Third Turn Brewery- Crestwood, Kentucky

Labor Day weekend, I headed down to Louisville to chill with George. After he conquered an all day puzzle- marathon, of which I helped very little with, we decided to drag our butts outdoors to explore a new brewery that opened up in Crestwood.

The food and overall atmosphere at Third Turn was not disappointing. We enjoyed three different tacos, each of them unique.

We tried all four of the Third Turn beer options.

Always a merch section in all the larger breweries.

Once we got our beers and headed outdoors it was immense! I guess this was some sort of landscaping business prior and now they turned it into a wonderful beer garden.

There was even an outdoor church venue and they were having a wedding reception in part of the closed off patio area. A reception at a brewery is right up my alley, but maybe not a wedding….we can skip that part 🙂

Trees provided coverage when it started to sprinkle.

I’m sure at night with the lights this place is adorable.

Loved the large seating areas and wide benches.

As the night went on it started to fill up with a lot of families and dogs. I think breweries have become a new option for young couples who want to pretend their lives are unchanged by having kids. It also offers the kids a nice space to run around and be unattended. Not sure how I feel about this, but do admit that if this was the stage of life I was in, I would take full advantage.

Pin by Rachel Harmann on wine makes the world go 'round | Funny mom quotes, Motherhood funny, Mom life quotes

Boutique Cala- OTR Cincinnati 🧶👗💛

Zoe and I headed to OTR to find a unique gift for her Auntie, who she will be staying with in LA next month. The store we anticipated finding something in, Elm & Iron, is sadly now closed in the Cincinnati area. Another fallen local business. So we started looking into all the store windows as we walked along Vine Street to see if there was anything new.

We discovered the most amazing boutique! I asked the owner’s permission to blog about it. It’s brand new. Her grand opening will be Labor Day weekend.

The items are priced right and so original. She makes all the macrame herself which is a perfect gift item for any millennial. Zoe purchased a lime green key chain, while I window shopped fantasizing about a new apartment to start my decor completely over. Maybe my daughters will let me help them decorate one day.

When I asked the owner, Amanda, what was the most difficult part about opening up her own boutique, I received an unexpected response. She said it was finding day care for her autistic, buzz light year loving, son. She is fighting the system that so many of my friends have conquered in attempts to find the proper care for a child with special needs.

Anyone in Cincinnati, I encourage you to check out her store. Not only is she incredible but I do believe you will find so many items that make perfect gifts!

The eclectic table display caught my eye as soon as we entered. I loved the simplicity, textures and warmth in the color combo.

Feels like Antropologie without the price tag!

Great store with exposed brick walls and plenty of space to move about.

My Zoe was loving all the clothes. But I made her restrain herself since she is spending a month in LA and will need her cash!

The owner. She also made the desk and wood pieces.

These earrings are adorable and only 15$. I love supporting a local artist.

I never blog about a store. But for some reason really felt a pull to post this one!

The River Arts of Asheville, North Carolina

In my past few blogs I noted the graffiti and a few breweries in this area, but there was so much more to see! Since we were down there on a Sunday a lot of the studios were closed. I would love to go back and spend more time there, check out the breweries we didn’t get to and shop art.

We were able to take in the streets and I wanted to share that, more for my memory and for anyone wanting to explore Asheville. We were able to go into one studio which I was so glad we did. I loved the art which was by Daniel McClendon at the Lift Studios. He really found his niche and it was like nothing you would find anywhere else!

River Arts District Map, Asheville — I found this online. Color coding is my friend 🙂

I adore window boxes but also the art hanging in the window.

I loved that a lot of the area was still rustic and raw from the warehouse days.

This was the one studio that was opened and was giving early morning glass blowing lessons.

Can you imagine being 11 years old and getting your message out there loudly to the world?

Love the colors of this area. The stripes on this building and separation of shop colors was so cute!

Spiritual readers and healers a must in this community. Just goes along with the vibe.

I bent down to say hello to these beauties.

Repurposing. I wish more would do it. I know there are art studios around the world working with this artform, but I dont seem to see/get enough of it.

I know its in completely poor taste to take photos inside an art studio, but I couldn’t help myself. I was going back to my trend shopping days in Europe where I just wanted to show the world what I was seeing. So when I was in the basement area alone, as George was chatting with the rep upstairs, I snapped a few.

We were informed that the artist starts with a blank and white canvas. The does random swirls emotionally, then waits to see the vision of the animal. He focuses on abstract animal painting.

