Vancouver/ Seattle/ Olympic National Park Itinerary

Sea-to-Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler, BC

Our trip to Seattle and British Columbia was the 2nd of our big trips with our children who were in elementary school. Since flights were significantly less expensive for  Seattle, so we decided to incorporate that into our trip to British Columbia. (more…)

Live Nativity – Sardis UMC – Atlanta, GA

Last weekend, Sardis United Methodist Church held its live nativity on both Saturday and Sunday nights. It had been a few years since we’d been, so we made it a priority this year. Located on Powers Ferry Road near the intersection of Roswell Road, many don’t see this tiny church tucked in a residential neighborhood near Chastain Park.

Sardis UMC is one of the oldest church congregations in Atlanta.

The church itself was built in 1927, but the congregation has been around since the early 1800’s. Historians seem to think that Sardis UMC is the oldest church in Atlanta with a congregation forming as early as 1812. Unfortunately, an 1842 fire at the DeKalb County courthouse destroyed all records to substantiate that claim. Note that the location was part of DeKalb, before Fulton County was formed in 1853! (more…)

Wake – Foot Sanctuary & Shop – Asheville, NC

In November, the husband and I took a one-night trip up to Asheville, NC. Since both of us had previously visited the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn, we mainly spent this trip exploring downtown.

Loading up on maps and brochures at the visitor center, we decided to take the Urban Trail Walking Tour. The short walk took us by landmarks, sculptures and historic buildings. Street performers serenaded us as we stepped in many craft shops – my favorite being an old Woolworth with the soda fountain still serving food.

As the day wore on, I realized I really needed a big dose of relaxation. The fresh air and mountains helped, but the previous week’s stress had done a number on my neck and shoulder and muscles. I needed a massage. Since I was technically in the “spa capital” of the world, I sought one out.

The Grove Arcade was built in 1929.
The Grove Arcade was built in 1929.

We had started our walk at the Grove Arcade and I remembered seeing a place that offered massages and foot baths. When we ended our walking trail, we went inside the indoor mall and I was able to book an appointment an hour later. That gave us time to explore the arcade. (more…)