Chickamauga, Georgia (via iPhone)

I don't usually make a post unless I've taken photos with my DSLR camera, since this is a pretty photo-heavy blog and I care about quality. But even though I forgot my camera this weekend, I HAD to make a post about one of my favorite Airbnb stays yet. 

I mean, look at it. It's a fairytale cottage! 

Magical. And the inside was just as charming.

Need some privacy? This photo slides over the window.

 The stairs stole my heart. 

 The whole house stayed on-theme. Where on earth did this woman find all these cool trinkets and knick knacks?! Amazing. 

In the morning we went exploring! First, off to the Airbnb host's barn, which was just next door to the house.

We all packed flannels. 

Planned? No. Photo worthy? Yes. 

 Up the stairs...

Annnnnd the magic continues. No surprise here!

From journalism school till forever.

The fairy tale cottage is 25 minutes from Chattanooga, just over two hours from Huntsville, and just over two hours from Atlanta. I Airbnb quite a bit...and this is definitely one of my favorite locations and experiences yet. 

BOOK IT FOR YOURSELF:

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/14962714?eluid=0&euid=37d0dc32-ccbf-e09b-602b-31f701dad683

We drove through Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, and then went to Chattanooga for lunch/to see Ruby Falls.  

Our tour guide Doug was hilarious. Quirky people are the best, aren't they? This guy will be a memory in himself.

The perfect mini getaway.

Mount Desert, Maine

Took a week-long vacation with family in September to explore Maine. Almost daily, we drove into Acadia National Park to take in the scenic views. But our home-base was a waterfront home in a very small town called Surry. 

We took lots of walks down by the water in Surry; and ran, walked and rode bikes down our street Newbury Neck every day. 

Miss Maddie is the resident dog (owners of our rental lived right next door). She made sure we were on our best behavior the whole time. They had horses, too. And we found an unexpected mouse in the bathroom that about scared us all to death. Animal-friendly place!

Acadia National Park on day one. Ogling over scenic ocean highways

First few days were cloudy

Enjoyed tea and popovers (and an unbeatable view of  Jordan Pond and the Bubble Mountains) at the Jordan Pond House. The restaurant has a rich history: wealthy travelers have stopped at the Pond House for tea and nosh since the 1800s. Today, you don't need to be wealthy...but you should plan on burning a solid $15-$20/person for a snack. It ain't cheap but we decided it was a worthy experience!

Drove up Cadillac Mountain and found ourselves in the clouds at the top.

Didn't make it to the massive/famous L.L. Bean...but we found this little outlet on the drive from Surry into the park!

Park picnics

Boat ride with a lobster fisherman. He showed us the ropes of the job. It's a highly competitive career in Maine, and the strict rules make it nearly impossible for most residents to get a permit. Pretty fascinating industry actually. 

Blueberry cake, blueberry beer, blueberry mojito, blueberry pie, blueberry pancakes, blueberry lemonade...

The most strenuous, treacherous and dangerous hike I've ever done. Needless to say my mom, dad, uncle and I had absolutely no clue what we were getting into when we got started. Worth it? Absolutely.

Steep cliffs and iron rod ladders. Unbeatable views.

Nothing better than family time in a beautiful setting.