The New & Improved Mellow Mushroom Restaurant in Boone, NC

It was a sad day when the beloved Mellow Mushroom here in Boone closed its doors. Since then, many people have been eagerly awaiting the reopening of this newly renovated restaurant. Not too far from their previous location, the new and improved Mellow Mushroom will reside right on King St. across from the courthouse. The days of anticipating the opening are almost over!

While they don't officially open until August 1st, Mellow Mushroom hosted a “soft opening” for family and friends last night. I was neither, however, Cody (my bf) did happen to work with a crew who did a lot of the woodwork seen throughout. The bar they completed is absolutely beautiful along with everything else they did. That's why we were invited.

It was a great deal bigger than I imagined it would be based on the outside of the building. The new dining room is definitely larger than the old Mellow Mushroom restaurant. And the décor is stunning! So many different people came together in order to make this place possible. It was wonderful being able to see the result of what I've heard some much about from Cody along the way. Really, the restaurant looks fabulous, and I love the finished product.

A perk of being invited to the “soft opening” was an opportunity to sample the food for free. We are very familiar with Mellow Mushroom food, so we already knew what to expect. However, there were a few new things that we tried. Our table ordered Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Cheesy Garlic Bread, the Stuffed Portabello Mushroom, & Doughnads for our appetizers. Everything tasted amazing! We also ordered a few pizzas, The Mega Veggie, The Magic Myster Tour, and the Mighty Meaty. I can only vouch for the Mighty Meaty, which I thought was really good, but the rest of the table had no complaints about the pies. We finished nearly everything. It was a great meal, and the service we received was stellar, too. Our server Zoe was awesome.

We'll definitely be going back, so that I can take proper pictures of the food and such. It's going to be a new favorite restaurant of ours here in Boone. I have no doubt that it will be extremely popular with other locals and tourists, too. The new and improved Mellow Mushroom will quickly become the fixture that Boone so dearly missed during this time of transition.

It's coming back bigger and better than ever! A big thank you goes out to the Mellow Mushroom team for a wonderful evening, and I offer my gratitude to all those who worked so hard to make it happen. You guys ROCK!

Are you excited about going to the new Mellow Mushroom in Boone? 

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Local Restaurant Guide to Downtown Asheville, NC

(MAYFEL'S CHALKBOARD)

It's refreshing to see a larger city like Asheville, NC so engrossed in the slow-food movement. I mean, it is what many foward-thinking food lovers are concerned with these days or so it seems. People who are consciously aware of where their food comes from want to know that ingredients have been sustainably obtained from local resources in a manner that will support the community as a whole. This farm-to-table mentality is regarded as a new trend, but what the heck do you think people did back in the day when there was no such thing as processed foods?! Really. You grew your own food and made meals based on what you had. Nothing more, nothing less. So, to see so many restaurants that have relationships with local farmers warms my heart like there's no tomorrow. That's the way it should be if you ask me.

Downtown Asheville, NC is home to a large number of independently owned and operated dining establishments that are embracing this way of doing business. The residents and visitors who insist on consuming food fresh from local farmers are helping to support this commitment in a big way. The strong grassroots support is very apparent in this radical little city. That's why I love Asheville!

(TUPELO HONEY CAFE)

The last time I took a trip down to Asheville, NC was the previous summer with Cody and my friend Christie. We were, literally, only there for a 24-hour period, so we didn't have as much time to explore the downtown area as we would have liked. Really, though, I just wanted to eat at more restaurants! Haha Cody and I talk about taking time to go down there more often, but it just doesn't happen. We let an entire year pass by before we made the short 2-hour drive to do some more exploring...I mean, eating. It's widely known that I have a slight obsession with food these days, so our main focus for this recent trip was to, quite simply, eat. Armed with a few suggestions from people who follow WW on Facebook, we set out to consume as much as we could.

Here are some of the notable restaurants with a focus on locally obtained ingredients that we ate at while in town for 3 days. All of these are in the downtown district, and were within walking distance of where we were staying.

(BISCUIT & FRIED EGG B.L.T.)

