Big Mill-a North Carolina Bed and Breakfast

10/09/2026

As that famous Georgia bumper sticker says, “It is time to Brake for Boiled Peanuts.”
Just-dug peanuts - green peanuts - are one of the first signs that summer is quietly giving way to fall on the farm.
I have made TWO pots of boiled peanuts and I have eaten them all by myself.
Do you all like boiled peanuts? I think the answers will be YES or just can't stand them.

Easy boiled peanuts recipe using green peanuts, salt, and water. Simple ingredients, classic Southern flavor, and perfect for harvest season.

09/24/2026

September has an "R" in it, so the Sunnyside Oyster Bar is Open! Folks come from all over the country come to feast on these just-shucked oysters with the secret Sunnyside Sauce. One of the owners told me they paid almost as much for the recipe as they did for the business. And it is a secret.

09/16/2026

I have such wonderful guests. Gina even leaves me flowers

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/