WANDERERS WARMLY WELCOMED

November 9, 2023 by angelchatt

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!

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.

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/

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/

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THE GIRLS OF GEHS

October 24, 2023 by angelchatt

A FACEBOOK GROUP, YES, AND SO MUCH MORE

The GIRLS of GEHS…where do I even start? The GIRLS of GEHS is a Facebook Group which began in May 2023 to connect and reconnect former classmates of Gulfport East High School in Gulfport, Mississippi. Kudos to Debra Lee Kyzar for getting it started. The GIRLS of GEHS enjoy precious connections.

Gulfport East operated for about 11 years in the 1960’s and 70’s, in 1978 it was merged with Gulfport High. So those girls are all in their 60’s and 70’s today! Would you say that is ironic, poignant, or simply an expected result of the passage of time?

A couple of us have suggested that “G.I.R.L.S.” now means “Gliding Into Real Life Seniorhood”. So, yes, we are well aware that we are Boomers, and that the silly old clock keeps right on ticking now matter how we may try to slow it down.

CONNECTIONS ARE PRECIOUS

We are also quite determined to keep living our best lives every single day. Several of us have stopped smoking or lost some weight. Most of us make time for our hobbies and passions. The majority of us appreciate the sweetness of healthy relationships and socializing. Special emphasis placed again on that most important and precious aspect of connection and reconnection! The GIRLS (G.I.R.L.S.) of GEHS enjoy precious connections.

In September the GIRLS of GEHS met at The Chimneys Restaurant in Gulfport. The classic coastal cuisine perfectly combines with superior Southern charm amid magnificent old oaks and even includes a delightfully relaxing view of the beach. Their crab cakes are divine and their crème brulee is insanely delicious! Seeing old friends and making new ones in such pleasant company and surroundings was pure joy on many levels.

Creme brulee at The Chimneys is SO good!

The writer in me could not pass up this opportunity to ask a few questions, so I put together a very brief questionnaire for this event. Here are the summarized answers from the seven who were kind enough to answer. The uncooperative three are unidentified in this article.

CLASS OF ’75

Sara Cornell Raskett has short brownish red hair and is wearing a sleeveless black and white blouse. She loves Gulfport’s hometown atmosphere and enjoys reading and gardening. Sara likes walking around in nearby Ocean Springs and very recently experienced Gulfport’s new attraction TrainTastic, which claims to be the world’s largest model railroad museum. Her joy comes from being the best she can be and bringing happiness to others. The message Sara sends to the world is “Be the Difference.”

Nina Hearn Bartusiak keeps her long strawberry blonde hair in a braid and is wearing a black dress with dusty rose florals. She says Gulfport is friendly and has a nice beach, she would highly recommend a visit to nearby Ocean Springs to walk along Washington Avenue. Nina loves handcrafts and family trips, like the recent one to Chicago Botanic Garden. Her joy is that life and love give her so much to be happy about. Nina’s message to all is “Love people and be more patient with them, and things will get better.”

Angela Dowdy has curly black hair and is wearing a pale lavender top. Need I mention that she is me and the writer/photographer of this article? She likes Gulfport’s murals and restaurants. Her passion is writing about fabulous food, folk art, and fun on road trips in the southeastern states. Her joy comes from her faith, from being a newlywed (that’s right), and from seeing how the GIRLS of GEHS enjoy precious connections! Angela’s message is “While I’m out there seeking food, folk art, and fun… I embrace the beauty and kindness in every human being who will let me.”

CLASS OF ’76

Debra Lee Kyzar has blonde and brown hair and is wearing a long multicolor sundress. She likes Gulfport’s great climate and friendly faces. Her four-legged babies are very important to her. She recently traveled to Lookout Mountain. Her joy comes from being easy-going and friendly. Debra’s message is “Be kind.”

Patrice Lombard has short salt and pepper hair and is wearing a linen dress of cream and blue. She says Gulfport has nice people and a great beach. She loves anything outdoors and spent a recent weekend in Gulf Shores. Some of her joy comes from being blessed and having a great personality. Her sweet and powerful message is “Love everyone!”

