travel – Page 3 – Unlikely Martha

Living• travel

my trip to austin

The something or the other that states Mama ain’t no good to anybody if she hasn’t bothered to take care of herself gets all of the yasssssses that ever yassssssssed.

I’ve never considered myself the type of mother to have completely thrown herself into motherhood with reckless abandon. Yes, I am a mother but long before countless hours of lugging babies in utero for 80 weeks of my life and likely spending 90% of its remainder more concerned with their well being than mine, my math says there is still 10% left to just be me.

I am me, and I am me often.

After burning at both ends for what seemed like an eternity but in reality was probably a few weeks, I decided I needed a break. On a whim, my 37th birthday gifted me a trip to Austin to visit one of the village Aunties. I departed for Austin just a few days after returning home from our family trip to Gatlinburg. In hindsight that wasn’t the best idea, but one thing is for sure by the time I got to Austin, ready for a trip away I was.

My thoughts on Austin prior to going? I was pretty sure it was the melting pot of all hipsters from what I had seen and read about Texas’ capital city. My assumptions were mostly true, however I was not prepared for the beauty of the landscape, the yumminess of the food and the laid back aura.

I freaking loved Austin.

Relocation has never been a desire of mine but if Austin presented an opportunity……

We did a few touristy things, brunched and sipped, ate and shopped. You know all of the things Mamas do when there aren’t people depending on them for a short snippet of time.

Let’s not forget our epic one day trip to Waco to visit Magnolia Market

One of my favorite spots in Austin was the Oasis. Who knew Austin had a huge lake, and mountains? I didn’t.

Margaritas, sunset, and a breeze. Perfection in a tipsy, red streaks across the sky, coldest air on the hottest day type of way.

The best queso I have ever had in my life? Torchy’s served it.

We strolled the streets stopping on a whim to visit quaint bars for cocktails, and ice cream food trucks for sweets, and ate pizza that was worth every second of the long ass wait. I promise it was reminiscent of our college days when we used to go to our call center job at Sprint dressed for the club.

This trip reminded me that wife and mother are just terms that label me but they will never define me. I still have lots of laughs, girl talks, and cocktails to sip…..sans kids

Have you ever been to Austin?

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Feature• Living• travel

Magnolia Market + Waco | my trip and before you go tips

I’ve been meaning to write this post for some time. As I sit watching another marathon of Fixer Upper I suppose it is a sign that I need to get this post up.

In April I went to visit my bestie in Austin and being a huge Fixer Upper fan there was no one way I was going to be one hour from Waco and not make the trek to Magnolia Market. I’m an unapologetic member of the #GainesSquad, not so much for the work they do but mostly because they just seem to be some good folks that you would totally want to be real life friends with. I mean my husband even watches without fishing for the remote. From their family and faith focus, to following their dream of taking the Silos from a mere dream to reality in one hour show segments on HGTV, I have been extremely inspired to say the least.

My dreams of happening upon a glance of them was dashed when I learned the same weekend I was there they were in High Point, NC revealing their new furniture line.

On to the good stuff.

Pulling up I was totally in fan mode and I had done some research prior to getting there but my experience was much different from others I had read about. If you are planning to visit do your research and get different perspectives if you are into these things.

I had read people say it took them nearly an hour to just get in the doors, and they had to pay to park. Due to the threat of bad weather, I suppose some people didn’t show up that Saturday because we were able to walk right in, at noon I might add, and find a free parking space on the street.

Walked. Right. In. Favor and the threat of bad weather isn’t always fair. I said that to say prepare to have a wait, I think we got lucky.

The space is overwhelming when you first walk in. Just imagine wanting to see ALL of the things but not knowing where to start. There will be lots of people so pack your patience, and it helps if you do some research ahead of time to have an idea of what you want if you plan to purchase items.

The items were well priced in my opinion. I kind of thought the items would be handmade, one of a kind items. Instead a lot of the things there you could easily find at Hobby Lobby and you could use the coupon and get it for much cheaper but if you want bragging rights….have at it.

The space isn’t especially large, especially the store part but the barn was huge. Most of the items were laid out against the walls leaving the open space available for moving around.

Most of the items are also available on line so I didn’t buy anything big because shipping would’ve been about the same online rather than dealing with the aggravation of having to ship it separately because I flew. If you are driving and can transport by car you will be better off purchasing in store.

It is an entire experience, especially for families. There is a huge lawn with games and lawn chairs and it was hilarious to see the men laid out as if they were hanging outside of a large dressing room waiting on their ladies to finish shopping.

After finishing up at the Silos we ventured into Waco and had some wine and perused a few antique stores. One particular spot we ventured to called Spice, was great. It was a lot of small independently owned shops in one space. Quietly they had some of the same items that were being sold at Magnolia Market for a little cheaper. It is only about a block away.

Here are some of the items offered at Spice

With a quick search we discovered we were only about 3 miles from Harp & Co. If not familiar this is the wood shop that creates many of the handmade furniture items featured on Fixer Upper. I just love that Joanna brought Clint with her. Wasn’t expecting a whole shop but he has his own little shop that has just a few parking spaces but we were able to get one and go in and take a look.

Looks like he still makes furniture here?

I just love this whole story of a small dream being broadcast on a big screen. I’m glad I was able to see it with my own eyes. Waco is the cutest little city, and if you are a fan I think Magnolia Market is something to see if you are in the area. If you are a distance away I would say make a trip of it, visiting some of the larger cities nearby like Austin, Houston or San Antonio to get the most bang for your buck and time.

