Our brother-in=law, John Fogg also took some photos at the wedding and had uploaded his to this smugmug site before I created the shared site. You Must check them out.. He is a fantastic photographer - and his captions are great!!!!
http://jfogg.smugmug.com/Weddings/Helen-and-Jacks-Wedding
Friday, May 6, 2011
Thanks
Thank you to everyone who braved the monsoon rains, flooding, tornadoes and who knows what else to join us in our celebration! What an adventure it was!!!! We are humbled by the enormous efforts made by everyone to come. And I believe a good time was had by all!
We've created a smug mug site for pictures. Check it out!
http://barnes-rielly.smugmug.com/Weddings/adventures-in-Matrimony
If you have pictures we would love to see them!
Also we'd love to hear your stories of getting to the celebration. Whether you had to carry the cake down the mountain, hike down, or come with the clothes on your back!
Oh, and next year for our one year anniversary... we'll be carrying the cake top piece down the mountain to the Riverside, where we will drink a couple bottles of wine, eat cake and then hike it back up the mountain! Anyone care to join us?
Truly ...Love is everywhere... thanks for sharing in ours!
We've created a smug mug site for pictures. Check it out!
http://barnes-rielly.smugmug.com/Weddings/adventures-in-Matrimony
If you have pictures we would love to see them!
Also we'd love to hear your stories of getting to the celebration. Whether you had to carry the cake down the mountain, hike down, or come with the clothes on your back!
Oh, and next year for our one year anniversary... we'll be carrying the cake top piece down the mountain to the Riverside, where we will drink a couple bottles of wine, eat cake and then hike it back up the mountain! Anyone care to join us?
Truly ...Love is everywhere... thanks for sharing in ours!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Weather and such
Remember to check on the weather before you come... right now they are calling for rain. (We are hoping that systems stalls or moves quicker than anticipated). So be prepared and bring a jacket/sweater. And remember to wear comfortable clothing for dancing and pig pickin'! See the weather link below. If you have any questions about directions, dress or anything else - shoot us an email.
Be advised the GPS directions typically DO NOT work in Todd. Why - we don't know... but it gets confused on the street names. If you get lost or confused, put Todd city center in - it will get you to town (okay so it's just a bend in the road). Go into the Todd Mercantile and ask Em for directions ;~)
See you Saturday!
Be advised the GPS directions typically DO NOT work in Todd. Why - we don't know... but it gets confused on the street names. If you get lost or confused, put Todd city center in - it will get you to town (okay so it's just a bend in the road). Go into the Todd Mercantile and ask Em for directions ;~)
See you Saturday!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Ceremony and Celebration
We are planning to have a small ceremony upstairs at the Riverside starting at 4pm. Afterwards we will start the party with Bar-B-Que from Tipton's in North Wilkes and music.
Many people have asked us what they should wear. We would like to keep it upscale casual, jeans and nice shirt, country dance, old timey attire.
Music will be provided by husband and wife duo Steve and Anita Napier, The Tillers and Twist of Fate featuring Jack and guest drummer, our nephew Ted Mellen.
Many people have asked us what they should wear. We would like to keep it upscale casual, jeans and nice shirt, country dance, old timey attire.
Music will be provided by husband and wife duo Steve and Anita Napier, The Tillers and Twist of Fate featuring Jack and guest drummer, our nephew Ted Mellen.
Weather in Todd
Deciding what to wear can sometimes be challenging in the mountains, you should plan on bringing a jacket since the nights tend to get chilly. The best website Jack and I have found for forecasting the weather in Todd and surrounding areas is Rays Weather.
I always check the Boone weather site, but there are sites for Ashe County, Asheville, and just about anywhere else you may want to go in the high country... but you need to know what county or city!
I always check the Boone weather site, but there are sites for Ashe County, Asheville, and just about anywhere else you may want to go in the high country... but you need to know what county or city!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Fun things to do in and around Todd
There is something for everyone in the North Carolina mountains, whether your an avid outdoors person - into hiking, biking, fishing or just someone who likes to admire a great view, to a art, antique or bargain shopper, or a food aficionado.
