Even when every day is a ‘vacation’ some days are still better than others; and few days are better than the one we spent hiking through Chimney Rock State Park. Located 25 miles southeast of Asheville, North Carolina, the park is named for the 315 foot monolith that soars above Lake Lure. We tackled the nearly 400 step ascent to the top of the chimney, stopping occasionally to take in the glorious views along the way.

If that were all the park had to offer, we’d have considered the day a success. But a lower trail leads to Hickory Nut Falls, North Carolina’s second largest waterfall at 404 feet. By the time we reached the impressive falls, we were tired and hungry. Ordinarily we bring lunch and have a small picnic at the foot of whatever natural wonder we labored to see. But on that day we had other ideas.

In our previous life we’d take a six-pack to our favorite neighborhood Mexican restaurant, Charito’s, at least once every other week. Since we left on our trip, however, we hadn’t had Mexican a single time. We heard great things about Papa’s and Beer, in Hendersonville; which just happens to be located about half way between Chimney Rock and where we were staying in Asheville. So I controlled my hunger shakes long enough to steer the car to the restaurant and prayed for a short line and Mexican food worthy of the reputation.

We weren’t disappointed. Lunch started on the right track with the standard tortilla chips accompanied by a terrific and unique bean salsa. We tried five other varieties from the salsa bar, but the bean dip was off the charts. We both ordered burritos for our main meal; Shannon’s stuffed with spinach and mine with spiced pork. Both were large, both were delicious, and both capped beautifully a near perfect morning.