ROAD TRIPS, PECANS, & A NEW BOOK!

July 30, 2024 by angelchatt

The great American road trip celebrates the joy of travel. Stephanie Stuckey and I met up on two recent road trips to talk about Stuckey’s famous Pecan Log Rolls and her inspiring new book “UnStuck: Rebirth of an American Icon.”

Back in the 1930’s her grandfather began the Stuckey’s business with the idea that every traveler is a friend. Stephanie is now Chair of the company and champions that idea and the brand with grit, grace, and goodness. Road trips, pecans, and a new book … all wonderful ways to embrace life!

GEORGIA ROOTS & ROAD TRIPS

Stuckey’s was founded in Eastman, Georgia, where Stephanie and I both had family roots and fond childhood memories. Some of those memories included picking and shelling pecans to put into all sorts of delicious, sweet treats. On a recent Georgia road trip, I stopped often to photo beautiful scenes of meadows full of colorful flowers. I meandered all along U.S. Highway 221 and stopped to see the Stuckey’s Candy Plant in Wrens, Georgia.

Can’t you just taste THIS right now? So good!

ON A ROLL … OF PECANS

At the Candy Plant in Wrens, you will find plenty of Stuckey’s Original Pecan Log Rolls. The nougat center is mixed with maraschino cherries, dipped in buttery caramel, then hand-rolled in pieces of Georgia pecans. Georgia has consistently been among the top four growers of pecans for about twenty years. Stuckey’s also makes several varieties of pralines, brittle, and chocolate pecans. They are available in boxes, bags, or gift tins.

Sunrise in Augusta, GA on my way to meet Stephanie!

EXCITING AUGUSTA & NEW BOOK

Augusta is called the Garden City of the South and is best known for the Master’s Golf Tournament and being the birthplace of singer James Brown. This city is full of charm, history, museums, fountains, and fun. In April I went there to meet Stephanie Stuckey in person for the first time. The day began with a gorgeous sunrise. I watched as Stephanie wrote sweet personal notes to folks who got her new book. We had shared emails and phone calls for three years before finally meeting in person to discuss road trips, pecans, and her new book. Here’s a link to the FIRST article I wrote about Stephanie; https://embracesouthernstates.com/smart-plucky-stephanie-stuckey/ .

Before leaving Augusta, I took time to enjoy the Riverwalk and a large variety of ornate clocks and fountains.

“UnStuck: Rebirth of an American Icon” is excellent!

Stephanie Stuckey & Angela Dowdy in Augusta, GA.

Lovely clock & fountain near Augusta Riverwalk.

THREE MONTHS LATER

Stephanie Stuckey loves road trips. She also enjoys collaborating with other brands. So, it was a pleasant surprise to learn that she would be making a short stop in Tallahassee promoting both the Stuckey’s snacks and the Georgia Peach Truck. In July I watched as the peaches were being unloaded at Tallahassee Nurseries. I enjoyed taking photos on the grounds that cover about ten acres.

Once again Stephanie and I celebrated road trips, pecans, and her new book. She and her partners have brought the Stuckey’s brand back into turning a profit. She has fully embraced both the entrepreneurial journey and the great American road trip. Readers of the new book will be moved and motivated by this unconventional dynamo who has made sure new generations can enjoy Stuckey’s along their own wonderful road trips.

Tallahassee Nurseries made room for peaches and pecans!

More selfies of Angela Dowdy & Stephanie Stuckey!

Life is SO good when you EMBRACE road trips, EMBRACE pecans, EMBRACE new books, and EMBRACE Southern States. Two ways to connect with Stuckey’s on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stuckeystop/ OR https://www.instagram.com/stuckeys_pecans/ .

_+_+_+_+_

For those of y’all who love to EmbraceSouthernStates, remember to check out the Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates

And photos on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS SITE…’cause you’re kind & you care! And, for goodness sake, SHARE – SHARE – SHARE so your friends can love it, too. Dang, y’all...JOY & THANKS!

SINGING ROAD TRIP DAY

June 24, 2024 by angelchatt

Singing travel writing photographer tries to connect with the world.

Singing out loud and proud with car windows down on the outskirts of some small town. No, that is not how I attempt to begin writing a country song. Instead, it is how I attempt to embrace joy and freedom and make connections and make some sense out of life.