Click on the links to find out more details on what you are interested in.
In Todd:
Stop by the Todd Mercantile and say hi to Emilie and Kirsten. The mercantile is full of art from local artists and the Todd Mahal Bakery - that always has yummy fresh baked goodies. Nice place to sit on the new front porch and enjoy a cup of joe and pastry. This also happens to be the home of the world famous Heart of the High Country Realty! Jack's new company with his friends Jim Lewis and Walt Franzen.
For all you outdoor needs in the area stop by River Girl Fishing Co. and see Kelly. Whether you want to kayak, bike or learn how to fly fish (or improve your cast) Kelly can help you out! She knows what lures are best for the area and the season and can point you to a great spot to wet your fly! Check her out! Plus you just may run into her son Finn or Petunia the pig!
Boone and Blowing Rock are just south of Todd and offer everything for the food and wine enthusiast to Tanger Outlet shops.
To the north on Rt. 194 is the Town of West Jefferson. This is is where you will find the Ashe County Cheese Factory. They give tours and have a great assortment of cheeses available to buy... even what is know as squeeky cheese in Wisconsin! Across the street is a very nice boutique for one of a kind dresses called Everything I Love (unfortunately no website).
For those who care to visit the mountain that made me fall in love with the area, Grandfather Mountain, it is about 40 minutes south on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The parkway also has many trails for every level hiker.
Let me know if there is anything you find that you would like to know more about! Jack and I love these mountains, and know you will too! We look forward to seeing you in April!
Click on the links to find out more details on what you are interested in.
In Todd:
Stop by the Todd Mercantile and say hi to Emilie and Kirsten. The mercantile is full of art from local artists and the Todd Mahal Bakery - that always has yummy fresh baked goodies. Nice place to sit on the new front porch and enjoy a cup of joe and pastry. This also happens to be the home of the world famous Heart of the High Country Realty! Jack's new company with his friends Jim Lewis and Walt Franzen.
For all you outdoor needs in the area stop by River Girl Fishing Co. and see Kelly. Whether you want to kayak, bike or learn how to fly fish (or improve your cast) Kelly can help you out! She knows what lures are best for the area and the season and can point you to a great spot to wet your fly! Check her out! Plus you just may run into her son Finn or Petunia the pig!
Boone and Blowing Rock are just south of Todd and offer everything for the food and wine enthusiast to Tanger Outlet shops.
To the north on Rt. 194 is the Town of West Jefferson. This is is where you will find the Ashe County Cheese Factory. They give tours and have a great assortment of cheeses available to buy... even what is know as squeeky cheese in Wisconsin! Across the street is a very nice boutique for one of a kind dresses called Everything I Love (unfortunately no website).
For those who care to visit the mountain that made me fall in love with the area, Grandfather Mountain, it is about 40 minutes south on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The parkway also has many trails for every level hiker.
Let me know if there is anything you find that you would like to know more about! Jack and I love these mountains, and know you will too! We look forward to seeing you in April!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Directions from Cincinnati/Lexington/Knoxville
I-75 South to I-640 East toward Asheville. (just north of Knoxville).
It merges with I-40 East... stay on this for 27 miles when you will exit/merge onto I-81 North towards Bristol.
Stay on 81-N for 56 miles.
Take exit 57A to merge onto I-26 E/
after 15 miles Take exit 24 for US-321/
Turn right off exit onto
Follow US-321 Turning right at US-321 N/
About 5 miles down the road you will turn left following US-321 S/
This is a 2 lane curvey road. and you are about an hour from Todd. You will stay on US-321 until it merges with US 421 in Sugar Grove... US-421/US 321 will take you into Boone. Follow US-421 down King Street.
You will drive through a little bit of construction where they recently expanded the road... from here continue on Following Hwy 421 7.8 miles to Brownwood Rd. (you will pass a big Baptist Church on the right and Brownwood is the next left at the bottom of the hill.)
Turn left. Follow Brownwood for 3.2 miles until you come to a stop sign. Turn right onto Todd Railroad Grade Rd.
