DESSERTS ACROSS THE SOUTH

April 26, 2024 by angelchatt

Delicious desserts abound all across the southeastern United States. Today I invite you to come along with me as we consider a sampling of the most popular and luscious desserts. We will go alphabetically through the 13 states covered by Embrace Southern States. Are your taste buds ready for this totally tempting tour of desserts across the South?

No mud was disturbed and no possums were harmed in the creation of this post. Dang, y’all, let us know by your Comment when you figure out what this means! Here we go!

ALABAMA

The general consensus is that Alabama’s most iconic dessert is the Lane cake. The 22 ingredients include bourbon, coconut, raisins, and pecans. This writer has never had the patience to actually make one from scratch, but certainly loves the taste.

Another favorite is the humble pound cake. While it may appear plain, pound cake is easy to make and is moist and flavorful.

I discovered a new favorite in Florence, Alabama at the Odette restaurant https://www.odettealabama.com/. It is a strawberry-rhubarb cobbler with almond-oat crumble and topped with caramelized honey ice cream.

Strawberry-Rhubarb Cobbler, deliciously different!

ARKANSAS

Would you try Possum pie? It does not contain possum, but does have a creamy filling, chocolate, and whipped cream. This icebox pie is perfect for a scorching summer day.

The other top favorites in Arkansas are the super sweet pecan pie and the summer favorite watermelon pops.

FLORIDA

Key lime pie is number one in Florida, just ask anyone. But don’t ask them to explain how it is both tart and sweet.

Two of the most delightful contenders for second place are strawberry shortcake and, because Florida is known for oranges, orange crunch cake.

GEORGIA

One nickname for Georgia is “The Peach State” so perhaps it is only fitting that the favorite dessert is peach cobbler. The gooey goodness is best served hot with the option of an ice cream topping.

Another favorite is peanut butter pie.

I found a new favorite in Savannah, Georgia at Lizzy’s Burger Bar https://www.lizzysgrill.com/ . It is a boozy caramel milkshake spiked with Savannah’s own Ghost Coast Bourbon. Oh, so good.

KENTUCKY

The first choice in Kentucky is bourbon balls. These boozy little morsels are coated with semisweet chocolate.

Second place goes to blackberry cobbler and third place goes to fudge. This makes me want to spend more time in Kentucky.

LOUISIANA

Just saying the word beignet makes me happy. Knowing that these beloved little powdered doughnuts are the favorite in Louisiana… well, I’m ready to meet you at Café du Monde https://shop.cafedumonde.com/ anytime you’re buying!

The other two top desserts, bananas Foster and pralines, are also yummy beyond words.

MISSISSIPPI

The top two desserts across the South noted here are bread pudding and Mississippi mud pie. “Mud” in this case is a chocolate filling said to resemble mud by the banks of the Mississippi river.

Two other treats I enjoy are the sweet potato muffins from https://www.coffeehouseon5th.com/ Coffee House on 5^th in Columbus and the crème brulee from The Chimneys in Gulfport https://www.chimneysrestaurant.com/ .

MISSOURI

The “Show Me” state loves cake and ice cream. Gooey butter cake comes in first and is closely followed by coconut cake.

The history of the ice cream “cornucopia” or cone may have several versions, but we know it took on a starring role in the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. The ice cream cone never goes out of style, especially in Missouri.

NORTH CAROLINA

Sonker is comparable to cobbler and is so loved in Surry County, North Carolina that they celebrate a sonker festival every October.

Red velvet cake is another favorite that has several odd stories about how and why it got the red color and why it should be one of the desserts across the South.

A most tasty treat I enjoyed at Mash House in Fayetteville, North Carolina https://www.themashhouse.com/ is a butterscotch brownie with spiced rum caramel topped with coffee ice cream, yum.

SOUTH CAROLINA

There are too many choices with no clear favorite here. Top contenders include the Huguenot Torte (which is not really a torte) , benne wafers (made with sesame seeds), and sweet potato pie.

The best sweet treats I had on my most recent visit to Charleston https://lemacaron-us.com/locations/charleston/ were macarons from Le Macaron French Pastries on Meeting Street.

A macaron is light, colorful, and delicious.

TENNESSEE

Classic banana pudding is a favorite in “The Volunteer State” that looks especially decadent when the peaks of fluffy meringue are slightly toasted.

Nashville’s Standard Candy Company created the Goo Goo Cluster back in 1912. It was the first combination candy bar which includes caramel, marshmallow, peanuts, and milk chocolate https://googoo.com/ .

Chattanooga Bakery really started something “outta-this-world” when they created Moon Pie back in 1917. This marshmallow marvel still thrills dessert lovers today https://moonpie.com/about .

VIRGINIA

The top two preferred desserts of Virginia are said to be chess pie and funnel cakes.