For the Best Homestyle Breakfast: Tupelo Honey Cafe — I was dying to eat at this popular eatery when we were in town the last time, but we just couldn't find the time. This time, I made sure that it was the first restaurant we ate at so as not to make the same mistake twice. I've heard that wait times can be extensive for this place, but we were seated right away. When you go mid-week for an early breakfast, I suppose that you can beat the crowds. They quickly won me over after bringing us a complimentary biscuit that I then drizzled with honey. It was fabulous! I ordered the Fried Egg B.L.T. with a side of goat cheese grits. The sandwich was hearty, and the grits were excellent. Someone on FB warned that I'd be stuffed all day long if we ate here. Boy, were they right! The meals we both had were very filling. Our next meal wasn't until dinnertime later that day.

(MAYFEL'S DIPTYCH – Dining Room & Flowers)

For the Best Brunch: Mayfel's — I was completely smitten by the eclectic décor in this restaurant. It reminded me of New Orleans with the brightly colored orange walls and sparkly chandeliers. Since this was the last restaurant that we'd be eating at before leaving Asheville, Cody and I kinda went all-out when ordering our meal. We started with a ½ order of Beignets and a helping of Fried Green Tomatoes. I know, FGT's aren't very breakfast-y, but we got some anyway! We gobbled down the plate in no time flat. They were unlike any other FGT's I'd ever had, topped with roasted red pepper aioli, goat cheese, & Mayfel's own sweet onion relish. It was an interesting and tasty twist on the classic recipe to say the least.

(MAYFEL'S FOOD DIPTYCH – FGT's & Lumberjack Burger)

We didn't stop there, though. Cody and I both got hamburgers to boot. Even though it was closer to breakfast time, I was craving something more substantial. My burger of choice was the Lumberjack, which had bacon and a fried egg on top among other things! So, it was sort of breakfast-y. I couldn't get over how delicious the bacon was. However, the entire burger was superb. I really enjoyed it. Would you believe that I finished it all?!? I told ya, this girl can eat :D.

(LAB STREET SHOT)

For the Best Pub Grub: The L.A.B. — The Lexington Avenue Brewery offers gastro pub fare and house-brewed beers. We popped in on our first evening while walking around downtown because it was suggested to us by a friend. We settled in on the large patio along the busy sidewalk, which ended up being a great place for people watching. I tried their Raspberry Wheat beer, and Cody had the American Nitro Stout, neither of us had any complaints about the brews. To munch on, we ordered the Venison Nachos because I saw someone near by with a plate that made me drool. They came covered in black beans, chimichurri-spiced venison, LAB's special nacho cheese, and chipotle sour cream. Talk about scrumptious, they were so yummy. I loved the nacho cheese and LAB's homemade hot sauce. Cody and I used almost half the bottle dousing our chips! Sadly, they didn't have any additional bottles for sale at the time.

(CURATE FRONT DOOR)

For the Best Tapas Bar: Cúrate — Practically right around the corner from where we stayed sat this hot spot that we walked by nearly everyday. On our last evening in Asheville, we finally made our way over there with a friend to test some of their authentic Spanish tapas. I loved how they had an open kitchen right in the middle of the restaurant. Next time, I want to sit at the bar where I can see all the action! Initially, we were almost scared off by the menu the day before because the titles are in Spanish while the descriptions are in English. It was slightly confusing at first, but our friendly waiter helped steer us in the right direction! It was tough making those decisions with so many options to choose from.

(TABLE SETTING & STUFFED PEPPERS)

Due to the small portions that are typical with tapas, our waiter proposed that we each get three items. However, the prices drove us to select only three to share between the two of us. We treated ourselves to the 'jamon iberico de bellota fermin', which was cured ham from the famous black-footed iberico pigs of Spain. The slivers of ham were very flavorful. I loved the hint of saltiness. Our favorites were the 'pimientos de piquillo con queso de cabra', piquillo peppers stuffed with cana de cabra cheese. The peppers were beautifully roasted and oozing cheese, a piquant combination that we both wanted more of!

Which of these restaurants sounds good to you?

