travel Archives - Embrace Southern States

TOO MUCH PERSONAL INFO IN A TRAVEL ARTICLE?

March 26, 2024 by angelchatt

When is personal info shared in a travel article “too much” ? Do you love to read exciting travel articles about your bucket list destinations? What about places you have never heard of, yet the article fuels your desire to visit there? How do you feel about writers who share lots of personal information such as age, race, disabilities, or financial matters? When does that seem like too much?

***Bucket List Destinations*** are SO Exciting!

WHICH INFO IS MOST HELPFUL?

A good travel article should help you discover tons of great reasons to start planning a trip to a new-to-you location. Of course, you want to know about the food, lodging, and attractions. But do you want to know the profile of the average visitor? Do you need or want to know whether the destination is easily accessible for those who use a cane or a wheelchair? Do you hope to learn the full range of room prices, from budget to luxury?

Yes, you want info on the best ***lodging***.

Consider this scenario; an over-60 female travel writer courageously keeps exploring despite battling osteoarthritis, macular degeneration, and anxiety. (For those who don’t know, that means she has bad knees, failing vision, and occasional panic attacks.) Can a good travel writer be authentic without oversharing? Should this type of travel writer share tips for others who may have the same issues?

***Cobblestone streets*** are scenic yet hazardous!

Tips from her may include which cobblestone streets to avoid or which restaurants are too dimly lit to even read the menu. Also, travelers may find it helpful to know how long it takes to drive from the most touristy area to the area with the largest number of hotels. I am convinced that sharing in a helpful way is fine, as opposed to simply sharing a sob story which may have little to nothing to do with helping others. I would love to know your opinions on when it becomes too much personal info in a travel article.

***Dimly lit*** spots make menu reading difficult.

SHOULD SOME TOPICS BE EXCLUDED?

Certainly, travel tips are meant to be quite helpful for others. Let me state a personal pet peeve here. I dislike writers who share too much info about their religion or politics. There, I said it! The two problems are that (1.) those topics are not travel tips, and (2.) people are too easily offended. Even wishing others a Merry Christmas or Happy Easter has gotten rude comments sent my way. Now I find it best to avoid statements which may be argumentative or controversial. As the lovable Lorax might suggest, proper respect for the environment and all living creatures IS helpfulness without oversharing.

***Respect & helpfulness***: “Fine-Somethings-That-All-People-Need” !

How do you decide whether there is too much personal info in a travel article? Have there been times when you found that so irritating that you did not finish the article? On the other hand, have there been times when the disclosed information proved to be helpful?

EAGER TO SEE YOUR COMMENTS

The questions I have posed do NEED to be answered. Dang, y’all, my hope is that YOU will leave your carefully considered COMMENTS that kindly share your real thoughts about how or why a writer should disclose personal information. That’s it. Now it is your turn to figure out the perfect amount of info you would like to share!

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Sensational Southern Towns

August 1, 2023 by angelchatt

Let’s start with what is meant by sensational. For the purposes of this article, it simply means amazing and exciting places which arouse the senses. This does not depend on the land size or population, but on the friendliness of the people or the charm of the place. Or perhaps the true reason you call a place a sensational Southern town is due to how it makes you feel.

Three Top Spots (USA)

Beautiful oaks & moss at Charles Towne Landing in Charleston, SC

Hopefully, most of us will agree that three of the top sensational spots that quickly come to mind across the South (USA) would be Charleston, South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; and New Orleans, Louisiana. The commonalities include huge oak trees with flowing moss, fabulous architecture, fascinating history, and a full calendar of activities such as festivals and parades. Here is an article I wrote about Parks in Charleston; https://charlestongateway.com/features/lose-your-cares-in-charleston-parks-and-squares/ and a great source of info https://www.charlestoncvb.com/events/ .

Here’s a link for Savannah; https://visitsavannah.com/events .

Historic Jackson Square in New Orleans, LA

And here’s a link for New Orleans; https://www.visitneworleans.com/ .

