CHARLESTON: a Winner (Part 2)

August 4, 2022 by angelchatt

What makes Charleston, South Carolina extraordinary? Is it the beauty, food, art, people… or the inexplicable uniqueness? Let’s consider these 17 photos as we further explore the JOY of Charleston.

Dang, y’all… by now you know how deeply I LOVE all things Southern. This photo of Old South Carriage Company salutes a family-owned business that is an example of all the charm, excellence, and joy in Charleston.

Southern excellence and joy on many levels.

BEAUTY

Aesthetically speaking, beauty is a matter of taste or opinion. Which of these pieces of architecture speak to YOUR sense of style? The Primrose house was built in 1817 in the Regency style. I adore the cheery yellow color and the curved piazza. I don’t know the name of the pink building but find the entablature captivating. The U.S. Custom House was under construction during the Civil War and finally completed in 1879. Fluted Corinthian columns add a special dignity, don’t you think?

FOOD

While Charleston is known for shrimp and grits, crab cakes and rice, and even pimiento cheese, I want to highlight other delights that I found fascinating. A true “First” for me was the delicious Banana Puddin’ popsicle by King of Pops, a proudly Southern company! Thanks to Ronnie who works for Bike Taxi for introducing me to this awesome treat. Wine and cheese in the early evening is hard to beat, olives are optional. Notice the joggling board in the background, that’s another true Southern classic! A colorful display of French macarons is irresistible. Don’t you love that sweet meringue-based confection?

Wine & cheese in a courtyard, plus a joggling board!

Colorful macarons make choosing so difficult!

ART

So, this photo of paintings for sale at the City Market is what most folks typically think of when you mention art. But I sometimes think of sculpture like this sweet butterfly. And were you aware that I am a Social Butterfly? Love the mural at Uptown Social!

Lots of paintings for sale at City Market.

Butterfly sculpture outside the Aquarium.

At Uptown Social, proof that I AM a Social Butterfly !

PEOPLE

The joyful lady in the Carifest parade left a lasting impression even though I never heard her name. Wylie Cauthen is the sweetest, coolest, funniest guy ever, and a great Concierge at the Fulton Lane Inn. This inspiring threesome represents friendliness, independence, and strength. Self-published author Paul Attaway, bookstore owner Polly Buxton, and (me) the freelance writer Angela L. Dowdy.

Love his helpfulness and wicked sense of humor!

INEXPLICABLE UNIQUENESS

While in Charleston I took over 500 photos! These last four are like Charleston; hard to categorize or put into words yet completely unforgettable and joyful. Each one has a beautiful and historical story that I will gladly share IF YOU ask me!

The ADVENTURE awaits at Charles Towne Landing! Climb aboard for a 17^th-century history lesson. Or learn how Catfish Row inspired George Gershwin in the 1930’s.

This part of the Charleston adventure began in 1670.

This location now part of a musical, do YOU know which one?

Celebrating much more modern themes, I was a photographer at a Pride pool party at the Ryder hotel. I also stopped to appreciate a new sculpture of a joyful African-American girl named Lilly.

Ask me why THIS was an unexpected experience!

Lilly expresses the joy and wonder that I felt in Charleston!

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Here are great links for your consideration and I would appreciate your Comments!!! https://www.charlestoncvb.com/ #explorecharleston https://oldsouthcarriage.com/ https://www.facebook.com/kingofpops https://biketaxi.net/ https://www.facebook.com/uptownsocialchs/ https://www.fultonlaneinn.com/ https://www.buxtonbooks.com/ https://southcarolinaparks.com/charles-towne-landing

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 !!!

New Orleans: Relax At Jackson Square

May 24, 2022 by angelchatt

Decatur Street, New Orleans: Colorful Architecture, Balconies, & Street Lamps.

How To Relax At Jackson Square In New Orleans

Here is a pictorial guide to my favorite ways to relax in and around the Jackson Square area of the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana. You can spend several leisurely hours in this one small section of the city. This is an awesome place to try to see and do everything. Or RELAX, do hardly anything, yet still take tons of great photos to help remember your day.

Beauty & Celebration Take Many Forms

Practically as soon as I step out of the vehicle, at the Jax Lot (corner of Decatur and Toulouse), I begin to shoot photos. The architecture of old buildings (many from the 1700’s) combines so well with balconies and the fancy ornamentation of the wrought iron.