In the next post about our trip to Asheville, NC, I'll share the places we popped into when in-between meals!
You're in for a special treat...hint...hint ;)

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My Favorite Islands of Adventure Theme Park Rides | Orlando, FL

Riding roller-coasters (or any other ride, for that matter) has been an excitement-filled thrill that I've enjoyed since I was the proper height. Yes, I would be completely terrified about what I was getting ready to encounter, but I would only hesitate for a brief moment before taking the plunge. It didn't take long before I became a full-fledged thrill-seeking junkie that required more than what the tame rides reserved for kiddies could offer. Anyone who enjoys going for a wild ride (or two) will discover that Islands of Adventure—part of the Universal Theme Park—does not disappoint when it comes to stimulating your senses to the point of overload.

In a previous post, Preview of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, I reminisced about the adolescent switch from Disney World to the Universal theme parks that took place when I was a teenager, and how it was my turn to introduce this familiar territory to my nephew. Over the years, my love for theme parks has never waned. I don't mind the long lines and large crowds. It is what it is. I can set aside my social anxieties and impatience for a day or two so that I can spend it in a fantasy land. After all, that's what Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios are, imagination brought to life. A place where you get to walk among cartoon characters and step into the pages of a children's book or comic strip. It's as if you become part of the story. A level of entertainment that you just can't get anywhere else!

So, starting from the beginning of our day, I'll take you on a tour of my favorite Islands of Adventure rides.

1. The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride — We started off in the opposite direction that the crowd was heading in, so our first stop was Seuss Landing. It's one of my favorite areas because I love Dr. Seuss's books, and they really did a great job of bringing them to life. It's so whimsical and colorful with tons of interesting things to grab your attention along the way. The trolley train ride was the second one we rode in Suess Landing. We walked right on without having to wait. I liked this kiddie ride because it gave you a great overview of the surrounding area, a different perspective in which to appreciate the park. It was a good one to start with because it also helped my nephew get used to the experience without being jarring like some of the other rides.

2. Poseidon's Fury — Next door to Suess Landing in the Lost Continent where we took a journey through an ancient temple. Poseidon's Fury isn't a ride as much as it is a theatrical tour that you walk through with a guide. At times, it was a little cheesy, but the seemingly scary situations you found yourself faced with were pretty intense. We hesitantly walked through a tunnel surrounded by rushing water without getting wet, and then watched in anticipation as the bad guy was defeated with fire balls and other theatrics. My nephew was so into it. It was exciting for me to see him all worked up. He was squeezing my hand while screaming as he anxiously awaited the outcome. To my surprise, Ju-ju picked Poseidon's Fury as his favorite ride of the day any time we asked.

3. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey — Ever since I found out that Islands of Adventure would be opening the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I was determined to experience it firsthand. While I haven't finished all the books, I absolutely adore the movies, so to have an opportunity to walk down the streets of Hogsmeade and shuffle through the corridors of the Hogwarts castle was an extra-special treat for me. A little overcrowded, yes, but the other onlookers weren't going to tarnish my fun time. It was chaos when you walked into the castle, utter chaos! We found a locker as quickly as we could and hopped in the long and windy line. While this did require the longest wait of the day, the line consistently kept moving, which helped a lot.

Once we finally made it inside, I was amazed at how closely they portrayed what I remembered from the movies, the moving paintings were wicked awesome. Having all those neat things to look at made the rest of our wait bearable. The actual Forbidden Journey ride was definitely worth the lengthy line. Everything happened so quickly, though, it was over in a flash. My nephew didn't do as well on this ride. It was a little scary with the enormous dragons in your face and deadly dementors attempting to suck the life out of you. He cried the entire time. We felt so horrible, but he was a trooper. I, on the other hand, thought it was so much fun, although I wished that I could have ridden it a second time. (I'll be sharing more about the WW of HP next week, so be sure to subscribe or follow postings on Facebook)

4. Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls — After spending time in the Jurassic Park area where we got soaked to the bone on a water ride, we decided to get the other water rides out of the way too, and headed over to Toon Lagoon. It was mid-day and sweltering outside, so relief came at the perfect time. This ride was probably the second longest wait we were required to endure. However, it was also one of the best rides of the day. You hop in a log and hold on as it travels through water-filled chutes. The real fun comes when it's time to take a daring drop, you know, the kind where your stomach gets left behind because you're barreling down a flume. It was awesome! And Ju-ju (my nephew) loved it. He actually wanted to ride it again, but the wait time was too extensive to do so.

