One for the Books

This past weekend was the epitome of magical and restorative. Just a heads up, this post is very photo-heavy! Pictures or it didn't happen, right?

We headed down to the Farmhouse Inn on Friday afternoon and got checked in to the "American Homestead" room. We got super lucky because a very sweet couple switched rooms with us so we could have the only dog-friendly room (thanks Suzanne and Mark!). We dropped off our bags and immediately headed for the lake and hiking trails. 

 We got to the lake and I enjoyed the hammock while Townes enjoyed pulling J all over to smell everything (there's no doubting his Beagle genes). We even got Townes in a canoe for the first time! Other than his curiosity of the paddle hitting the water and him leaning over to look at the water, he did so well. I see more canoe trips in his future - possibly to his dismay.

 After a long walk, J + I headed into town to check out one of our favorite flea markets. We ended up with a few good finds and then headed back to catch sunset on the farm before dinner. We were greeted by this turkey when leaving the farm - he was so curious of us and the car and completely unafraid...too funny! We also made friends with the goats and cows (Townes did NOT make friends with them or the chickens).

 Before heading to dinner, we did a hike towards the fishing pond at sunset and the light was incredible (photos cannot do it justice of course).

 We headed downtown to the Chophouse Grille which is our favorite place in Madison to eat (they allow dogs on the patio too)! We had their veggie wrap (yummm!) which is worth the drive to Madison by itself. Everyone fawned over Townes and we enjoyed the weather and just being together. ♥

 The next morning, we had the nicest breakfast with everyone at the Farmhouse (including the wonderful owner, Ellis and his beautiful wife, Crystal). We all laughed and told stories and Crystal passed around our wedding book for everyone to see (for the record, we didn't bring it - they bought our book off of Blurb and they keep it in the barn for future engaged couples to look at...pretty cool, huh?). We decided to explore some more trails before heading back to Atlanta.

 

 We enjoyed Saturday night in by grilling out together and lighting up the new chiminea! Nothing makes J happier than fire (he must get it from his retired-firefighter father). Needless to say, the busy day wore me and Townes out early!

 

On Sunday, we headed up to Vogel with J's side of the family. It's a tradition that sadly the grandparents couldn't join us for (for the first time). I'm glad that I get to be a part of this tradition and that our family enjoys being outdoors!

 We hiked around the lake, walked down to the waterfall, let Townes enjoy the water, and then grilled out for dinner. 

 

 

 By the end of the day, we stayed warm by the grill and J even took one for the team and shared his shirt with Townes. Sucker!

Life is good.

 ♥

“I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, "This is what it is to be happy.” - Slyvia Plath, The Bell Jar