Passports from the Heart

Romantic Mountain Getaway with Carolina Mornings

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My husband and I just celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary and I wanted to arrange something very special for him. He’s such a hard worker, travels the world quite often, and needed nothing more than a few days to relax. We only live two and a half hours from Asheville, so that was the perfect choice for a romantic mountain getaway. After some research, I came across Carolina Mornings who offers stunning condos, cabins, and vacation rentals in and around Asheville.

I have to admit. I had a difficult time choosing which one I wanted to stay in. I was looking for specific qualities in a rental home: a view, secluded, and an out door hot tub. So many of the homes had exactly what I was looking for. Not to mention the photos of all the homes were absolutely dreamy. It was so hard to choose. I finally settled on a cabin located in Waynesville, North Carolina.

When the day arrived for our trip, we decided to stock up on groceries prior to arriving. We planned ahead of time for all meals, snacks, adult beverages, etc. The goal was to not have to leave the home for anything. It was located right outside of Asheville and only added an extra 30 minutes to our 2.5 hours which was nothing if you compare it to the countless hours we have spent on the road for soccer over the years.

 The cabin ended up being everything I could have hoped for and more. When we pulled up, I made my husband stop at the beginning of the driveway so I could snap a photo. It looked like a painting!

My husband was happy to catch his favorite soccer team playing

The only time we left the cabin the entire weekend was to explore the grounds of the home and to hang out on the deck. I stayed in my pajamas pretty much the whole time! If you know me, you know that’s something I never do.

The views were truly like no other. I loved hanging out on the deck. In the mornings I enjoyed sitting there in silence, taking in the scenery and listening to the sounds of the birds and nearby roaring creek. In the afternoons and nights, we enjoyed the outdoor hot tub. We even face timed our family in England to show off the view.

My husband had me stop for Nothing Bundt Cakes for our trip. Here we are enjoying them in the hot tub.

I was happy with the home, the hot tub, the view, the customer service from Carolina Mornings. Absolutely everything was perfect. It was so perfect that we started looking for homes in the area. A home to call our own. We fell in love to say the least.

One of my favorite parts about this company is their incredible program called ‘Stay for Good’ which helps support local, regional, and national charities. That’s right-a rental company that gives back!

Each quarter an email is sent to all guests who stayed during that time. A portion from every reservation from that quarter is donated. Guests are asked to vote on which charity they’d most like to support. The total donation amount is then split among the supported charities. Currently, Carolina Mornings supports Homeward Bound of Western North Carolina, USO of NC, and ALS Association.

The only downside of my weekend with Carolina Mornings is that it was far too short. I am already thinking about another celebration that could take us back to the place we left a piece of our hearts.

Check out Carolina Mornings at https://www.carolinamornings.com You can also find them on social media at https://www.facebook.com/CarolinaMornings and https://twitter.com/CarolinaMorning

My Journey to Mt Everest Base Camp (6 Months to Go!)

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It has been a year since I announced my insane idea of hiking to Mt. Everest Base Camp. It has been a year but it has all happened so fast. I will never forget what first put the thought in my head. I received a press release about a trip to Nepal with World Expeditions (who is now a Sponsor of this incredible campaign!) and it was as though a light bulb went off in my head. I work to share stories of travel and philanthropy whether that’s empowerment tourism or fundraising for an organization. So, why not combine the two for an epic trip supporting an incredible cause?! My husband and I have done work with Cancer for College for a couple of years. They provide college scholarships to cancer survivors.  I called the organization and said “Why don’t I hike to Mt Everest Base Camp while fundraising for you?”.  I do wish I could have seen the look on their faces. It’s not every day you receive a call like that, right? My husband told me I was crazy but within days he had agreed to make the trek with me.

The idea of this journey was to not only fundraise for Cancer for College but to share my personal story. What does it take for someone like me to face the challenges of  something as big as the mountain before me? And as I go through this challenge, the idea was to think of what these children go through physically when they deal with chemo etc. and how they are capable of fighting this battle and they SURVIVE. They have dreams and set goals of going to college and having a career. They fight hard and they ACCOMPLISH what’s before them despite challenges.