This is a raw, honest look at a day in the life of one person who tries to connect with the world. She does so through travel, photography, and writing. Sure hope you are paying attention to the little details.

This hobby, this passion for solo road trips and songs leads to…this next thing…stopping each time I see an old and abandoned building. This other hobby, this other passion makes me grab my Canon. I love the beauty in abandoned places and want so deeply to capture the perfect photo that I could share with the world in both words and images.

Abandoned shack in rural Virginia, lonely and empty.

Is it ironic that I spend hours alone in my vehicle searching for lonely structures that sit looking so sad and empty? What I mean is… the irony… is how intensely I desire to connect with you (or y’all) and share all this with you. Of course, by you (or y’all) I mean the entire human population of this beautiful Earth.

Perhaps I love solo travel on quiet country roads because I have trust issues. My history of family dysfunction followed by poor interpersonal relationships could make for a great novel someday. But today I am too busy applying these labels to myself: singer, solo road tripper, photographer, and travel writer.

If you and I did happen to meet in person along the way, I would love to sit down over a cup of coffee as we compare notes on all the labels which we apply to ourselves.

Coffee at The Blue Owl in Kimmswick, Missouri

At first our chat would be all upbeat, full of sweetness like puppies and cotton candy. Later I could ask you my standard set of interview questions which I would use in a month or so to write a wonderful article about you and how you connect with the world.

Yes, I have done that quite well and often.

But if we lingered too long together, I would eventually try to tell you how much I care. How much I care about you and love and peace and joy. Or even worse, I might ask permission to hug you… knowing full well that my poor heart would be wounded if you were to say no.

Yes, that has happened a few times. Singing travel writing photographer tries to connect with the world.

So, let’s review, shall we? Sometimes the only things that really make sense to me are to take pen, paper, and camera on a leisurely drive. The pen and paper are proof that I am proudly both old and old school. The leisurely drive will most likely be somewhere between Louisiana and Virginia because I am a lover of the Southeastern United States.

Yes, I do say y’all and I do eat grits. And, yes, I have an unquenchable desire to connect with those who can appreciate the subtle beauty and joy in art and nature.

While driving I usually sing songs that somehow relate to my current location. In Louisiana it could be anything by Louis Armstong with an occasional bit of “Zydeco Bounce” thrown in just for kicks. In Mississippi it may start with “Biloxi” by Jimmy Buffet and probably conclude with “Down in Mississippi (Up to No Good)” by Sugarland. My two absolute favorites while in Alabama are “My Home’s in Alabama” and “Sweet Home Alabama”.

Yes, I do have favorites for all thirteen of the states in which I travel and write.

The perfect singing road trip day often looks like this. I am taking photos of a stunning sunrise near a river.

Boats at sunrise on Darien River in Georgia.

Next comes coffee and shots of small towns, old barns, and those forgotten and forsaken remains of any structure, be it either chateaux or shanty.

When my tummy growls, I stop at the most charming small town nearby. There I go for just a teensy-weensy salad followed by the biggest and most decadent dessert available. Both are devoured voraciously with no attempt to hide my hedonism.

Selectively I scan for locals who appear friendly. This is the tricky part. I wish to engage in meaningful conversations without overstepping or offending. I want to share my love of travel with them while simultaneously gleaning useful local information. Remember that part I mentioned earlier about my poor heart being wounded? Right! Now do you get the gist of my problem?

The best conversations are cause for rejoicing. The ones that did not go so well make me feel like I’m in hell. Once I’m back in my car I begin singing to either celebrate the magical connection or soothe my spirit while recovering from the awkwardness. There you have it, the whole linguistic drawing of the whole bigger picture. The circle is complete.

You and I are right back to where we started. Hopefully, you are tuned in and connected so completely that you do, indeed, get it!

Outskirts of some small town in Alabama.

_+_+_+_+_

For those of y’all who love to EmbraceSouthernStates, remember to check out the Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates

And photos on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS SITE…’cause you’re kind & you care! And, for goodness sake, SHARE – SHARE – SHARE so your friends can love it, too. Dang, y’all...JOY & THANKS!

WHAT’S YOUR JOY?

May 28, 2024 by angelchatt

What’s your joy? What are the numerous people, places, and things that thrill your heart? What makes your spirit want to sing?