Wrought Iron: Great View In The Vieux Carre

New Orleans celebrates everything. On this most recent visit, I spoke with folks enjoying reunions, honeymoons, graduations, and retirements. Perhaps you can figure out which special day it was when you spot the green shamrocks. Yes, the ones on the balcony above the horse-drawn carriage.

The Crescent City Always Creates Memories

Down by the River

The riverfront is a photo op where you can see either the City of New Orleans or the Steamboat Natchez. There are two sections of the riverfront park. Woldenberg was named for a funder, while Moonwalk was named for former mayor “Moon” Landrieu.

City Of New Orleans Sits On The Mississippi River

While at the river you may see a gate where hundred of padlocks have been attached. This spot is known as Love Wins. It is where happy couples pledge their everlasting love together. It may not be historic, but Love Wins is a beautiful spot for anyone who believes in romantic love.

Couple Pledge Their Love With Locks Then Throw Key In River

Works of Art

After you climb the stairs to see the cannon at Washington Artillery Park, you may wish to browse for souvenirs or local art. You have three choices; local indoor shops, the open-air French Market, or the art displayed all around the fencing of Jackson Square. How exciting to search for your special memento as you wonder which of the local artists already is, or may become, famous.

THIS! This Is A Classic Scene At Jackson Square!

Art Is Found Everywhere At Every Price Range

Take some time to consider the St. Louis Cathedral and the Andrew Jackson statue. Hopefully, you can put aside any religious or political issues long enough to appreciate that they are each a genuine work of art in their own way. Really stopping to take some mindfulness moments here at Jackson Square can be so very soothing on multiple levels. Listen to the sounds of the city, smell the newly mown lawn, watch the people who watch the artists who capture the joy of this place on canvas.

Colorful Characters

Call them weird, unexpected, bizarre, or fascinating… there is no shortage of colorful characters in this section of New Orleans.

Just One Of Many Characters At Jackson Square

You may spot a colorful character who is riding a bike, or playing an instrument, or is one of the many other types of street performers. Some seem to wear outlandish clothes for no reason, while others seek attention long enough to pass out literature for a favorite cause. And, of course, some are simply promoting the goods and services they want you to buy.

My Favorite Happy Ending

How many times have I been to New Orleans? SO, so many that I’ve lost count. But I can tell you this, my all-time favorite way to end a visit in the “Big Easy” is to sit leisurely eating fresh and hot beignets at Café du Monde. To me, life just does not get much better than that! I’ve stopped there with relatives or by myself. On this occasion I was with my best friend. We were having a wonderful time doing what everyone should do in New Orleans… and that is to take it easy and make very precious memories…and remember how to relax at Jackson Square in New Orleans!

ILOVENEWORLEANS ILOVENOLA ILOVENEWORLEANS ILOVENOLA

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Vote for Your Favorite Photo!

December 29, 2021 by angelchatt

In 2021 I traveled through seven southern states and took hundreds of photos. I chose two from each state to share with you. Now I’m asking you to consider each one carefully, then vote for your favorite by leaving a Comment.

Narrowing them down to only 14 was quite difficult, yet a very enjoyable trip down memory lane. Every state has tons of beauty and vibrant colors. Were you able to get out and embrace any great spots in the past year?

If you ever want suggestions about any of these areas, I will be delighted to share my thoughts. Travelers should encourage one another to explore all the precious places that surround us.

Here are my photos, alphabetically by state.

ALABAMA

Fields of lavender were ready for harvest in the aptly named town of Harvest, Alabama. Lavender is said to represent silence and calmness, while the pretty purple color is often associated with royalty. I walked though this lovely area in silence and calmness, feeling like royalty as I took in all the allure of these exquisite flowers. https://www.facebook.com/Lavenderwynde

Early one morning I happened upon an eerie and mysterious site full of ruins in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Pieces of columns and wall took me by surprise, and I was completely fascinated. This had once been a grand building and had burned down in 1923.

FLORIDA

Folks who love hunting for antiques need to visit the small town of Havana, Florida. This is one of several nice murals in a setting of multiple antique shops and quaint cafes. Havana was once known for growing shade tobacco. A few old tobacco barns still exist and there is even a small museum dedicated to the subject.

