Vote for Your Favorite Photo!

December 29, 2021 by angelchatt

In 2021 I traveled through seven southern states and took hundreds of photos. I chose two from each state to share with you. Now I’m asking you to consider each one carefully, then vote for your favorite by leaving a Comment.

Narrowing them down to only 14 was quite difficult, yet a very enjoyable trip down memory lane. Every state has tons of beauty and vibrant colors. Were you able to get out and embrace any great spots in the past year?

If you ever want suggestions about any of these areas, I will be delighted to share my thoughts. Travelers should encourage one another to explore all the precious places that surround us.

Here are my photos, alphabetically by state.

ALABAMA

Fields of lavender were ready for harvest in the aptly named town of Harvest, Alabama. Lavender is said to represent silence and calmness, while the pretty purple color is often associated with royalty. I walked though this lovely area in silence and calmness, feeling like royalty as I took in all the allure of these exquisite flowers. https://www.facebook.com/Lavenderwynde

Early one morning I happened upon an eerie and mysterious site full of ruins in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Pieces of columns and wall took me by surprise, and I was completely fascinated. This had once been a grand building and had burned down in 1923.

FLORIDA

Folks who love hunting for antiques need to visit the small town of Havana, Florida. This is one of several nice murals in a setting of multiple antique shops and quaint cafes. Havana was once known for growing shade tobacco. A few old tobacco barns still exist and there is even a small museum dedicated to the subject.

Bradley’s Country Store in Tallahassee, Florida began in 1927. They make delicious sausage and host an annual fun day that includes music, art, and lots of activities. That is where I took this shot of horse drawn carriages by a scenic lakeside.

GEORGIA

Caught this fabulous shot at my favorite time of day (early morning) in Rome, Georgia. I love misty mountains, rain, and cemeteries…was thrilled to see them all in this photo. If you love old cemeteries, you must visit Myrtle Hill which has six terraces and over 30 tree varieties and is a gorgeous (and possibly haunted) destination.

The elegant fountain in Forsyth Park is a most picturesque place in Savannah, Georgia. It was built in 1858 and is surrounded by oaks, magnolias, and just about more park benches than you could count. Can you guess why the water is temporarily turned green every March?

MISSISSIPPI

In Columbus, Mississippi I was honored to interview a most unique and totally unforgettable character. Her name is Edwina Williams, but everyone knows her as “Mother Goose”. For over 30 years she has captured the hearts and imaginations of folks through her songs, stories, and her advocacy for literacy. People like her make life so special. For more info: https://www.columbusmainstreet.com/staff/mother-goose-little-goose/

In Tupelo, Mississippi I sloshed through snow to share a private moment with Elvis…okay, fine, with this STATUE of Elvis! Even though the snow had closed down nearly everything, I enjoyed taking photos of many Elvis-related items and his birthplace. https://www.tupelo.net/

NORTH CAROLINA

Fayetteville, North Carolina is fortunate to have Cape Fear Botanical Garden. If you love flowers, you could spend many happy hours wandering their 80 acres. It includes a river bluff, an old farmhouse, and a lake. There are so many photo ops! The daylily section is a true spectacle of color from every angle. For more info https://www.capefearbg.org/ .

Just off Interstate 95 in Hope Mills, North Carolina you can find Dirtbag Ales. A group of friends began brewing beer, then added food. They kept growing this one-of-a-kind spot that now includes playground, dog park, music, and farmer’s market. The place and the beer are simply beyond awesome. https://www.dirtbagales.com/

SOUTH CAROLINA

Florence, South Carolina became one of my favorite places in 2021. There you can find the Pee Dee State Farmers Market and get up close and personal with fresh produce, plants, honey, and homemade items. These plums were irresistibly juicy and satisfying. I ate several of them while driving back to my home state. https://agriculture.sc.gov/divisions/agency-operations/state-farmers-markets/pee-dee-state-farmers-market/

In the historic district of downtown Florence sits Top Hat Special-Teas, a pretty pink place where Laurie is the tea queen! It is tearoom, museum, and educational space combined to thrill and tickle the taste buds. View these brewing accessories and enjoy tea, quiche, and scones. https://www.facebook.com/tophatspecialteas .