Have you ever met people who are so positive and bubbly that it made you wish to know their secret? Did you ask them, “What’s your joy?”

April Meade shares what makes her so joyful!

With that kind of joy in mind, let’s take a closer look at a precious young lady whom I recently interviewed. Her name is April Meade and she just may be one of the most joyful people on the planet. See if you can relate to any of the things that bring her such joy. (Once you’ve read the article, please leave a JOYFUL comment, thanks.)

A PIECE OF ART & A NOTE

It all started with art and a handwritten note. April made a piece of art, a fanciful blue mirror that she named “Narcissus”, for an annual art auction called Artopia. I won the piece and was so impressed by the attached note that I wanted to meet and learn more about the artist. The sweet and sincere words said she loves to make beautiful things and is honored that a stranger likes her work. Her joyful note touched my heart, so I reached out to ask her to name a place for us to meet.

HER CHOICE OF WHERE TO MEET

She chose Honest Living Tea House and Café. Of course, this turned out to be a remarkably vibrant and joyful spot. It is full of herbs, tea, food, books, and musical instruments. There is also comfortable seating surrounded by walls full of locally made art. The lady who served us is Emily, one of the business partners. She is a big part of the joy at Honest Living.

THE MANY JOYS OF APRIL MEADE

Concerning art, April’s philosophy is to wait for the canvas to speak to her and tell her what to create. April said her next biggest joy is her best friend, Adriana.

She further states how nice it is to do gift giving and small acts of kindness for loved ones. The other things she discussed were drinks, food, her heritage, jobs, positivity, and places she loves to explore.

TRAVEL

That last one gave me the perfect opportunity to ask about travel and her current hometown of Tallahassee. She has lived in Tallahassee for six years and feels it is lively with tons of overlooked gems such as Lafayette Heritage Trail Park. She loves to visit Atlanta to see the jellyfish at the Georgia Aquarium. Her top bucket list travel spot is the Philippines, to learn more about her heritage on her mother’s side.

April says that she is both shy and an introvert. She credits her primary office job and her secondary bartending job with giving her the confidence to speak with people whom she otherwise would never have met. She believes that she is realistic, likes to comfort others, and tries to always give people the benefit of the doubt.

MESSAGE

Her message to the world is this, “Don’t take everything so personally because not everything is about you. However, be secure with who you are and always be true to yourself.”

EmbraceSouthernStates.com loved interviewing April Meade at Honest Living Tea!

DANG, Y’ALL… don’t you just love reading about folks like April? I sure do! (I can put you in touch with April if you request it.) Did this article help you reflect on what your joy is and how to increase it? Here are links to places that were mentioned. ARTOPIA (would love to see y’all at this event in June) https://bigbendcares.org/artopia/ HONEST LIVING TEA HOUSE AND CAFE https://www.facebook.com/HonestLivingLLC/ LAFAYETTE HERITAGE TRAIL PARK https://www.talgov.com/parks/parks-trail-lafayette VISIT TALLAHASSEE https://visittallahassee.com/visitor-services/ EMBRACE SOUTHERN STATES https://embracesouthernstates.com/

One more thing, be sure to watch her video here: https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/ NOW, leave your comment then GO FORTH AND BE JOYFUL Y’ALL !

DESSERTS ACROSS THE SOUTH

April 26, 2024 by angelchatt

Delicious desserts abound all across the southeastern United States. Today I invite you to come along with me as we consider a sampling of the most popular and luscious desserts. We will go alphabetically through the 13 states covered by Embrace Southern States. Are your taste buds ready for this totally tempting tour of desserts across the South?

No mud was disturbed and no possums were harmed in the creation of this post. Dang, y’all, let us know by your Comment when you figure out what this means! Here we go!

ALABAMA

The general consensus is that Alabama’s most iconic dessert is the Lane cake. The 22 ingredients include bourbon, coconut, raisins, and pecans. This writer has never had the patience to actually make one from scratch, but certainly loves the taste.

Another favorite is the humble pound cake. While it may appear plain, pound cake is easy to make and is moist and flavorful.

I discovered a new favorite in Florence, Alabama at the Odette restaurant https://www.odettealabama.com/. It is a strawberry-rhubarb cobbler with almond-oat crumble and topped with caramelized honey ice cream.

Strawberry-Rhubarb Cobbler, deliciously different!

