Happy Thanksgiving! I hope that if you’re reading this you are a couple drinks and multiple helpings into the celebration. I’m thankful for many things this year, but in particular I’m grateful for my wonderful fiancé, Bryan, who you see mentioned on the blog here and there, and most of the time in my photography credits. Among many things, Bryan is an incredible support to my creative pursuits, and without him this blog wouldn’t be possible!

We have both been busy with work and wedding planning lately, so at the end of October (Halloween weekend to be exact) we took a little trip down south to North Carolina to get away to celebrate Bryan’s birthday. We had an incredible 4 days with each other, just enjoying the simple pleasure of not having anywhere to be.

We took our time driving our way from DC to Raleigh, where we stayed at an awesome Airbnb that was walkable to coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and breweries downtown. Our favorite spots for coffee were Sosta Cafe (we had their lavender and honey latte) and The Morning Times (awesome seasonal lattes!), and we really liked Trophy Brewing and Pizza (great beer AND pizza!) and Raleigh Brewing Company (in addition to great beer, they have a ton of games to play!).

On October 27th (Bryan’s big 3-0!) we took a day trip to Greenville where we had the BEST pulled pork sandwiches at B’s Barbecue. It was just a little joint at the end of their self-named road, but boy, I had never had a BBQ sandwich that good. We then drove a bit further to Ayden, where they are known for their amazing collard greens. We of course had to test them out at Bum’s Restaurant, and had a little banana bread pudding to round out our meal!

On our way back to Raleigh we stopped at Mother Earth Brewing Company – one of Bryan’s favorite breweries – where we tested a couple beers and did a fun tour of the space. Everyone was super nice and I was impressed by their commitment to brewing green and clean. I highly recommend if you are ever in Kinston, NC, and make sure you check out the Boiler Room Oyster Bar while you’re there. They have outdoor seating in a cute little alleyway, and delicious [reasonably priced] oysters on the half shell.

Our trip was an amazing mini vacation, but most importantly, we were able to spend quality time together and Bryan felt well celebrated. Sometimes it’s not the extravagant dinners or expensive gifts, but the familiar things and traditions we do with loved ones, that make our heart warm.

Wearing [at the Boiler Room]: vintage sweater / Lucky Brand booties from DSW / GAP hat [they don’t have it in brown right now, but I’ve linked to other colors!] / Fulla & Fayda tote