TENNESSEE

Apple Valley Orchard in Cleveland, Tennessee is where I interviewed the owner of this family apple business and got this practically perfect picture of little green apples still growing on the trees. Happy little apples on happy little trees, I’m sure. https://applevalleyorchard.com/ .

These cute colors prove that there is art in architecture! Fayetteville, Tennessee is full of fantastic buildings with tons of history. Many of them are also full of antiques and colorful characters. https://www.fayettevilletn.com/tourism.php .

Conclusion

Thanks for checking out these photos. They were just a small sample of what I discovered on my 2021 travels as I sought to Embrace Southern States!!! Now, it is time for you to leave a nice Comment to VOTE for your favorite. Please share your thoughts and we can all decide the winners… together.

Remember to SHARE this article with your friends and let them know how to find Embrace Southern States. Instagram go to https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/ or if you prefer Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates .

NATURE IS THE NICEST NEIGHBOR

November 18, 2021 by angelchatt

Wouldn’t it be nice to see some natural beauty right now? I am so thankful to live in the Florida Panhandle where nature and beauty put on a living art exhibit every day of the year. Nature is the nicest neighbor.

My human neighbors are just fine, but I don’t find myself eager to photograph them. Yes, they look okay, but nature outshines them.

All of the photos in this article were taken in Florida, most locations identified in captions.

It was lots of fun to browse through my photos and find just the thing that you can enjoy with me right now. Think of this as a refreshing pictorial break from whatever you are doing… a “walk in the woods” or “walk on the wildflower side”. Hope you find at least a couple of these that make you want to come visit or at least to share some thoughts!

Meander through the woods with me on this pleasant path.

A path at Lichgate on High Road in Tallahassee.

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Find Live Oaks showing off their friendship with Spanish Moss.

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Perhaps you prefer a vantage with a view of the local wildflowers.

Open field on Christy Cary Lane in Tallahassee.

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Happy flowers here attract the Zebra Longwing butterfly.

On my street (no I won’t post the name)!

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These Camellias bloom from November through January.

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Then the Azaleas bloom from February through April.

Also in my own yard adding so much beauty.

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The gorgeous clusters on the Beautyberry can last for months.

Yep, still in my neighborhood. LOVE the color!

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Large creeks in Florida have alligators, turtles, and great fishing.

Black Creek is located in Middleburg, Florida.

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Lily pads seem so relaxed as they enjoy the sunshine.

Lovely lily pads located on Black Creek.

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Adventure awaits around the next bend!

This track is in Gadsden County near Havana, Florida.

-_-_-_-_-_-_ < Dang, sure hope y’all like the photos! > -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

By the way, if you are actually reading this…THANK YOU! Now could you do me a really super HUGE favor? Using the hashtag #embracesouthernstates please connect with me on these sites:

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There ‘s also a Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates

YOUR COMMENTS ARE ALWAYS DEEPLY ENCOURAGED AND APPRECIATED, THANK YOU !!!

Southern Farms: Picture Perfect

July 22, 2021 by angelchatt

Drive slowly and discover southern farms that are picture perfect during your next road trip. Or to borrow a line from Foghat, “slow ride, take it easy”. Yes, I know that’s not what the song was about, but it still applies. Trying to break new speed records is not a good idea when on a road trip. That is especially true on curvy mountain roads.

Come on along with me and let’s take a look at some farms in the southern United States. Let’s make a game out of it. Which farm photo do you like best? Does it somehow soothe your soul? Does it evoke pleasant memories, or inspire your bucket list?