ARKANSAS

Would you try Possum pie? It does not contain possum, but does have a creamy filling, chocolate, and whipped cream. This icebox pie is perfect for a scorching summer day.

The other top favorites in Arkansas are the super sweet pecan pie and the summer favorite watermelon pops.

FLORIDA

Key lime pie is number one in Florida, just ask anyone. But don’t ask them to explain how it is both tart and sweet.

Two of the most delightful contenders for second place are strawberry shortcake and, because Florida is known for oranges, orange crunch cake.

GEORGIA

One nickname for Georgia is “The Peach State” so perhaps it is only fitting that the favorite dessert is peach cobbler. The gooey goodness is best served hot with the option of an ice cream topping.

Another favorite is peanut butter pie.

I found a new favorite in Savannah, Georgia at Lizzy’s Burger Bar https://www.lizzysgrill.com/ . It is a boozy caramel milkshake spiked with Savannah’s own Ghost Coast Bourbon. Oh, so good.

KENTUCKY

The first choice in Kentucky is bourbon balls. These boozy little morsels are coated with semisweet chocolate.

Second place goes to blackberry cobbler and third place goes to fudge. This makes me want to spend more time in Kentucky.

LOUISIANA

Just saying the word beignet makes me happy. Knowing that these beloved little powdered doughnuts are the favorite in Louisiana… well, I’m ready to meet you at Café du Monde https://shop.cafedumonde.com/ anytime you’re buying!

The other two top desserts, bananas Foster and pralines, are also yummy beyond words.

MISSISSIPPI

The top two desserts across the South noted here are bread pudding and Mississippi mud pie. “Mud” in this case is a chocolate filling said to resemble mud by the banks of the Mississippi river.

Two other treats I enjoy are the sweet potato muffins from https://www.coffeehouseon5th.com/ Coffee House on 5^th in Columbus and the crème brulee from The Chimneys in Gulfport https://www.chimneysrestaurant.com/ .

MISSOURI

The “Show Me” state loves cake and ice cream. Gooey butter cake comes in first and is closely followed by coconut cake.

The history of the ice cream “cornucopia” or cone may have several versions, but we know it took on a starring role in the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. The ice cream cone never goes out of style, especially in Missouri.

NORTH CAROLINA

Sonker is comparable to cobbler and is so loved in Surry County, North Carolina that they celebrate a sonker festival every October.

Red velvet cake is another favorite that has several odd stories about how and why it got the red color and why it should be one of the desserts across the South.

A most tasty treat I enjoyed at Mash House in Fayetteville, North Carolina https://www.themashhouse.com/ is a butterscotch brownie with spiced rum caramel topped with coffee ice cream, yum.

SOUTH CAROLINA

There are too many choices with no clear favorite here. Top contenders include the Huguenot Torte (which is not really a torte) , benne wafers (made with sesame seeds), and sweet potato pie.

The best sweet treats I had on my most recent visit to Charleston https://lemacaron-us.com/locations/charleston/ were macarons from Le Macaron French Pastries on Meeting Street.

A macaron is light, colorful, and delicious.

TENNESSEE

Classic banana pudding is a favorite in “The Volunteer State” that looks especially decadent when the peaks of fluffy meringue are slightly toasted.

Nashville’s Standard Candy Company created the Goo Goo Cluster back in 1912. It was the first combination candy bar which includes caramel, marshmallow, peanuts, and milk chocolate https://googoo.com/ .

Chattanooga Bakery really started something “outta-this-world” when they created Moon Pie back in 1917. This marshmallow marvel still thrills dessert lovers today https://moonpie.com/about .

VIRGINIA

The top two preferred desserts of Virginia are said to be chess pie and funnel cakes.

I must let you know about affogato. Have you ever heard of it? https://geraldsicecream.com/ Gerald’s Ice Cream in Virginia Beach has perfected the Italian treat by pouring espresso over ice cream and a very precisely prepared whipped cream. This sensory stimulation is sweet satisfaction.

Affogato: ice cream (or gelato) “drowned” in espresso!

WEST VIRGINIA

According to several sources, the top two desserts in West Virginia are molasses cookies and apple spice cake.

Another favorite is the banana split. Rumor has it that you can order one in the town of Fairmont that weighs in at nine pounds. Get several friends to help you with that one!