Debi Brooks Bordelon has blonde hair and is wearing a black and gold “Saints colors” dress. She states that the best reason to visit Gulfport is because it is beautiful. Debi really enjoys taking a cruise and will gladly talk about it. On the other hand, she’s not overly interested in writing down her thoughts. Her one-word message is “Believe.”

CLASS OF ’77

Karen Rickard Lemmons has blonde hair and is wearing beige linen. When it comes to Gulfport, she simply loves everything about it. Another place she is quite fond of is Memphis, Tennessee. She loves birthday celebrations with friends and family. Her favorite things are holiday decorations, and anything related to water. She had no message but did share that her joy is “waking up every day.”

Karen (on right) and Nina (left) decide what to discuss next.

OH the memories from those Viking days!!!

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To see GIRLS of GEHS Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1552280641966315

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 (pretty please, with a cherry on top) 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.

BUILD BIG EVENTS THAT MAKE SENSE

September 25, 2023 by angelchatt

BUILD BIG EVENTS THAT MAKE SENSE

Memorable moment maker Susan Stafford shares expertise.

Have you ever admired people who can plan nice celebrations? Think of the last time you attended a great graduation party or a sweet baby shower. Now try to imagine planning a gathering on a much grander scale and to potentially be held in another country! Yikes! Event planner extraordinaire Susan Stafford has been doing exactly that for years and talks about life, fun, and travel. Then she explains how to build big events that make sense by paying exceptional attention to every small detail.

GETTING TO KNOW THE BASIC INFO

What interesting stuff should we know about you?

My bachelor’s degree is from Birmingham-Southern College and my master’s degree is from right here at Florida State University in my wonderful hometown of Tallahassee. I’m happily married. We have three children and four cats.

What do you love most about Tallahassee?

There is so much to enjoy here. Everyone needs to experience the Shakespeare Festival, the Springtime Tallahassee Parade, an exciting football game, and a tour of the Capitol Complex that has so much art and history. Tallahassee is a great hub, too, and close to beautiful small towns such as Havana, Florida and Bainbridge, Georgia. It is also a perfect distance for a day trip to the beach.

What’s at the top of your travel wish list right now?

I do love to travel so much and would absolutely love to go on an African safari and see an amazing variety of wildlife.

I love travel, walking, reading, family, and food.

What can you share about hobbies, passions, and things you do for fun?

Good “Southern grandma food” is simply the best, and my own grandma planted that passion in my heart. I love sharing food with family and with friends. Walking is my favorite form of activity, and my favorite form of inactivity is reading all types of books, including travel logs.

Three fun things I’ve done recently were ziplining, riding an ATV, and (the best one was) when a Bluegrass band in Ashville gave a group of us a lesson in square dancing.

A BIT OF THE BACKSTORY

How did you learn to build big events that make sense?

It started with a fascination for law and having attorneys in the family. I am a meticulous person who loves to be helpful and solve problems. I did not want to become a lawyer but did want to help them plan meetings in memorable places. My ability to turn their general ideas and hopes into an extremely specific plan of action just organically led to event planning and inevitably to co-founding my current business, which is The Event Architects.

GET THE JOB DONE AND STILL HAVE FUN

How on earth do you mix mega planning with memorable moments?

As a corporate event planner and site sourcer, I use my expertise to find out what a group really desires when they think of a retreat. Then I save them lots of time, money, and effort by working out all the particulars and fine points. This would include venue, food, and attendee details. Other extras may encompass excursions, team building activities, and fabulously tailored sessions for entertainment and celebration.

I love to scout out new locations where my clients will enjoy integrating into the local culture and will come away with lasting memories which are so very precious. A big part of my job is to build big events that make sense and be sure they provide a wow factor and great customer service. That way the client’s entire experience is relaxed and remarkable.

SUSAN’S JOY AND MESSAGE

Why are you a joyful person?

