Last weekend my cousin got married in Brevard, North Carolina. Translation: weekend road trip!
Okay, so it wasn’t on the scale of our road trip to Texas for my cousin’s wedding two years ago (different cousin, btw – I’ve got lots of ’em) but it was still a good time. Brevard is in southwestern NC somewhere between Asheville and the South Carolina border (so close actually, the rehearsal dinner was in SC). It’s about a seven hour drive from Richmond, though we broke up our ride with a stop in Charlotte to see our pals Matt and Kristin. The wedding was obviously the highlight of the trip (you can see some pics over on Young House Life), but Brevard did offer some other fun “adventures” too.
The Antique Mall downtown was one of the coolest (and cleanest!) antique stores we’ve been to in a long time. It also had a really great architectural salvage place next door. So of course we had to share some of the fun stuff we spotted, like this awesome collection of wooden printing press letters. At two bucks each, I can’t believe we didn’t come home with a full alphabet – but somehow we managed to appreciate them without buying any (check out the ones we already have here).
Similarly tempting was this rack of old skeleton keys for $3 each. Again, it’s a shock we didn’t buy anything. Sherry did mention something about buying a ton of them and making an amazing chandelier- like a giant one for over the dining room. How fun would that be? Maybe next time.
Actually, the thing we contemplated purchasing most were some charming paintings by local artists – like this quaint little covered bridge. It was an original watercolor, but the $49 price tag was a bit more than we planned on spending that day (Why are we so cheap? Now we look back and wish we grabbed it).
And definitely out of our vacation budget ($200+) was this weirdly cool painting of a ram-type creature. Sherry was into it, but for some reason I was even more head over heels in love. Or should I say head over hooves. Miss you, man ram.
Raise your hand if these guys remind you of Jonathan Adler pottery (picture me and the wife raising ours).
Like always, there was plenty of stuff that erred on the side of quirky. Who wouldn’t pay $40 for an inexplicably naked KISS action figure? Or $45 for a light-up stained glass chicken Beyoncé?
I’ve got a soft spot for the look and texture of potato sacks, but I just wasn’t quite sure if this one was for potatoes. If only it had been labelled better… (please tell me the sarcasm isn’t lost). Sherry thought it could make a fun pillow or ottoman (heck people even cover chairs with potato sack fabric these days).
Across the street from the Antique Mall was a thrift store run by the local Humane Society (Brevard is in Transylvania County, no joke). I didn’t get to see much of this store because Clara was obsessed with looking at the kittens so Sherry poked around the back while Clara and I hung out with her new furry friends. Everyone in the store probably got sick of hearing “Hi kittycat. Hi kittycatkittycatkittycat! Buh-bye kittycat! Hi kittycat!”
But Sherry was able to locate a few entertaining items, coincidentally both chihuahua themed. Too bad Burger wasn’t with us to enjoy them (he was back at the pet-friendly rental cottage that we stayed in for the weekend with the rest of our family).
Of all the shops we strolled through, the only place that we bought anything was the local Habitat For Humanity ReStore. This isn’t the store, obviously, it’s just their delivery truck.
Though Sherry thought it would’ve looked better like this (she wants me to note that Edward is on the other side). Women and their vampires… this husband will never understand.
Anyways, back to our purchase. For $5 we picked up the frame on the right, with an intricate paper cut design inside. We didn’t know quite where we’d hang it but figured we’d find a place. Once we got back home we found the perfect spot for it – in a frame in our hallway gallery in lieu of a generic picture of apples (which used to live in our first kitchen).
We had to trim the paper cutting a bit to fit top-to-bottom, but it looks great. We love that it livened up that corner of the wall with some stronger color and an interesting pattern. Plus we got an extra frame out of the deal, which I’m sure will get painted and hung somewhere else.
