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 .
Close up of a remnant of an old column. A tank at the Veterans Park. 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?
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.
Ride in a horse-drawn carriage.
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.
The Gingerbread House – built 1899.
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).
The Amethyst Garden – built 1885.
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 40th 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 is the door to a sweet memory.
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.
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.
Oh, travel! Such a glorious and joyful discovery waits around every corner. For almost one year I have been sharing interviews, articles, and ideas about exuberant people and places in the southern USA. Now I am ready to share with you my current bucket list.
Always on the search for whimsical art.
This list includes at least three places I want to visit in each of the 13 states that I cover. The things I am most eager to see are whimsical art, unusual museums, natural beauty, and a great mix of big city highlights or small town charm.
Just one example of a lovely view. An old barn could definitely be found in many small towns.
YOU NEED TO share your own unique feedback about these choices. What did YOU see and do in any of these spots? Travel blogs like this are SO MUCH better when good folks like you take time to give helpful comments.
Here are my bucket list destinations, as they stand at this moment.
ALABAMA: Florence & the “Shoals” ; Forkland ; Selma
ARKANSAS: Eureka Springs ; Fayetteville ; Fort Smith
FLORIDA: Key Biscayne ; Key Largo ; Key West
GEORGIA: Blue Ridge; Ellijay; “Pasaquan” near Buena Vista
KENTUCKY: Lexington ; Morehead ; Paducah
LOUISIANA: Covington ; Natchitoches ; Shreveport
MISSOURI: Branson ; Novelty ; St. Louis
MISSISSIPPI: Jackson ; Leland ; Natchez
NORTH CAROLINA: Fayetteville; Kill Devil Hills; Raleigh; Wilson
WEST VIRGINIA: Charleston; Charles Town; Harpers Ferry; Morgantown
There you have it…my 13 southern states bucket list. Remember, if your favorite town is not on the list, perhaps I have already been there. I really hope you will take just a minute to add your positive comments about any town which IS ON this list. Thank you.
Congratulations to Travis Napper for achieving his one-year anniversary as Director of Arkansas Tourism!
As we all know, 2020 was a strange and difficult year. For Travis Napper that included moving from Louisiana and starting a new job during a pandemic. He credits his easy-going personality and the love of a beautiful family for keeping him humble and focused on the potential of a great future in Arkansas.
After the recent Arkansas Governors Conference on Tourism, Director Napper was gracious enough to answer a few of my questions.
Arkansas Director of Tourism Travis Napper
Can you describe your job in one sentence?
As the Director of Arkansas Tourism, I try to get people to visit the state of Arkansas!
What are the biggest rewards from your job?
Knowing the impacts that we have in so many communities across the state, from tiny towns to the largest cities. Each destination has something unique to share that travelers will be interested in, and we get to help tell their stories to a larger audience and amplify their message.
What else do you enjoy about the position?
The places I get to see and promote are incredible and so is learning about the people and stories behind each location.
Should others respect what you do?
Yes, because we are promoting the act of making lifetime memories and connecting people. Also, if a location is a good place to visit, then it is a good place to live. Tourism is about so much more than traveling – it is also about quality of life.
What place (besides Arkansas) tops your bucket list right now?
I would love to see Montana.
What place would you like to revisit?
I would enjoy another visit to Montreal, especially during the summer.
What are some of the best things about Arkansas?
Arkansas is known as “The Natural State”, so obviously our natural beauty is what stands out. But the joy of promoting an entire state is the diversity of experiences that you get to share. Arkansas has such a great mix, from the capital city of Little Rock in the central part of the state, to the corridor of Fayetteville/Rogers/Bentonville in the northwestern part of the state. We have urban and rural, we have food, fun, art, music…Arkansas really does have all you need.
Finally, what are some of your personal passions?
That would have to include food, art, and great conversations. In my alone time I enjoy reading. Of course, I enjoy spending quality time with my family. I love to throw the ball with my son.
About Arkansas Tourism Arkansas Tourism, a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, strives to expand the economic impact of travel and tourism in the state and enhance the quality of life for all Arkansans. The division manages 14 Arkansas Welcome Centers and employs more than 60 staff members across The Natural State. For more information, visit www.arkansas.com .
Many thanks to both Director of Tourism Travis Napper and Communications Manager Leah DiPietro for all your great information!
This is a story about family, faith, autism, and art. There was a sweet young African American girl who grew up in a nice family. Read this story to discover how she grew to embrace those who have obsessions. Find out how and why this became her obsession.
Her dad was in the military and they moved around often, living overseas and in several states. They moved to Tallahassee, Florida when he retired. She and her sister would each find unique and beautiful ways to express their creativity.
BETTY
The girl, Betty, was very smart and determined. She was not exactly sure what she would do with her life, but she knew it would involve helping others. She studied hard and eventually earned a master’s degree in Social Work at Florida State University.
NIJAH
Right after college she had a vision. In it she was helping young people, many with developmental disorders on the autism spectrum. Then she gave birth to a darling daughter whom she named Nijah. Difficulties in socializing and communicating led to Nijah being diagnosed with autism. Betty had a strong faith and did a lot of praying. She knew that this was totally a God thing, and that He would guide her in knowing what to do.