Love for family, friends, and clients combines so well with my being helpful and detail oriented. Whether for business or pleasure, I always purposely leave much time for joy and for being in the moment. I remember everything in a good way, and that also brings me immense joy.

Do you have a message for the world?

Oh, yes! GO! Get out there, go see unfamiliar places, meet new people, taste new foods. Go do all the things…big events and memorable moments filled with joy. Do the things!

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Dang, y’all, Susan Stafford turns tiny details into big events which are filled with precious and memorable moments. For over 16 years, she has sourced, planned and pleased with a personal touch. I simply admire her so much. She really can build big events that make sense. I also look forward to speaking with her again about several of the things we have in common, such as a Southern grandma, and a love of food, books, and travel.

Find out more about The Event Architects at https://www.myeventarchitects.com/about-us

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.

HOW TO HAVE A SWEET WEDDING

November 16, 2022 by angelchatt

SHARE THE JOY

How to have a sweet wedding filled with joy, fun, and special memories. This is easier than you would imagine if you remember to keep it simple and let the core character of the wedding couple shine through.

Yes, I’m using my own very recent wedding as the example here. I am Angela, a travel writer who loves to focus on all things “Southern”. I grew up in Mississippi. Later I fell in love with Tony, the kindest man on earth, who happens to be from New Jersey! We now live in Florida.

Anyway, the theme of our wedding was “Share the Joy”, because that just made the most sense for us. Crafting sweet handmade decorations that also served as mementos for each guest added a quaint and charming individualized touch.

VENUE & OFFICIANT

Our idea of a sweet wedding meant something small, simple, and nearby. We kept the guest list to under twenty and decided to have it in our home. I asked a dear friend to be the officiant and was so thrilled that she said yes (thanks, Deb).

ATTIRE

For this comfortable celebration, we suggested everyone dress casually. The groom wore soft shades of golden brown with black sneakers. The bride wore a dark green dress with golden brown shrug and multicolored paisley sneakers. Everyone there felt relaxed and looked fabulous.

The bride & officiant show off FUN footwear!

CHOSEN FAMILY

A total of seventeen people were together as our chosen family, regardless of actual kinship. We addressed this in the ceremony, welcoming them as precious chosen family into our home to enhance and embrace our concept of loved ones and togetherness.

There were no traditional attendants…everyone in attendance was an integral part of the special event. Every single loved one jumped in with their own unique skill and ability to add a remarkable pizzazz of perfection to the day. Love, joy, and a deep sense of belonging filled the air (thanks everyone).

SPEAK NOW

Apparently, a legal wedding must include time for objections. We added that same “speak now” opportunity for positive words. This turned out to be one of the most touching and heart-warming features of the ceremony.

VOWS

Tony spoke his vows from the heart and mentioned ways that we bring out the best in each other. I used song titles and lyrics to emphasize my enthusiasm. Several guests took photos of my cute and clever vows for future inspiration.

LUNCH & LAUGHTER

Tables were rearranged after the ceremony, and we enjoyed a lovely lunch. Charcuterie items were meats, hard cheese, goat cheese, and breads. There was also chicken, potatoes, and green beans. Dessert included key lime pie, chocolate candies, and the wedding cake. It was chocolate on chocolate with white lace frosting around the sides. The words on top were “Tony & Angela Share the Joy”.

Folks drove from Indiana, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida and I am deeply thankful for every one of those cherished people (dang, y’all know who you are).

PLAYLIST

Using the songs I mentioned in my vows, a tech savvy guest came up with a post-wedding playlist and the perfect gadget for playing it (thanks Terry). Among those glorious golden oldies were favorites by Elvis Presley, Three Dog Night, Sister Sledge, and ZZ Top.

CONCLUSION

To summarize, here are the lessons we learned on how to have a sweet wedding. First, make it your own. It can be as quirky or as traditional as you wish. Second, the only rule is that as long as legal parts are in place then there is no rule. Skip the parts you don’t like and add extras that you love. We chose to skip formal attire, florist, alcohol, dancing, and seating chart. We added homemade keepsakes, time for encouraging words, and a classic rock playlist.