Do you prefer alpaca, horse, or sheep? Do you prefer apple, corn, or lavender? Is a young mystery crop more interesting with curves or with mountains? These are the bonus questions in today’s game. No, you don’t get to win a car or a vacation…but perhaps you will be on the lookout for such sights from your car window during your next vacation.

You should know that photographers usually crop and edit photos to bring out some extra little pop. But the ones I’ve chosen to share with you here are exactly the way I shot them. I wanted you to get a sense of what I saw and why it captured my attention. I will even tell you what time of day it was and stuff like that. Ready, let’s go!

This little alpaca farm with an adorable group of grazers is located near the tiny town of Minor Hill, Tennessee. Photo was shot around 10am on a cloudy morning. I like how you can see the shadow of the tree and the slight incline of the ground.

Horses are such beautiful creatures and can have so many color variations. Do you think this one is closer to chestnut or sorrel? This was taken at 9am on a nice clear day in Meridianville, Alabama.

I like this photo despite the obvious fence. I mean, sheep are just so cute and hard to resist, right? This is “1818 Farms” in Mooresville, Alabama. The tiny historic village is a true photographer’s dream. Taken at 9am (yes the majority of my pics are early morning).

Taken at 8:40am! Apple Valley Orchards in Cleveland, Tennessee is a family business where they avoid harsh chemicals. Their apple cider is awesome. So is the experience of walking around acres of apples still growing on the trees.

Loved seeing the vast corn fields leading your eye to the silver silos, mountains, and dark clouds as rain was approaching. Taken at 10:10am in Owens Cross Roads, Alabama.

Lavender Wynde is a small herb farm in Harvest, Alabama. Shot at 11:15 that bright morning. If I had waited two days, it would have been harvested and gone.

Not too far from Colquitt, Georgia and between rain showers, I just had to snap this one because I love seeing a “mystery crop”. I also like how the rows curve and how you can see the irrigation system in the background. It was 9:30am, I know you were wondering!

At 11:07am I crossed over from Tennessee and into North Carolina…and at 11:09 I pulled over to admire this sight. No idea what the crop is, but the way it gives depth to the scene is super. Some folks prefer a beach scene, I am much more drawn to mountains.

So there you have it. Eight simple and unedited photos. These southern farms are picture perfect just as they are. Southern road trips are so much fun. I hope you get to enjoy one very soon. Be sure to take a good camera.

Alpaca, horse, or sheep? Apple, corn, or lavender? A curved mystery crop combined with an irrigation system, or a straight one combined with cute clouds and mountains?

Please let everyone know which one is your favorite. Remember, you can always find great info about the south at https://embracesouthernstates.com/ My photos can al be found on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/ and you can also join my Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates Thank you.

Southern States Bucket List

April 12, 2021 by angelchatt

Oh, travel! Such a glorious and joyful discovery waits around every corner. For almost one year I have been sharing interviews, articles, and ideas about exuberant people and places in the southern USA. Now I am ready to share with you my current bucket list.

This list includes at least three places I want to visit in each of the 13 states that I cover. The things I am most eager to see are whimsical art, unusual museums, natural beauty, and a great mix of big city highlights or small town charm.

An old barn could definitely be found in many small towns.

YOU NEED TO share your own unique feedback about these choices. What did YOU see and do in any of these spots? Travel blogs like this are SO MUCH better when good folks like you take time to give helpful comments.

Here are my bucket list destinations, as they stand at this moment.