We feel mildly accomplished for not coming home totally empty handed (you know we love snagging stuff for our house when we’re on the road to keep the memory of our trip alive). But since we barely got a taste of Brevard while there (and even less of a taste of Asheville – we just drove through on the highway) we’re hoping we can make it back there for a longer visit sometime. Maybe when another cousin gets married…
Has anyone else hit the road for a trip lately? Or gone to any beautiful fall weddings? Oh, and if anyone has any Asheville area suggestions for us (or anyone else) we’d love to hear them since it looked like such a cool place.
Psst- Check out some of the cute and creative touches from the wedding (along with some family pics) here on Young House Life.
Leigh Anna says
My husband and I are headed to Asheville, NC next weekend! Our family has a little cabin there where we have vacationed for my entire life!
If you’re ever back in the Asheville area, I’d highly recommend a little town called Black Mountain. It is about 15ish minute east of Asheville off of I40.
The downtown area has some of the quaintest/unique stores and delicious places to eat. One of our favorite places is a coffee shop called “The Dripolater”
You should totally check it out! :-)
http://www.visitblackmountain.com/
http://www.blackmountain.org/
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the info!
xo,
s
Barb says
My sister gave me a fish lamp just like that chicken!(BTW just about peed myself reading that Beyonce blog post you linked to.) It’s been in the closet for years. Just gave it up to Goodwill last weekend. Hopefully someone else buys it before she sees it and thinks I should have a matching set! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- so funny!
xo,
s
Carrie says
I’m only 45 minutes from Ashville. Y’all should plan a trip back, it’s shopping heaven. And, if you have time for a nice dinner, try The Grove Park Inn. It’s gorgeous.
Carrie says
Asheville*
Nicole Lynn says
SO SO Jealous that you guys have a thrift store close enough to you guys with those block letters & skeletal keys!! I have been searching BIG time for those!!.
Great finds guys, love it & love your home! =)
Maureen @This (Kinda) Old House says
1. I am dying to hit some antique store down South. I just feel like I would find cooler things than here in NY. Sorry fellow NY’ers.
2. Eric makes my heart go pitter patter.
3. Potato sack pillows or chair covering is a really cool idea.
Have a great weekend guys!
Lynda says
So funny, my brother-in-law lives in Transylvania County and we toured Brevard a couple of years ago, went to the same places.
I love the mountains, but I must admit going to Brevard from Richmond is not for the faint of heart, steep inclines … and coming down on the other side is worse. It is still a fun area.
Kate says
My husband and I got married in Asheville last spring. The best part of having the wedding there was being able to go visit and “wedding plan” once a month. . . and the fact we can make an excuse to go back for our anniversary trips. It truly is a special place!! We have tons of reccomendations for food, ect if you go back!
sharon says
i have a couple things to say in numerical format:
(1) i am truly amazed that you did not come back with a white ceramic squirrel. brevard is infamous for the squirrel obsession (as i’m sure you noticed).
(2) generations ago both my paternal & maternal families settled in the NC mountains in brevard running silver mines & farming. because of that, my maiden name is prevalent everywhere which is odd because it is not a common name at all. therefore, every year when we head to brevard for the reunion, i feel strangely at home. while there, we always hit up the small downtown area where i’m guessing your antique mall was located. i’ve got a few small thrifted items from there, nothing of signficance but that’s not to say there aren’t some items i would have loved to have come home with me (particularly large salvage pieces).
(3) totally digging the idea of a skeleton key chandalier. that needs to be an entryway piece.
(4) brevard/asheville would totally hit your vibe. hike in mt. pisgah national forest & see the cradle of foresty & the waterfalls in brevard. hit asheville’s downtown for funky shops & eateries & be sure to hit biltmore if you haven’t been (or even if you have). it is intriguing on so many levels when you visit the house, gardens, & winery. design inspiration, methinks (although not your style, i think it would be inspiring).
(5) i’m from richmond & miss it so seeing your blog with out & about posts about places in richmond fulfills is a nice bit of home. i’m still thinking i must hit the way of jesus store since it seems a hit. where is it located?