It would be my honor and delight to tell you more… just ask! Soon I will be posting an article about (can you guess)… the honeymoon! While you’re thinking about that, please leave a sweet COMMENT so I will know that you care. THANKS SO MUCH.

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Find Embrace Southern States on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/ and please consider joining our Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates .

If you live near Tallahassee, FL check out these wonderful folks who provided delicious food https://socialcateringandevents.com/ https://www.gratefulhillfarm.com/ https://www.facebook.com/beccasbakestally/

Hope to hear from YOU soon…

Have You Been to Havana, Florida?

June 7, 2022 by angelchatt

Simply the best in small Southern town charm!!

Just a few minutes north of Tallahassee on Highway 27 is the lovely little town of Havana. Have you been to Havana, Florida? With all the quintessential quaintness and charm of a small Southern town, Havana also claims a unique history which started with shade tobacco.

Full of antique shops, cafes, and murals, Havana is a fabulous find for both foodies and shoppers seeking a peaceful and scenic place to explore. You can leisurely stroll the streets and discover prime photo ops or the perfect memento to take back home.

Come with me now on this pretty pictorial tour of Havana.

Welcome to Havana, Florida. This adorable town of under 2,000 residents is known for its friendliness and its history of growing shade tobacco. There is even a shade tobacco museum that many have called a hidden gen. Havana is also now known for a growing number of fantastic art galleries and festivals.

SO MANY MURALS

Don’t you just love murals? I certainly do! Havana has an abundance of attractive murals which depict trains, fountains, bicycles, quilts, flowers, and more. I appreciate the talent of artists who share their vibrant creations so that all may enjoy.

SO MUCH TO EXPLORE

The community park area includes a butterfly garden where water bubbles from the top of a giant blue urn. Nearby is a Veterans memorial, a library, and a playground.

Blue urn with bubbling water makes my joy bubble over.

DOWNTOWN DELIGHTS

For such a small town, Havana is extremely picturesque. Community pride is evident in every shop, every festival, and every yard sale. The Planter’s Exchange and the Shade Tobacco museum honor the local history. Newer not-to-miss spots include the AHA Art Gallery and Weezie’s Cottage.

A MOST PLEASANT PLACE

On the outskirts of town is a most pleasant and wonderful place called Whitetail Hollow Farms. Once or twice a year they offer a tour to educate visitors about the holistic practices used on this outstanding agritourism farmstead. I love their huge variety of animals, especially cows, ducks, chickens, and emu.

Havana is a most pleasant place where life moves at a most pleasant pace. Have you been to Havana, Florida yet? Be sure to visit and allow the complete charm of this small town to embrace you. Dang, y’all will be glad you did!

Here are some helpful links for Havana, Florida: http://www.theplantersexchange.com/ https://www.facebook.com/weeziescottageliving https://www.havanamainstreet.com/

Please share your Comment on this article and remember to check out the Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates and see lots of cute photos on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/ . Thanks, y’all !!!

Mississippi Magic & Mother Goose

March 2, 2022 by angelchatt

A group of amazing ladies in Columbus, Mississippi taught me important lessons on HOW TO appreciate their town.

ART: The magnolia is the State Flower of Mississippi.

ARCHITECTURE: Details of the 1st home of Tennessee Williams.

As a travel writer focused on the southeastern United States, my first tier of attention is art, architecture, and food. The second tier is nature and anything that captures my imagination or brings me unexpected joy.

For my time in Columbus, Mississippi the joy would be based on design details of Victorian buildings, ingredient details of local culinary delights, and a smattering of prescheduled interviews… maybe!

FOOD: Delicious meal at Farmstead Restaurant.

Jan and Emily love to discuss Mississippi art and literature.

The “W” is where Eudora Welty attended college.

In the T. Williams home I admired artwork of the Angel of Grief & much more.

