Archive | TRAVEL AND BOOKS

Hey, sweet friends, ready for a fun weekend in the High Country? 🎃 Whether you live in Banner Elk or are just stopping through, here are my top picks for things to do, and yes, the Woolly Worm Festival and Valle Country Fair are must-sees! P.S. The photo above is Eben’s college!

🍂 Fall Vibes + Local Flavor

Before we dive into festival fun, here are a few low-key, charming things you can sprinkle into your weekend:

• Hike a nearby trail — the leaves are peaking, so get outside. Grab a trail map and head up to a scenic overlook or along a creek. I recommend Crab Orchard Falls, Hebron Falls or the Profile Trail at Grandfather mountain.
• Stroll downtown Banner Elk — pop into locally owned shops, grab a coffee, perhaps stop at a gallery or two. I recommend the Banner Elk Trading Co, Apple Hill Farm Outpost, and if you are coming down from Beech Mountain, Fred’s General Mercantile.
• Visit a local winery or farm — for a relaxing afternoon with good views and even better sips. (Pssst, there’s a post on my site about Banner Elk Winery.) Sweet Greens
• Scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway — the fall colors are peaking right now, it’s a drive you won’t forget!

I’ll give you more ideas in the weekend itinery below.

Now, let’s talk festivals!

🐛 Woolly Worm Festival — Banner Elk, Oct 18–19, 2025

This quirky, much-loved local tradition returns October 18 & 19 in Banner Elk.

What to Expect

• Worm races — participants race woolly worms up a 3-foot string. The champion worm on Saturday wins $1,000 and the honor of “predicting winter.”
• Craft & food vendors — over 150 booths with artisan goods, fall treats, local fare, and more.
• Live music & entertainment — enjoy local bands, children’s activities, and the festival vibe.
• Kids’ zones & fun extras — bounce houses, games, and family-friendly attractions.

Tips & Logistics

• Hours: Daily 9:00 a.m.–4:00 or 5:00 p.m. (varies by day)
• Admission: About $8 for adults, $5 for kids (6–12), and free for 5 & under.
• Parking & traffic: Expect lots of cars. Many parking areas will charge $5–$10, and proceeds often benefit local groups.
• Be early — get a good parking spot, register your worm (spots fill fast), and enjoy the festival before the crowds peak.

🌾 Valle Country Fair — Valle Crucis, Oct 18, 2025

If you’re up for a one-day deep dive into mountain culture, head to the Valle Country Fair. It’s held Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What Makes It Special

• Crafts & artisans — juried exhibitors showcase handmade goods: woodwork, pottery, textiles, and more.
• Mountain food & cooking — think Brunswick stew, barbecue, chili, apple cider, and homemade jams. You may even catch apple butter being made live.
• Musical performances & local flavor — bluegrass, gospel, country, clogging, storytelling, and more on multiple stages.
• Family fun zone — pumpkin bowling, face painting, crafts, games, and alpaca visits are among the highlights.

Details & Tips

• Admission: Free entry; parking is $10 per car (higher for buses/vans).
• Location: On NC Highway 194 (between Valle Crucis & Banner Elk), across from Holy Cross Church.
• Direction tip: You can bypass some Banner Elk traffic by taking back roads as suggested by local guides.
• Proceeds: All proceeds benefit community outreach, nonprofits, and local needs.

📅 Sample Itinerary for the Weekend

Here’s how you might plan your time:

If you stay local in Banner Elk, you’ll have flexibility to pop in and out of festivals, squeeze in a hike, or enjoy downtime between bursts of activity.

🎯 Pro Tips from Sweet Greens

• Bring cash & small bills — some vendors are cash-only.
• Dress in layers — mountain mornings are cool, afternoons can be sunny.
• Pack a small reusable bag or tote — you’ll want to bring home crafts, preserves, or local goodies.
• Don’t forget your camera or phone — the fall colors are stunning right now.
• Plan for traffic — leaving early helps avoid bottlenecks, especially between events.
• Check for pet rules — many festival sites do not allow pets. (For the Wooly Worm Festival, pets are not allowed.

If you’ve ever strolled through a neighborhood and spotted a tiny wooden box filled with books, you know how magical it feels. There’s something about the idea of take a book, leave a book that instantly brings a smile, it’s community and kindness, wrapped in wood and glass, right at the edge of a sidewalk.

This September, that magic gets even easier to bring to your own front yard with How to Build Your Very Own Little Free Library, an inspiring, photo-filled guide written by professional carpenter Phil Schmidt and published in partnership with Little Free Library®.

Why I’m Excited About This Book

I’ve always loved the idea of sharing books with neighbors (especially living in the mountains, where coffee shop book swaps aren’t exactly around every corner). And here’s a little secret: every time we travel, Jayson and I take bike rides just to find Little Free Libraries. It’s one of my favorite travel traditions, we map out a few locations and turn it into a treasure hunt for stories. Sometimes we’ll find a classic we love, sometimes a quirky one we’ve never heard of, but it’s always an adventure.

A Little Free Library is more than just a cute structure, it’s a meeting place for stories, ideas, and community connection. And, let’s be honest, it’s also a beautiful way to add a little charm to your yard.

What’s Inside

• Step-by-step plans for 11 mini library designs: From simple and modern to storybook-cottage cute.
• Tool + material lists: So you know exactly what you need before you start.
• Tips on installation, upkeep, and maintenance: Because your Little Free Library deserves to look good for years.
• Creative ideas to make it uniquely yours: Paint it bright, add a shingled roof, or go full “enchanted forest” theme (my personal mountain-town vibe).
• How to become an official steward: With tips for keeping your box stocked and welcoming.

