Add Another "C" City to the List

{And the themes from my last post continue here...}

Alex and I are constantly traveling between Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland. The second to last weekend in June I spent in Cincinnati while Alex drove up to Cleveland. I had a baby shower and he had a bachelor party. It feels like our schedule just works out most of the time which is a miracle considering how much we have going on! I had the opportunity to have brunch with two of my friends to celebrate an engagement too. That was an added bonus. I love all of the random events and meals with my friends. Of course I always love to spend more time with them, but when we just do lunch it almost makes me feel like I live in the same city as them.

That Saturday night my mom and I grabbed a fig and bacon pizza at M Woodfired Oven. I tried it at the Taste of Cincinnati with my friend Tricia and Alex's cousin Summer... Mouthwatering. It actually has fig, bacon, garlic confit, balsamic reduction, rosemary, and arugula on it. I also had a Cucumber cocktail, similar to a gin and tonic. 

Then my Dad got home, so we dragged him with us to get a little ice cream at the Mt. Washington Creamy Whip {an old-fashioned ice cream parlor}. I got a swirl cone with cherry dip. Obsessed with cherry dip and cake cones. Then I drove over to my friend Amy and John's new house in Columbia Tusculum to have a nightcap with Gin and grapefruit, The NEW Old-Fashioned. Our friends Erin and Tim, the newly engaged couple, were also there. I love sitting out on the patio with some music, a cocktail and some friends. There's something so serene about sitting outside once the sun goes down. Sunday I went to church with my parents, headed to the baby shower and then had dinner at my Grandma's before heading home. I can't help but pack in as much as physically possible.

The last weekend in June Alex and I drove up to Cincinnati {yes again} and explored a new brewery called MadTree Brewing with our friend Rob. The beer was decent, although it bored me a little bit, and the space was very unassuming and almost unfinished. Although that did not deter the crowd, it was packed! The next morning Alex and Rob drove up to Columbus for a business meeting and my mom picked me up. We drove up to my Grandma's house in Lebanon to visit with my extended family from Minnesota. We had a wonderful afternoon and it was so nice to see my Grandma two weekends in a row. Alex picked me up on his way back from Columbus and we still had some of the weekend to spend at home together. 

As soon as I unpacked it was time to repack for our trip to Charleston, SC! Our friends Karleya and Bryan drove down from Columbus Tuesday before the 4th to break up their drive. We left the next morning and by dinner time we were there. I packed us a ton of snacks and even made some homemade cookies, which were huge fan favorites, Chocolate Chip Coconut Crunch Cookies {my inspiration to make cookies with coconut in them came from Alex eating coconut straight from the bag after a very late volleyball game the night before}.

On the 4th we went to Folly Beach to enjoy the sunshine. The beach was beautiful and the water was warm. I love actually being able to swim at the beach. After having a quick lunch on the main strip we went back to the beach to meet up with my cousin and his friends for a couple hours. After the beach we headed back to Karleya's parents' place near downtown. We had a low country boil for dinner, and then it was time for 4th of July fireworks. We walked a block over to the waterfront and had a great view of four or five different firework displays! After that the four of us hit the town for a little bit and explored a couple bars, including the Gin Joint. Gin and I are slowly but surely becoming fast friends. 

Friday we explored the Sommer's toy shop on King St, called Magnifilous Toy Emporium. It was fun to see everyone trying out different toys and games and losing track of time. We headed down the street for lunch at Rarebit. They are known for their Moscow Mules so of course Karleya and I had to try one {she was the one that introduced me to them not too long ago}. They were so refreshing, I could've had at least three more {maybe if it hadn't been Noon}. Then we split the most amazing patty melt I have ever had in my life. After that I was a super happy camper. Alex and I joke that I am like a baby because I am happiest when I have eaten and have been able to use the restroom {I win for smallest bladder between the two of us, which if you know anything about Alex that is saying a lot}.

We walked around and did some shopping on King St. I couldn't believe how many stores there were! We rested for a little bit and then headed out to the marina for a boating trip around the bay. We had a tray of the most delicious cheeses {and meats} ever. I love cheese and most definitely love meat too. It always reminds me of the summer Karleya and I spent in Spain {happy memories}. Afterwards we all went to Husk to see just how good the bartender was. A couple from Asheville offered us their table and he turned out to be a brewer {long conversation to ensue}. Then we stopped by a rooftop bar at the Vendue Inn which was ridiculously crowded because of the holiday. 

The next day we had donuts from a popular spot on King St, so graciously picked up by Karleya's Dad, Blane. We then walked to the farmer's market and picked out some fresh ravioli for lunch. I also had a homemade Blood Orange & Basil popsicle. This guy's flavor pairings were so interesting! All of our ravioli choices were delectable and went perfectly with our wine and salad {I definitely know I am on vacation when I have wine with lunch}. Then the four of us hit Sullivan's Island to get in a little more beach time. Despite a 10 minute rain shower, it was perfect beach-going again. 

After soaking up the sun we went home and got ready for dinner out. Following dinner we came back to the house and just talked on the patio for a couple hours. I actually tried some mussels, not too bad. The next morning we got up early to hit the road. We stopped in Asheville for lunch, at the brewery the guy had told us about, called Wicked Weed. The food and the beer were impressive and it was a great way to break up our drive, especially considering that we got stuck in some awful traffic on the rest of the drive back. 

All in all it was the perfect long weekend road trip. Thank you to Karleya and Bryan for inviting us and for Nancy and Blane for hosting us! Now, when can I go back?