Exceptional Side Trips

Sometimes though, one singular and exceptional item can make a smaller town just as memorable. For instance, a tiny town (Cleveland, Alabama) with a covered bridge or a medium-sized town (Tupelo, Mississippi) with a famous landmark that helped to change the world. These make great side trips during a longer road trip.

Here’s a link about the Swann Bridge; https://alabama.travel/places-to-go/swann-covered-bridge .

Birthplace of Elvis Presley in Tupelo, MS

Here’s a link about the Elvis birthplace; https://elvispresleybirthplace.com/ .

Friendly People

What else contributes to making a place a sensational Southern town? Let’s not forget the friendly people, the great food, and a variety of arts. The Murray family runs a goat farm in Pavo, Georgia, and are some of the most friendly and awesome folks I’ve ever met. Even the smallest farm town most likely has fine folks who leave a huge positive impression. Here’s a link about the goat farm; https://www.gratefulhillfarm.com/ .

Great Food

Did you know that Florence, South Carolina is a fantastic foodie town? This taste of heaven on earth at Victors includes potatoes, asparagus, steak, and shrimp with a bit of Cajun Cream. Can you say “yum, y’all” !?!?! Also, Florence is on the South Carolina Pecan Trail and has loads of delicious pecan specialties all over town…oh so good. Link here; https://visitflo.com/ .

Variety of Arts

Columbus, Mississippi

The childhood home of playwright Tennessee Williams is now a National Literary Landmark and the official Welcome Center of the town of Columbus, Mississippi. There visitors can appreciate historical art, furnishings, clothing, and learn many reasons why this house and this town are well worth a tour. While the original Angel of Grief is in Italy, ask the locals for directions to Friendship Cemetery to see one just like it. Link; https://visitcolumbusms.org/ .

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Down along the relaxing Gulf Coast, check out Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and its thriving art scene. Shown here is a stage setting of A Streetcar Named Desire (a Tennessee Williams play) which was performed at the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center. There you can find out how the legacy of the artistic Anderson family still continues to enrich the area, even after 100 years. Learn more here; https://oceanspringschamber.com/about-us/ .

“The Mary C.” helps keep art history alive in Ocean Springs, MS

Bainbridge, Georgia

If you prefer live music instead of live theatre, head for the annual Jazz & Blues Festival in Bainbridge, Georgia. Talented regional and national musicians play in multiple venues just a short walk from the lovely Willis Park fountain and gazebo. Foodies will find satisfying seafood, barbecue, and more while browsing the shops and art galleries. More info about Bainbridge here; https://visitbainbridgega.com/ .

Jazz & Blues meet BBQ and fun in Bainbridge, GA

TWO Great MURAL Towns !! Yep, I said it!

Dang y’all, I have a real soft spot for murals and love sharing them with you. Joplin, Missouri has several great murals. Here is part of one called The Butterfly Effect that has a multitude of gorgeous colors. You could spend hours discovering all the murals in two of my favorite towns filled with them… (Joplin, Missouri https://www.visitjoplinmo.com/ ) … and the town which I currently call home (Tallahassee, Florida https://visittallahassee.com/visitor-guide/ ).

Details of colorful butterfly mural in Joplin, MO

New murals are always being added to the Railroad Square Art District in my current home town of Tallahassee, Florida. As we say down South, we’ve got more murals here than you could shake a stick at… and y’all need to come on down to see for yourself. We will treat you so many ways that you’re bound to like some of them!

Art, culture, & creativity are alive and well in Tallahassee, FL

Look how much AMAZING INFO you now have about SENSATIONAL SOUTHERN TOWNS! You should probably start planning your next great road trip right now. Wonder how long it will take you to enjoy all twelve stops in these seven states? And by the time you’ve been there and done that… well, dang y’all… I will have more to share!

Remember to check out the Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates

And photos on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS SITE…’cause you’re kind & you care! And, for goodness sake, if you love this stuff… then share it with folks so they can love it, too. Thanks y’all.

Mississippi Magic & Mother Goose

March 2, 2022 by angelchatt

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

ART: The magnolia is the State Flower of Mississippi.

