Dirt Road Adventures – Baking, Decorating, Thrifting, DIY, Road Trip – Oh My!
Today’s Dirt Road Adventures is all about Baking, Decorating, Thrifting, DIY – and a little road trip adventure – Oh My!
So much I want to share and so little time.
The week flew by, and BTW, Brad and I are both feeling much better. I appreciate all the well wishes from last week.
You know, I guess god knew I needed a break and time to rest.
![Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes. Including YOu.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Unplug.jpg)
By the end of the week, we were climbing the walls, and a road trip was just what the Doctor ordered.
I’m feeling the old creative spark again and can’t wait to share some of my new ideas in the coming weeks.
But first, let’s take a look back and share come inspiration.
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This is a look back at all my adventures this past week.
The week started with us still quarantined in the house. Thankfully, we were almost back to normal by the weekend.
A Unique Dining Experience – Road Trip
Have you ever had a meal that was so good and unexpected you felt like you could still taste it over a decade later?
My daughter and I had one such experience!
We were working in the middle of nowhere!
It was a country store with a grill and a chalkboard list of specials.
![Beef Brisket and Short Rib Sandwiches at the Saxapahaw General Store 5-Star Gas Station](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/food-Saxapahaw-General-s_tore.jpg)
We have been talking about finding that country story again for almost twelve years.
Well, after being cooped up in the house for two weeks, my husband and I decided a road trip was in order.
![Saxapahaw General Store Restaurant -](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Brad-at-Saxapahaw.jpg)
I remembered the general area next to a river and an old mill.
After several google searches, I felt confident we’d found it and were happy to see it was still thriving.
I was concerned that the hour-plus drive would be a disappointment, especially to Brad, since I’d raved about that sandwich for years.
Saxapahaw General Store – Your Local 5-Star Gas Station – Didn’t Disappoint
It was almost exactly as I remembered with a small amount of seating inside to store.
However, the menu was much more extensive, as were the lines of people waiting to place their orders.
I can’t say it’s the same sandwich, but the Beef Brisket on homemade bread tasted as I remembered. Brad got the short-rib sandwich and loved it.
![Dining area of the Saxapahaw Country Store - 5 Star Gas Station.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Seatint-Saxapahaw-General-s_tore.jpg)
I recommend you check out this unique dining venue if you are ever in the area and want a great meal.
You can read more about this 5-Star Gas Station on its website.
We arrived early before the crowd and were able to snag a table inside. However, they also have a nice patio seating area that a few brave souls occupied when we left.
![Patio outdoor seating at Saxapahaw Country Store - 5-Star Gas Station](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/me-at-Saxapahaw.jpg)
Finally, we walked around the renovated areas of the old mill and were happy to see more thriving businesses in what was once a mill town.
I love seeing areas like this restored into unique venues.
![Saxapahaw, NC Haw River Mill Restoration - Restaurants and Brewery.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/The-Mill-area-in-Sasapahaw.jpg)
In Case You Missed It
First, I shared a couple of super easy recipes to start the week. Both of these are family favorites, and I hope you like them.
The Blueberry Bread Pudding is a delicious breakfast recipe, and the Sweet Cornbread Muffins are great with winter soups and stews.
![Blueberry Pecan Bread Pudding Breakfast recipe with pancakes.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Topped-with-sour-cream-and-honey-topping.jpg)
![Easy Sweet Cornbread Mini Muffin Recipes.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sweet-Cornbread-Muffins-7.jpg)
After finally getting the farmhouse decorated for Winter, I shared some tips for making your home warm and cozy on this Budget-Friendly Winter Farmhouse Tour.
![Winter Kitchen Home Tour for Budget Friendly Warm & Cozy Decorating. Farmhouse Style Kitchen with Copper and Antiques.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Cozy-Kitchen-Island.jpg)
Have you ever made Paper Roses? I am obsessed with making these Vintage Book Page Roses.
They are easy, and I’m thinking of all the ways I can use them in my decor.
![DIY Paper Roses made from vintage book pages. Easy how-to tutorial. Rose Garland, place setting place cards, bowl filler.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/paper-flowers-garland.jpg)
We were excited to share our first Thrifting with the Gals series for 2023. The Thrifted Valentine’s Decor Ideas combines vintage finds and simple DIY projects.
![How to Decorate for Valentine's using Thrift Store Finds](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Quilt-Heart.jpg)
Finally, I shared a favorite DIY Candle Holder Centerpiece Idea with a full tutorial.
![Make a DIY Candleholder Centerpiece using reclaimed wood.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/candle-centerpiece-1.jpg)
Adventures off the Dirt Road
Why Didn’t I Think of That?
