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 .

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.

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.

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.

Vote for Your Favorite Photo!