I had no idea what I had gotten myself into. In fact, a year later, some days I still ask myself “what were you thinking?”. It has been a really hard year. Not long after my announcement, I had surgery scheduled for my shoulder. This was part of getting my body physically prepared for Mt Everest Base Camp. The surgery went well but a couple of weeks later I ended up with shingles. Needless to say, the rest of the year was some of the most difficult months I’ve ever had. Some of the most painful. I truly had never been as sick as I was last year.

After 8 months of intense physical therapy three times per week, I was finally released from PT. Unfortunately, that didn’t last as I found out recently that I’ll return to therapy. This time I will have to go through dry needling. Something I am not looking forward to. So, here we are, a year later and I’m still rehabbing my shoulder.

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared. I am really scared. I think about Mt Everest Base Camp every single day. I watch videos. I read articles and personal blogs. I have never attempted a major hike. Nothing more than a couple of hours here and there. Never 8 hours in one day. Never at an altitude of 17,598 feet. Never something that would take me over two weeks to complete.

I am afraid of the most dangerous airport in the world. The only way I can get in and out of Lukla to begin and end my journey. It was built by Sir Edmund Hillary in the 1960s and is only 1,729 feet long at an elevation of 9,500 feet. At the end of the runway is a cliff with a 2,000 foot drop. I am scared I’ll cry. I am scared I’ll vomit. I am not typically afraid of heights so I am not bothered by that. I think it’s more so I will feel every bump in the air. I am one who does not even ride roller coasters if that tells you anything.

I am afraid of the altitude sickness. What if I get half way up and have to turn around due to being sick? Not being able to complete the trek would devastate me. I am afraid of not being fit enough. Thankfully I have an AMAZING trainer ,Lily,from Fit Body Bootcamp Fort Mill who is my Fitness Sponsor for Hike for Hope. I know that she will encourage me on the days that I feel like giving up.

You know what though? I also dream about making it to camp. I dream about the tears that will likely pour down my face knowing I accomplished something so major with my husband by my side.

I have six months to go. I have a great deal of work to do in such a short time. The time will come upon us quickly. I know at the end of this journey every challenge will be worth it.

Want to help me send deserving children to college?

Read more about my story and #HikeforHope, Cancer For College, and donate to the fundraiser here. ALL donations received will benefit Cancer for College https://www.classy.org/campaign/hike-for-hope/c154942

 

Travel Guide: Lafayette, Louisiana

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Located in Louisiana, situated in the heart of Cajun Country, is a gem that’s been labeled the ‘Happiest City in America’. After visiting, it’s no surprise why Lafayette has been given this title. From foodies to history buffs, there’s truly something for everyone. Here is my guide to what to see and where to eat while visiting Lafayette.

Where to Eat:

The French Press 

214 E. Vermilion St. Lafayette, LA 70501

(337)-233-9449

The French Press is a great place to grab breakfast (or lunch). James Beard nominated, Chef Justin Girouard, creates his own versions of traditional cuisines inspired by his Cajun, French, and Italian heritage. I highly recommend the Cajun Benedict. Share it with your loved one as it’s certainly not a small portion. This casual dining spot has been named one of the Top 100 Inspiring Places and Things to Eat by SAVEUR Magazine and rated as one of Urban Spoon’s Top Breakfast Restaurants in the country.

French Toast
Cajun Benedict: Toasted french bread, Herbert’s Boudin, American Cheese, and two poached eggs. Topped with chicken and andouille gumbo with fresh scallions.
Sweet Baby Breesus
A local favorite. Praline Bacon with Tabasco sauce.

