#photography Archives - Embrace Southern States

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.

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10 Fave Photos from 2023

December 17, 2023 by angelchatt

Another year has flown by faster than expected! That means it is time to review some favorite photos. Let’s do a countdown! See if you would rank them any differently.

These 10 photos represent time spent in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Missouri. They also let you know that I am partial to nature, murals, food, and abandoned buildings.

# 10

Railroad tracks have always fascinated me. They make my imagination run wild with thoughts of travel and new adventures. What do tracks bring to your mind? How long has it been since you last photographed a railroad track? This photo was taken in January around 4pm about a block away from my current home in Tallahassee, Florida.

# 9

This is a very small yet stunning swamp less than a mile from my home. I had to carefully scan the area for gators! Do you have any swamps or gators near where you live? Here’s a tip; don’t wear nice shoes because there’s a strong chance you will get bogged down in mud. This shot was taken at 5pm on a lovely January day.

# 8

Since I travel around the Gulf Coast a lot, it only makes sense to include a sweet and simple beach photo. This particular beach is along Highway 90 in Gulfport, Mississippi. That happens to be the town where I grew up. The scene was captured on an early morning in April. Are you a beach person? Have you ever been to Gulfport?

# 7

Well, speaking of Gulfport, that’s where this mural is. It was created in 2021 by Tricia McAlvain in memory of the Chandeleur Lighthouse. I love how up at the top it indicates all of the towns along the Mississippi coast. It was shot on the same April morning as the previous photo. How many of those towns have you visited?

# 6

Hamilton, Missouri is THE place for avid fans of quilts. The population is under 2,000 but it is full of colorful murals like this one and is called “Quilt Town, USA.” This photo was taken at 9:33am in April. I actually love all the shadows from nearby trees. Does this bring out your desire to go make a quilt? Do you own any treasured quilts?

# 5

Abandoned structures in all sizes and conditions are interesting. I especially love tiny shacks like this one found not far from Bainbridge, Georgia. The patina of the roof and the missing windows and boards make me wonder what critters may be living inside, or underneath. What does it make you wonder? Photo taken at 11am in March.

# 4

Inside the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library in Independence, Missouri, is this huge and extraordinarily impressive mural entitled “Independence and the Opening of the West”. Artist Thomas Hart Benton painted it in the 1960’s and was an acquaintance of Truman. I took this photo in April at 1:45pm.

# 3

All of my senses tingle every time I see this photo. Again I seem to see those yellow and pink flowers as I smell the pizza and taste the wine. Life was exceptionally good that day at The Brick Oven in Hannibal, Missouri. What do you think of this photo which was taken on an April evening at about 6pm? Don’t you just love pizza?

# 2

Big Spring is located just south of Van Buren, Missouri, and is that state’s largest spring. This geological wonder is marvelous in any season. My attempt to capture this serenity was at 11am on a gorgeous April morning. Wouldn’t you love to be there and experience blissful peace? Big Spring is a true happy place and a total joy to behold.

# 1

God is a master designer, creator, and artist. His simple yet elegant lily pads have inspired countless artists, philosophers, and dreamers. On an early afternoon in March I took this perfect photo on a tiny country road near Tifton, Georgia. Do lily pads seem symbolic or at all significant to you? They make me smile!

You have seen how I ranked my top ten favorite 2023 travel photos. Would you have ranked them any differently? Let folks know which one is you very favorite and why!

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Of Murals & Men, in Missouri

May 31, 2023 by angelchatt

You do know by now how much I love road trips, RIGHT? I am still waiting on some of y’all to comment on my previous article found here https://embracesouthernstates.com/nature-in-missouri/ … in the meantime let’s take a look at just a few “of murals & men, in Missouri” . This includes just a tiny fraction of the many inspiring historical figures, and amazing folks who are actively doing positive things there today.

Are you comfortable and ready to explore? Okay, we are fixin’ to have a bunch of fun! So grab a glass of sweet tea and come along with me!

George Washington Carver

The George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond, Missouri, is full, free, and fascinating! It is open from 9am until 5pm every day except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. You will learn new facts about this remarkable and resilient man.

While touring this first National Park to honor an African-American, you will enjoy monuments, photos, murals, multimedia, as well as the pleasure of exploring the 240-acre site at your own pace. I can pretty much guarantee that you will gain a deeper admiration of the plant lover who overcame many hardships to become a respected humanitarian, man of faith, scientist, and teacher.