Bradley’s Country Store in Tallahassee, Florida began in 1927. They make delicious sausage and host an annual fun day that includes music, art, and lots of activities. That is where I took this shot of horse drawn carriages by a scenic lakeside.

GEORGIA

Caught this fabulous shot at my favorite time of day (early morning) in Rome, Georgia. I love misty mountains, rain, and cemeteries…was thrilled to see them all in this photo. If you love old cemeteries, you must visit Myrtle Hill which has six terraces and over 30 tree varieties and is a gorgeous (and possibly haunted) destination.

The elegant fountain in Forsyth Park is a most picturesque place in Savannah, Georgia. It was built in 1858 and is surrounded by oaks, magnolias, and just about more park benches than you could count. Can you guess why the water is temporarily turned green every March?

MISSISSIPPI

In Columbus, Mississippi I was honored to interview a most unique and totally unforgettable character. Her name is Edwina Williams, but everyone knows her as “Mother Goose”. For over 30 years she has captured the hearts and imaginations of folks through her songs, stories, and her advocacy for literacy. People like her make life so special. For more info: https://www.columbusmainstreet.com/staff/mother-goose-little-goose/

In Tupelo, Mississippi I sloshed through snow to share a private moment with Elvis…okay, fine, with this STATUE of Elvis! Even though the snow had closed down nearly everything, I enjoyed taking photos of many Elvis-related items and his birthplace. https://www.tupelo.net/

NORTH CAROLINA

Fayetteville, North Carolina is fortunate to have Cape Fear Botanical Garden. If you love flowers, you could spend many happy hours wandering their 80 acres. It includes a river bluff, an old farmhouse, and a lake. There are so many photo ops! The daylily section is a true spectacle of color from every angle. For more info https://www.capefearbg.org/ .

Just off Interstate 95 in Hope Mills, North Carolina you can find Dirtbag Ales. A group of friends began brewing beer, then added food. They kept growing this one-of-a-kind spot that now includes playground, dog park, music, and farmer’s market. The place and the beer are simply beyond awesome. https://www.dirtbagales.com/

SOUTH CAROLINA

Florence, South Carolina became one of my favorite places in 2021. There you can find the Pee Dee State Farmers Market and get up close and personal with fresh produce, plants, honey, and homemade items. These plums were irresistibly juicy and satisfying. I ate several of them while driving back to my home state. https://agriculture.sc.gov/divisions/agency-operations/state-farmers-markets/pee-dee-state-farmers-market/

In the historic district of downtown Florence sits Top Hat Special-Teas, a pretty pink place where Laurie is the tea queen! It is tearoom, museum, and educational space combined to thrill and tickle the taste buds. View these brewing accessories and enjoy tea, quiche, and scones. https://www.facebook.com/tophatspecialteas .

TENNESSEE

Apple Valley Orchard in Cleveland, Tennessee is where I interviewed the owner of this family apple business and got this practically perfect picture of little green apples still growing on the trees. Happy little apples on happy little trees, I’m sure. https://applevalleyorchard.com/ .

These cute colors prove that there is art in architecture! Fayetteville, Tennessee is full of fantastic buildings with tons of history. Many of them are also full of antiques and colorful characters. https://www.fayettevilletn.com/tourism.php .

Conclusion

Thanks for checking out these photos. They were just a small sample of what I discovered on my 2021 travels as I sought to Embrace Southern States!!! Now, it is time for you to leave a nice Comment to VOTE for your favorite. Please share your thoughts and we can all decide the winners… together.

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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!

Grateful Strife of Goat Life

August 18, 2021 by angelchatt

Perfectly clean white goats dance and play as soft southern winds kiss the morning sunshine. The world is right both day and night, goats never get sick, and they never fight. The goat farmer sits leisurely with nothing to do, fairies and pixies magically do everything!

WRONG! Wake up, because you are obviously dreaming! Goat life involves grateful strife.

The TRUTH is that goat farming, milking, and making soft goat cheese is hard work. The farmer and his wife must get up at the crack of dawn. They must constantly be cleaning the living space, providing fresh food and fresh water, checking for problems with hooves and horns, and for any indication of bloating or parasites.

Additionally, they must keep the area free from predators. The farmer, family, and any staff must know when and how to breed and milk the goats. They must maintain the creamery and follow exacting procedures for refrigeration and cheese making. There must be a reliable system in place for packaging and marketing the finished product. They will often work late into the night, fall into bed exhausted, and repeat the entire process day after day.