(6) >>> end blah-de-blah excessive numbering! <<<
YoungHouseLove says
We saw a real white squirrel but no ceramic ones! Oh and Love Of Jesus is here.
xo,
s
Jenna says
Yay for NC! We live in Hickory (I think you passed through, according to your map up there!). Asheville is great… my hubs and I actually got engaged there! Beautiful place. It’s extremely artsy so there are all sorts of cool things to do and see.
Paula says
Love the cut out print! Would look great in my mudroom/ laundry room! I never find things even close to that in my “thrift store” travels. And you should have picked up a H or B print letter for Burger, I didn’t see one on the other post, he might be feeling left out. LOL!
YoungHouseLove says
We actually got him one a few weeks ago! Haha- now everyone is represented.
xo,
s
Jessi says
Aww I’m from Brevard! Now I live in Charlotte. Hope you guys had fun in the great state of NC!
K (Barking Babymama) says
I think you should get YHL print blocks for the office!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw man, that would have been cute.
xo,
s
Candice says
Regarding potato sacks…my great grandmother who was a farmer’s wife, mother of 9 children, and from the depression era(need I say more?) made quilts out of potato sacks. I hear they were quite warm.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so charming!
xo,
s
Micha says
I didn’t know YHL could get any better but then you had a picture of Damon Salvatore and Eric Northman in one post together and -BAM!- I could hear the angels sing :o)
Love going to thrift stores on road trips! Wish we could bring a trailer along too for all the cool finds :o)
Kati says
I am totally on team Eric. But where are Angel and Spike??
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- ooh I used to love Angel back in the day. Spike, not so much.
xo,
s
Lindsay Czajkowski says
Howdy neighbors! Brevard looks like a beautiful and charming place. If you’re ever looking to head towards the DC area for the day, we have documented some of our trips on our blog: http://daytrippingduo.com. We absolutely LOVE your site.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks! Love it. Wait – do you know Jenny Czajkowski from Parsippany? She was my BFF growing up. Such an uncommon name so I had to ask!
xo,
s
Lindsay says
Thanks! No, I don’t know Jenny, but there’s a lot of us….she may be a long lost cousin.
YoungHouseLove says
So funny!
xo,
s
Becca says
What’s the story with the frame below the new art? Is that a Ribba frame, hung backwards, with a horseshoe in it?!? Would love to hear the story about that one, too! {As a long time reader, I’m a little surprised we don’t already know about this unique piece! ;) }
YoungHouseLove says
It’s a canvas hung backwards with a horseshoe in it. I just thought the wood on the back of the canvas was cool and it created a little picture ledge to rest the horseshoe on it.
xo,
s
Christine says
I only discovered The Bloggess recently so HOW MUCH DO I LOVE THAT YOU NAMECHECKED BEYONCE??? <3 <3 <3
Amanda says
Oh Asheville! So much to love there! You must, must, must check out the Antique Tobacco Barn (http://www.atbarn.com/). Really cool stuff and across the street from a ReStore!
Rocky B says
My little sister has grown up in Brevard. It is a gorgeous town, I’ve been able to visit on many occasions. I will have to look for that antique store with the letter press alphabet next time. I am overdue for a trip back :)
Kristen says
I love your USA map. I have been wanting a Ikea world map that has a similar premise (you pin where you’ve been) but its $250. Can you tell us how you made that so I can make my own at home?
Thanks for the idea!
Kristen
YoungHouseLove says
I got the map on ebay super cheap and used inexpensive cork squares from Target in a frame that I removed the glass from. That way the pins stuck. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Leigh Anne says
Kristen,
I used this blog to create a map too with great results – http://www.heatherdriveblog.com/2009/09/world-is-ours.html. Just wanted to help ya out!
Mindy says
I’m a Brevard native so I was so excited when I saw this post today! I’m glad you enjoyed the Antique Mall. My family actually has a booth in that store. Next time you’re in the Brevard area you should also check out Safe Attic thrift store and Attic Interiors. They always have great stuff and both are located right in downtown.
