http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c_Trw8dRmA

Today I got the privilege to tour a beautiful getaway, Pilot Knob Inn Bed & Breakfast. I wanted to pack my bags for the week and settle in one of the cabins and just chill, do a little hiking, reading and relaxing.

Pilot Knob Inn (PKI) is located at the bottom of Pilot Mountain  on 100 acres with a private lake.

Owners Jennifer and Will Allen purchased PKI in 2000 and since then have won the Top 10 Inns in the US two years in a row 2008 & 2009. PKI has held a special place in Jennifer’s heart ever since she worked there as a teenager. When the opportunity came along for her and Will to purchase the place, She knew Pilot Knob Inn was where she belonged.

PKI has 7 Historic Tobacco Barn Cabins & 5 Luxurious Suites, each having their own private entrance, full bath with Jacuzzi tubs, gas logs, satellite TV, WIFI, HVAC, refrigerator, coffeemaker & microwave.

If you are looking to getaway but only have the weekend, this would be a great place.  Enjoy fishing & paddle and row boating on their private 6 acre lake, and hike the trails within walking distance of your cabin. PKI is located minutes from Pilot Mountain State Park, Wineries,and Antiques. Or you can elect to just sit on the front porch,relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM1yq1PuRrE

Wow!  This is a awesome place to stay.

When you walk in the doors you realize you are not just at any hotel.

The vibrant colors, friendly staff & a great feel.  There are so many things to enjoy here at the Fairfield Inn & Suites.

There is a mineral pool and hot tub, a great workout room, breakfast like no other, relaxing  patio where you can chill with your friends, family or just by yourself with snacks, soda, beer or wines (from local wineries).

The rooms are large and the beds well you need to try it out for yourself.  It’s almost like a cloud (I can only imagine).

If you are just passing through you may decide to stay another night here.  There are many things to do in Elkin and surrounding area and knowledgeable staff will help you with your itinerary…you are close to wineries, zip line, mountains to hike, historic downtown, great places to eat…….

Have a great stay!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1C5bHH1giI

Not your typical winery.

There are 19 great wines to pick from.  You have whites, reds, sweets, dry, semi dry and fun merchandise that is hard to pass up.

My fun experience started unexpectedly.  I just wanted to stop in and take a video and what do you know, I am tasting the wine.

I will briefly go over them with you because, well they crack me up.  Now before I begin the names are funny which make great gifts but the wine is so good.  Also these wines are made from kits which are sold there as well.

These are the wines as of the date of this blog:  Tasting of ALL wines with their glass is only $5.00.

Whites: (Price points $11-$13 per bottle)

Camp Creek Clear: (Sav.Blanc); Mitchell River White (Viognier); Stump Farm White (Pinot Gri); Jumpin’ Jazzmine (Riesling); Katie B Good (Piesporter); Penny for your Thoughts (Austr. Chard)

So check out their web site at www.slightlyaskewwines.com and this is a must visit.  Not only is it good but it’s so much fun.

(*special note - I am prob. sure I didn’t spell all the grapes correctly but it is slightly askew now isn’t it*)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiMeqjpln3M

Yadkin Valley General Store

302 E Main Street – Elkin, NC – 336-835-1426

Yadkin Valley General Store is a Pennsylvania Dutch style bulk food store (divided into smaller portions). Come in and enjoy our old-fashioned country store atmosphere!

Phillip, the owner, will answer all your questions, give you cooking tips and makes you feel welcomed.

Some items you will find: Whole Grains, Spices, Amish Deli Cheeses, Trail Mix, Dried Fruit, Raw Sugar, Pastas, Candies, Honey, Soup Mixes and SO MUCH MORE.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crq_0IWguRM

One great find in Historic Downtown Elkin is a yummy Chocolate Shop.  Located at 225 W Main Street you will see the blue awning welcoming you in.

Once I stepped inside I knew that I wouldn’t leave empty handed.  Every piece of gourmet chocolate was laid out so beautifully and there is a wonderful assortment to choose from.   The selection of Chocolates are from Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland and other European Countries.

Owners Jack, LeAnne and AJ Mantero guided me through and helped my make my choices.

One important thing to keep in mind is when in the Yadkin Valley and you are trekking through our wine country this is a place that you need to visit first to gather your delectable treats to enjoy with the variety of wines you will experience.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9OPP9DUXvM

I journeyed out to Glade Valley, NC today to visit two of their popular Bed and Breakfasts.

Glade Valley is located in the mountains near Sparta and next the the Blue Ridge Parkway near Mile Marker 225/226.

My first visit was Blue Ridge Bed & Breakfast where I met owners Cara and Scott.

Cara and Scott purchased the 1895 homestead and beautifully restored it into the now Blue Ridge B&B with six rooms.

