I’m calling out recommended Google spots when searching for “Breakfast near me” on my cell phone. Truth be told, they all sound compelling, but something about the name Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen and Bar, instantly pulled us in! We quickly realized approaching the downtown location that on a perfect spring Sunday morning in the mountains, you brunch, and so does everyone else. We consider that a good sign of a great choice to fill our stomachs and start our day with some feel good southern fare. Afterall, it IS our first Sunday in town. The host takes our name and phone number and recognizes the 808 area code. He spent several years on Oahu and in a beautiful combination of Aloha and Southern Hospitality, he expedited our seating and was as friendly as could be. I may never get rid of 808. The inside is just as delicious as the name and the aromas in the air. The architecture was dripping in old mountain charm with bare bones piping and rustic wooden beams on display everywhere you could see. While I’m in the restroom, our server Molly approaches Steve with a tray of mason jar water glasses and the warmest “Well hello Dumplin’.” By the time I returned, his cheeks were a rosy red and with an awkward smirk, he exclaimed to me that he had never been called Dumplin’ before. Welcome to the south. Something about this small gesture summed up this giant leap for us from Maui to the mountains of Western North Carolina. Dumplin’. We’re adding new words to our vocabulary and this is what each one of these adventures in our life together, has ultimately been about. Together, our hearts are a stewing pot of Eastern Ambition, Midwest Independance, Aloha Spirit, and eventually, Southern Charm.
That feeling of Southern Charm is slowly translating into our daily routine. Routine? What does that feel like!? We look forward to slowing down and adopting daily habits that enrich our lives in all of the ways. I’m drinking coffee, watering plants, and building Catio’s (more on that later)! Steve is NOT on his phone with customers all day and is actually sitting down to relax at the end of it. Who are we? I’m not sure, but I’m enjoying meeting this new side of Steve & Tracy!
Amongst the changes and added pleasures are accessibility to all of the things we have needed to furnish and fill our new home as well as grocery stores and restaurants. There are half a dozen ways to get anywhere and the parking spaces are HUGE! I didn’t know I missed wildlife just in general, but I have become that weirdo with bird seed in my pantry who enjoys watching the pairs of cardinals and blue jays feast with the squirrels in the mornings. Our cats like that part too! 6 months of car insurance cost us what one month cost in Hawaii and I won’t even mention how much cheaper groceries are. Everyone has been kind and hospitable and I believe we can say that so far we truly feel like this move is going to be a victory worth celebrating.
The Clarkives 