5. The Incredible Hulk Coaster — I was on my own with this ride because no one else in my group wanted to go a bonafide roller-coaster that takes you upside down. With only a 5 minute wait time, I couldn't resist. It wasn't a problem for me to go alone because I didn't want to miss it and kick myself later for not going. I'm super glad I went, too. It was so exhilarating! I forgot how alive you feel when being launched through the air. This roller-coaster is no joke either, at the very beginning it catapults you from zero to 40 mph in only two seconds! It was the last thing I rode on our first day. What a ride!

I hope you enjoyed hearing about some of the Islands of Adventure rides that I relished during my recent trip to Orlando. As hard we tried, it was impossible to ride them all, even if you go during the week on a slow day like we did. Our wait times for the majority of the rides didn't exceed 20 minutes, typically, which is unheard of in those places. I've been during times where I've waited in excess of an hour for a 10 minute turn, that can suck the fun out of your day. Thankfully, we were lucky enough to not have to deal with such nonsense. It was much more enjoyable that way!

Which one of these 5 rides sounds like your speed?

Would you prefer something slow and steady like the trolley ride? 
Or would you rather go for something a little more daring like Dudley Do-Right's?
Please share in the comments or on the WW Facebook page!

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[UPDATED] 15 Things To Do With Blackberries | Easy Blackberry Recipes | Boone, NC Photographer

To me, blackberries are a quintessential staple for summer. Blackberry pickin' is something I enjoy doing year after year, even if it is slightly dangerous! Cody and I are lucky enough to have thick blackberry bushes lining our lengthy driveway that produces a ton of fruit come mid-summer. Not only that, but we also have a large fallow field next door where they crop up as well. The only caveat is that it requires a lot of bushwhacking to get to those deep purple gems, but it's worth it!

Yesterday, I braved the brambles and did quite a bit of pickin'. I nearly filled up a 4 quart container in a short period of time. Our blackberries aren't as sweet as I would like them to be, but who can complain about FREE fresh fruit right in our backyard...not me. With my blackberries, I typically make a cobbler using a recipe that I found on Pioneer Woman's website years ago. However, this time I am definitely going to try something new for a change. I mean, it's not like I won't have a lot more pickin' to do before the season ends, so there will be many opportunities to test out several blackberry recipes as they continue to ripen.

I did a little digging on the internet and visited some of my favorite foodie websites to see what new recipes I could find. I came across a whole heap of recipes where fresh blackberries were the main ingredient, but I dwindled my long list down to just 10 to make it more manageable. This way, I would be more likely to test them out, too. And I figured why not share what I found with you!

10 Things to do with Blackberries | Easy Blackberry Recipes

Here's my list of 10 things to do with blackberries. One of my requirements when I am searching for things to cook are easy recipes with a short list of ingredients and these fit the bill. With the exception of one healthy blackberry recipe, most of these are blackberry dessert recipes of some sort—my favorite. I hope that you'll find something that you'll want to try, too! :D

1. Blackberry Spinach Salad from Allrecipes
   
   
2. Blackberry Cobbler Recipe by Pioneer Woman 
   
   
3. Easy Blackberry Cobbler from My Recipes
   
   
4. Blackberry Puff Pastry Tarts from Allrecipes
   
   
5. Blackberry-Swirl Pound Cake from Martha Stewart
   
   
6. Blackberry Crumb Bars from Martha Stewart
   
   
7. Spicy Blackberry Chutney from BBC Good Food
   
   
8. Blackberry Bourbon Jam Recipe from Vanilla Garlic
   
   
9. Blackberry Cocktail from My Recipes
   
   
10. Blackberry Limeade by My Recipes

BONUS: 5 NEW BLACKBERRY RECIPES TO TRY!