__–__–********–__–__–*******–__–__

So, there you have it! We have delved into the 13 southeastern states and uncovered a total of 41 unique and not-to-be-missed desserts across the South! Now I am so hungry!

PLEASE COMMENT ABOUT YOUR FAVORITES AND WHICH ONES YOU WISH TO TRY! Also, share this article with every dessert lover you know. They will thank you for it.

For those who love EmbraceSouthernStates, remember to check out the Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates

And photos on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/

TOO MUCH PERSONAL INFO IN A TRAVEL ARTICLE?

March 26, 2024 by angelchatt

When is personal info shared in a travel article “too much” ? Do you love to read exciting travel articles about your bucket list destinations? What about places you have never heard of, yet the article fuels your desire to visit there? How do you feel about writers who share lots of personal information such as age, race, disabilities, or financial matters? When does that seem like too much?

***Bucket List Destinations*** are SO Exciting!

WHICH INFO IS MOST HELPFUL?

A good travel article should help you discover tons of great reasons to start planning a trip to a new-to-you location. Of course, you want to know about the food, lodging, and attractions. But do you want to know the profile of the average visitor? Do you need or want to know whether the destination is easily accessible for those who use a cane or a wheelchair? Do you hope to learn the full range of room prices, from budget to luxury?

Yes, you want info on the best ***lodging***.

Consider this scenario; an over-60 female travel writer courageously keeps exploring despite battling osteoarthritis, macular degeneration, and anxiety. (For those who don’t know, that means she has bad knees, failing vision, and occasional panic attacks.) Can a good travel writer be authentic without oversharing? Should this type of travel writer share tips for others who may have the same issues?

***Cobblestone streets*** are scenic yet hazardous!

Tips from her may include which cobblestone streets to avoid or which restaurants are too dimly lit to even read the menu. Also, travelers may find it helpful to know how long it takes to drive from the most touristy area to the area with the largest number of hotels. I am convinced that sharing in a helpful way is fine, as opposed to simply sharing a sob story which may have little to nothing to do with helping others. I would love to know your opinions on when it becomes too much personal info in a travel article.

***Dimly lit*** spots make menu reading difficult.

SHOULD SOME TOPICS BE EXCLUDED?

Certainly, travel tips are meant to be quite helpful for others. Let me state a personal pet peeve here. I dislike writers who share too much info about their religion or politics. There, I said it! The two problems are that (1.) those topics are not travel tips, and (2.) people are too easily offended. Even wishing others a Merry Christmas or Happy Easter has gotten rude comments sent my way. Now I find it best to avoid statements which may be argumentative or controversial. As the lovable Lorax might suggest, proper respect for the environment and all living creatures IS helpfulness without oversharing.

***Respect & helpfulness***: “Fine-Somethings-That-All-People-Need” !

How do you decide whether there is too much personal info in a travel article? Have there been times when you found that so irritating that you did not finish the article? On the other hand, have there been times when the disclosed information proved to be helpful?

EAGER TO SEE YOUR COMMENTS

The questions I have posed do NEED to be answered. Dang, y’all, my hope is that YOU will leave your carefully considered COMMENTS that kindly share your real thoughts about how or why a writer should disclose personal information. That’s it. Now it is your turn to figure out the perfect amount of info you would like to share!

For those who love EmbraceSouthernStates, remember to check out the Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates

And photos on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS SITE…’cause you’re kind & you care! And, for goodness sake, SHARE – SHARE – SHARE so your friends can love it, too. Dang, y’all...JOY & THANKS!

CHOICE OF VOICE: WRITERS REJOICE

February 6, 2024 by angelchatt

This article is a celebration of female writers struggling to find their voice and stand in their truth! Ladies, the struggle is real, and the joy can be enormously powerful! Here is wonderful news. Allow me to introduce you to Gina Hogan Edwards. This incredible woman makes it her relentless quest to coach, empower, and transform women writers as they make their choice of best writing voice. Once you have nailed your clarity and authenticity, it will be your turn to rejoice and celebrate.

A LITTLE BACKGROUND IF YOU PLEASE

Gina pours her heart into helping women writers.

Gina is originally from Asheville, North Carolina. She has a Bachelor of Science in Communications from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and is a Certified Creativity Coach. Since 1995 she has made her home in Tallahassee, Florida.

