#Southern Archives - Page 3 of 3 - Embrace Southern States

Smart & Plucky: Stephanie Stuckey

August 25, 2021August 22, 2021 by angelchatt

Smart and successful women are fun and fascinating. Add to that one who is brave, optimistic, takes chances, and has Southern roots and you know that she must be one heck of a lady. Today I am thrilled to share with you this interview about one such lovely lady. I feel a certain common bond with Stephanie Stuckey, in that we have both lived in, and attended at least some college in, Georgia. Also, we both have a deep love of road trips.

Could you talk a little about what you do?

I run my family’s roadside stores that sell candy, snacks, and souvenirs. Through my work I get to connect with other doers and makers. I get to share my passion about making road trips fun again. Running Stuckey’s is a full-on task that I love.

What is your biggest strength or best quality?

Running Stuckey’s is a full-on task that I love.

I’m an idea person who loves telling the story of Stuckey’s humble beginnings as a roadside pecan stand in 1937. Stuckey’s became synonymous with the road trip, then took a terrible fall due to a corporate takeover. Now back in family hands, we’re making a comeback and being part of a new generation of Americans discovering the joys of traveling the backroads and off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Stuckey’s made with labor and love both then and now.

Why should others respect what you do?

Because I’ve managed to start turning a profit with this scrappy comeback brand even during a pandemic and economic decline. There are 16 original Stuckey’s with the blue sloped roof along the highway in small towns across America. Plus, there are many other spots where there is a newer store or a licensed Stuckey’s section within a business. They are places of connectivity where people from all walks of life interact daily.

This Stuckey’s is right off I-95 in Summerton, South Carolina.

What are some of your thoughts on travel?

After finishing law school, I did a road trip with my best girlfriend. We went from Athens, Georgia to the California coast and took a different route back. It was so much fun. One place I’d like to go see again is the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. The place at the top of my must-see bucket list is Wall Drug, which is a roadside attraction in South Dakota.

Could you say a bit about your passion for food, art, and music?

Food is my biggest passion, and particularly the pecan. Food appeals to all the senses and is very personal. It is the epitome of art. I really like vegetarian and Indian food. My two favorite types of music are alternative rock, such as R.E.M., and the legends of classic country, such as Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Dolly Parton.

What are some other activities that you enjoy?

Spending time with other creative people helps spark my own creativity. You know I love road trips, but did you know that I love to dance? I take modern dance classes as time allows. Reading is another thing I enjoy. Right now, I am reading some motivational books written by successful business leaders. Phil Knight has a good one “Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike”.

What makes you an exuberant person?

The three things that make me exuberant and fill my life with joy are my family, my friends, and my faith.

Look for Stuckey’s on your next road trip.

What message would you like to send to the world?

Take the backroads and have fun.

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Dang, y’all, Stephanie Stuckey is such an inspiration. She is realistic, practical, and determined. She is a smart and plucky woman who is bringing back the business that her grandfather began in 1937 in Eastman, Georgia.

Stuckey’s on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/StuckeysCorporation/

Stephanie is on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stuckeystop/

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.

Ever Heard of Rabun County, Georgia?

April 23, 2021 by angelchatt

The mountains in the state of Georgia are an ideal place to breathe fresh air and allow yourself to completely relax. Up in the northeastern corner you will find Rabun county filled with tiny towns that are packed with beauty.

What is there to do in a tiny mountain town? In Rabun county you can find cozy rental cabins, lovely lakes, and tons of outdoor area to leisurely explore and photograph. Or if you prefer a more active and physical adventure, then hike, bike, climb, camp, fish, and swim to your heart’s content.

Still not enough? How about checking out some of the numerous community markets, wineries, distilleries, and golf clubs? Now that is guaranteed to keep you as busy as you want to be for as long as you wish to be. Here are a few suggestions to ponder as you plan your road trip to Rabun county, Georgia.

From 9am until 2pm every Saturday (May through October) the Community Market is your best spot to find all the best stuff from all the best local growers and makers. Find art, crafts, produce, honey, homemade treats, and more than the mind can handle. There is often live music and there is always something for everyone. Located at the pavilion at 201 South Savannah Street in the town of Clayton. Also in Clayton is Moonrise Distillery https://moonrisedistillery.com/ or Kingwood Resort and Winery https://kingwoodresort.com/ or the Proper Pub .

Now let’s say you’d rather start exploring at the very tip top town in this part of Georgia, well that would be Sky Valley. Here you can find the ( https://www.skyvalleycountryclub.com/ ) Sky Valley Golf and Country Club. Lots of artisan shops, restaurants, yard sales, and breath-taking mountain views abound.

Just to the south is Dillard, quite well-known for the Dillard House boarding house and restaurant http://www.dillardhouse.com/restaurant/ . Also has an amazing amount of antique shops. Find a full line of whiskey and bourbon at https://www.rmroseco.com/ R.M. Rose Distillers.

Next little place to the south is Rabun Gap, admittedly one of my favorites. This is where the Sylvan Falls Mill Bed and Breakfast https://www.sylvanfallsmill.com/ will amaze you with their great food and their own private waterfall! Yes, so very awesome.

Well, that is just a sampling of the wonderful and delightful finds in the mountains of Rabun county, Georgia. I wish you happy vacation planning. Do be sure to let me know if you went there and what you liked about it. Thank you.

SWEET SOUTHERN SENTIMENT: Focus on the Good

January 3, 2021 by angelchatt

Memories are precious and evoke deep emotions. The widest variety of things can call to mind a memory. While some can be sad, I choose to SHARE and focus on the good!

If I ask you about your favorite movie, you might be able to recall and SHARE amazing details about what year you saw it, who you were with, and how it made you feel. If I ask about your favorite football team, you might go on about the first time you saw them in person or how you celebrated their last big win.

What’s YOUR best GOOD memory from the listed TOWNS?

So HERE is a little mental memory magic for you. I’m about to take just five Southern States and list just seven Towns from each one. I want YOU to ponder each one individually. Have you ever been there? Did you experience any special and spectacular events there?

Swirl it around in your brain. Allow all sorts of memories to swim around until a couple of your favorites float to the top and start waving at you. Now, can you pick just ONE amazing memory to SHARE? (Pretty please!!) Dang, y’all…this will be SO fascinating!!!

To how many of these places have you been? (Let me brag for just one moment, I’ve been to ALL of them & will SHARE many of those memories over the next year.) Which ones brought back your most immediate and vivid memories?

WHICH FAVORITE MEMORY WILL YOU SHARE WITH US?

ALABAMA: 1. Andalusia 2. Birmingham 3. Decatur 4. Huntsville 5.Mobile 6.Montgomery 7. Tuscaloosa

FLORIDA: 1. Apalachicola 2. Boco Raton 3. Pensacola 4. St. Augustine 5. St.Petersburg 6. Tallahassee 7. West Palm Beach

GEORGIA: 1. Athens 2. Atlanta 3. Cairo 4. Dublin 5. Hiawassee 6.Rome 7. Savannah

MISSISSIPPI: 1. Bay St. Louis 2. Biloxi 3. Grenada 4. Hattiesburg 5. Jackson 6.Meridian 7. Vicksburg

TENNESSEE: 1. Chattanooga 2. Dunlap 3. Knoxville 4. Memphis 5. Murphreesboro 6. Nashville 7. Sevierville

Dang, y’all, let’s share those marvelous memories and sweet Southern sentiments!