It merges with I-40 East... stay on this for 27 miles when you will exit/merge onto I-81 North towards Bristol.
Stay on 81-N for 56 miles.
Take exit 57A to merge onto I-26 E/
after 15 miles Take exit 24 for US-321/
Turn right off exit onto
Follow US-321 Turning right at US-321 N/
About 5 miles down the road you will turn left following US-321 S/
This is a 2 lane curvey road. and you are about an hour from Todd. You will stay on US-321 until it merges with US 421 in Sugar Grove... US-421/US 321 will take you into Boone. Follow US-421 down King Street.
You will drive through a little bit of construction where they recently expanded the road... from here continue on Following Hwy 421 7.8 miles to Brownwood Rd. (you will pass a big Baptist Church on the right and Brownwood is the next left at the bottom of the hill.)
Turn left. Follow Brownwood for 3.2 miles until you come to a stop sign. Turn right onto Todd Railroad Grade Rd.
Alternative Directions from Charlotte - best during rush hour
From Charlotte area, take I-85 S. Follow until you reach the exit for Hwy 321/Gastonia (exit 17). Take this exit turn left towards Hickory. You will stay on this road through Hickory and Lenior. You will climb the mountain and the road will turn into a two lane road heading into Blowing Rock. Stay on Route 321 through Blowing Rock by-pass and into Boone.
Hwy 321 and Hwy 105 meet at a large intersection with a Wendy's on the left and an Exxon on the right. Turn right onto Hwy 105. Go to the 2nd stoplight and turn right on to Hwy 421. Follow Hwy 421 7.8 miles to Brownwood Rd.
Follow Brownwood for 3.2 miles until you come to a stop sign. Turn right onto Todd Railroad Grade Rd.
Hwy 321 and Hwy 105 meet at a large intersection with a Wendy's on the left and an Exxon on the right. Turn right onto Hwy 105. Go to the 2nd stoplight and turn right on to Hwy 421. Follow Hwy 421 7.8 miles to Brownwood Rd.
Follow Brownwood for 3.2 miles until you come to a stop sign. Turn right onto Todd Railroad Grade Rd.
Directions from Boone; Charlotte; Raleigh-Durham
FROM THE INTERSECTION OF HWY 105 & HWY 321 IN BOONE (FOR GPS DIRECTIONS TO THIS POINT USE THE ADDRESS OF 1016 BLOWING ROCK RD, BOONE, NC 28607):
Hwy 321 and Hwy 105 meet at a large intersection with a Wendy's on the left and an Exxon on the right. Turn right onto Hwy 105. Go to the 2nd stoplight and turn right on to Hwy 421. Follow Hwy 421 7.8 miles to Brownwood Rd. Take Brownwood Road and follow until it T's into Railroad Grade Road. Turn right on RR Grade Rd.
From Raleigh/Durham area, take I-40 W towards Winston-Salem. Take Hwy 421 just past Winston-Salem and follow towards Boone. You will climb the mountain and eventually pass underneath the Blue Ridge Parkway. After passing under the Parkway, you will come to the intersection of Hwy 221 and Hwy 421. Continue through this intersection, and begin looking for Brownwood Road on the right. Follow Brownwood for 3.2 miles until you come to a stop sign. Turn right onto Todd Railroad Grade Rd.
From Charlotte area, take I-77 N. Follow I-77 until you reach the exit for Hwy 421/Wilkesboro. Take this exit and follow towards Boone. You will climb the mountain and eventually pass underneath the Blue Ridge Parkway. After passing under the Parkway, you will come to the intersection of Hwy 221 and Hwy 421. Continue through this intersection, and begin looking for Brownwood Road on the right. Follow Brownwood for 3.2 miles until you come to a stop sign. Turn right onto Todd Railroad Grade Rd.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Directions from I - 77
DIRECTIONS: From West Virginia, Winston Salem / Charlotte, NC areas:
From Intersection of I-77 & 421: Take HWY 421 North for 42 miles through Wilkesboro and come to the top of the mountain. After traveling under the Blue Ridge Parkway, you will come to the intersection of HWY 421 and HWY 221 (stop light). Turn right here onto HWY 221 North, travel approx 2 miles and make a left onto Cranberry Springs Rd. Travel approx 5 miles to the stop sign, turn right onto Brownwood Road, then cross river bridge and turn right onto Railroad Grade Road.