1. Blackberry & Apple Crumble on Culinary Covers
2. Blackberry Mint Lime Fruit Leather by Relish
3. Blackberry Mojito Ice Pops by White On Rice Couple
4. Blackberry Cobbler Cupcakes by The Cake Blog
5. Blackberry Custard Cake by Bakers Royale

What do you like to do with blackberries? 

If you have any recipes to share, feel free to post a link in the comment section! I'd love to hear from you!  

Hi! My name is Jessica a.k.a. Wayfaring Wanderer and I reside in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains here in Boone, NC. I'm a free-spirited wedding, engagement, and lifestyle photographer who loves working with couples, families, and individuals who are committed to travel, adventure, and laid-back lifestyles. If you think we might be kindreds, I invite you to join the WW tribe by signing up [ HERE ] for somewhat weekly updates & get connected to the [ WW Facebook page ] to join the conversation! | Website www.wayfaringwanderer.com

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Preview of Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure Theme Parks | Orlando, FL

I became a fan of theme parks at a very early age. Disney World was the first one that I can remember visiting, it was one of my absolute favorites growing up. Our Dad took us to the Magic Kingdom every single year until I was about 12 years old. Once my sister and I got older and outgrew the beloved cast of cartoon characters, he introduced us to Universal Studios. Disney World became a distant memory after being exposed to Universal Studios. It was vastly different from what I was accustomed to, but I recall thinking that it was so much cooler than DW.

Fast forward to the present day where I recently had the opportunity to introduce the Universal theme parks (Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure) to my 9 year old nephew, Ju-ju. It's been years (and years) since I've stepped through the gate of any theme park, so I was excited about the day we'd be spending there. However, I was more excited about experiencing these cherished places through his eyes, and making new memories that we could share for years to come.

We spent a total of two days in Orlando, the first day was spent visiting Islands of Adventure, and the second day we ventured to Universal Studios. One of the main reasons why I wanted to go to IOA was because I was dying to see the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter area they recently opened up. But I also thought that Ju-ju would enjoy Suess Landing, Jurassic Park, Toon Lagoon, & the Marvel Super Hero Island, since he's a fan of cartoons, dinosaurs, and spiderman!

We planned the perfect time to go, apparently, because our wait-time for ride lines was extremely short in most cases. That's not to say, though, that there weren't a lot of tourists there, it was still packed with people. Our plan to arrive at the gate super early, and travel in the opposite direction that the flow of foot-traffic followed helped us avoid heavy crowds. The only thing we weren't really prepared for was the fatigue that resulted after a few hours of walking around and standing in line. It was so worth it, though. Thankfully, there were plenty of opportunities to take much needed breaks throughout the day.

It was so much fun journeying through the uniquely themed Universal parks. We rode a ton of rides and shared a lot of laughs along the way. There are many highlights to showcase from our fun-filled days at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. In the next post, I will feature some of my favorite rides, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, so stay tuned!

When was the last time you went to a theme park?

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5 Great Restaurants in Charleston, SC | Foodie Friday

During a short summer trip we ate at some of the best restaurants Charleston, SC has to offer. The list we compiled beforehand was extensive, but with just 5 days to explore the city, only a select few made the cut. From seafood to southern-style cooking we tried many different things while sampling the Charleston restaurants, everything was incredibly delicious. I can't wait to go back!

