Top 5 Spaces and Places of Summer 2014

Hola

You know - I spent a good amount of time traveling this summer. When I actually sit down and think about it - this summer was hands down the most eventful.  I think the reason being is that I didn't have expectations for it ha. I literally thought I would be studying for the GRE all summer (which reminds me .... I need to start that up again) but I embraced just being in the moment. As a result - I was able to appreciate every space and place I inhabited this summer. 

5.)  Haw River Ballroom - Saxaphaw, NC

photo courtesy of Our State

I had the pleasure of seeing Johnnyswim in concert with a friend. This awesome venue is located in the backwoods lol - you definitely should've seen our faces as we wandered into the woods to find this place. The ballroom is the former historic cotton mill. Reasons why I love this space : it took my breath away, it is a building that is revitalized, and the vibe of this place is super comfy and laid-back. I will be talking about this place for a while.

4.) Dome in Meredith College's Math and Science Building - Raleigh, NC.

Photo taken by me :)

I had the pleasure of visiting THIRTEEN NC private institutions this summer in a span of one week. I had the best time learning about so many new schools, meeting professionals with a passion for students, and seeing how unique each school truly is. One of our stops included Meredith College which is an all-female school that prides itself on preparing its students for careers. I LOVED it's motto - Going Strong! I took a lot of photos throughout this week but this is my favorite. Reason why I love this space: this dome is PERFECT. The lighting and energy just flowed in this building. If I were a student here - this would be my study spot. 

3.)Shenandoah Joe and Paracoffee, Charlottesville, Virginia 

Paracoffee

Shenandoah Joe

I am a HUGE coffee lover and I LOVE coffee shops as well. One thing I love about Charlottesville is that there are so really cute coffee shops. I really truly appreciate that these people serve fair trade and I love supporting local businesses. Reasons why I love these spaces: I LOVE COFFEE...duh...Cool vibes, awesome owners, and unique set ups.

2.) Lover's Leap & Mabry Mills, Patrick County, Virginia

These two places are hidden gems in the mountainous hills of Patrick County. I visited them both with my co-worker. I was so glad that she asked me to go along with her. Lover's Leap is overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains and many lovers have sketched their initials into the stone wall that protects us onlookers from falling. Mabry Mills was at one point a community hub for citizens of Meadows of Dan. It operated as a gristmill and sawmill. The people of this community were self-sustaining and it was so awesome to visit the cabin/ walk inside the mill.  Reasons I love these places: Lover's Leap and Mabry Mills truly represent the beauty of nature. Definitely had zero phone service but I was able to just be in the moment. 

1.) New Orleans, Louisiana

I was given the opportunity to visit New Orleans a few weeks ago and it was soooo awesome I couldn't pick a picture, so I will post all of my favorites lol. Reasons I love this place: I loved the French inspired culture, beignets, the gumbo, jazz, pralines, the colorful French Market, the balconies. This place was incredibly beautiful

I was truly grateful for all of the amazing things I saw this summer. Like I said - I didn't pressure myself into having this ideal and amazing summer. I literally just decided to be in the moment. I truly believe that is why this was one of the best summers yet.

<3,

Tonyette