Big Mill-a North Carolina Bed and Breakfast

08/23/2026

A few years back, my friend Marion and I hiked up Jockey’s Ridge – the tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic coast. Back then, I made it to the top without much fuss. These days? I’d probably need a week and a good pep talk … but I’d still give it a go.

There’s nothing quite like hang gliding at Jockey’s Ridge on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. You can fly on the same dunes used by the Wright brothers. Learn the basics in Ground School, lift off in a tethered flight, and then soar solo over the dunes. It’s thrilling, a little wild, and a memory that stays with you.

Anyone out there ready to try this?

08/23/2026

A few years back, my friend Marion and I hiked up Jockey’s Ridge – the tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic coast. Back then, I made it to the top without much fuss. These days? I’d probably need a week and a good pep talk … but I’d still give it a go.
https://chloesblog.bigmill.com/gliding-outer-banks/

08/22/2026

I have some beautiful coleus on the old welbench at my back door. That well used to be the source of water for my folks. Nephew Monk said that I wasn't really a redneck woman

08/18/2026

If you are looking for a crowd‑pleasing summer drink, Chloe’s Watermelon Punch is fresh, fruity, and unbelievably simple to make. It’s the perfect mix of sweet watermelon, citrus, and sparkle. This recipe uses the watermelon and the seeds - they're ground up in the punch, How interesting. Check out the recipe on Chloe's blog:
https://chloesblog.bigmill.com/watermelon-punch-at-big-mill-bb-extended-stay/

Chloe’s Watermelon Punch is a cool, refreshing summer drink. This easy Southern recipe is perfect for porch sipping and hot Carolina afternoons.

08/10/2026

New Starlink works great. But I have a new antenna. I really liked the old one that moved around when it was searching for satellite.

08/08/2026

I cooked a big pot of beef vegetable soup and fed three of my women guests. I have the best Guests anybody could ask for. Oh, And they cook for me too.

08/05/2026

Fresh corn, okra, and tomatoes simmered into a classic Southern side dish. Easy, colorful, and perfect for summer suppers. Grab the recipe on the blog. Do you all have a corn okra and tomatoes recipe? I really don't see it on any menus anywhere. Check out my blog for the recipe: https://chloesblog.bigmill.com/southern-recipe-okra-corn-tomatoes/

08/04/2026

That power surge , we had fried my starlink. I think it fried the modem. I'm not sure about the antenna. Starlink sent me a whole new kit...free! Does Anyone know who can hook it up for me?

07/18/2026

It is certainly time to make pickles. I made Pickles and pickle relish this year. Every year when I am making these pickles I wonder why in the world do I do it? Any ideas, why do you all do it?

I do remember my mother making some Pickles that took 7 days to soak; and then she found a recipe That took only three days, and that's what we do now. I have attached my recipe just in case you get inspired.

Sweet Cucumber Pickles are a Southern Tradition. My mother had several sweet cucumber pickle recipes, but this one is my favorite.

07/07/2026

Every summer, the folks from Rocky Hock over on the Chowan Sound bring in the sweetest Eastern North Carolina watermelons and cantaloupes you’ll ever taste. It’s that time of year again, and you’ll see several of the fellows with their pickup trucks loaded with melons, settling in under an umbrella with their melons ready for anyone who loves fresh, local fruit.
Here at Big Mill Bed & Breakfast Extended Stay, we look forward to melon season all year. I have several watermelon and cantaloupe recipes perfect for hot Carolina days, and I’ll be sharing them soon.