Here are my tips outlined

Be prepared to wait outside
While there are food trucks on the property there are other locally owned small restaurants within a mile or so in downtown Waco in the event food trucks aren’t your jam
It is likely it will not take a full day to visit the Silos. There is also a Dr. Pepper museum a few blocks away that I didn’t know about. Do your research you may be able to fit in a number of cultural activities during your visit.
Parking is difficult. Be prepared to pay to park at some of the smaller lots that are available. The cheapest I saw was $10
There was no rhyme or reason to the pricing. I picked up things I thought would be expensive but was cheaper than I expected and vice versa. Unless you are driving, if it can’t fit in your suitcase you will be better off purchasing online.
Sign up for their newsletter and you will get a 10% coupon. I forgot to use mine *womp*
THEY ARE CLOSED ON SUNDAY

I think I covered everything, but I’m sure something got left off. If you have any questions please leave them and I’ll be sure to answer them.

Are you a Fixer Upper fan?!

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travel

Gatlinburg, TN | our spring break vacation

Every year without fail, I’m all like, ” Kids, we’re going to Gatlinburg for Fall break.” Well for the past two Fall breaks we made it to the mountains, just not Gatlinburg.

Glad to say I made good on my promise this Spring break, and as a family we made our inaugural trek to Gatlinburg. We went with our family to include my Mother in Law along with my Brother and Sister in law and their families. We went to celebrate my MIL’s upcoming retirement, I must say it was pretty awesome having everyone together for a fun little getaway.

Traveling in such a large group made it hard to do some of the smaller attractions my kids wanted to do but we will be going back in the Summer or the Fall. I’m serious…this time.

There was so much to do and see that I think if you are close enough you could easily go multiple times and not have the same experience twice. If distance is an issue I would venture to say you would need at least a week to do and see everything Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville has to offer.

I’m notorious for researching places before I visit in an attempt to get the most out of my travels. From my viewpoint here are a few suggestions on things to expect, look out for, see and do if you are planning to visit the area.

Be Prepared to Drive on Mountains

I’m not only stating this from a vehicle maintenance perspective but if you are afraid of heights, have car anxiety or any of that, the ride is steep and curvy. We came from Atlanta, through Cherokee, NC which took us through the Smokey Mountains and while very beautiful, my nerves. I wasn’t ready.

We were so high up there was snow on the ground. Not sure if it is like that coming from other areas, however I suggest before you start traveling check your route to ensure your car and anxiety are equipped.

Tri City Attractions

I knew Pigeon Forge and Sevierville were close but I didn’t know they were THAT close to one another. After 20 minutes of winding roads and such we were in Pigeon Forge, which has attractions all of its own, like a shopping outlet, race tracks, putt putt golf and other fun family friendly attractions. Kind of reminded me of a beach strip.

We went to Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede dinner theater attraction in Pigeon Forge. Dixie Stampede is a live show with animals that outlined the story of the North and South during the civil war. While I felt some important parts of history were left out, overall the food and the show was good. It ran extremely efficient and I was thoroughly impressed at the level of service we were given. The attraction is not cheap but you do get a five course meal, that you must eat with your hands I’ll add. The attraction sells out quickly so make sure to get your tickets early if you plan to attend.

Dollywood and Wilderness at the Smokies along with a few other amusement attractions are in the area. Be sure to check them all out when planning your travel.

Downtown Gatlinburg

Downtown Gatlinburg is full of fun shops, and eateries. The aquarium and a few museums are also housed on the strip as well as Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Five Guys and a few other well know chains! We had a great time going in and out of shops. There were even places to sip wine and fresh brewed beer. Truly a little something for the entire family to enjoy.

Lodging

We stayed in a cabin and that seemed to be the norm in the area although I did see a few hotels. The city of Gatlinburg sits at the base of the mountains so it is likely anywhere you stay will require traveling up a large hill or mountain. Again, be prepared.

Gatlinburg did not disappoint. Not sure if I went there with any expectations other than we would be in the mountains and I was impressed enough to want to return and do more attractions. I am fully intrigued to see just how beautiful the area must be during the fall.

Next spot on my we’re going every year but never make it list….Asheville!

Maybe we’ll hit both this year?

Have you ever been to Gatlinburg? Did you enjoy it? What attractions should we visit when we go back?

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Family• Featured• travel

Apple Pickin’

Last week for Fall break, my babies, my SIL, niece and nephews took the 2 hour drive to Elijay, GA which is just north of Atlanta for an afternoon of apple picking at B.J. Reece Apple Orchards. We picked the perfect day, while the weather was a little warm, it was overcast so the shade from the clouds was welcomed.

Before getting started we had to take our obligatory photo in front of the sign. Excuse me while I make sure my selfie stick is working.

My youngest nephew I’m sure had the most fun. He loves apples and just as quick as we could get them in the wagon he was taking baby sized chunks out of them. The majority of the green apples had already been picked over. Was a little sad about that, really wanted some Granny Smith. We manged to find a few, but not many.

I have so many apples that I need to do something with. Unfortunately I was terribly under the weather and didn’t have a chance to really bake like I wanted and this coming weekend is extremely busy. Sunday, I’ll make my Mom’s apple pie and I’ll even share the recipe. I know she would want me to!

Have you made the trek to the apple orchard or pumpkin patch yet? Here is our trip from last year.

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