Meeting Friendly Folks

After enjoying the smell of early morning mist on the Tombigbee River, my morning goal was to photograph outdoor shots of homes, churches, and murals . Lunch at the Farmstead Restaurant followed and included sausage, peppers, onions, and fried okra. Three friendly servers saw my Canon camera and began telling me of great nearby photo ops. They suggested a train displayed at the neighborhood park, a nearby thrift store, and the Angel of Grief at Friendship Cemetery.

Then they asked whether I had met Mother Goose. Admitting that this was unfamiliar brought a flood of enthralling stories about this local celebrity.

The next day I talked with Jan from the arts council and Emily from a local bookstore. Next was Hope from a local museum, and Barbara from a preservation organization. Their helpfulness was so sweet and unfeigned that it was almost magical. They spoke in deeply respectful, almost reverential, tones about the literary significance of two people. One was Tennessee Williams, who was born here. The other was Eudora Welty, who attended college here at the “W”. Then they asked if I had met Mother Goose. Okay, now this was seriously piquing my curiosity.

Listening…Really Listening!

Taking time to listen to the fabulous stories of many Columbus residents became just as important as exploring the town. Their relaxed and friendly manner became just as captivating as their lovely Mississippi accents. Drifting off that night in my hotel, I was sure that these fascinating people in this beautiful town were casting a blithesome spell on me. What serendipitous pleasures would tomorrow bring?

What that next and final day in town did bring was a tour of the Tennessee Williams House and Welcome Center given by Nancy and Lillajo. How was it possible that each person encountered on this trip seemed more knowledgeable and more gracious than the ones before? Their excitement and pride in sharing about the writer and his first home convinced me to absolutely reread his works, and the sooner the better.

See the Tombigbee River & nature in Columbus, MS.

Nancy shared a wealth of facts about local attractions, sporting events, and the local military base. She works in tourism and had created a tagline, “Columbus, the city that has it all.” Listening to her soothing southern accent as she spoke those seven words, my inclination was to totally agree. This town of Columbus, Mississippi does make a delightful destination where anyone could find relaxation. It was like a drink of restorative and magical medicine for my body, mind, and spirit.

Of course, as we parted ways, she asked if I had met Mother Goose.

It Is Time!

Heading for my final appointment of the trip, to learn more about Barbara and the grassroots organization she directs, I stopped to take a photo at the corner of Main and 7^th streets. There a utility box had been painted to honor and celebrate Edwina Williams who is known as a local treasure and the personification of Mother Goose. If we were not to meet, at least that photo would be a sweet reminder of how the community obviously adores her.

Edwina Williams is a beloved local celebrity.

The meeting with Barbara went well. She gave me several reasons to want to return to this incredibly charming town. After a supremely satisfying interview, she said she had one final surprise for me. She phoned her office manager and simply said, “It is time.”

Beautiful Barbara Bigelow of Main Street Columbus!

The door opened and in stepped Mother Goose! She called my name and hugged me as though we were dear friends. For the next hour she laughed, sang, and told her story. It was about literacy, heart, and happiness. More than once, my eyes filled with true tears of joy while taking notes. I knew on that day that I would forever be grateful to the lovely ladies of Columbus for showing me a glimpse of their world. Each one gave me another lesson on how to listen to the personal stories and appreciate the layers of joy and beauty in this great town. They opened my eyes to Mississippi magic and Mother Goose!

Mother Goose brings Mississippi magic and joy to Columbus!

Dang, y’all… can you feel that magic now? PLEASE LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE!