There are even QR codes that link to building videos and interactive maps of Little Free Libraries worldwide, perfect for when you’re traveling and want to discover one in a new city (yes, I already know we’re biking to some new ones this fall).

Why Build One?

Besides the pure joy of sharing books, Little Free Libraries have become symbols of community and (in some cases) quiet resistance to book bans. They remind us that reading is for everyone, every age, every background, every corner of the world. And with more than 200,000 registered Little Free Libraries in over 120 countries, you’ll be joining a huge global movement of kindness.

3 Dream Little Library Themes to Inspire You

1. The Eco-Read Nook
Fill your library with nature guides, hiking trail maps, gardening books, and eco-living reads. Bonus points for adding a basket of free wildflower seed packets or a shelf for plant cuttings from your garden.

2. Kids’ Corner
Dedicate your library to picture books, early chapter books, and young adult novels. Paint it with whimsical colors or even a chalkboard panel so kids can leave little messages or doodles after they visit.

3. Local Author Showcase
Give your neighbors a taste of your town’s creativity by featuring local authors and poets. Add a guestbook for visitors to leave notes for authors or even sign up to share their own writing.

How to Build Your Very Own Little Free Library hits shelves September 2, 2025, and is the perfect fall DIY project. Imagine building one with the kids, your neighbors, or even your book club, it’s hands-on, creative, and leaves your community just a little brighter.

So grab your hammer, pick out your paint, and get ready to turn your yard (or your favorite park or school) into a hub for book lovers.

Because the best stories are the ones we share, and if you ever see a couple on bikes pulling up to your library with big smiles and a few books in tow, there’s a good chance it’s us.

For the traveler who treads lightly and values sustainability, eco-minded escapes offer more than just scenic views, they provide meaningful ways to connect with nature and local cultures. Around the world, more destinations are embracing green initiatives, offering conscious explorers the chance to enjoy their adventures while minimizing environmental impact.

Costa Rica: Living in Harmony with Nature

Costa Rica is a favorite among eco-travelers for good reason. With an impressive amount of protected land, this Central American gem invites you to explore rainforests, volcanoes, and wildlife reserves. Eco-lodges are nestled deep within jungles, often powered by renewable energy and committed to low-impact operations. Travelers can take part in reforestation projects, hike through national parks, or relax in hot springs heated by geothermal activity, all while knowing their visit supports conservation.

Bhutan: A Conscious Kingdom

High in the Himalayas lies Bhutan, a country deeply rooted in tradition and committed to sustainability. Here, happiness and wellbeing are prioritized over economic growth. Tourism is carefully regulated to preserve its pristine landscapes and sacred sites. Trekkers can roam ancient trails, visit remote monasteries, and stay in guesthouses that honor both cultural heritage and environmental stewardship. Bhutan offers an experience that’s as enriching spiritually as it is environmentally responsible.

The Azores: Green by Nature

The Azores, a volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, is a quiet haven for sustainable travel. These islands promote renewable energy, waste reduction, and ocean preservation. Their eco-conscious mindset is evident in everything from the architecture of lodges to the policies that govern tourism. Visitors can kayak along volcanic coastlines, spot dolphins and whales, or hike through misty forests, all while supporting local efforts to protect the land and sea.

Belize: Rainforest Retreats with Purpose

Belize blends biodiversity with a commitment to sustainability. Jungle lodges here operate with minimal impact, often using solar power and locally sourced materials. Nature lovers can explore limestone caves, observe tropical birds, or snorkel the world’s second-largest barrier reef. Many accommodations also support community development and wildlife rehabilitation programs, offering travelers a chance to give back during their stay.

Faroe Islands: Remote and Responsible

Tucked between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands are gaining popularity as a sustainable travel destination. With their windswept cliffs and charming villages, they offer a peaceful escape from the noise of mass tourism. The locals have taken proactive steps to protect their environment, even closing parts of the islands at times for conservation work. Visitors are encouraged to follow local guidelines, respect nature, and participate in preservation initiatives when possible.

Waikiki, Hawaii: Sustainable Island Living

While Waikiki is known for its famous beaches and bustling atmosphere, it’s also evolving as a destination for eco-conscious travel. Many hotels and resorts now implement sustainable practices like energy efficiency, local sourcing, and waste reduction. If you’re planning a tropical getaway and want to enjoy it responsibly, consider staying at a Waikiki resort Honolulu Hawaii. It’s possible to soak up the sun while still supporting green initiatives and local culture.

Travel Tips for the Conscious Explorer

Making your travels more sustainable doesn’t require drastic changes, just intentional choices:

• Pack light and smart: Bring reusable items like water bottles, cutlery, and cloth bags.
• Choose local: Support small businesses, eat locally, and buy handmade souvenirs.
• Leave no trace: Stick to trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, and dispose of waste properly.
• Offset your carbon: Consider contributing to environmental programs that balance your travel emissions.
• Educate yourself: Learn about the local environment and cultural norms before visiting.

Eco-minded travel allows you to explore the world without compromising its future. Whether you’re hiking cloud forests, diving in coral reefs, or simply choosing a green-certified hotel, every small decision adds up. For the conscious explorer, the journey is just as important as the destination.