Have you heard that Frank Sinatra song, “Let’s Get Away from it All”? It’s swingy and catchy and you can’t help but agree with Frank – yes, let’s get away from it all!
Earlier this year, my sister and I did just that. For the first time in ages we reserved a cabin at a State Park upstate, we got someone to work at the boutique for us, and we took the weekend off! It was great fun and far out of the norm – we even kept telling each other it felt funny not to be at the shop.
But we had the best time! We went exploring, saw the sites, sat back and relaxed, strategized business ideas, and just chatted. We also agreed we really needed to do it again before too long!
Cheraw State Park
Cheraw State Park was our destination of choice. Reviews sounded good and pictures looked inviting. You could hike trails, go boating, play golf, go swimming, etc, and it wasn’t too far away.
After work Friday we headed upstate. Delightfully, our favorite spot Bistro 221 is on the way so we stopped in for a delicious supper and coffee to go. We bumped into a customer from our shop at the Bistro and chatted with her and her family for a bit, then we were on our way.
The gates at the State Park closed at 9pm. The State Park Ranger had told us how we could get in if we were late, but we had every intention of being there before closing time. But humorously, in between leaving the shop a little later than expected and chatting with folks at the Bistro, it was getting later. In fact, we are quite certain that as we rolled through the gates at Cheraw, we passed the Ranger going to go lock up for the night! The cabin was nice and clean and even had a kitchenette (complete with a coffee maker!).
The Town of Cheraw
The next day we explored the State Park and enjoyed the quiet beauty of the water and scenery. There’s nothing like enjoying God’s creation, is there?! After a while we went back to the cabin for lunch and then on to town to go explore.
We drove a short distance across the state line to go see an old, abandoned cotton mill. Unfortunately, it was terribly overgrown and there was no obvious (or safe) way to go down to it, so we went and found a boutique instead.
I had noticed a wonderful sounding spot called The Caffeinated Cow back in the town of Cheraw, so we headed back that way. They specialized in coffee drinks and milkshakes – two of my favorite things! We got a treat and then walked around downtown. It was rather quiet, as I suspect most small towns are on Friday afternoons, but it was lovely and we popped into an open shop or two. The homes downtown were just breathtaking! We drove street after street admiring them!
Create Your Own Adventure
If something along these lines is something you would enjoy, you should plan it and do it! Take a friend or sister along, or just go for it by yourself! It doesn’t have to be for a long time and it doesn’t have to be fancy. Just something that would refresh and inspire you! Don’t wait until you have the time, pick a time and take it – rarely in life do we end up with extra time on our hands!
Be available for adventure, but also create it along the way! Look for opportunities and consider trying something new!
God has made a beautiful country for us to enjoy, let’s be sure we remember to pause every now and then so we can be sure to appreciate it!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Keep reading: https://www.theamericanlady.com/2018/06/13/five-tips-to-living-an-adventurous-life/