I dream about having such art in my house. Creative, emotional, one of a kind.

Its fun to hear about the artist and how he progressed to this status. There were several magazine write ups about him. His work was priced at 10,000$ and up.

Catawba Falls Trail- Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina

George is an early morning person. Up way before me and is actually more productive in the mornings. As he left the hotel at 6 am I fell back to sleep only to be woken up to an urgent need to get myself around for a hike he found for us. I, am NOT a morning person. BUT, I knew this was our last day in Asheville and wanted to squeeze in as much as we could, so I miraculously mustered up the energy to brush my teeth, put on a bra and go on the hike.

I was so happy that we arrived there before anyone else. We were only the second car in the lot at 8 am. By the time we left we were passing so many families and couples just starting their days. The mornings are the perfect time to hit a trail. It was so peaceful and quiet. It ended up being my favorite memory of this road trip.

Ironically when speaking with one of my Turkish students, she had also hiked this same trail. Such a small world.

Heading in looked just like any other tree lined trail.

George was all geared up and ready for anything. I was my typical self with no beverages and just my baseball cap.

As soon as you entered you could hear running water which is pure joy to my senses.

Was so clear and pleasant. I immediately stepped right in.

Sad that they actually have to tell people not to climb on historic structures eh?

Was doing a little happy dance for entertainment purposes.

Was hoping to see a black bear drinking along the river, but no luck.

As we hiked further along we kept seeing different small waterfalls.

Admiring the unique trees along the walkways.

I feel like the bark and knots tell such a story of their endurance.

This tree was calling for a fairy garden to be set up! Complete with a front fenced in yard and doorway.

I kept seeing these leaves on the ground and was admiring their colors. When I looked up none of the trees had these leaves on them. Things that make you go hmmm.”

We kept taking the small steep trails down to see all the various falls along the way. Taking our time. Soaking in the adventure.

Was really like being a kid again and exploring in the woods.

A sunbeam perfectly found us making a picturesque view.

I climbed out on a slippery log to try to get a closer look at this one. I had to scoot back on my butt on the way back, to avoid falling in. I ended up with a big hole in my pants and was showing off my undies here on out.

The riverbed rocks varied so much as we kept moving along.

Waterfall chasing could become my new hobby.

When we saw this dam we thought this was the highlight. Little did we know a little further ahead with the master of them.

He looks so natural in this element. I’m happy to have found a man who likes to hike.

When I read this barefoot comment I immediately thought of Alexandra who loves to hike barefoot.

After crossing that last bridge we came across this gorgeous waterfall.

We used the roots to climb our way up even higher to find a perfect resting spot.

Not sure what this sign said, but obviously everyone denied it and covered it up with stickers.

We literally sat right here for about a 1/2 hour not even talking to each other, just breathing it in.

Had to take my classic hiking boot view.

I snapped this cute photo with my portrait view. The background almost looks fake, like a studio setting.

Instagram photo by Pranamar Villas & Yoga Retreat • Jul 1, 2016 at 8:37pm UTC | Waterfall quotes, Yoga quotes nature, Nature quotes

Graffiti and Grail Moviehouse🍿- Asheville, North Carolina

Part of my tour of the River Arts district in Asheville involved drivebys of their graffiti. I love street art. I began an Instagram just for this artform= tonyatakesthailand.

Asheville’s street art in particular is more raw in parts and less commission-art or muralesque. (yes I just made up that word)

After driving past many of the buildings which are up and coming, as well as past a skateboard park which was hopping, we pulled into what looked like another sprayed painted building only to find out it was a movie theatre. It was so amazing! Clever. Creative. Unique. And they were playing the new Jennifer Hudson movie about Aretha Franklin. So spur of the moment we decided to take in a Sunday night movie!

Talk to the hand”. Love the sneakers on the wires above too- Classic.

This is the district where the second Wedge Brewery was and also an amazing Butcher food truck. I ate an amazing all beef hotdog! If I had to break my “no beef” habit for something, this was a great choice. Or possibly I just forgot how good beef tastes.

This was the movie house. I’m not sure how George knew it was here, but it was super cool!

When we came back to see the movie, the garage door had been put down.

This film is a must see! I literally cried.

Inside the theatre. There were only about four of us total.

Check out the bathroom. So clever capturing various bathroom movie scenes and using it for their theatre’s wall art.

After the movie was over we drove to downtown Asheville to grab one last cocktail. I saw this on the shop’s window and couldn’t resist taking one last street art photo.