I must let you know about affogato. Have you ever heard of it? https://geraldsicecream.com/ Gerald’s Ice Cream in Virginia Beach has perfected the Italian treat by pouring espresso over ice cream and a very precisely prepared whipped cream. This sensory stimulation is sweet satisfaction.

Affogato: ice cream (or gelato) “drowned” in espresso!

WEST VIRGINIA

According to several sources, the top two desserts in West Virginia are molasses cookies and apple spice cake.

Another favorite is the banana split. Rumor has it that you can order one in the town of Fairmont that weighs in at nine pounds. Get several friends to help you with that one!

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So, there you have it! We have delved into the 13 southeastern states and uncovered a total of 41 unique and not-to-be-missed desserts across the South! Now I am so hungry!

PLEASE COMMENT ABOUT YOUR FAVORITES AND WHICH ONES YOU WISH TO TRY! Also, share this article with every dessert lover you know. They will thank you for it.

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CHOICE OF VOICE: WRITERS REJOICE

February 6, 2024 by angelchatt

This article is a celebration of female writers struggling to find their voice and stand in their truth! Ladies, the struggle is real, and the joy can be enormously powerful! Here is wonderful news. Allow me to introduce you to Gina Hogan Edwards. This incredible woman makes it her relentless quest to coach, empower, and transform women writers as they make their choice of best writing voice. Once you have nailed your clarity and authenticity, it will be your turn to rejoice and celebrate.

A LITTLE BACKGROUND IF YOU PLEASE

Gina pours her heart into helping women writers.

Gina is originally from Asheville, North Carolina. She has a Bachelor of Science in Communications from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and is a Certified Creativity Coach. Since 1995 she has made her home in Tallahassee, Florida.

Her primary passions include art, books, creativity, historical fiction, retreats, women, writing, and writers. Her secondary passions include animals, drawing, extended family, food, health, husband, music, nature, puzzles, and walking.

Gina is a highly sensitive person and an introvert. In 2017 she found her choice of voice and the courage to leave the corporate world. Now she dedicates her efforts to coaching other women writers and hosting writing retreats. She finds this mission intensely transformative and gratifying… a huge reason to rejoice and celebrate.

ABOUT TALLAHASSEE AND TRAVEL

As a travel writer, I always make a point to ask anyone I interview about (a.)what they love about where they currently live, (b.)past travel, and (c.)any bucket list of future travel destinations.

What Gina loves most about Tallahassee is the lush nature, gorgeous greenways, and the variety of great local bookstores such as My Favorite Books and Midtown Reader.

One of Gina’s “favorite” local bookstores!

She also enjoys going to nearby Wakulla Springs to take the historical guided boat tours. The most fun trip she took was for whale watching in Alaska, of which she said, “It felt like touching God.” Italy and Greece are solidly at the top of her travel bucket list.

ABOUT CREATIVITY AND JOY

Gina Hogan Edwards sparks her creativity by enjoying a good novel by authors like Eugenia Price or Eudora Welty. She likes to walk and to be in nature. One of her favorite ways to relax is to try her hand at Zentangle art drawings.

When asked what makes her a joyful person, her reply was, “Connecting with others, getting to know how they tick, and mostly just being at peace with my own life.”

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT WRITING?

If you ever ask Gina this question, be prepared for a lovely and lengthy answer! Her passion for writing and for helping women writers is palpable and purposeful. She will easily and eloquently explain that writing helps declutter your brain, uncover hidden connections, and gain clarity.

Sharing personal stories can be the equivalent of narrative medicine. She encourages women to rewrite the negative stories of their traumas and tragedies. This turns those written stories into messages of strength and hope. We can all learn from how others overcame obstacles. This becomes a clear and conscious choice on how we use our writing voice to give ourselves and others reasons to rejoice.

WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO THE WORLD?

Gina states, “It really lights me up to see a woman be one hundred percent herself and to stand in her truth. By doing so , she has given the world a beautiful gift. The message is to be yourself because the person you are really matters and what you have to say really matters.”

Be what matter, say what matters… give the world that beautiful GIFT !

CONCLUSION

Dang y’all, Gina Hogan Edwards is a passionate creative who inspires other women. On her very helpful website https://www.ginahoganedwards.com/ you can read in depth and learn about her podcast, her retreats, and her private Facebook community. They are all positive and powerful ways that you can connect with women who love to write. Now that you have enjoyed this article, you understand that a clear choice of voice genuinely helps writers rejoice!

>>>>——–>>>——–>> Just One More Thing ! <<——–<<<——–<<<<

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COULD TALLAHASSEE BICENTENNIAL CHANGE YOUR LIFE?

January 24, 2024 by angelchatt

In a word, YES, taking part in even just a smattering of the events and activities during the 2024 Bicentennial of Tallahassee could change your life! It may not endow you with superpowers, but all the exciting doing and learning may very well open your eyes, your heart, and your mind in positive and transformative ways.