Hillary says
My best friend got married last weekend in CT. The ceremony was outdoors and, while it was a bit chilly (especially in a strapless dress), the scenery was gorgeous!
Nicole says
Asheville has a great place called the Antique Tobacco Barn, full of fun antique things — http://www.atbarn.com/
Laura says
Kind of an unrelated question…I just purchased my first house and need to paint the walls/trim of the kitchen and den. Does it matter which I paint first? Should I do walls first and then trim or the other way around?
YoungHouseLove says
It’s usually easier to paint the trim (you can get it on the walls) and then the walls (so you can go over the mistakes) but we’ve done it both ways. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
magali says
Completely not related to the post but worth mentioning! I dreamed about you guys last night. We were in some kind of weird scavenger hunt contest. You guys had to sleep on the balcony because of burger and you were so competitive Sherry!!! You lied to me and everything. Anyway I thought it was hilarious and that I should mention this as you have some weird dreams too apparently :) too bad beyonce wasn’t there too.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahaha- I love that I competitively lied in your dream. The funny thing is that I love scavenger hunts. Can’t wait to coordinate one for a future Clara-b-day party!
xo,
s
Jessica says
Just wanted to let you know I love you guys! Your blog has been the only one I’ve consistently followed for years now! Keep it up! :)
Betsy says
If you are ever passing through the Chapel Hill/Durham/Raleigh area around breakfast you HAVE to stop at Sunrise Biscuit http://bit.ly/nnQC08 best chicken egg and cheese biscuit I’ve ever eaten.
Skye @ Neathering Our Fest says
What is the story with the horseshoe framed below the new print (which is gorgeous by the way – I totally wish I had your eye for stuff like that! I would have walked right past it!) Back to the horseshoe – it looks like the frame is backwards? Just curious! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, it’s just a canvas that I turned and hung backwards since the wood frame on the back added some nice dimension (and a place to lean my horseshoe- ha).
xo,
s
Amy says
We were in Brevard, NC last weekend too! How strange. We’re from Charlottesville and were visiting family down there. We went hiking, but didn’t get to see the town either. I really hope we can go back to and see the sights. It’s such a nice area! Glad you enjoyed it.
Manu says
Oh Sherry! Why didn’t you buy that little Chihuahua painting with the “Beware of the dog” writing in Italian?!?! It seems like it’s made for you!
Have a great weekend, besos!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- too funny!
xo,
s
Amie says
The BF and I just got back from a wedding week in Halifax. We didn’t see much of the city and province, because we were both in the wedding party and had a lot of duties/partying to do with our bride and groom. But I did manage to pick up an adorable hand-carved fisherman in a yellow slicker! He is so cute, and manly. He is already up on our mantle.
Lou says
Is it just me, or is that one proud chicken? Look at its head. It just states, “I. Am a chicken lamp.” So regal.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- totally regal!
xo,
s
Jill @ Mission Decorate says
You guys have such a great eye. I’m not sure I would have selected that little print but it works so well in the hallway. Great pick!
I’m about to get on a plane to New York City for a beautiful Fall wedding. I’m going to try my hardest not to shop at all!
YoungHouseLove says
Wow- have fun! It’s such a gorgeous time of year in NY! We miss it lots in the fall.
xo,
s
Verena says
WHAT! I have to say that I am a little disappointed here. Stephan Salvatore is obviously way hotter then Damon.
YoungHouseLove says
No way! He’s too obvious. I like the brooding semi-bad guys (like Eric and Edward, haha). And clearly I married a rebel. Haha.
xo,
s
Sarah says
If you’re going to the Asheville area, you gotta make it to Hendersonville at some point… Super fun, quaint downtown area. It’s where I grew up, so whenever me and my family go back to visit family it’s always a highlight to go back to my hometown and look around. Glad you guys enjoyed your time in NC, it is beautiful! :)
Kasey says
Brevard! Did you manage to spot any white squirrels?
