High Time for Highlands

This week, John told me we were going to take a day trip to Highlands on Saturday. I'd never heard of the North Carolina town, but I'm so glad he was familiar with it, because it was adorable! Only an hour and a half-ish from Clemson, Highlands was the perfect place to spend the afternoon. John and I are both fans of scenic backroads- John especially loves driving the winding curves up the mountains- and our little journey was filled with those!

 

Of course we stopped at a pretty lookout or two on the side of the road!

I must admit, I was worried when I saw the very few signs of civilization on the way to Highlands, such as rundown gas stations and dilapidated (John's word choice, not mine) shacks, but once we got there, I understood why John thought I'd like it....

Because it was exactly the kind of place I'd like. Precious white chapels, lots of cute stores, multiple yummy-looking dining options... If I had to use one word to describe Highlands, I'd use charming. And I live for charming, so this place was right up my alley! What a perfect way to spend a fall day; I'm already looking forward to our next visit!

Spoiled... In the Best Way Possible.

John knew that even though we had a super short week this week, mine was a little bit of a doozy, both academically and emotionally, and that sweet guy made sure I had something to celebrate the arrival of the weekend! Tonight, I got all dolled up, John picked me up, gave me a thoughtful little gift (I'll share it with you tomorrow... he never ceases to amaze and impress me!), and we went to Calhoun Corners- one of Clemson's (only) fancy-shmancy restaurants! As if our candle-lit dinner wasn't great enough, John said "You know what would be awesome right now? Spill the Beans! Hurry up and finish that steak!" I couldn't help but laugh- I wasn't even finished with dinner, but John's mind had already switched gears into dessert-mode! Usually, John is one of those people that can take a sip of a milkshake and call it quits (ugh, I know.), but he was speaking my language tonight! :)

 

My ideal date night: tonight! John's ideal date night: probably cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley with 80,000 of our closest friends!

Everything about tonight was a surprise, and normally, I hate surprises (honestly, it's probably because I like being in control too much to give it up).  Tonight was exceptional in every way, though; it's definitely the kind of sweet and thoughtful night I'll remember for a while!