Some links to help YOU plan your visit to Columbus, Mississippi:

Main Street Columbus (Barbara Bigelow)https://www.msmainstreet.com/communities/main_street_columbus

Visit Columbus (Nancy Carpenter)http://www.visitcolumbusms.org/

Columbus Arts (Jan Miller)http://columbus-arts.org/

Friendly City Books (Emily Liner)https://www.friendlycitybooks.com/

Tenn-Tom Museum (Hope Oakes)https://www.tenntom.org/ttw-museum/

Farmstead (on Facebook)https://www.facebook.com/Farmstead-Restaurant-165176093594541/

Public Library (Mother Goose)https://www.lowndeslibrary.com/mother-goose

TASTING ART ON A BALCONY

September 28, 2021 by angelchatt

Where can you go in southern Georgia to taste art on a balcony? Here is the intriguing story which leads to an exciting answer!

The old second floor of this historical building (circa 1899) had sat unused for over sixty years. An ambitious young couple poured hours of love and labor into the restoration. They created a boutique hotel and an amazing café that now add a dazzling shine to a delightful corner.

Six elegant rooms with names such as “The Music Room” and “The Library Suite” are waiting for fine folks like you to come curl up in comfy beds. While there, you can enjoy such amenities as a private gym and access to a person concierge.

Brick interior walls add so much character.

Can you believe this place also includes exposed brick interior walls, original oil paintings, and gorgeous antiques? Are you sitting on the edge of your seat yet? Do you want to know whether such a place exists? Who are these people? Where is this building? What’s the deal about a balcony? What’s the part about tasting art?

Who are these people?

Tyler & Heather started new family & new business.

The young couple is Tyler and Heather Thomas. A few years ago, they moved to a small town in the state of Georgia. The population was only around 12,700. This did not deter them from starting both a family and a business there. That business, located on a beautiful town square, is a restaurant named The American. It has thrived and set a new standard for extraordinary fare made from scratch daily. This encouraged them to take on an even more daunting opportunity.

Where is this building?

So much to discover in historic Bainbridge, Georgia.

In the southwestern corner of the state of Georgia, you will find the town of Bainbridge. This is where U.S. Highways 27 and 84 meet the Flint River. At the corner of W. Water Street and N. Broad Street you will discover a captivating historic town square named Willis Park which opened to the public in 1904.

Hotel crowned with gold is SO VERY worth your visit!

Across the way is the newly restored and opened Willis Park Hotel. This wonderful white building is accented with silver and crowned with gold. While the address is 129 E. Water Street, the best entrance is found around the corner on Broad and is well marked.

What about the balcony?

Balcony view only hints to the town’s charm.

This talented Thomas couple seems to have quite the knack for restoration and adding just the right aesthetic touch. They were convinced that this corner would benefit from a balcony. And right they were, this is the best place from which to view the pleasant and picturesque historic downtown with its quaint town square. As you take in the charm, you see fabulous architecture, church steeples, statues, and even a gazebo.

What about tasting art?

You need to experience Cafe Sinclair… soon!

Café Sinclair is the perfect spot for breakfast waffles and eggs or a sandwich or fruit tart for lunch. I really LOVE those cute fruit tarts.

Could a fruit tart be art? Yes, I guess!

It is also a classy place that hosts “Meet the Artist” from time to time. The first one featured Melissa Mills and was a huge success. This evening event combines a casual mingle with a swanky soiree and the result is a super combo of art and culture. There are even copycat cookies by Crumby Couture that replicate works of art…that you can EAT. So, food as art meets art as food! I love that so much! Tasting art on a balcony is a real thing!

Artist Melissa Mills with owner Heather Thomas.

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You are probably ready to plan your own trip to Bainbridge, aren’t you? Great! Be sure to introduce yourself to Heather at Cafe Sinclair, and tell her you enjoyed reading this article. Here are some links that will prove helpful for you.

The Willis Park Hotel https://www.thewillisparkhotel.com/

Cafe Sinclair https://www.facebook.com/CafeSinclair

Crumby Couture https://www.facebook.com/crumbycouture

(artist) Melissa Mills https://www.instagram.com/lissagordonart/

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Remember to leave a nice Comment if you enjoyed this article. You can find Embrace Southern States on our Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/ . You are important and precious to me, please let me know what other people or places you’d like to learn more about…as long as they are in the southeastern United States, I could go there and let you know!