From Intersection of I-77 & 421: Take HWY 421 North for 42 miles through Wilkesboro and come to the top of the mountain. After traveling under the Blue Ridge Parkway, you will come to the intersection of HWY 421 and HWY 221 (stop light). Turn right here onto HWY 221 North, travel approx 2 miles and make a left onto Cranberry Springs Rd. Travel approx 5 miles to the stop sign, turn right onto Brownwood Road, then cross river bridge and turn right onto Railroad Grade Road.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Lodging available in Todd and nearby Boone
Whether your coming to the mountains for a night or a week there are a couple options sure to fit your fancy. We have a block of rooms being held at the Country Inns & Suites Hotel in Boone. This hotel is about 15 miles to the reception/Todd.
We are planning on providing transportation to and from the hotel in Boone and home rentals in the Todd area.
There are also vacation homes for rent close to the reception
The following is a list of cabins in the Todd area that are managed by 4 Seasons currently available for the dates of April 14th- April 17th, 2011. www.4seasonsvacations.com You can go directly on line to reserve.
House rentals available from Vacation Rentals By Owner
It is located at: 818 East King Street, Boone NC 28607,
Reservations: 1-800-596-2375
Telephone: (828) 264-4234
| Email: | cx_bnnc@countryinns.com |
| Map & Directions |
We are planning on providing transportation to and from the hotel in Boone and home rentals in the Todd area.
There are also vacation homes for rent close to the reception
The following is a list of cabins in the Todd area that are managed by 4 Seasons currently available for the dates of April 14th- April 17th, 2011. www.4seasonsvacations.com You can go directly on line to reserve.
Green Meadows Estates- Todd, NC
Todd Rail Road Grade Road, Fleetwood, NC
River Reflections- https://4seasons.vrmreservations.com/vrmgr/rental/DetailPage.aspx?PropertyId=9&WebCode=all&ReturnPath=/vrmgr/search/WebGroupList.aspx
Fleetwood Falls Subdivision, Fleetwood, NC
Laurel Mountain- https://4seasons.vrmreservations.com/vrmgr/rental/DetailPage.aspx?PropertyId=33&WebCode=all&ReturnPath=/vrmgr/search/WebGroupList.aspx
In addition the following are located in the Fleetwood/Deep Gap area and will be within 15 minutes or less to Todd, NC:
SunnyRidge- off Idlewild Rd https://4seasons.vrmreservations.com/vrmgr/rental/DetailPage.aspx?PropertyId=7&WebCode=all&ReturnPath=/vrmgr/search/WebGroupList.aspx
Stardust At The Creek- off West Pine Swamp https://4seasons.vrmreservations.com/vrmgr/rental/DetailPage.aspx?PropertyId=118&WebCode=all&ReturnPath=/vrmgr/search/WebGroupList.aspx
BlueRidge Vistas- off Idlewild Rd https://4seasons.vrmreservations.com/vrmgr/rental/DetailPage.aspx?PropertyId=96&WebCode=all&ReturnPath=/vrmgr/search/WebGroupList.aspx
Chasing Rainbows- https://4seasons.vrmreservations.com/vrmgr/rental/DetailPage.aspx?PropertyId=43&WebCode=all&ReturnPath=/vrmgr/search/WebGroupList.aspx
Bit of Heaven- off West Pine Swamp https://4seasons.vrmreservations.com/vrmgr/rental/DetailPage.aspx?PropertyId=45&WebCode=all&ReturnPath=/vrmgr/search/WebGroupList.aspx
The Nut House- https://4seasons.vrmreservations.com/vrmgr/rental/DetailPage.aspx?PropertyId=72&WebCode=all&ReturnPath=/vrmgr/search/WebGroupList.aspx
House rentals available from Vacation Rentals By Owner
- Southern Charm-Private Cabin, Decks, Hot Tub, Wifi, Pets Ok - Todd [#252551]
- 2BR+/2BA (Sleeps 6-7) $115-$150/nt US Dollars
- River Ridge Mountain Cabin* Mountain Location in Todd, Nc - Todd [#216261]