Hominy is Not Hype: Arguably the best shrimp and grits in the state, maybe even the east coast, can be found at Hominy Grill. I didn't have much to compare them to since it was my first time having this quintessential southern breakfast, but it was delicious! If you're feeling really brave you can try the super tasty Big Nasty biscuit w/ a fried chicken breast, cheddar cheese & smothered in sausage gravy. It was a scary beast, but it was awesome! (207 Rutledge Ave., 843.937.0930, hominygrill.com)

Happy Hour Hideaway: In the heart of Charleston's historic district is a great place to hideout for happy hour. Pearlz Oyster Bar offers a variety of oysters and other fresh and local seafood for those who have a penchant for shellfish. If slurping down sea creatures isn't your bag, you might like their corn fritters ($2.95). They weren't like other fritters I've had, theirs were more like hush puppies, but they were still yummy. (153 East Bay Street, 843.577.5755, http://www.pearlzoysterbar.com)

Where Seafood Reigns Supreme: This place is more of an institution than it is a restaurant with the history of this family-run business going back to 1890 when they operated a wholesale company. Over the years, that has changed and they now run Hyman's Seafood and Aaron's Deli from the same location. It is an extremely busy place, and rightly so, because it's been voted the Best Seafood in the Southeast by Southern Living Magazine for the past 9 years. The food was excellent, the prices were very reasonable and the portions were enormous. One of the owners came walking by at some point wielding a pan of the absolute BEST hush puppies I have ever tasted in my life. No joke! (215 Meeting Street, 843.723.6000, http://www.hymanseafood.com)

 
The Icing on the Cake: Due to a freak flood in downtown Charleston, we had to wade through knee deep water in order to get our slice of cake before saying farewell to the city. The dessert offerings change on a daily basis, but we tried the Brownie Sundae Cake, which was shamefully decadent. Kaminsky's is a tasty escape that has an entire display case of sweet treats that could keep you full for days! You don't want to miss it. (78 N. Market St., 843.853.8270, http://www.kaminskys.com)

 
Shiver me Timbers! One of the bars/restaurants we stopped at during our pub stroll, called the Buccaneer, houses one of the largest collections of authentic pirate memorabilia in the USA. Pirate tales were told during our tour of this tavern while we munched on a bowl of sweet potato chips ($5). I sipped on a Crazy Arnold ($7) made with cucumber infused lemonade and Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, their spin on this southern cocktail will totally knock your socks off. (5 Faber Street, 843.805.5065,  http://www.thebuccaneerrestaurant.com)

RELATED LINKS:

• 20 Reasons Why I Love Charleston, SC A collection of my favorites sights, eats, and experiences. 
• Going Coastal in Charleston, SC (Raw Footage) A montage of moving pictures! a.k.a. video
• Photo Essay: Underground Art in Charleston, SC
• A Casual Collection of Charleston Charm A photo montage 

 
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4th of July Recipe Round-Up | Foodie Friday

(Lamb Slider w/ Rosemary)

As many of you prepare for this three day weekend, you may have holiday festivity planning on your mind. When I say festivities, I really mean the food. Let's face it, that's pretty much all I care about these days. Due to the fact that I just got back in town after being away from home for quite a while, we aren't planning any special get-together, but I am thinking about food. (When am I not?!)

Unless we are invited to a last-minute cookout or potluck, we'll just be cooking for ourselves this 4^th of July. I really wish Cody and I could do what we did last year, which was hike up the Profile Trail at Grandfather Mountain and watch about 20+ firework displays happening down below. It was magical and completely awesome!

Since we can't go on a hike, I'll just cook instead. I've come across some helpful websites with a slew of 4^th of July recipes that I'm sure will be useful if you are planning a special meal for your family. Whether you're searching for dessert ideas or grilling inspiration, I've got some great links to share for your fourth of July meal planning!

EATS

• 4^th or July Weekend Menu Planner from Serious Eats: This is one of my favorite websites, the photography always makes my mouth water. Along with your classic BBQ recipes, they have recipes for dips, drinks, and desserts. I'd love to try the Lemon Basil Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches...Yum! Bonus: You'll also find links to grilling tips as well! 
  
  
• 100 4^th of July Recipes from Food Network: Not only do they wow you with tasty television, they also tantalize your taste buds with a website chock full of tempting recipes. If I'm on the hunt for a recipe, FN is likely one of the first places I will check. The recipe round-up they have compiled for the upcoming holiday meal planning definitely won't disappoint. Number #20, the Nacho Dog, is so up my alley. I'll take two, please!
  