Ampersand Sculpture

This eight foot tall ampersand (symbol for “and”) gives a nod to history and is located at 3434 S. Rangeline Road in Joplin.

When you study it up close and personal, you will see info on art, music, mining, and landmarks along Route 66. Also noted is the duo Bonnie & Clyde who hid out in a local building near 34th Street & Oak Ridge Drive. Dang, y’all, this is pretty cool.

Quilt Town, USA

Quilters already know that Hamilton is the town for every shop, gadget, and fabric that any quilt maker could ever need.

Others may know that it was the birthplace of left fielder Zack Wheat who was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1959.

Still others may be aware that J. C. Penney was born on a farm just outside of Hamilton. He later became famous for founding a department store that bears his name.

Who Invented Sliced Bread?

The small town of Chillicothe, Missouri ,celebrates being the home of sliced bread and the unofficial holiday “Sliced Bread Day” is July 7th. Next time you reach for sliced bread to pop into your toaster, be sure to thank Otto Rohwedder and Frank Bench! Their names may not be familiar, but what they accomplished certainly is!

When you get to view this inspiring mural in person, you will probably agree that it is one of the greatest things since sliced bread!

Two Civil War Historical Sites

On the western edge of Missouri is a small town named Republic, where you can visit Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. This site of the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River has lots of educational information that includes exhibits, books, and a film. Two cannons rest on the hillside just outside the visitor center and museum.

About a three and a half hour drive to the eastern edge of the state will bring you to the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site just south of St. Louis. There you can watch a film, take a tour, or browse through the museum.

More Than Just A Library

The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library first opened its door in 1957 and continues to expand and impress to this day. Here you can spend hours exploring the various sections, enjoying multimedia presentations, and viewing the murals and other artwork.

Inside you can find a replica of the Oval Office or browse through the Museum Store (gift shop). Outside you can walk around the courtyard to view a freedom flame and the final resting place of Truman, his wife, and their daughter. Dang, y’all, this place rocks!

Of Mice & Men & Marceline

Whenever you think of Disney, do you first think of the man (Walt) or the mouse (Mickey) or the theme parks? After visiting the Walt Disney Hometown Museum, you may just change your answer to “Marceline, Missouri”! This place is awesome!

Whether you are age three or ninety-three, your experience in Marceline will stay in your heart. As a baby boomer, I was reminded of both Davy Crockett and the Mickey Mouse Club. And, yes, I can remember all the words to both theme songs! Oh, you can also buy t-shirts with the quotes mentioned in the above photo.

Meet a Ranger in Van Buren

Shaun Heise grew up in Missouri and has worked for the National Park Service for eight years. His official title is Lower Current District Interpretive Ranger. Shaun loves sharing facts about the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, which includes Big Spring and Alley Spring.

Shaun says these waters are always cool, have existed since prehistoric times, and are fascinating from a geological perspective. He is one friendly ranger who is eager to pass along knowledge about Missouri and the Ozark culture. I sure hope you get to meet him soon.

Meet A Riverboat Captain

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take a short cruise on the Mississippi River? A great way to achieve that goal is to climb aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat in Hannibal, Missouri, and meet Captain Steve.

He shares great info about life on the river both now and in the past. His wife Sandy works in the gift shop and his sister is often found working the galley. Captain Steve is a well-known local celebrity in Hannibal and a walking encyclopedia of deep details and riverboat realities.

Meet This Wonderful Waiter

When you are ready to wet your whistle with homemade root beer, go to the Mark Twain Dinette in Hannibal. Be sure to ask for Bobby as your server. He is one of the kindest and most helpful people in town. Bobby listens closely to his customers, then takes time to thoughtfully answer even their strangest questions.

I love to ask folks what travel destinations are on their bucket list. Bobby said New Zealand tops his list. For great conversation, just ask how he feels about the St. Louis Cardinals! I am so thrilled to have met Bobby on my travels, because he really touched my heart.

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Now that you’ve seen the photos of murals and men in Missouri…and a tiny bit about each story, PLEASE take a minute to tell me which impressed YOU the most. Remember that leaving a COMMENT here makes it easier for me to keep giving YOU more people, places, and photos to help plan your travels!