Do you know much about Tallahassee? Allow me to give you a glance at this wonderful town, through the eyes of a travel writer who happens to reside here. Tallahassee is a friendly and vibrant multicultural destination known for intertwining the best of art, education, greenery, and history. It warmly welcomes everyone from college students to retirees. Let’s take a look at some of the fascinating folks, food, facts, and fun…but not necessarily in that order!

TALLAHASSEE FACTS

Tallahassee was established as the capitol of Florida in 1824 because it sits at the top of the state’s Panhandle region, halfway between Pensacola and St. Augustine. Before then, it was home to the Indigenous tribes of the Apalachee and the Seminole. Back in 1824 the entire bottom portion of Florida was mostly uninhabitable swamp that politicians hardly took into consideration . Oh, yes, times certainly have changed!

Do you like numbers? Tallahassee has been home to 5 Nobel Prize winners, 3 Pulitzer Prize winners, and 2 astronauts. There have also been well over 100 celebrities including actors, artists, musicians, sports figures, and writers! Should I name just a few? Perhaps you have heard of Bobby Bowden, Burt Reynolds, Faye Dunaway, Polly Holiday, George Clinton, T-Pain, and Jim Morrison.

TALLAHASSEE FOLKS

Now I’m eager to tell you about three of the “regular” folks who currently add their own kind of joy to our town. These are people whom I have met and hold in high regard. Find these or similar Tally residents who will touch your heart and stay in your thoughts. They (uh, we) agree that the Tallahassee Bicentennial really can change your life on many levels.

THE MAYOR OF OUR FINE CITY

The mayor of our fine city is John Dailey, a good man with a strong commitment to the future. He listens with unconditional respect, helps solve the concerns of local citizens, and knows how to mix seriousness with fun. He loves Tallahassee for its small-town charm, natural beauty, and opportunities for education or retirement.

A BUSY BUREAU CHIEF

Shari Hubbard is a sparkling ray of sunshine who helps educate others on food issues in her role at the Florida Department of Agriculture. She values exercise, nutrition, and intentional kindness. She loves our town for its concerts, festivals, greenways, libraries, museums, and restaurants.

FOR A GREAT RIDE

Mike Goldstein owns Capital City Pedicabs “an inexpensive, environmentally friendly, fun, and safe means of transportation”. He can take you for a ride and show you the best places in town. Chat with him and you will know he deeply respects “Tally” and hopes you do, too.

TALLAHASSEE FOOD

Whether you are local or visiting Florida’s capital city, we want you to know that our fabulous food options and the Bicentennial can change your life. Here is a sampling (in alphabetical order) of the first six favorite places that came to my mind when thinking about how to satisfy and delight your foodie desires.

BRADLEY’S COUNTRY STORE 10655 Centerville Rd is almost 100 years old and in a very picturesque setting so bring your camera. Famous for smoked sausage. They also make their own grits, jams, and sauces.

CRACKER BARREL 2920 Hospitality Rd has your fill of comfort foods and a nice fireplace. Breakfast is served all day or pick from things like burgers, chicken, pork, salads and more.

Can’t beat this breakfast at Cracker Barrel!

HABANA’S BOARDWALK 2819 Mahan Dr will transport you to Cuba with lovely décor and authentic Cuban food that is more than delicious.

HARRY’S 301 S. Bronough St brings New Orleans cuisine to you in fine fashion. Shrimp, crawfish, and all your Cajun favorites served in a refined setting.

Sensational seafood and Cajun cuisine at Harry’s.

SAGE 33534 Maclay Blvd S offers American fare with a French feel. This high-end restaurant has excellent quiche, fancy meals, wonderful wines, and decadent desserts.

WAHOO 2714 Graves Rd does Southern food with a Cajun flare. In this fun and casual setting, fill up on gator tail, oysters, pasta, and all the best beverages.

Crab cakes and gator tail at Wahoo, oh yes!!!

TALLAHASSEE BICENTENNIAL FUN

Could the Tallahassee Bicentennial change your life? Dang, y’all… you better believe the answer is YES!!! Which of these is most appealing to you: art, diversity, food, history, murals, museums, music, or parades? Are you looking for inspiration, education, or excitement? Come find all that and more in 2024.

A small sampling of the events includes a Ball and a Poetry Jam in March, three festivals and Pridefest in April, and May will offer both the Southern Shakespeare Festival and the Emancipation Day Celebration. New events are still being added to the calendar practically every day.

Places not to be missed would have to include Cascades Park, FAMU, FSU, Florida Historic Capitol Museum, Lake Ella, Maclay Gardens, and Railroad Square. Be sure to see a few of the canopy roads, greenways, parks, and trails.

USEFUL LINKS https://visittallahassee.com/ https://choosetallahassee.com/news/ https://tallahasseeleoncounty200.com/ https://www.flhistoriccapitol.gov/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingtallahassee

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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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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/

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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

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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

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