Inspiring Street Art Quotes (29 quotes) for your creativity!

North Carolina Arboretum

As soon as we passed a road sign about this place, I was interested in going. I mean a place filled with plants, gardens and hopefully mixed with some art sculpture? What’s not to want to see.

Unfortunately the sun was blazing hot but on the bright side this kept most visitors away on this Sunday afternoon. We were able to soak in the natural beauty very peacefully without many others blocking our view.

The first metal art sculpture I captured on our way in. Man’s nature.

They had quite a large greenhouse with a plant sale going on. We admired the cactus outside instead.

This bunny sculpture was interesting. Not sure I’ve seen a rabbit in this position before. Art doesn’t have to be realistic or mirroring our reality but it did make me wonder what the artist was thinking.

It was as if walking in a fairytale through the archways and gardens.

Plenty of shaded areas where people could sit and rest. I’m sure many members just come to take it all in during the different seasons.

Statue of the guy who designed Central Park. (according to George- you know I dont google that)

This moss covered gate with its rustic look and yellow flowers peaking through was so quaint to me. Like a country scene.

Another beehive. Love the creativity in the design and architecture.

A cool manmade waterway with mosaic tiles creating a coy fish below.

A very clever addition to this arboretum is the train set that runs on the track below. All the landscaping around the track is real and the train sports Thomas and other characters that kids can relate to.

When you peaked underneath the trees it was hallow, like a canopy.

A beautiful lesson in growth and determination.

There was a special display featuring bonsai which I love. These plants/trees are so artistic and I admire how they are mastered and sculpted over time.

A write up describing this Japanese artform.

The way they displayed them individually with the grey cement backgrounds just made you appreciate their structure even more.

This dry stream states that with this bonsai gardening mindset, what is missing is equally as important to what is there. Suggestion of the mind.

The bees were definitely attracted to this flower.

The displays were perfect in my mind. Natural art.

This one comes to life before your eyes. A masterpiece.

I felt a connection with this bonsai as if it color coordinated with me. Had sweet flowers but a rough bark. 🙄

On our drive back into Asheville, we took a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. We learned at the tourist stop that parts of this roadway were wiped out due to mass flooding last week that apparently killed several people with many still missing. I had no idea. I also read 20-some people died in Tennessee over the weekend in a flood.

Flooding seems so common now due to the weather changes and with many people avoiding the news due to conflicts and repetitive information, its difficult to catch the important human heartbreaking news that actually needs our attention.

Hoping to come back to drive it all or at least a larger portion. It was very peaceful, no traffic, 35 mph with many trails to hike along the way.

Nature Quote | Nature quotes, Garden quotes, Flower quotes — Be sure to pay attention to the little things.

Asheville, North Carolina- Ten Breweries in Two Days

Omg Asheville did not disappoint this weekend! George and I decided to road trip and had a blast checking out the brewery scene!

First night we hit 7 different breweries with one beer or flight per bar. They all had unique themes/vibes/ and flavors.

#1- High Wire– It was closest to where we were staying and we thought we’d just have a drink then work our way into the city. Needless to say, that night, we didn’t quite make it that far. Love when plans are fluid. This place had a pamphlet on all of the breweries in Asheville and that’s how we started our brewery jumping adventure.

Everywhere throughout Asheville there were murals and rainbow colors. There was a mandatory mask mandate put back into place in this city. Places were not as crowded as I would’ve expected on a weekend.

Our flights and research pamphlets. I learned George has a pamphlet/brochure love or what some may say, hoarding tendency. Ya learn so much about people when you travel with them. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤣

Even the chandeliers were fun. We ran into a second HiWire location later on.

#2- Burial Beer- I wanted to head there next just due to their name. They also had a hatchet as part of their graphics.

This wooden sculpture was right next door to the brewery- quite odd looking and I didn’t take time to read the history of it but thought I’d still share with y’all.

By the looks of the mural outside the Burial Brewery, you knew this was going to be an uniquely special place.

This brewery seemed to specialize in sours- or maybe we just opted for them. But it was quite enjoyable! Was a cool day out. Cloudy and rained on and off.

We picked this vehicle to sit in. How fun right?!

It was ironic that we ended up back in a car after 5+ hours of driving to get there. Much more relaxing with no traffic and a beer in hand.

Having a great time! So glad we planned this escape.

#3- Urban Orchard-we decided after sours maybe some ciders would be the next right choice. We headed around the corner to this classy open bar area.