When you first walk in there is a billiard table to the left and a bar area to the right (bring your own beverage-no ABC permit).  There are 2 rooms on the main level and the rest on the 2nd level.  There is a wonderful porch to relax on and hang out with the owners and other guests.  I was told that Scott makes great pancakes.

The Blue Ridge B&B is only 150′ from one of America’s most scenic drives.  Close to Stone Mountain State Park where you can do some hiking & rock climbing, near the Yadkin Valley Wine Country or just chill at the house and watch the wildlife all around you.  If you haven’t already heard, this area is one of the most beautiful places to visit when the leaves begin to change so make your reservations now before they are booked up at 336-657-3000.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya0QOwFqvKo

Glade Valley Bed & Breakfast is located only 1/2 mile from the Blue Ridge Parkway near mile marker 229.  It’s nestled on 29 acres in the northwest mountains of NC near Sparta.  http://www.gladevalley.com/index.htm

The large log home, built in 2006,  offers five rooms to choose from, a large living room, a relaxing front porch, and an unforgettable breakfast.  Owners Margaret and Jim will prepare a full breakfast from scratch that may make you want to  stay another day.

If you are not into the bed and breakfast scene there is a rustic cabin hidden in the woods with a full kitchen, loft bedroom, jacuzzi tub for two and back porch.

With many things to do in the area it may be hard to pull yourself away.  To make reservations call Jim and Margaret at 800-538-3508.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk81Pu-utx0

One of my favorite places to visit is Historic Downtown Elkin.  One shop that I find simply amazing (especially since I can’t sew) is a shop called Sew Welcome.

Sew Welcome is a Quilt Gallery and Studio located on historic Main St right next to Royals Soda Shoppe.   They have lovely quilts made by local artists from Surry & Wilkes counties along with fabric and some fun & funky gift items.

They are planning to begin classes in the fall of 2010 at the new Elkin Center of Surry Community College located on Bypass 268 so I may just have to sign up.

I know one thing, they live up to their name by making me and anyone else that come through their doors….Sew Welcome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAum7yfzoeo

Antique malls are rather like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates: you never know what you’re going to get. Some antique malls are dirty and poorly lit, some are craft shops disguised as antique dealers, and some have the same pawed-over and over-priced merchandise that they had five years ago.

Fortunately for the thousands of would-be customers traveling I-77 through Yadkin County, the Antique Mall of the Foothills in Jonesville is one of the best antique malls you are likely to find. Located just a spit an’ holler from the interstate, this antique mall is clean, well-lit, and considering the fact that, according to the owner, they boast over 120 different vendors,thoughtfully laid out.

Occupying around 10,000 square feet—all on one level, which makes the entire store handicap accessible—Antique Mall of the Foothills has vendors selling old tools, jewelry, postcards and other ephemera, soft drink bottles (what we always called “pop” bottles), clocks, toys, records, furniture, advertising signs, books, records, coins, license plates, cookie jars, glassware—well, you get the idea. If it’s old and collectible, you are likely to find it here. In the back, in the corner (but not in the dark), I was amazed to find a rack of vintage clothing. Alas, I didn’t see that Nehru jacket I have been pining for, but you can’t have everything.

While waiting at the checkout counter, I casually flipped through their guest register and was again amazed (that word again—maybe they should change their name to Amazing Antique Mall of the Foothills) to see a comment thanking the staff for letting their dog enter the store. A pet-friendly antique mall? Yep, but I would think twice before I took my pet chimp in there (not to mention a pet bull, because they do stock some really nice china).

Best of all, not only is this mall pet-friendly, it’s human friendly, as well, with a knowledgeable, helpful and just downright professional staff. All in all, the Antique Mall of the Foothills is not only worth a stop, it’s deserving of being a destination in itself.

If they can somehow find me that much coveted Nehru jacket, I will be a very happy man.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stCgQO09x8Y

Where to begin…Raffaldini Vineyards one of the most beautiful places I have been and this is a place where I continue to go.

I have been enjoying the wines of Raffaldini Vineyards for over four years now and they continue to surprise me with another Master Piece at every visit.

When you first pull into the vineyard you will be transported to another land.  The mountainous view, the smell of the sweet  air, and the beautiful roses and vines at every turn.

When you plan to visit wineries/vineyards from the Yadkin Valley give yourself plenty of time here because once you arrive it will be hard for you to leave.  Each time I am at Raffaldinis I enjoy a tasting of each wine than purchase a bottle of my than favorite, purchase something from their gourmet food selection than retired on the piazza to savor this place and moment.  On my last visit I enjoyed a bottle of their Sangiovese, a small loaf of their italian bread, some cheese, bottle of the Sole Medterraneo Extra Virgin Olive Oil and the Imported Sun-Dried Tomatoes and to top it off one of their famous wine infused brownies.  (MMM I am getting hungry)

This is a must visit place when you are in Yadkin Valley Wine Country.  www.raffaldini.com