Nick & Allison Murray and their children Audrey and Nate.

What type of people would purposely choose this grateful strife of goat life? Nick and Allison Murray at Grateful Hill Farm in Pavo, Georgia have the answer. So, he was a corporate insurance man who was seemingly stuck on the hamster wheel just a few years ago. His wife was an English teacher. They desired to ditch the rat race and find a better path for their family. Here are excerpts from my recent interview with Nick.

Milking six goats at the time is a full time job.

What can you tell me about your work?

Grateful Hill Farm is 14 acres of passion, positivity, and productivity. We raise the Saanen breed of goats, milk them, and make cheese from the milk. The farm allows us to enjoy nature while we work together as a family to create several varieties of our tasty product.

Cheese making is part art and part science.

How many animals do you have?

There are 22 milking goats in the herd, plus another 19 kids not yet of milking age. To help protect them from predators like coyotes and foxes, we also have two adorable llamas and two beautiful Doberman Pinschers. Plus, a cat or two just for the heck of it.

Can you educate me a bit about goat cheese?

Soft fresh goat cheese is called chevre (pronounced “shev”). We follow a primal ancient process that results in better flavor than most modern offerings. Using natural animal rennet, we hand craft artisanal cheese that is rich in protein, easily digestible, and delicious.

“Orange Blossom Special” , “Farmgirl Dip” , & “Southern Hospitality” ! Oh my!

Is sustainability a factor at your farm?

Absolutely. I am a natural minded businessman. I focus on quality work and not cutting corners. It is so important that I insist that we use natural resources and natural supplements as much as possible. The indigenous grass, vines, weeds, and berries that the goats browse upon add unique flavor and quality to the cheese. Allison and I love teaching our children to take care of the land and to appreciate the value of purposeful work. I pray that they will be able to pass that knowledge forward to future generations.

Pretty as a picture and go good for you! Soft fresh goat cheese!

{ Grateful Hill Farm produces four varieties of chevre plus a feta now and then. The four flavors are Cotton Cloud, Orange Blossom Special, Farmgirl Dip, and this writer’s favorite one is called Southern Hospitality and has sweetened pineapple and pecans. Dang y’all ! So delicious. I also recommend adding just a tiny amount of honey and cinnamon to any of the flavors for a total bite of bliss. You will love it! Chevre is so healthy and gluten-free. }

Would you call your goat life something of a love story?

Yes. It is hard work that is rewarding and remarkably precious to us. We learn new things every day. We continue to grow closer to God and to each other. This path is teaching us to communicate better and to love the land, the animals, and each other noticeably more deeply.

What activities do you like for fun or creativity?

Thinking and planning early each morning at my desk sparks my creativity. Running is something I find meditative. It is good for my body and improves my mood. The most fun I ever had was attending the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. I’ve also been to the Greek Island of Mykonos. My bucket list item is to someday take a family vacation to the Italian Alps. We are blessed to have lots of extended family close by, so time with them is lots of fun.

Do you have a message for the world?

Yes, and this is simple yet extremely important. Husbands and fathers should strive toward making their family relationships the best possible.

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Dang, y’all… Nick Murray and his family are beautiful on many levels! It was a true joy to visit with them and get to know more about chevre. He would be happy to answer your questions, if you are considering the grateful strife of goat life for yourself. If you would like find out more, please see their website https://www.gratefulhillfarm.com/ .

See my Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/ and for Grateful Hill Farm Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gratefulhillfarm/

Did You Know … Tuscaloosa, Alabama

July 2, 2021 by angelchatt

I honestly had no idea that Tuscaloosa IS so full of unexpected sights and interesting stuff! Here are a few photos I hope you will enjoy…. and they are followed by a link to my latest article in Rovology .

Unexpected sight, I had to go touch it ! You know, to prove I really saw it.

“Stonehenge” in Alabama… who knew? Just another unexpected sight.

So, now that you have taken a quick look at some of the photos that did NOT make it into this latest travel article… it seems only fair that you go to this link and see those that DID. But remember to come back HERE to leave me some nice and kind comments… because that’s what nice and kind folks should do, right?

Here’s the link: https://rovology.com/united-states/alabama/best-things-to-do-in-tuscaloosa-alabama/