Each week, there are so many wonderful blog posts, and I’m sharing some of my favorites with you today.
There are so many creative ideas, and I’m always asking myself, “Why didn’t I think of that”? LOL
Y’all know I couldn’t resist a good Thrift Store post. Clever KariAnne shared Thrift Store Finds: Decorating & Styling A Hutch
![How to decorate a thrift store cabinet filled with thrifted finds. Farmhouse Style decorating.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/KariAnns-Thrift-Store-Hutch.jpg)
Y’all know I’m a sucker for a fun makeover! You must check out Mary’s before and after cute bistro set update!
![Update a bistro set with black and white](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Marys-Bistro-Makeover.jpg)
My friend Stacy shared the Secret to Watering Houseplants and Keeping Them Alive.
![How to water Houseplants and keep them alive](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Stacys-Houseplant-Tips.jpg)
My super creative friend Jennifer showed us How To Make Moss Branches. I love these.
![DIY Moss Twigs](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DIY-Moss-Branches-in-Vase-750x1030-1-746x1024.webp)
10 Ways To Decorate A Winter Bedroom Retreat
I’ve pinned all these Coastal Winter Decorating Ideas.
I didn’t know what Hygge meant, but now I want to Incorporate these Simple Ways To Hygge at Home.
I love this vintage cabinet update.
Don’t miss this Amazing Pinecone Wreath.
And How To Make Salt Dough Hearts
Coming Soon
Check out the thrifted finds along the way to Saxapahaw!
See how I decorated the porch for Valentine’s for Cheap with a couple thrifted finds.
Don’t miss this months Supper Club – Book Club Brunch Tables, Recipes and Menus
How To Decorate Cabinet Tops
And more….
![](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Rachel-Signature-2-1.png)
Where is that cool general store. The food looks amazing, I feel a road trip too!
Gail,
The store is in Saxapahaw, NC, near Graham. It’s such an interesting spot and concept.
Rachel, I love the paper roses you made. Those came out great and I can imagine a few places in my house that those would look perfect. Your road trip looked like so much fun. Nothing like an adventure. Thank you so much for the share of my salt dough hearts. That was such a fun surprise and made my day. Great post with so many great ideas. Like those moss branches. Have a great week.
Oh thank you so much. It was a pleasure to share your project. Have the best day.
I am so glad you are feeling better Rachel. I loved the bread pudding idea and can’t wait to make it. For being sick, you sure had a lot to share. You are a rock star my friend. XO
Wendy,
So glad you liked this. Thanks so much.
Hi Rachel! Glad to hear you all are feeling better and got to go on a fun adventure! Thanks for sharing my pinecone wreath! I appreciate it so much! Loved seeing so much amazing inspiration in one spot! Blessings, Donna
Donna,
I really appreciate this.
Rachel, first of all you look darling in those bell bottoms!! Thank you so much for sharing my French bistro table and chairs post. You are the sweetest! Great post today. Chock-a-block full of ideas and inspiration~I’ve pinned nearly everything!
Mary
I really appreciate you sweet comments.
Also, so glad you and your husband are feeling better.
Mary,
I really appreciate that.
I’m glad you and your DH are feeling better! A friend and I took a little roadtrip last week to Asheboro, visiting the Goodwill and Salvation Army, then downtown for lunch and some antique shopping. You’ve got a plethora of great shops there. Now one of these days DH and I just might go visit that sweet general store!
Gail,
I wish I’d known you were in town. Hope you found some great deals.
I’m glad you and Brad got out for an adventure!! We call that “shaking the stink off”. Mary’s pic with the pretty palm trees in the background has me a little jealous…I’m staring out my office window at snowy pine trees!!
Thanks for sharing my branches!!!
Jennifer,
Thank you! Have a great week.
I am so happy that you are feeling better and out and about for some much-needed getaway fun! I love that picture of you in the bell bottoms. Your book page roses are so cute Rachel. Thank you for sharing my coastal winter decor this week.
Kim,
You are so welcome. Thanks for stopping by.
So glad you guys are on the mend, Rachel! It blows my mind to think about how many people have been sick this season. I’m thankful you guys are through the worst of it. I love that you were able to find the general store. We don’t have anything like that down here. It was super cool to see that you can eat inside too. I’ll definitely have to look for more out-of-the-way places to eat. It seems like such a fun adventure. Thanks so much for sharing my winter decorating ideas. I really appreciate it! Big hugs, CoCo
Coco,
You are so welcome. Thank you for the well wishes also. It’s been a long January. Have a blessed day.