Welcome Centers are a wonderful place to get out of the car, find a clean restroom, and find great travel information. Today I’m sharing info and photos of two of the most welcoming Welcome Centers which I frequent as a driver on Interstate 10. I’m including lots of reasons why you should see these two I-10 Welcome Centers and be among the wanderers warmly welcomed.
Alabama
Let’s say you have been driving East from the Mississippi Gulf Coast and need a stretch break with plenty to see and do. Set your GPS for 10226 Hall Road in Grand Bay, Alabama 36541. This beautiful and spacious Welcome Center was completed in 2016 and has been called the “Grandest of All, Like the Taj Mahal!” I kid you not, folks in Alabama really do say that!
Welcome Center in Grand Bay, Alabama.Fabulous sculptures to appreciate.Did Mardi Gras begin here?Enjoy Sweet Home Alabama.
As you approach, notice the many sea creatures and coastal theme of the artwork inside and out. Once inside be sure to look at the intricate details on the floor and the ceiling. Not only can you pick up brochures, but you can also ask plenty of questions that will be kindly answered by the great staff. They can even explain some of the Mardi Gras items on display and the facts about when Mardi Gras really started in this area.
Your fabulous experience at the Grand Bay Welcome Center will get you excited to see so much more of “Sweet Home Alabama” and there is SO MUCH to see. https://alabama.travel/
Florida
After you drive from Alabama and cross into Florida, you will only need to go about 4 miles. Then you will find the Pensacola (Escambia County) Welcome Center. First you will see a Blue Angel aircraft and several other great photo ops that you will want to post on your Instagram.
Check out the great info about native bear, panther, and other animals. Then check out the adorable artwork of flamingos above the entrance. You will find wanderers warmly welcomed here as the friendly staff will offer you a free juice and excellent recommendations on whatever you may wish to do in Florida.
Florida welcomes photo ops.Informative native animal facts.Pink flamingos above you?Welcoming facts all around you.
Pick up destination info on beaches, museums, parks, swamps, and so many other great attractions you may have never even thought of before. Read a few outside at the covered picnic tables, take a brief walk, then enjoy the remainder of your journey as you reflect on wanderers warmly welcomed. https://www.visitflorida.com/
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If you have long dreamed of a vacation home in Florida but felt it wasn’t justifiable to go ahead with it, take a second look. Purchasing and maintaining a home in sunny Florida can become an affordable reality. Whether you are a retiree or a small-time real estate investor, your dream of a southern home is well within reach.
Southern culture can be so alluring. People who are interested in learning more should check out Embrace Southern States, a website dedicated to all the best aspects of the southern United States. Your journey to owning property in the beautiful south is just beginning. Enjoy each step of the planning process and learn how your real estate investment can earn you money.
Making Money with Your Florida Property
There are a variety of ways your new property can pay for itself. Whether you opt to rent directly to a tenant or go through a company like Airbnb, renting your property can be a profitable endeavor. If you live a distance from Florida, consider hiring a cleaner to prep the home between rentals. Property management companies can maintain your yard to ensure that it is up to your standards while you are away.
If your property has the land capacity and the right vibes, consider developing a small-venue events area. An outdoor area with beautiful gardens and arbors could offer a terrific backdrop for a small wedding or photo shoot. Your property may have more income-potential than it seems, and these varying strategies could end up paying the mortgage on the new home and even put additional money into your pocket.
Regardless of what sort of rental plan you devise, you can protect yourself and your assets from potential litigation by establishing a limited liability company (LLC) for your vacation rental business. Developing an LLC will ensure that your personal assets are protected in the event of a lawsuit from a renter. As you develop your LLC, you can hire a lawyer or use a formation service, which is considerably less expensive. Saving money on a property is important for most people; there are ways to reduce your real estate costs and get the most for your money.
Buying a Reduced-Cost Property in the South
Affordable housing can be hard to come by, but if you know what to look for, you can find a home that meets your needs and fits your budget. Given the events of the pandemic, many people are looking to sell, which means your housing selection will be greater. To find a less expensive home, look for houses that may need a little work. Minor home repairs can be completed with relative ease if you are handy with tools.
