Thursday, July 28, 2011

The Carolina Inn

This summer is flying by for me and my family. In just a few weeks we will dropping our oldest off at college. Wow! Time goes by way too fast. Last week Catie and I spent a few days in Chapel Hill for orientation. The two days of sessions were long and boring. There was a lot of information packed into a short amount of time and my brain was on overload. Has anyone else ever experienced this? Fortunately, I decided to splurge and spend my nights in the historic Carolina Inn instead of the dorms. The inn was built in 1924 and is located on the university campus. I couldn't have made a better decision.


From every angle the inn is beautiful.


Dinner on this porch would be wonderful, wouldn't it?


The landscape was so pretty here and all over the campus.



I can only imagine how beautiful this lobby must have been in 1924.


The walls of the hallways were lined with historical pictures and information. One could walk and look for days and never have time to read it all.


The huge hall lined with windows was one of my favorite spots.


I just loved the benches tucked in between the trees.


There was beauty to be seen at every turn.



Of course there was only one thing that mattered after a long day of sitting and listening...


...CHOCOLATE!


You thought I was going to say the beds, didn't you?

Another bonus of this trip was getting to meet a fellow blogger, Richella. Her blog, Imparting Grace, is one of my favorites. She is every bit as gracious as I expected her to be. I felt as though I had known her for a long time. Isn't it nice to know that behind all of these blogs are wonderful people that we can also call friends? I would encourage each of you to meet face to face with your virtual friends if the opportunity ever arises. You won't be disappointed.

18 comments:

Pamela said...

Totally thought bed. Totally agree with the chocolate! I'd love to stay there someday. I want to sit in the apricot chair and read!

Glenda said...

Beautiful!! The benches caught my attention, too! I'm glad you were able to stay in such a wonderful historical place. That's really a plus for the campus! Hope all your preparations for Catie's college days go smoothly.

Paula@SweetPea said...

The Carolina Inn looks like a lovely place to stay in Chapel Hill. My friends visit CH several times a year. I'll have to ask to see if they've seen this place. I like any place that puts chocolate on your pillow!

Aren't you lucky to have the opportunity to meet Richella?

Joan Elizabeth said...

This looks like just the type of place I would love to stay at .. all those lovely nooks to sit and enjoy.

tina said...

I love the sunny color of that lobby and the black and white floor. It looks like a wonderful place to stay. Like you I enjoy meeting my blogging friends. The spring fling for garden bloggers will be in Ashville next year-not sure if I'll go but if I do I hope to see you there! How wonderful you had a good visit with another one of your blogging friends.

www.thewhitefarmhouse2.blogspot.com said...

Beautiful place! I like the hall with the windows too. Chocolate IN bed looks wonderful there! It looks like a place your daughter will enjoy alot. I would!

sweetbay said...

Thanks for the tour! I've walked by the Carolina Inn a million times but never been inside. UNC does have a beautiful campus.

penny said...

I did think bed but chocolate is oh so delicious.
The Carolina Inn is a delightful place.. good choice, Carla.

hugs,
Pam

F Cameron said...

Good choice for downtown. I wish we'd met up while you were here.

We've been out and about on a lot of day trips to the mountains to avoid the 100 degree temps here. The garden is not looking good at all and I'm wishing there was an easy and affordable way to convert it to a small garden.

Cameron

Richella Parham said...

Hey Carla!

You're so sweet to mention me in your post--I have a post planned for Monday that mentions you!! :)

You were a smart cookie to stay at the Carolina Inn rather than in the dorm. Isn't it beautiful? A local charity ball takes place there every year, and Jack and I have been several times. I always feel so grown-up and Southern when I'm there!

I can hardly believe the kids will be moving into the dorms in less than three weeks. The summer has gone so fast!

Tatyana@MySecretGarden said...

Hi Carla and thanks for this post! It brought some good memories: we had Father's day brunch there in June. I love that hall with benches between the trees!

Dawn said...

just found you from richella's blog... and i wnated to say that i think you are a very brave lady :) oh, that i would have such courage!!!

the carolina inn looks so lovely! i love yoru photos of the long halls and the patio and the glittering sunshine!!!

Masha said...

I loved your pictures of the inn, it seems such a special place. I am glad you got to meet another blogger - it seems like a fun trip. I hope your daughter has a wonderful experience at Chapel Hill.

Patti said...

Gorgeous!!! I love old houses and inns. They are beautiful and have such character. Looks like a lovely place to get some sweet dreams.

I agree about having the chance to meet our virtual friends. I got to spend time with 3 of mine when I was in Florida in May/June. Two of them I actually met through blogging; the other one, I was mildly acquainted with when I lived there, but through blogging, we reconnected.

Also, my daughter has made several awesome friends through blogging, and she has met five of them face-to-face. She went to visit one of them last month, and then the girl flew home with her to visit at our house.

I wanted to let you know that you won my giveaway. Thank you so much for your kind and lovely words. I really was curious as to why people read my blog. I mean, there are SO MANY blogs to read, and we all only have so much time, so I wondered what about my blog made them want to spend their time reading mine.

Anyhow, if you will send your address to me, I'll put this beautiful book ihn the mail to you. I know you will love it.

My email address is pattiagardner@msn.com.

Hugs,
Patti

Skeeter said...

What a charming place and nice getaway from Brain overload! Yes, meeting other garden bloggers is wonderful. From the moment you meet, it is as if you have known each other for many years!

Patti said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Allison said...

Then you shall come meet me in Europe, Carla! :D It can never vie with South Carolina, but there's plenty of warmth to be had at my house. I hope you come sometime... and I promise to put chocolate on your pillow. xoxoxo

Shannon @ Cozy Home Scenes said...

This is my first visit to your blog, just found it today. The Carolina Inn looks like a wonderful place to stay. Enjoyed your pictures . Good luck to your daughters. Shannon