Her primary passions include art, books, creativity, historical fiction, retreats, women, writing, and writers. Her secondary passions include animals, drawing, extended family, food, health, husband, music, nature, puzzles, and walking.

Gina is a highly sensitive person and an introvert. In 2017 she found her choice of voice and the courage to leave the corporate world. Now she dedicates her efforts to coaching other women writers and hosting writing retreats. She finds this mission intensely transformative and gratifying… a huge reason to rejoice and celebrate.

ABOUT TALLAHASSEE AND TRAVEL

As a travel writer, I always make a point to ask anyone I interview about (a.)what they love about where they currently live, (b.)past travel, and (c.)any bucket list of future travel destinations.

What Gina loves most about Tallahassee is the lush nature, gorgeous greenways, and the variety of great local bookstores such as My Favorite Books and Midtown Reader.

One of Gina’s “favorite” local bookstores!

She also enjoys going to nearby Wakulla Springs to take the historical guided boat tours. The most fun trip she took was for whale watching in Alaska, of which she said, “It felt like touching God.” Italy and Greece are solidly at the top of her travel bucket list.

ABOUT CREATIVITY AND JOY

Gina Hogan Edwards sparks her creativity by enjoying a good novel by authors like Eugenia Price or Eudora Welty. She likes to walk and to be in nature. One of her favorite ways to relax is to try her hand at Zentangle art drawings.

When asked what makes her a joyful person, her reply was, “Connecting with others, getting to know how they tick, and mostly just being at peace with my own life.”

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT WRITING?

If you ever ask Gina this question, be prepared for a lovely and lengthy answer! Her passion for writing and for helping women writers is palpable and purposeful. She will easily and eloquently explain that writing helps declutter your brain, uncover hidden connections, and gain clarity.

Sharing personal stories can be the equivalent of narrative medicine. She encourages women to rewrite the negative stories of their traumas and tragedies. This turns those written stories into messages of strength and hope. We can all learn from how others overcame obstacles. This becomes a clear and conscious choice on how we use our writing voice to give ourselves and others reasons to rejoice.

WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO THE WORLD?

Gina states, “It really lights me up to see a woman be one hundred percent herself and to stand in her truth. By doing so , she has given the world a beautiful gift. The message is to be yourself because the person you are really matters and what you have to say really matters.”

Be what matter, say what matters… give the world that beautiful GIFT !

CONCLUSION

Dang y’all, Gina Hogan Edwards is a passionate creative who inspires other women. On her very helpful website https://www.ginahoganedwards.com/ you can read in depth and learn about her podcast, her retreats, and her private Facebook community. They are all positive and powerful ways that you can connect with women who love to write. Now that you have enjoyed this article, you understand that a clear choice of voice genuinely helps writers rejoice!

>>>>——–>>>——–>> Just One More Thing ! <<——–<<<——–<<<<

SHOW YOUR LOVE for EmbraceSouthernStates, remember to check out the Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates

And photos on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/

SHARE YOUR LOVE WITH A COMMENT HERE, ’cause you’re kind & you care! Then SHARE it with folks so they can love it, too. Thanks y’all.

COULD TALLAHASSEE BICENTENNIAL CHANGE YOUR LIFE?

January 24, 2024 by angelchatt

In a word, YES, taking part in even just a smattering of the events and activities during the 2024 Bicentennial of Tallahassee could change your life! It may not endow you with superpowers, but all the exciting doing and learning may very well open your eyes, your heart, and your mind in positive and transformative ways.

Do you know much about Tallahassee? Allow me to give you a glance at this wonderful town, through the eyes of a travel writer who happens to reside here. Tallahassee is a friendly and vibrant multicultural destination known for intertwining the best of art, education, greenery, and history. It warmly welcomes everyone from college students to retirees. Let’s take a look at some of the fascinating folks, food, facts, and fun…but not necessarily in that order!

TALLAHASSEE FACTS

Tallahassee was established as the capitol of Florida in 1824 because it sits at the top of the state’s Panhandle region, halfway between Pensacola and St. Augustine. Before then, it was home to the Indigenous tribes of the Apalachee and the Seminole. Back in 1824 the entire bottom portion of Florida was mostly uninhabitable swamp that politicians hardly took into consideration . Oh, yes, times certainly have changed!