Buying property over time is another option for purchasing a home in Florida. Owner financing can be inexpensive as long as you have legal guidance on how to protect yourself and a contract that outlines details of the long-term transaction. Weigh all the pros and cons and be sure to investigate the property details to ensure that you are getting into a safe, legal situation.
As you make your plans for southern property ownership, keep in mind that your lifestyle is going to change in amazing ways.
Be Prepared for Heat and Happiness
Southern life is where it’s at. There is no doubt that the notorious southern hospitality, positive vibes, and incredible food will win you over from your first visit to your final move. If you have spent time in the southern states, you will know how important it is to have a plan for managing the heat. Invest in a quality air conditioning system that will keep you comfortable in your southern dream home.
If the south is calling, take a listen. Explore properties and make your Florida home ownership hopes a reality. With some creative planning, your property can pay for itself.
Rebecca Martin is the artistic genius behind Becca’s Bakes whose love of baking shows in every custom cake, cupcake, and treat she prepares. She is part of Florida’s Cottage Food industry, a talented group of entrepreneurs who produce and sell products directly from home to consumers while adhering to strict state guidelines.
Artistic genius Rebecca Martin of “Becca’s Bakes”.
Baking is her biggest passion, and she does it well. Incredibly, she also works a full-time job and manages to keep up with her husband, three children, and three dogs. When I recently convinced her to take a break and visit me at my home, not only was she sweet and adorable but she also brought cupcakes. Here are the highlights from our interview.
She brought chocolate cupcakes with vanilla buttercream.
Could you please tell me a little about your background?
I’m a lifelong Tallahassee local. My full-time job is in customer service and I started my part-time baking business in January 2019. I have fond memories of watching my grandmother bake and learning from her. In high school I was in a pie baking club. I’m a baker who loves making sweet treats such as cakes, pies, and brownies.
What do you love most about baking?
The first part is the fun of creativity. Taking random ingredients to produce a finished creation that looks and tastes amazing. The second part is that wonderful look on a customer’s face when they first see what I’ve made. That is especially true when a child has envisioned a specific cake and it has become a reality.
A purrrrrfect CAT cake !!
Should people respect cake decorating?
Yes! Cake decorating is an art requiring time, patience, skill, and imagination. It is not for the faint of heart. Intricate details can take hours. Piping must be precise. There must be a balance of flavor. There are tears as well as moments of dread and panic. When the art looks and tastes right, then the result is worth it all. And the customer’s satisfaction is priceless.
Swirl sugar cookies are colorful and fun.
How do you spark your creativity?
I like to watch baking competitions on television to see how various items are made. I often try to recreate some of my favorites. An interesting one was a three-tiered cake with a Fortnite theme. My kids can sometimes be my biggest critics. When they say it looks great then I know other kids will love it. I get creative with flavor combinations or trying gluten-free and Keto recipes.
Which are you most passionate about: food, music, or art?
Well, that sure is a tough question. I play piano and saxophone and love to sing. My favorites music would be either jazz or indie with a folk twist. I feel that the food I make is art. I am also an avid gardener and nature lover. My edible garden includes tomatoes, peppers, onions, and a banana tree. I also have a butterfly and bee garden.
What do you envision as “food as art”?
I see a perfectly balanced table set up beautifully with a wide assortment of food. It is so visually stunning that I might feel bad to mess it up by eating any.
Do you have any other thoughts to share about your baking?
Clients will often surprise me by requesting unusual ingredients like prunes and that becomes part of the creative challenge. I like to get a two-week notice so I can take my time making sure it has pleasing flavors and is not too dry. In a way it would be fun to be on a TV baking show, but I would feel too rushed and fear the dish would lack quality. I love my two stand mixers and my bucket list item is a sugar printer. I could totally see opening a small bakery in a few years.
Lemon Blueberry Swirl Cheesecake.
What do you want others to know about your hometown?
Tallahassee, Florida is a great travel destination because we have a lot of history. It was the first home of the Apalachee Indian tribe. It is also home of two great colleges, FSU and FAMU. Just to the South of here is Wakulla Springs where the original “Creature of the Black Lagoon” was filmed.