Here are links for more info: (1.) https://www.nps.gov/places/george-washington-carver-national-monument.htm (2.) https://www.visitjoplinmo.com/ (3.)https://visithamiltonmo.com/ (4.) https://visitchillicothe.com/ (5a.) https://www.nps.gov/wicr/index.htm (5b.) https://www.nps.gov/ulsg/index.htm (6.) https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/ (7.)https://www.waltdisneymuseum.org/ (8.)https://www.nps.gov/ozar/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm (9.)https://marktwainriverboat.com/ (10.)https://www.marktwaindinette.com/

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Let me know if you need ANY help planning your next Southern road trip…I would love to negotiate with you as you embrace the best trip ever!

Joyful 2022 Photos

January 3, 2023 by angelchatt

JOY is the theme! Which joyful 2022 photos do YOU like best? Which ones make you feel most joyful, and why? Your Comment would certainly be most welcomed and appreciated!

It is true…every picture does tell a story. As I looked back over hundreds of photos and tried to decide on just 12, these kept jumping out at me…jumping for joy! After you study each, then consider the (greatly condensed) story behind it…what are your gut reactions?

Does the photo alone cause you to feel joy, or does that come along after you know more of the details? What do you think of this style of simple photography with little or no extra processing? Have you been to any of these locations? How do you find examples of joy during your travels?

Embracing the Moment

The expression of complete joy on this man’s face is precious! Despite the February chill, he fully embraced the moment during a jazz festival in Bainbridge, Georgia. Watching him dance with so much enthusiasm warmed my heart and lifted my spirit several notches.

Food is a frequent topic of my articles and photos. While at that same jazz festival, I happily embraced the moment to enjoy barbecue and potato salad. Do you have a favorite BBQ story that makes you smile?

During a Florida art festival, I helped kids choose free art projects. This young man eagerly chose sidewalk chalk art. He tuned out the world and diligently created art, bringing joy to everyone. When he thanked me, I cried… and thanked God for talented youngsters.

Embracing Simple Pleasures

The early morning sun can make this simple tree bottle glimmer and gleam. Every time I visit Ocean Springs, Mississippi, I make a special point to go see it. I honestly can’t explain why an old ‘haint tree brings me so much pleasure. Can you?

Life is good! Two best friends (Angela & Nina) await hot coffee and beignets at Cafe du Monde in New Orleans, Louisiana. Have you and your best friend ever shared this simple and delicious pleasure? (Tell me in “Comments” below.)

Somewhere around Mobile, Alabama, I got off the main roads…on purpose. Murals seem to call out to me, waiting to be discovered and appreciated. They always (YES ALWAYS) bring me right back to that sense of childlike wonder! Do you love murals?

Maddie is my beautiful calico cat. I just love how the April morning light bounced around the room and highlighted her so perfectly. I strongly prefer these simple photos without extra processing… easy shots that evoke profound emotions.

Embracing a Destination’s Diversity

Charleston, South Carolina is an award-winning city… a kaleidoscope of colors and cultures. Areas of unexpected energy and excitement mix with others of serenity and charm. I marvel at how one place can be so beautiful…and so very eclectic!

Bright costumes like this one represent Caribbean heritage as the parade kicks off Charleston Carifest each June. The parade is followed by music, dancing, food, and fun. Don’t you think her joyful smile is just as lovely as her costume?

I was (very unexpectedly) invited to attend and photograph an LGBT Pride pool party. Rainbow cups, flags, swimsuits, and headbands were everywhere. Folks were friendly and conversant, but a few did avoid the camera. An eye-opening event on multiple levels!

Walking in the historic district brings to view stately homes with lush landscapes behind walls of wrought iron or stone. Charleston is called “the Holy City” because of the numerous church steeples usually present in the background.

Embracing Honeymoon Memories

On our October honeymoon, Tony and I loved exploring the historic Windsor Hotel in Americus, Georgia. This view from the 3rd floor veranda looks across to the circular tower where we occupied the Carter Presidential Suite! Dang, y’all, talk about SWEET !!

Art is joy, joy is art!!! Every art lover needs to visit Georgia’s “Pasaquan”, to be surrounded by acres of vibrant art. Every building, wall, stairway, and post is a one-of-a-kind delight. One man’s obsession has become a treasure for the world, in my artistic opinion!!