Betty and Nijah have been through a lot while learning about autism, about one another, and about life. A common component of autism is intense obsessing on only one topic. Betty wants to inform people that obsession does not have to be an obstacle. It can be reframed and reimagined to become a clear path that can pave the way to a career. Nijah is obsessed with art, so Betty is showing her how to translate her passion and skills into a livelihood.
Everyone can create and have fun at Obsessions.
OBSESSIONS
About four years ago, Betty opened a business named Obsessions. It is part gift shop, part arts and crafts, and part educational experience. According to this amazing owner, Betty Proctor, Obsessions is “a joyful place where young and old can socialize and create items like paintings and greeting cards”.
Find arts, crafts, gifts, and new friends.
MPAC
Obsessions is operated hand in hand with Betty’s nonprofit organization MPAC, which stands for Motivating People through Arts and Crafts. Through these two joint ventures, Betty Proctor promotes art, entrepreneurship, and opportunities to enhance life skills and leadership. Betty says it is so rewarding to help those with autism to learn, grow, and have fun.
Interviewing her was incredibly inspiring and heartwarming. Since I am primarily a travel writer, I just had to ask a few travel questions. She reports that one of her favorite beach spots is Destin, Florida, and that she would love to go back for more travel in San Francisco and in Germany. She would love to encourage visitors to choose Tallahassee as a great destination for dining, shopping, and fabulous photo opportunities.
Betty Proctor is impressive and inspiring.
THE MESSAGE
I asked her what makes her an exuberant person and what message might she wish to share with the world. Here is her reply, “What I do now is a faith walk in which God is with me and leads the right people to me. It is all for the good and has given me confidence. I’m driven to show that every human being is valuable and has so much to offer. No one should ever be discounted just because they have a label.”
Betty Proctor and her daughter Nijah invite you to visit Obsessions at 681 Industrial Drive in Tallahassee, Florida. It is in the Railroad Square Arts District. You can contact them here: https://www.facebook.com/obsessionsgifts
So now you know the story about Betty, the lady who embraces obsessions. Her story is impressive and admirable. She has turned adversity into advantage. She has turned sadness into joy. She thrives on matters of family, faith, autism, and art. This world needs many more folks like Betty Proctor.
My recent road trip in parts of Mississippi and Alabama was such a mixed bag of highs and lows, of expected and unexpected, of delights and dilemmas. I currently live in Florida, so y’all should certainly understand that I am NOT accustomed to driving (or walking) in snow.
TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI
Tupelo, MS had the worst snowfall in about 24 years, or so I was told. When it is fresh it is a joy to behold. Truth be told, I’d rather just see it on television or a travel website from here on out. I did manage to get nice photos, but sloshing around in the slush was cold, dirty, and probably more than a bit dangerous for an old broad like me who must sometimes use a cane. A cane, a purse, three cameras…I was quite the comical sight and so happy to escape unscathed.
While the snow and other complications of mixing Covid craziness with a writer’s conference did present brief moments of closures and confusion, our bunch braved weather together and managed to learn a lot and laugh a lot. Kudos to shuttle driver Chiquita Bobo who is a true road warrior! She earned my deepest admiration. Kudos to organizers Melody and Taylor who smiled through their tears and showed true determination. Their travel writing can be seen at Wherever I May Roam Blog.
Melody and I got to know one another at #STETupelo.
Although the Elvis birthplace was closed, I did slosh around and manage to get lots of pictures.
Can’t you see young Elvis learning to play guitar on this porch?
And less than a mile away I came upon this this most beautiful and breathtaking view that is simply too pretty to put into words.
Tranquility beyond words.
COLUMBUS, MISSISSIPPI
The next stop was the adorable small town of Columbus, Mississippi. Every single person there is a profusion of sweet Southern charm. Their accents and attitudes are alluring. Many of them are characters who deserve to be celebrated. “Mother Goose” has been advocating literacy for over 35 years. Her friend Barbara Bigelow heads Columbus Main Street and is the epitome of a Southern lady.
“Mother Goose” and Barbara Bigelow are keeping Columbus exciting and vibrant.
There is a very large historic district filled with lovely antebellum and Victorian homes that includes the birthplace of playwright Tennessee Williams.
Colorful details on the Tennessee Williams home.This architecture abounds in Columbus, Mississippi.
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA
The next stop was Tuscaloosa, Alabama…where you should expect to hear “Roll Tide”, often. What you may not expect is the great variety of food and attractions. While there I enjoyed Mexican and Italian dishes.
Antipasto plate at DePalma’s in Tuscaloosa, Alabama…. yum.
Two of the biggest surprise discoveries that I happened upon were Hurricane Creek Park and Capitol Park.
Hurricane Creek Park. Capitol Park (completed 1829, burned down 1923).
Driving back toward Florida I stopped many times to photograph old abandoned buildings and other roadside oddities.
The bizarre beauty of abandoned buildings.
This is what makes road trips so much fun. They combine the joy of going at your own pace, letting down the windows, and singing as loud as you like along with the radio. You just never know what wonderful sights and delights await you on your next road trip. This was a trip full of delights and dilemmas. Now my only dilemma is…when can I start my next adventure?!?!
Please follow along with me here at Embrace Southern States. I will keep you informed about upcoming travel articles, food, art, interviews, and so much more. Also you can find more on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates .
If you enjoyed any of these photos, please take a moment to let me know. Thank you.