  
• July 4^th Recipe Category from Taste of Home: This recipe round-up has many different options to choose from with several different categories, like appetizers, side dishes, dinner, as well as a special dessert and ice cream section. The Grilled Portobellos with Mozzarella Salad, in the side dishes category, sounds delicious! I like the user reviews and star ratings posted on this site, it gives you a good idea of what might be worth trying.
  
  
• 4^th of July Recipes from Cooking Light: If the images on their site don't make you drool, I don't know what will! The majority of the recipes in their round-up are simple to make and use a manageable amount of ingredients. I really want one of those Honey-Chipotle Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches, it looks monstrous and messy...in a good way! I'd wash it down with one of those Watermelon Margaritas :D

DRINKS & DESSERTS

• 15 Creative Treats for July 4^th from The Kitchn: I absolutely love this website. It's one of those places I always look when I'm trying to figure out what to make for dinner on the fly with what I have in the cupboard. Their July 4^th dessert round-up caught my eye because of the pop of patriotic colors. I probably wouldn't go through the trouble of being that festive, but I do love the ideas & recipes they posted. Maybe you will, too! 
  
  
• Patriotic Dessert for the 4^th of July from Food Your Way: Compared to The Kitchn, this is a smaller round-up of desserts, but I like a few of the ideas here as well. The Patriotic Cupcakes in a Jar are super cute; I'm such a sucker for desserts served in a mason jar :D
  
  
• Party Punches from Food & Wine: I really dislike those website that make you click through slow-running slideshows to see recipes, but I figured that this would be fun to share nonetheless.

VEGETARIANS, VEGANS & GLUTEN FREE

• Vegan 4^th of July Menu from She Knows: This vegan recipe round-up has a range of options to choose from for those conscientious eaters. The Blackberry Cherry Salsa caught my attention along with the Quinoa Stuffed Sweet Peppers. 
  
  
• Vegetarian Portobello Burgers from Wellsphere: I've tried some very juicy portobello bugers in my day, although I haven't tested this actual recipe. However, it looks and sounds incredible! Basil Pesto seems like the perfect compliment to this beefy mushroom, don't you think?!
  
  
• Gluten Free Fourth of July Recipes from Elana's Pantry: I just feel healthier when I peruse her website. It's simple and clean, just like her recipes. As far as I know, I don't have any reason to eat gluten-free, but that doesn't stop me from trying what she has to share any way. The Sesame Salmon Burgers are definitely something I'd like to try along with the Espresso Fudge Brownies.

I hope that some of the links shared in this 4^th of July Recipe Round-Up will be helpful in your meal preparation. If anything, it might make you slightly more confused since there are so many great options to choose from! Either way, I hope you have a terrific 3-day weekend full of food, fireworks, and fun :D

Is is lunchtime yet, because this post has made me unbelievably hungry! How about you? 

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Sony Foodie Photo Contest WINNER (Sony Cybershot WX9)

A contest where readers posted food photos for an opportunity to win a new Sony WX9 has been running for three weeks on the Wayfaring Wanderer Facebook page. If you weren't aware, you're too late to the party because the time to participate has passed. It's time to announce the winner!

 

The only requirement was that the food image shared be taken of something edible in order to be eligible. From that point on, it was up to the audience to decide who would be the proud new owner of this awesome little point and shoot.

  Fifteen entries were posted for consideration, but only five of those submissions made it to the final round of voting. It was an extremely close contest from the beginning. The leader changed many times over the course of this week. Up until the last few hours, it could have been anyone's new digital camera! 

It comes with great pleasure to announce the winner of the SONY WX9:

Congratulations to ANDI COCHRAN who hoped to win this camera so that she could take it on an upcoming trip to Peru!

Andi, it will be perfect for your trip; I hope you capture some unforgettable memories!

(Andi's Caption)

"This photo is my entry into the Sony Foodie Photo Contest. I love to bake and find myself in the kitchen when time allows. This photo is of my favorite Vegan Lemon Cupcakes w/ Lemon 'Buttercream' Icing. Mmm."

Thank you to all those who participated in the giveaway.
I hope to host another one very soon, so stay tuned!