Because Franklin County is a big place, a Thursday evening meet-up with the Shine Runners might have you driving awhile through some winding mountain roads before you get out and do your exercise thing. But not on the third Thursday of the month.

Because that’s when we meet at the Brooks Mill Winery,  a mere eight minutes from my house.

The winery is owned by one of the Shine Runners and his family, and they kindly host a three-mile run (or walk) around the vines and through the woods that surround the property. It’s a hilly, challenging, muddy adventure, but we were rewarded with beautiful forest surroundings and warm hospitality back at the winery. I went home with muddy legs and a bottle of the pear wine.