We kicked off the new year with the traditional dinner of hoppin’ John and collard greens. Although my family is not a huge fan of greens, we all manage to eat some each January 1st, along with the black eyed peas and pork in hoppin’ John, for health, wealth and luck.

We paired it with this delicious wine that we’ve been saving since our Napa trip several years ago. One of our last bottles.

The day after New Year’s is the hubs’s birthday and this one was kind of a big deal, so I planned a little surprise getaway with a few friends in Highlands, North Carolina. I made these goody bags for each couple who joined us and tried to be mindful of what I packed. The boxed water and Stasher bags filled with trail mix were big hits.

The birthday boy’s dinner was at Wild Thyme Gourmet, which was delicious. The cake was brought up from Greenville and was made by the incomparable Shay Hughey. I asked for a ski themed cake and she nailed it with these old man trail signs. I somehow failed to get a picture of the entire cake, but the rest was just as creative and gorgeous as the signs. It had fondant mountains and skiers all over the sides.

The weather during our stay was AWFUL. It rained the entire time, except for a ninety minute window Friday afternoon. Some of us squeezed in a quick hike at Dry Falls (which was definitely NOT dry following days of rain) and Whiteside Mountain. The fresh air and exercise felt great after all of the wine and cake the night before.

Dinner our second night was spent at Midpoint, which was just as delicious as Wild Thyme Gourmet. Highlands definitely seems like a foodie town. We stayed at Old Edwards Inn, but didn’t eat there at all. I’d love to go back and get to experience the spa and the restaurants on porperty.

After Midpoint we found ourselves at The Ugly Dog for the second time that day. We ate lunch at The Ugly Dog and enjoyed it so much that we came back for more. The live music was fun and the drink selection is great.

Thanks to our dear friends for braving the elements and making this trip so special. We’re a lucky bunch! Must be all the hoppin’ John. I hope your 2020 is off to a fabulous start as well!