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Dang, y’all… there you have it. These 12 photos bring out the best memories of my 2022 travels. While they may not win awards for expert skills or techniques, they do give you a clear view of what I value in a photo.

How do you relate to this? What are you first reactions? YOUR KINDEST AND MOST SINCERE COMMENTS ARE ALWAYS ENCOURAGED !!! Ask me a question or leave a comment, I really do long to hear from you. Please remember that you can also join the conversation in the Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates … THANK YOU and may we all take joyful photos in this joyful new year !!!

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.

Photos: “AH” of Savannah

June 3, 2021June 3, 2021 by angelchatt

Ahhhh, Savannah! Photos try to capture your charm.

Come with me on a photographic journey to historic Savannah, Georgia. Travel photos are the best way to capture the “AH” of this beautiful southern destination. Of course, even photos do not truly show all of the quintessential qualities of Savannah. Perhaps that is why you need to add it to your travel bucket list now.

Can you guess a top industry in Savannah?

The answer is tourism. Everybody finds something to love in Savannah. Take a tour by boat, bus, trolley, or horse-drawn carriage. See landmarks made famous in movies by such stars as Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, Tom Hanks, Kevin Spacey, and John Cusack. Listen and learn lots from the tour guides. Notice, well… everything.

Goodness, these cargo ships are so close!

Can you guess another top Savannah industry?

That would be shipping. Huge cargo ships piled high with freight containers glide by so quietly. You suddenly glance up to find they are only feet away. Folks who stay in a riverfront hotel can also see this unique sight from their room. Now that is certainly something most of us don’t see every day.

Spanish moss and awesome oaks make for great photos.

What are a few of the best things about Savannah?

The parks and squares are filled with magnificent magnolias and old oak trees draped with Spanish moss. There are monuments, benches, and impressive fountains. Locals and tourists find relaxation in the shade and comfort of these pleasure gardens.

The Forsyth Park fountain was erected in 1858.

Architecture at its absolute best shines brightly at every turn. Pick a style or a plethora of styles and you’re sure to find them. Colonial, Georgian, Greek, Victorian…find fine examples in Savannah.

Two favorites are the Gingerbread House (great example of Steamboat Gothic built in 1899 and now a wedding venue) and the Amethyst Garden (beautiful example of Victorian built in 1885 and now an inn with eleven rooms and suites).

A third favorite, the Mercer Williams house was featured in two movies, Glory, and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. This unique structure is a mix of Renaissance Revival, Greek, and Italianate. It was begun in 1860 and completed in 1868 and is now a museum.

Mercer Williams house has amazing history.

What else should you do in Savannah?

Explore the Starland District

So nice to see the renewed sense of community in “Starland”.

After you have seen the Riverfront, the Historic district, and the Victorian district, there is one more area that is vibrant and an unexpected delight. Head away from the river on Bull Street and stop when you get to about East 40^th Street. This is a much newer area called the Starland district. It has undergone a remarkable revitalization in the past 22 years. Starland is now a thriving creative area full of funky shops, cafes, and murals.

Make new acquaintances

Let’s toast to new acquaintances and to celebrations.

You’ve been so busy seeing all the wonderful sights of Savannah. Have you stopped long enough to relax and talk to strangers? Lots of folks just like you are here celebrating special occasions and seeking new friends to add to their fun. Say hi to other tourists and find out where they are from. I had a great time getting to know folks from Pennsylvania, Nevada, and North Carolina.

Or say hello to the locals and enjoy some of their stories. I listened to one local man’s fascinating story, then he made me a souvenir flower out of palm fronds. He gave it to me for free, but the gesture was priceless.

Originally from Trinidad, he now makes flowers in Forsyth Park.

Little details in photos help you remember big things

While there may, indeed, be thousands of photographers in Savannah trying to capture the “big” picture, sometimes it is the small and simple images that matter. This wall of greenery helps show off a gorgeous wrought iron door and helps me remember what I was experiencing at that particular moment.

This final photo is one of my favorites. The reflection of a streetlamp in a tiny puddle on Riverfront Street stopped me in my tracks and really touched my heart. Travel is joy to me, and photos help me share that joy with others. I hope this photographic journey through Savannah has brought you some joy and encouraged you to visit soon.

A true “reflection” on the joy of photography.

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.