lost for hours looking for 'the' book to take home. Since then those days are long gone and now our main purpose to coming here is for them to spend time in the children's section. We can pass an entire morning flipping through books, playing with the toys they provide and listening to one of their talented storytellers. The whole staff in all locations we have visited so far, have always been quite welcoming and have shown my children loving attention every time, which is probably why all of us are always looking forward to coming here. On days I do feel like taking home a book myself, I have found it quite helpful to already pick out an author and title online while still at home, it makes taking home the chosen book a snap. 

At home, we continue to focus on reading and listening to stories to foster a healthy relationship to books {and music}. What we like to read {and play} will be for another post, but for now, please enjoy some moments of our morning last week. 

Having a wonderful and well-stocked library in our town also makes our decision to live minimally a lot easier. I can keep a handful of well-made toys and books at home for daily use, and between spending lots of time outside and coming here I know my children will always have "new" toys to grab their attention. My only regret with all three locations is that we live too far away. We have to take the car to come and visit. On the upside, though, we live within walking distance of our local state park. More on that later, though. 

Cabin Fever: Bryson City

It has been a great summer here at the house, with lots of long days playing outside in the sun. But last night, I was going through our pictures from our trip to the mountains in July, and I began thinking back to our stay in the old Inn as well as the train ride. We spent two wonderful days in the neighboring town to Bryson City up in the mountains. I have spend a little bit of time in the mountains, mainly when my in-Loves lived up in the Virginia Mountains or during short camping trips with my family growing up. 

The mountains have a way about them, their crisp early morning mountain air, with the way the sun comes up behind the mountains, warming up the day slowly. The colors seem brighter in the mountains, the sky bluer and the trees greener. Even now looking back, I can hardly describe the vibrant and lively colors of the mountainous nature. 

The Inn:

We stayed at the Jarrett House, which is so full of history! This home was originally built in 1884 to accommodate traveling railway passengers and was known then as it is now, for its comfortable rooms and home-cooked meals.  On each of the triple-tiered porches of this charming three-story home, you can find Rocker chairs to sit and relax in anytime of the day. And by any, I mean anytime of the day, as I have sat on the bottom porch at five o'clock in the morning, consoling my screaming baby boy. 

The town

Staying at the Inn and sitting on the front porch watching traffic go by would have probably sufficed for entertainment the two nights we stayed, but downtown Dillsboro was such an adorable little town we just had to walk around and explore it. Restaurants, gift shops and at least one church were all within walking distance of the Jarrett House. A cute little town, surrounded by the Mountains.

Eating out

The Inn serves a home-cooked breakfast for its guests, which was delicious to say the least. Friday night, however, after walking around for a little bit, the kids were hungry and so we found this little spot with its bright front porch lights. Apparently it is one of two locations.

Riding the Train

My wonderful Mother-in-Love had made reservations for us with the Great Smokey Mountain Railroad. We spent pretty much all day Saturday doing just that, riding the train, with a picnic lunch at noon. It was such a special time, especially for the kids. I highly recommend taking a day and experiencing the historic train (and museum) - and I'm not just saying this because we received free drinks all day. But it was a nice plus to have. 

All in all, it was a great experience and my daughter still talks about it.