ALABAMA: Florence & the “Shoals” ; Forkland ; Selma

ARKANSAS: Eureka Springs ; Fayetteville ; Fort Smith

FLORIDA: Key Biscayne ; Key Largo ; Key West

GEORGIA: Blue Ridge; Ellijay; “Pasaquan” near Buena Vista

KENTUCKY: Lexington ; Morehead ; Paducah

LOUISIANA: Covington ; Natchitoches ; Shreveport

MISSOURI: Branson ; Novelty ; St. Louis

MISSISSIPPI: Jackson ; Leland ; Natchez

NORTH CAROLINA: Fayetteville; Kill Devil Hills; Raleigh; Wilson

SOUTH CAROLINA: Blackville ; Elloree ; Seneca

TENNESSEE: Bristol ; McMinnville ; Paris

VIRGINIA: Bastian; Danville; Roanoke; Tazewell; Williamsburg

WEST VIRGINIA: Charleston; Charles Town; Harpers Ferry; Morgantown

There you have it…my 13 southern states bucket list. Remember, if your favorite town is not on the list, perhaps I have already been there. I really hope you will take just a minute to add your positive comments about any town which IS ON this list. Thank you.

Road Trip Delights & Dilemmas

March 5, 2021 by angelchatt

Snow! It makes colors POP…but can be treacherous!

My recent road trip in parts of Mississippi and Alabama was such a mixed bag of highs and lows, of expected and unexpected, of delights and dilemmas. I currently live in Florida, so y’all should certainly understand that I am NOT accustomed to driving (or walking) in snow.

TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI

Tupelo, MS had the worst snowfall in about 24 years, or so I was told. When it is fresh it is a joy to behold. Truth be told, I’d rather just see it on television or a travel website from here on out. I did manage to get nice photos, but sloshing around in the slush was cold, dirty, and probably more than a bit dangerous for an old broad like me who must sometimes use a cane. A cane, a purse, three cameras…I was quite the comical sight and so happy to escape unscathed.

While the snow and other complications of mixing Covid craziness with a writer’s conference did present brief moments of closures and confusion, our bunch braved weather together and managed to learn a lot and laugh a lot. Kudos to shuttle driver Chiquita Bobo who is a true road warrior! She earned my deepest admiration. Kudos to organizers Melody and Taylor who smiled through their tears and showed true determination. Their travel writing can be seen at Wherever I May Roam Blog.

Melody and I got to know one another at #STETupelo.

Although the Elvis birthplace was closed, I did slosh around and manage to get lots of pictures.

Can’t you see young Elvis learning to play guitar on this porch?

And less than a mile away I came upon this this most beautiful and breathtaking view that is simply too pretty to put into words.

COLUMBUS, MISSISSIPPI

The next stop was the adorable small town of Columbus, Mississippi. Every single person there is a profusion of sweet Southern charm. Their accents and attitudes are alluring. Many of them are characters who deserve to be celebrated. “Mother Goose” has been advocating literacy for over 35 years. Her friend Barbara Bigelow heads Columbus Main Street and is the epitome of a Southern lady.

“Mother Goose” and Barbara Bigelow are keeping Columbus exciting and vibrant.

There is a very large historic district filled with lovely antebellum and Victorian homes that includes the birthplace of playwright Tennessee Williams.

Colorful details on the Tennessee Williams home.

This architecture abounds in Columbus, Mississippi.

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA

The next stop was Tuscaloosa, Alabama…where you should expect to hear “Roll Tide”, often. What you may not expect is the great variety of food and attractions. While there I enjoyed Mexican and Italian dishes.

Two of the biggest surprise discoveries that I happened upon were Hurricane Creek Park and Capitol Park.

Capitol Park (completed 1829, burned down 1923).

Driving back toward Florida I stopped many times to photograph old abandoned buildings and other roadside oddities.

The bizarre beauty of abandoned buildings.

This is what makes road trips so much fun. They combine the joy of going at your own pace, letting down the windows, and singing as loud as you like along with the radio. You just never know what wonderful sights and delights await you on your next road trip. This was a trip full of delights and dilemmas. Now my only dilemma is…when can I start my next adventure?!?!

Please follow along with me here at Embrace Southern States. I will keep you informed about upcoming travel articles, food, art, interviews, and so much more. Also you can find more on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates .

If you enjoyed any of these photos, please take a moment to let me know. Thank you.