Their mural. Love how the art takes on the personality of the place.

Very simple modern decor. Most people were lined up along the bar facing the outdoors and were enjoying people watching. Unfortunately I didn’t get a photo of this section.

We opted to sit on the comfy couch, with the unfortunate view of the bathrooms across the way.

When looking back through our photos it was funny how George and I never ordered the same thing. Opposites attract as they say.

#4- Green Man Brewery- After the cider bar we were stuck in the rain and I realized I lost my cardigan. Knowing I was going to catch a chill after getting wet I went on the hunt for my jacket, while George headed back to the car to fetch an umbrella. We knew we needed to get some food in us, but somehow I ended up at yet another bar with a drink ordered instead.

I immediately headed up the staircase to check out the rooftop views. Sadly the view wasnt of anything too impressive. But the atmosphere was fun with a bachelor party group upstairs. Typical young men telling lies and picking up girls with their wedding rings in their pockets.

George called it quits and we headed out for food, umbrella in hand. I told him I wouldn’t melt.

#5- Funkatorium- We finally found a spot that served food. We had no idea what their menu was but there was a line to get in, and we were ready to eat.

Me getting sassy and tired of my photo being taken 🙂 Picnic style seating. Great outdoor area with a lot of large groups having a great night out.

This was on the sidewalk as we crossed the street to the next stop. Just a happy kid with a balloon following the stars. That’s about how I felt at this point.

#6- Twin Leaf– This place pulled me in with the karaoke sound coming out of the open doorway. I had drank enough to be brave and was ready to belt out a rocking tune – I was ready to show George my onstage skills.

We didn’t get very far. The line for the beer was not moving, so we gave up and found another joint.

Looked like a cute intimate brewery. Maybe next time I will bless Asheville with my singing voice. 🤪

#7- Wehrloom Honey- This last stop was a perfect way to end our evening. We were following the sound of a band we heard down an alleyway and as we passed this place, the brew-master waved us in. How could we resist?

I guess this beer is made from honey. I never heard of it before.

We did a flight to taste the variety. I honestly did not like any of them.

Obviously two sheets to the wind at this point and very glad this was our last stop for the night.

#8- Sierra Nevada- The next morning we had a lunch date with my Aunt and Uncle who live in Greenville, NC. Due to Covid, I haven’t seen them in two years. I was really looking forward to visiting with them and dragging George along for the ride.

This is the mecca of breweries. A must visit if you come this way. Plenty of beers to try and a pretzel with beer cheese that is to die for.

My family. So kind. So fun. And wonderful to see how well they both are doing.

I noticed this bike fixing kit which seems to be a staple at many of the larger places.

#9- New Belguim Brewery- After visiting my aunt and uncle, we stopped at the North Carolina Arboretum. (see following blogs) and then headed back toward the River Arts section of Asheville which was recommended to me by Paul Flam. It did not disappoint!

Love the themes. Making a place unforgettable is a must.

Most people were choosing to sit outdoors and only came in to refill their drinks.

Our outdoor view. I love red umbrellas next to the blue skies.

George is so kind to me. I cannot quite figure it out yet…..but am appreciating every minute of my time with him. He literally held the umbrella at an angle to block the sun until we finished our beers.

Again with the bike repair kit. So clever and encouraging.

#10- Wedge Brewery- As we were walking around some of the art studios in the River district we came across this metal sign and followed it to check it out.

There was such interesting metal artwork throughout this place. All outdoor seating.

Looked as if they could make anything out of scrap metal parts.

I loved this saying. Such a great way to put it.

There are several art studios to shop at in this warehouse like building. We actually did not get a beer here, but instead got one at their second location.

This was the outdoor area for the second Wedge location. It was near all the graffiti areas further down the river.

The taps. I have no idea what I got. The bartender here was not the friendliest.

Indoors. They bragged about having air conditioning. It was a bonus after such a long day in the sun.

TOP 25 BREWING QUOTES (of 92) | A-Z Quotes — Not sure that this is truly his quote, but in his voice, it seems just about right.

Clifty Falls- Madison, Indiana

I went down to Louisville for a couple days and convinced George that we needed to go back to Madison, Indiana to hike the Clifty Falls trails. In this humidity it was not going to be the best weather, but I was hoping the trees would provide some relief.

We ended up doing trail 6 &7 which gave our legs a workout and got us both sweating in places we shouldn’t.