What other destinations interest you?
When I was growing up my family often went to the Tennessee towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Those mountains seemed like a second home. I would love to take my husband and children there to create new memories. I have never traveled abroad, but when I do my first adventure will be Scotland.
What is the most fun thing you have ever done?
Playing tenor sax in my high school marching band was an incredible experience. We perfected our music and choreography for months, then played to large audiences all over Florida. At one point I even marched with a broken foot. We felt like a family and I look back fondly on those times.
What would you like to share about your family?
My wonderful husband is a sweet teddy bear who makes me laugh so much. The day after I met him, he came over to rescue me from lizards (which I have an unnatural fear of). That’s when I knew he was a keeper! He is a tech type, and we love watching Star Trek and Star Wars. He will get up at 4am to put meat on his fancy smoker.
My kids are 12, 9, and 4…and just the absolute best! They enjoy helping in the kitchen and give great feedback on my creations. My friends and large extended family are an excellent support system that I cherish.
Bubbly, high-spirited, and inquisitive !
What makes you an exuberant person?
My husband would say that I am compassionate, big-hearted, and caring. I prefer to say high-spirited, bubbly, and inquisitive. I try to be positive and honest. I can find the silver lining in any situation.
What is your message to the world?
Smile more, live more, love more. Be the change we so desperately need.
She finds great joy in helping to feed her community. She finds a feasible framework for informative conversations about hunger. She finds flexibility is an important approach to both her life and her work. She finds wonderful ways to feed her body, mind, and spirit. She finds respect in helping others reach their full potential.
I help feed the hungry.
What is the nature of your job?
My title is Director of Communications at Second Harvest of the Big Bend. I help inform and engage stakeholders regarding issues on food insecurity. I get to help our food bank make a tangible difference for vulnerable and underserved citizens. I get to show people how they can generously help their neighbors. I get to know that, in my own small way, I help feed hungry families and children. All of us work as a team, inspiring each other, toward our mission to supply healthy and nutritious food.
What makes your town a great travel destination?
Tallahassee has so many wonderful events and attractions. Parks, greenways, restaurants, museums, festivals, concerts…the list goes on forever. People should enjoy places like Cascades Park, Goodwood Museum, Mission San Luis, and the fantastic local libraries. Of course, we have great sports events here, too. I had a blast attending FSU’s first national championship game.
Don’t you have some background in travel?
Yes, before working with nonprofits I traveled many places in destination marketing. I love Maine, California, Colorado, as well as the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains. Places high on my bucket list include Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, and the Greek Isles. I plan to return to Scotland to explore my Scottish heritage. Oh, and eating my way through Tuscany was a particularly fun adventure.
Be intentional in your kindness.
Which are you more passionate about: art, food, or music?
That’s a hard choice! I grow my own herbs. I love to cook and develop my own unique dishes. I’m not artistic but do appreciate all forms of art. Collecting art from my travels is a great way to remember an experience. I love live music. My first-ever arena concert was Bruce Springsteen on the “Born in the U.S.A.” tour. Recently I took my teenage son to his first concert, Imagine Dragons. What an amazing time that I know we’ll both remember forever!
What relaxing activities do you most enjoy?
Walking a trail by a “cathedral of trees” is great exercise and where I get my best ideas. Being alone in nature clears the mind and leaves me calm. I also very much enjoy reading. Spending time with my chosen family of smart and supportive friends is dear to me. So is my faithful companion, a miniature Australian Shepherd named Rudy Lu Wigglebottom.
What makes you an exuberant person?
Anticipation! Looking forward to a grand adventure or a sweet conversation with friends. I try to listen respectfully with an open heart and mind. To find common ground and understand others is so important.
What is your key message for the world?
Be intentional in your kindness toward others. You will never regret a kindness.
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Dang y’all, Shari Hubbard is a sparkling ray of sunshine in Tallahassee. She brings a deep sense of value and purpose to her role of helping feed the hungry with Second Harvest. She is smart, kind, and could have a meaningful conversation with anyone.
I truly urge YOU, dear reader, to leave your comments.
