The weekend started off on a low note.
Stomach bug? Something I ate? I’m not sure, but midday Friday a case of the queasies hit me. After being out of commission for Friday and most of Saturday, we were ready to cram as much fun into Sunday as possible.
Nothing says ‘start to a fun day’ quite like our favorite breakfast place in Charlotte, Zada Janes. It’s in Plaza Midwood, our old neighborhood. It’s a funky little place with amazingly fresh food with a focus on organic and local.
It was a beautiful fall (officially!) morning, so we opted for outdoors.
Hailey and I split the Belvedere Omelet (spinach, goat cheese, mushrooms, roasted garlic and tomato topped with fresh basil…. I guess they forgot my fresh basil). Sweet potato hash browns on the side, along with Millet/flax toast.
After we fueled up, we were off to play!
We took the family to the US National White Water Center. This place is awesome.
It’s basically a huge play area for outdoor enthusiasts. White water rafting, kayaking, zip lining, mountain biking, paddle boarding, rock climbing… it has it all. It had been a while since we visited, so we took some time to explore.
We checked out the rock climbing wall and took loops around the walking path and through the woods.
We watched the kayakers and took our turn on the ropes course.
I did what I could with a sleeping baby on my chest. (BTW, I just got the Ergo and LOVE IT. Why did I not buy it right when Hailey was born?!)
David took on more of the challenges.
I really wanted to zip line, but we’re saving those activities for a visit with just the two of us.
We ended spending hours there exploring and goofing around.
Hailey is still too little to enjoy a lot of what the center has to offer, but we’ll definitely be back in a couple years to let her climb the wall and raft! Until then, she’ll just explore with dad.
We came home in time for dinner… in our new Britax Boulevard car seat.
Hailey had zucchini rice cakes.
I chopped up random veggies from the garden (okra, green pepper, tomato and zucchini). After sautéing them, I mixed them in with wild and brown rice and an egg. I pan fried them in olive oil, and served with diced avocado. They were a hit!
David and I opted for a new recipe. Boyfriend-approved Spicy Black Bean Burgers.
The taste? Spot on delicious! Packed full of flavor and just the right amount of spice. *note, I cut the amount of salt in half and it was perfect for us.
The texture? A little too soft. Next time I’ll make them thinner so I can make them crisper, BUT, there will be a next time. They were tasty!
Whew- that’s a lot of weekend packed into one day!
Did you do anything fun this weekend?
Adria @ A Spoonful of Healthy says
Thanks for the recipe share! It looks and sounds yummy 🙂
Erica says
I love the photo of you on the line with Hailey!
We went to the beach yesterday for what could be our last time this year. Nothing else to exciting. We needed a low key weekend though!
Amanda @ Sistas of Strength says
Wow, you’re right that was a lot of fun packed into one day. That place looks great! My husband has been working weekends again (after having them off all summer), but he only had a few clients this weekend so we actually got to spend some family time. Yay!
emily s says
Sounds like a perfect day! I love Zada Janes….mmmmmm…. And I have been dying to try out the Whitewater Center!
emily s says
Oh and is there enough space for toddlers to run around?
Brittany says
Oh, there is SO much space. I really want to go back soon and spend a day there. So much to see and do and the restaurant has good food, too!
Jane Marie says
Zada Janes! So jealous! Love living through you and your adventures in Charlotte 🙂
Jessie says
Glad your feeling better mamma! Sounds like the rest of your weekend was filled with lots of fun though 🙂
Whitney says
Love the WWC! I live 5 minutes from it and go there all the time to run the trails and eat. Their restaurant is really good too! Glad you had a great time!
Brittany says
Jealous that you live so close!! I’d go all the time, too 🙂
Maria says
Glad you are feeling better! I’ve always wanted to try ziplining, hoping it will cure my fear or heights. Though I’m aware it could make the fear worse!
Nothing too special going on this weekend. Except we had cake. Okay, it was special indeed.
Lisa says
What a fun day! Glad you are feeling better now. I always seem to get sick the first day of travelling, its so bizarre.
I just worked all weekend, so not too much fun;)
stephanie**s says
I recently made those burgers as well! Although, my hubby won’t come near even TASTING them. I think they are fantastic, I did make mine thinner, and u can freeze some or keep them for lunches the whole week. Once I made them, I ate a Morningstar spicy black bean burger and now I absolutely cannot stand them which is a shame for convenience.
Brittany says
They are SO tasty, aren’t they? I’ll definitely follow your lead and make them thinner next time. And freeze some! Love that idea!
Jen@HealthyFoodandFamily says
That place looks like so much fun!!!!
Heather @ girlyeverafter says
I’m originally from NC and my when we go home we love to visit the NWWC. Glad you’re feeling better.
Chantal says
That place looks so fun!! We have an Ergo and love it, too.
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
That breakfast looks delicious 🙂
blackhuff says
This look like a great place to visit. Won’t mind having something like this year where I live. Especially the kayaking. That looks like a lot of fun 🙂
Sorry to hear that something got to you but that you felt better later on in Saturday, is good.