Do you like numbers? Tallahassee has been home to 5 Nobel Prize winners, 3 Pulitzer Prize winners, and 2 astronauts. There have also been well over 100 celebrities including actors, artists, musicians, sports figures, and writers! Should I name just a few? Perhaps you have heard of Bobby Bowden, Burt Reynolds, Faye Dunaway, Polly Holiday, George Clinton, T-Pain, and Jim Morrison.

TALLAHASSEE FOLKS

Now I’m eager to tell you about three of the “regular” folks who currently add their own kind of joy to our town. These are people whom I have met and hold in high regard. Find these or similar Tally residents who will touch your heart and stay in your thoughts. They (uh, we) agree that the Tallahassee Bicentennial really can change your life on many levels.

THE MAYOR OF OUR FINE CITY

The mayor of our fine city is John Dailey, a good man with a strong commitment to the future. He listens with unconditional respect, helps solve the concerns of local citizens, and knows how to mix seriousness with fun. He loves Tallahassee for its small-town charm, natural beauty, and opportunities for education or retirement.

A BUSY BUREAU CHIEF

Shari Hubbard is a sparkling ray of sunshine who helps educate others on food issues in her role at the Florida Department of Agriculture. She values exercise, nutrition, and intentional kindness. She loves our town for its concerts, festivals, greenways, libraries, museums, and restaurants.

FOR A GREAT RIDE

Mike Goldstein owns Capital City Pedicabs “an inexpensive, environmentally friendly, fun, and safe means of transportation”. He can take you for a ride and show you the best places in town. Chat with him and you will know he deeply respects “Tally” and hopes you do, too.

TALLAHASSEE FOOD

Whether you are local or visiting Florida’s capital city, we want you to know that our fabulous food options and the Bicentennial can change your life. Here is a sampling (in alphabetical order) of the first six favorite places that came to my mind when thinking about how to satisfy and delight your foodie desires.

BRADLEY’S COUNTRY STORE 10655 Centerville Rd is almost 100 years old and in a very picturesque setting so bring your camera. Famous for smoked sausage. They also make their own grits, jams, and sauces.

CRACKER BARREL 2920 Hospitality Rd has your fill of comfort foods and a nice fireplace. Breakfast is served all day or pick from things like burgers, chicken, pork, salads and more.

Can’t beat this breakfast at Cracker Barrel!

HABANA’S BOARDWALK 2819 Mahan Dr will transport you to Cuba with lovely décor and authentic Cuban food that is more than delicious.

HARRY’S 301 S. Bronough St brings New Orleans cuisine to you in fine fashion. Shrimp, crawfish, and all your Cajun favorites served in a refined setting.

Sensational seafood and Cajun cuisine at Harry’s.

SAGE 33534 Maclay Blvd S offers American fare with a French feel. This high-end restaurant has excellent quiche, fancy meals, wonderful wines, and decadent desserts.

WAHOO 2714 Graves Rd does Southern food with a Cajun flare. In this fun and casual setting, fill up on gator tail, oysters, pasta, and all the best beverages.

Crab cakes and gator tail at Wahoo, oh yes!!!

TALLAHASSEE BICENTENNIAL FUN

Could the Tallahassee Bicentennial change your life? Dang, y’all… you better believe the answer is YES!!! Which of these is most appealing to you: art, diversity, food, history, murals, museums, music, or parades? Are you looking for inspiration, education, or excitement? Come find all that and more in 2024.

A small sampling of the events includes a Ball and a Poetry Jam in March, three festivals and Pridefest in April, and May will offer both the Southern Shakespeare Festival and the Emancipation Day Celebration. New events are still being added to the calendar practically every day.

Places not to be missed would have to include Cascades Park, FAMU, FSU, Florida Historic Capitol Museum, Lake Ella, Maclay Gardens, and Railroad Square. Be sure to see a few of the canopy roads, greenways, parks, and trails.

USEFUL LINKS https://visittallahassee.com/ https://choosetallahassee.com/news/ https://tallahasseeleoncounty200.com/ https://www.flhistoriccapitol.gov/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingtallahassee

For those who love EmbraceSouthernStates, remember to check out the Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates

And photos on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS SITE…’cause you’re kind & you care! And, for goodness sake, if you love this stuff… then SHARE it with folks so they can love it, too. Thanks y’all.