- Brand New Log Cabin with Hot Tub in the Blue Ridge Mountains - Todd [#133775]
- 3BR/2.5BA (Sleeps 6-7) $150/nt - $900/wk US Dollars
- Dates Available: contact owner for availability
- The Tranquility - Mountain Cabin - Your Peaceful Retreat - Todd [#204344]
- 2BR/2.5BA (Sleeps 8-10) From $110/nt - $700/wk - $2000/mo US Dollars
- Catch Cabin Fever in Todd/West Jefferson - Todd [#262043]
- 2BR+/2BA (Sleeps 5-8) $120-$140/nt - $720-$840/wk US Dollars
- 2BR+/2BA (Sleeps 5-8) $120-$140/nt - $720-$840/wk US Dollars
- Log Cabin with Fabulous Views - Todd [#318679]
- 2BR+/3BA (Sleeps 6-8) From $115/nt - $800/wk - $2300/mo US Dollars
- Rainbow's End Cozy Cabin in the Country 9 Miles to Boone - Todd [#175159]
- 3BR/2BA (Sleeps 6-8) From $135/nt - $800/wk US Dollars
- Private Riverfront Getaway, 40 Acres on the New River - Todd [#228181]
- 125/Night on a 3 or More Night Stay! - Todd [#173997]
- 2BR+/2BA (Sleeps 4-6) From $150/nt US Dollars
- Gorgeous Mountain House on the New River! - Todd [#298129]
- Log Cabin Getaway for Retreats or R&R - Todd [#314935]
- 4BR/3BA (Sleeps 12-14) From $125/nt to $1800/wk US Dollar
Other areas nearby to
There are also rentals available by Blue Ridge Vacation Cabins - but you will have to search there website (link here)Saturday, February 12, 2011
Bands & Bar-B-Q Reception Location
The Party will be held from 4-10pm at the Riverside Restaurant in Todd, NC. The restaurant is located at 7181 Railroad Grade Rd... which is at the intersection of Railroad Grade Road and Brownwood Road /Cranberry Springs Road.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Our Engagement
On my last day in Cincinnati before moving south to North Carolina Jack surprised me with the help of Elise, my daughter and friends, Bridget, Reza, Stephanie, Mike, Connie, Nora and Aaron.
My friends lured me out onto the Purple People Bridge across the Ohio River. As I was getting ready to take a picture of them I turned and saw Jack. He was not supposed to be there. The first thought that popped into my head was that he had come up to help me move... but how did he know where we were? Then I saw Elise - she was supposed to be in Nashville...
At that moment my world whirled around! Jack sat me down on the park bench, got down on his knee and spoke of the water below us and how it had traveled from his house in the mountains (The New River) up to where we were (above the Ohio). How it connected us, and how he wanted us to be connected forever. Then he asked me to marry him.
With my world still reeling all I could think of was how he did it right! He had to ask me again, and when my friends asked what I said I finally snapped out of it and said yes.
My friends lured me out onto the Purple People Bridge across the Ohio River. As I was getting ready to take a picture of them I turned and saw Jack. He was not supposed to be there. The first thought that popped into my head was that he had come up to help me move... but how did he know where we were? Then I saw Elise - she was supposed to be in Nashville...
At that moment my world whirled around! Jack sat me down on the park bench, got down on his knee and spoke of the water below us and how it had traveled from his house in the mountains (The New River) up to where we were (above the Ohio). How it connected us, and how he wanted us to be connected forever. Then he asked me to marry him.
With my world still reeling all I could think of was how he did it right! He had to ask me again, and when my friends asked what I said I finally snapped out of it and said yes.
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