Olde Tyme Grocery

218 W. Saint Mary Blvd Lafayette, LA 70506

(337) 235-8165

I’ve been dreaming of the Olde Tyme Grocery poor boys since my trip to Lafayette. You can’t get more ‘local’ than this place. This family-owned restaurant is especially busy on Ash Wednesday and Friday’s during Lent. Crawfish and shrimp poor boys are extremely popular on these days due to Catholic’s abstaining from meat. Seafood becomes the staple. It’s such a busy time that after the 40 days, Olde Tyme Grocery employees are rewarded with special Lent t-shirts.

Dat Dog

201 Jefferson St Lafayette, LA 70501

(337) 330-4860

In 2011, Dat Dog was opened in a post-Katrina New Orleans and over time has spread to multiple locations including Lafayette. From Polish Kielbasa to Bratwurst and even Alligator Sausage, there’s something for all taste buds. Their menu also includes vegetarian and gluten free options. I decided to go with ‘Chef’s Choice’ where all of the toppings were chosen for me. This is a great casual spot to hang out, have a beer, and watch sports.

What to See and Do:

St. John Cathedral

515 Rue Cathedral Lafayette, LA 70501

(337) 232-1322

You don’t want to miss seeing this beautiful Cathedral that’s been a downtown landmark for over 200 years. The on-site Cathedral Museum features memorabilia of the early bishops, historical documents, liturgical vestments, and vessels of the pre-Vatican II era.

 

TABASCO Pepper Sauce Factory

Hwy. 329 Avery Island, LA 70513

(337) 359-9560

Avery Island,  located right outside of Lafayette, is home to the most famous pepper sauce in the world-TABASCO. Invented by Edmund Mcllhenny in 1868 it’s still owned and operated by his descendants. Not only can you tour the TABASCO museum but you have the opportunity to tour the factory and greenhouse to learn how the sauce is made. If you are brave enough, have a sample of their hottest sauce on the market- Scorpion.

Jungle Gardens

Louisiana 329 & Main Road Avery Island, LA 70513

(33) 369-6243

Avery Island, home to TABASCO Pepper Sauce,  is also home to Jungle Gardens and Bird City. Edward Mcllhenny wanted a place where others could enjoy and study nature for years to come. There are beautiful live oak trees through the gardens but one of my favorite things about this area is the Buddha statue. It was gifted to Mr. Mcllhenny in 1936. It’s said to be more than 900 years old. He created a beautiful shrine for the Buddha which has now become a focal point for visitors. It has also become an active place of worship for local Buddhists.

 

Rip Van Winkle Gardens /Joe Jefferson Mansion 

5505 Rip Van Winkle Rd New Iberia, LA 70560

(337) 359-8525

This beautiful home was owned by American actor Joe Jefferson in the 1800s. Mr. Jefferson was known for his portrayal of Rip Van Winkle on stage and eventually silent films. On Jefferson Island, you have the opportunity to tour this beautiful mansion, the Rip Van Winkle Gardens, and dine at it’s on-site cafe (where you must have the Seafood Cream Bisque). The mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the gardens sit among 350-year-old oak trees.

Vermilionville

300 Fisher Road Lafayette, LA 70508

(337) 233-4077

Vermilionville is an incredible living history museum exploring the Acadian, native American, and Creole cultures from the time periods of 1765-1890. The park sits on 23 acres and has seven restored original homes and over 13 local artisans on site. Vermilionville also offers summer camps (in French and English), weekly Cajun jam sessions, and boat tours of the Bayou Vermilion.

Paddle Tour of Lake Martin with Bayou Teche Experience

17 E. Bridge St Breaux Bridge, LA 70517

(337) 366-0337

I love to be out on the water so my guided paddle tour of the Cypress Island Nature Preserve at Lake Martin with Bayou Teche Experience was a great time and extremely educational. This ecosystem supports a variety of water birds and native plants. It’s also the home to a large population of alligators.

Looking for a place to stay while in Lafayette? 

Doubletree by Hilton Lafayette

1521 W. Pinhook Rd Lafayette, LA 70503

(337)-235-6111

Interested in attending Mardi Gras in Cajun Country? Read about my recent experience http://passportsfromtheheart.com/2018/03/mardi-gras-cajun-country.html

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