One Last Nod to Summer! As we prepare to bid farewell to summer, Labor Day weekend in the North Carolina Mountains offers one last, wonderful chance to slow down, unwind, and savor everything we love about this season. Whether you’re planning a mountain getaway or hosting a relaxed backyard celebration, this long weekend is the perfect way to transition from late-summer ease into the energy of fall. Enjoy a long weekend nestled in the cool mountain air of North Carolina. The temperatures are a touch crisper, the trails a bit quieter, and the scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. One of our favorite spots to explore is Linville and the areas around Grandfather Mountain, where the mile-high swinging bridge gives you panoramic views that will make you feel on top of the world—literally. If you’re craving a peaceful waterfall hike, we recommend Linville Falls, Upper Creek Falls, Duggers Creek Falls or Waterfalls Park for a picnic. There are so many beautiful places to explore in this area. From guided tours of caverns, to day hikes and picnics there’s something for everyone in this area. We always recommend carving out time to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s a slow and scenic ride that winds through the Appalachian Highlands, offering pull-off spots to take in the view, stretch your legs or snap a photo. There’s nothing quite like sipping your morning coffee while watching the mist lift off the mountains. For those who love a bit of adventure, bring a fly rod. Fly fishing in these parts is almost meditative—especially in the early morning hours when the only sounds are the river and the breeze. Evenings are made for campfires, roasting hotdogs, and of course, s’mores. It’s simple, timeless, and somehow always feels special when you’re surrounded by nature. We like to set up a rustic picnic table, string a few lights, and end the night sharing stories and songs by the fire. So whether you’re gathering with friends, packing for a mountain escape, or just enjoying a slow moment on the porch with your favorite drink in hand, make the most of Labor Day in the North Carolina mountains. It’s the pause before the pace picks up—and we think it deserves to be celebrated in style.
Your Effortless Cocktail Hour Upgrade
End-of-Summer Shrub Mocktails & Fruit Infused Cocktails Late summer is one of our favorite times to gather with friends for a relaxed cocktail hour. The days are still long, the evenings are warm, and the produce is bursting with flavor. It’s also the perfect season for fresh, fruity drinks—whether you prefer them with a splash of infused spirits or completely alcohol-free. This week, we’ve been playing with our homemade shrubs—blackberry, raspberry, and peach—and the results are too delicious not to share. These tangy-sweet syrups make incredibly refreshing mocktails that feel sophisticated, and are oh-so-easy to make. For those who like a spirited sip, our blueberry-infused gin cocktail has been the star of the show. 🍹 Our Favorite End-of-Summer Drinks Blackberry Mint Spritzer (mocktail) 2 oz blackberry shrub 2-3 oz sparkling water Garnish with fresh mint leaves & blackberries for garnish Raspberry Basil Cooler (mocktail) 2 oz raspberry shrub 2-3 oz lemon sparkling water Garnish with fresh basil & raspberries to top Peach & Sage Fizz (mocktail) 2 oz peach shrub 2-3 oz sparkling water Garnish with sprig of fresh sage & thin peach slice Blueberry Hill Cocktail 2 oz blueberry-infused gin 1 oz fresh lemon juice 1 oz simple syrup or agave Prosecco or sparkling water to top Garnish with fresh blueberries on a pick + mint These drinks are as pretty as they are delicious, which brings me to the real secret for elevating your cocktail hour: the presentation. ✨ Introducing Our New Cocktail Sign Templates We’re adding Cocktail Sign Templates to the website this week, and they are the easiest way to take your drink station from casual to “wow, this is fancy”—without hours of prep. Just print, pop in a frame, and your guests instantly know the drink menu. It’s a simple upgrade, that has a big impact. When hosting, we prefer to keep things simple with a self-serve drink station: Featured drinks (mocktails and cocktails side-by-side) Fun napkins (think bold patterns or seasonal colors) Beautiful glasses and goblets (a variety) Ice (as we have said many times, we love our Opal ice maker) Easy garnishes in small bowls (herbs, citrus slices, berries) Bartender set & cocktail shaker Add in a few light appetizers: cheese board nuts mini bruschetta olives crackers, chips or 5 o’clock crunch (our favorite splurge snack) skewers (use a combination of veggies, fruit, meat, and cheese) With a little pre-planning—which is exactly what August is all about in our book—you can pull together a happy hour that feels luxurious, but comes together in under an hour. (If you saw our August 11th post, The Secret to Chocolate Chip Cookies Anytime, you already know how much we love a make-ahead trick.) August is our planning & prepping month here at ShookHill Secret. We’re getting ahead of the busy fall schedule so when September rolls in, we can say yes to more spontaneous fun without the stress. So, stock your fridge with shrubs, make a batch of blueberry gin, print your Cocktail Sign Templates, and you’ve got the makings of a late-summer gathering that will look and feel like a special occasion—even on a Tuesday night.