I shot a wedding there once with my sister and had never heard of them before, but was shocked when I saw one. Apparently they have white squirrel festivals and everything. :)
http://whitesquirrels.com/about-white-squirrels/
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! We saw one! So strange looking – but very cute!
xo,
s
steph says
Asheville is great. You definitely need to go back. Come visit Greenville when you’re this way!
Meg says
My boyfriend used to live in Brevard, and we’ve spent time there the past few summers. Living on the west coast now I could never bare to go into the architectural salvage store, mainly because I thought anything in there would never make it into may suitcase. Had I known about the keys and letters I would have been all over it. Thanks for sharing! Also, I love the “kitten thrift store” as we call it. I wish we could pop into Brevard for the weekend!
Digger says
I am a transplant to the Carolina region (South to be exact) I must say, they have some of THE BEST antiquing and flea markets around!!! If you ever make it down again be sure to visit The Antique Tobacco Barn in Asheville, NC. (http://www.atbarn.com/) It is INCREDIBLE!!!!! I’ve never been disappointed, and have actually made it the very point for a weekend trip. Anyway, give it a whirl next time you’re in the area.
Kelly Lane says
WHAT?! I went to college there! Pics from the wedding please!?
YoungHouseLove says
Check out the link at the bottom of the post for those!
xo,
s
Ashley @ Lewis in Love says
Ahh, love the idea of a skeleton key chandelier! You guys should totally do that!
Becky says
To follow many others, I have a random question about the map shown in your hallway picture of the new art. Do you use different pins for each of you before you were married? I’v been looking at doing something similar and wasn’t sure how to represent the places we’ve each been before we were a ‘unit’ and took our trips together. Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
We put black pins into all the places we’ve been together and yellow pins into all the places that Clara came with us! So none of the pins are from before we met. But you could use another color for that if you’d like to add those. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Alice H says
oh Damon (from Vampire Diaries), I love him so much!
Claire says
i don’t understand the fetish with vampires either
Stephanie says
OMG! I was at a wedding in Asheville last weekend, and now I’m convinced that I’m inadvertantly stalking you guys (I recently discovered that you did a reader design dilemma feature for my friend Courtney way back and that John went to high school with my friend Joanna–and we all went to UVA). Nuts.
We ate at Tupelo Honey Cafe, and must endorse that the biscuits alone are worth the wait (and even BETTER if you get them with gravy…and fried chicken…)
Love the print!
YoungHouseLove says
Mmmm, that sounds so good. Dying for a biscuit now.
xo,
s
Jennifer says
I came across this on Etsy and after I finished laughing it reminded of your duckhead-post post!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/82967882/large-ceramic-hanging-bird-head?ref=ajax&src=favitm
YoungHouseLove says
So cute! I love it!
xo,
s
Courtney Rutledge says
My dad lives in asheville and has boat loads of info on places to go and things to do even “off the beaten path”. Email me anytime if you are interested in a very long winded email, haha.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Courtney! And everyone else for passing along all the tips!
xo,
s
Melanie @ Mailbox Journey says
It’s so awesome that you guys always hit up the antique/thrift stores when you are on a road trip.
Have a great weekend!
Amanda B. says
You guys! My husband grew up in Brevard, and we live in Spartanburg, SC so we are there all the time visiting the in-laws, etc. I have spent many hours in that Antique Mall and the Humane Society store. :) There’s another fun quirky store called Local Color around the corner from there (featuring thrift items and original art), right between a 50s style soda shop and a fantastic toy store. Lots of good eating too: Jordan Street, Bracken Mtn. Bakery, Hobnob, Falls Landing… And it is the land of waterfalls, so summer is a great time to visit too. Plenty of family fun, easy hikes and nice swimming holes.
Okay, so I’m gushing and need to stop. Point is, I LOVE Brevard, and hope you did too! (PS- A favorite joke in Transylvania county are T-shirts and hats with a bat logo and the slogan, Just Bite Me!)