All posts by Carly

Dear, Running

Dear Ear Warmer

1 Comment
Ear Warmer, You’re the One!

Dear Ear Warmer,

When it comes to cold weather running gear, you are my number one. I would save you before I would save my running tights because Ear Warmer, you make me brave.

When the wind is blowing and I think “maybe I’ll run tomorrow,” you remind me that the chill is no match for your tender warmth. You rest so lightly over my ears, yet manage to fend off the nipping cold. You do not complain when I wear you upside down nor when salt lines form upon you from my sweat. Further, if I was mistaken and in fact it is warm enough to go without you, you rest patiently on my wrist for the run to finish. Cold weather running would be simply unbearable without you.

For a time, I thought you had been left with my parents, or worse: lost, but you were tucked away with Hat and Scarf (neither of which are a match for your running prowess). On Tuesday, we were reunited for our first fall run of the year, and it was a wonderful thing.

So this post is for you, Ear Warmer, and I hope Tuesday was only the rekindling of our cherished friendship.

Carly

Clemson, Friends, Unicorn

Happy Halloween!

Leave a comment

Happy Halloween – be safe and enjoy the spoils of the season, while keeping those in the path and aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in your thoughts.

Adventure, Discovery, Goals

Biltmore – Built for More!

Leave a comment
America’s largest home!
Beautiful and angular, an external view of the main staircase, which has no internal supports

On Saturday morning, my mom, who was visiting, and I ventured to the epitome of American Opulence: Biltmore Estate. America’s largest private home, Biltmore’s interior covers over four acres and contains 250 rooms. Construction took six years, with the official opening on Christmas Eve 1895. Presently, Biltmore is owned by Vanderbilt’s descendants and operated  and maintained by an impressive staff of over 1800. The home is open 365 days a year – and 366 on leap year! Both my mom and I walked away surprised at how much we enjoyed our visit.

 

We picked up some decorating tips: like Always have Lions at the front entrance!

Plan to spend the day at Biltmore; we were there from 11:30 AM until 7:30 PM. Another tip: if you purchase tickets a week in advance, you receive a discount. Save those dollars for the optional audio tour – two thumbs up recommendation. Our house tour started at noon, and we completed the first two levels (rooms 1-23) of the house before taking a break to refuel on pizza and ice cream. Then we finished the final third of the tour: the basement and recreations areas (rooms 24-44). We both felt this was an excellent flow by incorporating a necessary sitting break and tasty snacks.

After the house, we went to see the gardens, which our shuttle driver said were a “must-see.” The fresh fall air was a welcome treat from the enclosed house.

Again, our enjoyment exceeded our expectations, particularly in the orchid room of the greenhouse where exquisite beauty met intricate design.

Our final stop on the all day tour was the Antler Hill Village and Winery. There is no better way to end a visit than with a sip or three of wine at the free on-site tasting.

Cheers!

So if you are looking for a day-long getaway a reasonable drive from Clemson, look no further than Biltmore.