The falls itself was pretty weak. It hasn’t rained too much here lately. Storms were predicted all this week, but so far, just humidity and clouds.

I made George walk in front of me to be sure to get all the cobwebs out of the way for me 🙂 His sarcasm being displayed with a simple gesture.

This hike included a lot of staircases. This was just one of many. There were signs everywhere to preserve nature and stay on the paths which wasn’t my calling. I wanted more dirt trails and challenges that didn’t include wooden steps.

Looking down over the slate rocks which the water easily glided over.

One of the better views of the waterfall.

Sneaking a peak from a distance between the trees.

Selfie with a view of the river behind us. I feel so small next to him.

Now this part of the pathway was more like it. Roots and rocks leaving obstacle courses along our way. I asked George if he would carry me out if I twisted an ankle.

There was this cool narrow passage in between the rocks where many cobwebs were sure to be had.

I was admiring the combination of greenery and the hint of fall to come.

This was a second falls called Tunnel Falls. It looked like they were building a pathway connecting the Trail 7 (Clifty Falls) to Trail 8 (Tunnel Falls). Will be nice when they get that finished so you could do a loop instead of a back and forth trail.

Up from Tunnel Falls overlook. My legs were beginning to feel like jello and my hair dripping from sweat. It was time for a beer!

Pizza Night 🍕

Sometimes its not about where you go, but who you are with. I was excited to be getting together with my gang for a Friday pizza night.

Allen, dubbed “the bread man” by my daughters, was bringing home made pizza dough. I was in charge of white wine. (I think this group knows me well enough not to expect too much in regards to my cooking contributions)

Allen, who is an expert in anything he does- which includes but is not limited to- playing the blues harmonica, making pottery, making wine, homemade bread, fixing bikes, whistling, being sarcastic and engineering in the auto industry, tossed the dough with ease.

Pies were amazing with pesto, banana peppers, pepperoni, mushrooms, sausage, cheese and other varieties.

I love whenever I get together with this group that I met about 8 years ago. They fill my soul always!

A Letter To The Friend Groups At The Different Stages Of My Life | Friends quotes, True friendship quotes, Friendship quotes — I think we all do this for each other.

Mount Adam’s Bar Hop

After breakfast with my daughters at Sugar & Spice, I decided to show George around Eden Park and nearby Mt. Adams. Every time he comes up, I am hoping to show him a new part of this great city of Cincinnati. It offers so many interesting neighborhoods and whenever I am given an opportunity to show them off to friends, I welcome it.

There is so much history here and interesting stories that go along with it. I mean which other city has a past president with the reputation of getting stuck in a bathtub? or stories of Charles Manson trying to jump off the balcony of a bar? Ohio masks itself in ordinary but it is anything but.

We drove around the winding streets of Mt. Adams dreaming about what houses we would purchase given the money. We decided to pop into this bar which said it was open. It was noon on Sunday, perfect time for our first cocktail. 🤷🏻‍♀️🥂

The backbar reputedly came from a speakeasy owned by an infamous Cincinnati bootlegger, George Remus. The success of his bootlegging franchise grabbed attention so he gave his diamond collection to his wife who then immediately filed for divorce. Two hours before Remus’ trial began, he tracked down his wife in Eden Park and killed her. He then pleaded insanity and was sentenced to a mental hospital of which he was later released.

The location was the first drinking establishment in Ohio to obtain a liquor license after prohibition was repealed.

There was plenty of interesting decor to keep your attention. This place was packed with locals.

George grabbed a pamphlet about Mt. Adams and Eden Park, which sparked us going to check out the City View Tavern located on Oregon Street. It’s in the middle of a neighborhood and you would miss it completely if you didn’t look for it. I hadn’t been there since my children were around 4 years old….so needless to say, its been awhile. But not one thing had changed.

When you walk into this dive bar the view immediately grabs your attention.

From their balcony you could see the rooftops of the million dollars homes also sharing the cityview.

Was loving the Budweiser poster and the reference to the Maisonette.

This bar had some historic photos of the incline that used to take people up to this great mount.

I wasn’t sure what to order, since it was a dive bar where the beers were basic, the liquor selection limited plus no cocktail menu. This place is well known for its burgers served with a side of local Grippos potato chips.

The bartender (who also served as the cook, waitress, and busser of the place) offered to make me a tequila sunrise with citron vodka instead of tequila. She then told the below story as to why tequila will never be served here. I copied the below out of a google search which told the story she informed us of.