Time Travel Thursday #49 - Making Memories for a Lifetime

Welcome to the 49th Time Travel Thursday linky party at the Brambleberry Cottage!

Are you ready to do some traveling? Great; 'cause time never stands still!

Though our children have been out on their own for years now, the Yankee and I still believe it's important to continue to make memories together.

Recently, we went on a family camping trip to one of our favorite getaways—Stone Mountain State Park, here in North Carolina.

We've been camping at that particular park for about sixteen years and have never grown tired of the majestic mountain scenery.

When we first started our family trips to this state park, there were just under 40 campsites to choose from.  But in the past several years, they've increased that number to 90. 

By frequently camping at this same park over the years, we were able to discover which sites were most to our liking.

In years past, it was a simple matter of loading up the gear, the kids and the dogs, and showing up at the campground to claim one of our favorite spots.

We got quite the surprise this trip, when we discovered that you now need to make reservations—or run the risk of not getting a place to camp.

Thank goodness there were two sites available this time!

Here are just a few reasons why this place is so special to us.

The tranquil streams, meandering throughout the park, are so clear, you can see every stone, rock, and pebble beneath the surface.

The surrounding 14,000 picturesque acres are teeming with lush, unspoiled flora and fauna.

There are numerous breathtakingly beautiful falls tucked amid the mossy mountain rocks and boulders.

At Widow's Creek, you can even slide down one of the lower falls into a calm, clear—RIDICULOUSLY COLD—pool...if you dare.   ; )

When the children were younger, that was one of their favorite forms of entertainment, when we camped here.

Since I DO NOT like to be cold, I was always quite content to lounge beneath the massive green canopy of the surrounding trees, bask in the incredible beauty of the landscape, and watch my loved ones making memories for a lifetime.   ; )

Linking to Susan's for Outdoor Wednesday, Mary's for Share the Love Wednesday, Tracie's for Cottage Flora Thursdays, and Meg's for Everything But the Kitchen Sink.

IF YOU LINK TO THE PARTY, PLEASE BE SURE TO LINK BACK TO THE BRAMBLEBERRY COTTAGE ON YOUR BLOG.

Time Travel Thursday #47 - A Little Detour

Welcome to the 47th Time Travel Thursday linky party at the Brambleberry Cottage!

Are you ready to do some traveling? Great; 'cause time never stands still!

While I was in town today, I thought I would take a fun little detour.

As you know, I live in a very small farming community, on the edge of a beautiful national forest.

And though the population of this quaint little place is quite small, there are still some rather charming spots for shopping—or to just while away the time. 

At first glance, one might mistakenly think this particular shop to be nothing more than a cozy little cottage—like so many others found around town—

save the fact, virtually every square inch of porch and yard space is loaded to the hilt with tempting treasures.

Does farmhouse style strike your fancy?  You'll find plenty of it here.

How about rustic and primitive?  There's quite an array of that, as well.

If you're like me, anything garden related draws you in like a moth to a flame.

And it just so happens THAT is the predominant theme here.

Being a true farm girl at heart, I love barns, outbuildings, and sheds of all types.

So the rustic charmers in the backyard of this sweet spot add to the overall enjoyment of the shopping experience.

And to think, all this is just a hint of what is OUTSIDE!

 Even more eye-catching delights await INSIDE.

The original architectural components of this old house-turned-shop—bead board walls, fireplaces enveloped by old wooden surrounds and mantels, paneled doors wearing vintage hardware, large paned windows, etc.—are still intact.

It's those nods to the past that help to make this such a delightful place to browse for treasure.

There's quite an assortment of goodies to choose from:  candles, metal wall art...

heavenly-scented diffuser oils...

and charming floral arrangements—to name but a few.

A wide array of decorating styles is represented here, as well:

country...

antique and vintage...

beachy, seaside...

and even shabby chic.

Not too bad for a town that's nothing more than a blip on a map, huh?

So, if for any reason you find yourself touring the tiny township of Denton, NC...

be sure to stop by Wall To Wall.

Hey, while you're here, maybe you and I can even "do lunch"!  ; )

Linking to Diane's for 2nd Time Around Tuesday, Susan's for Outdoor Wednesday, Mary's for Share the Love Wednesday, Suzanne's for Vintage Thingie Thursday, and Tracie's for Cottage Flora Thursdays.

IF YOU LINK TO THE PARTY, PLEASE BE SURE TO LINK BACK TO THE BRAMBLEBERRY COTTAGE ON YOUR BLOG.