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

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

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

FOOD: Delicious meal at Farmstead Restaurant.

Jan and Emily love to discuss Mississippi art and literature.

The “W” is where Eudora Welty attended college.

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

Meeting Friendly Folks

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

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

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

Listening…Really Listening!

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

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

See the Tombigbee River & nature in Columbus, MS.

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

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

It Is Time!

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

Edwina Williams is a beloved local celebrity.

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

Beautiful Barbara Bigelow of Main Street Columbus!

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

Mother Goose brings Mississippi magic and joy to Columbus!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/

Meet Pete at the Crum Box Gastgarden

November 11, 2020November 11, 2020 by angelchatt

Pete Evarts has lived in Tallahassee for 26 years and for over 6 of those years he has run the most recognizable eating establishment in town.

Pete hopes YOU will visit the Crum Box Gastgarden.

What can you tell me about your work?

Located in the Railroad Square Art District at 602 Industrial Drive, you can’t miss my place. There’s a red caboose, a teal building with a red door, and a spacious outdoor seating area that includes a stage for live events. I am pretty much a one-man show here, except for occasional special performances of comedy or music. I came up with the name Crum Box Gastgarden because “crummy” is slang for caboose and “gastgarden” is a play on gastric having to do with the stomach.

What are your specialties?

Fans love the “punk and gut” sausage and bread. The sausage is artisanal, and I love to create exciting new variety and flavor combos. I make a homemade vegan chili from scratch and got the recipe from someone very close to me. Other delicious favorites include pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, and cucumber salad. To me, food is an art…and my food business is in an art district. I love to cook and to meet my customers. Many of them become my friends.

How do you feel about Tallahassee?

This is a beautiful area with lots of great food and great art. What I like the most is that I get to meet so many people and enjoy a deep sense of community.

What are some places you’ve been or hope to visit?

Travel is something I love. I’ve enjoyed travels in Ireland where driving is different yet still fun, and in several European countries. At the top of my current bucket list would have to be Canada and Iceland.

What are your passions or hobbies?

I am a pretty simple man. When I am at work, I like to mingle with my customers, entertain them a bit, and make sure they are happy. When I’m not at work, I enjoy yard work, taking long drives, and spending lots of time with my loved ones.

What makes you an exuberant person?

I am an incredibly positive person. I choose to believe than many more positive things will happen once we all figure out the “new normal”. I like to think that people who come to eat at the Crum Box Gastgarden will get to know me and think of me as a beacon of positivity.

The red caboose in Railroad Square Art District.

What is your message to the world?

This is so remarkably simple and may sound too basic or fundamental, but here is my message, “Be kind to each other!”

=== === ===

Dang y’all, Pete is awesome, He works hard, creates wonderful food, and maintains such a positive outlook on life. He is great at multitasking while also carrying on a fun conversation. I highly recommend getting to know him and enjoying a tasty meal at the Crum Box Gastgarden. https://www.facebook.com/thecrumbox/

Perhaps you would kindly leave your positive comment. Thank you.

Meet John Trombetta: Executive Presence

October 8, 2020 by angelchatt

A good leader is confident, knowledgeable, and inspiring. I call that being easy on the mind. A good leader can explain the mission of his organization with clarity and credibility. I call that being easy on the ears. A good leader will speak lovingly of his job, his wife, his dog, his hobbies, and his alma mater. I call that being easy on the heart. A good leader has features which are appealing and approachable. I call that being easy on the eyes. I am a big fan of John Trombetta, since he is the best and most shining example of a good leader on all counts.

Serving the Big Bend area with a warm smile and deep respect.

What can you tell me about your job?

I am the Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Project in Tallahassee. As such, I make sure our organization has the expertise, funding, and structure to carry out our mission. Our staff and volunteers provide services across the Big Bend area for people with memory disorders and their caregivers. The biggest reward is the sound of relief in a caregiver’s voice when they talk to someone who respectfully listens and can help them. This job has a direct impact on my community. I would also encourage readers to donate or be a volunteer.

How do you handle the most difficult conversations?

When feelings are rooted in experience it leads to understanding, especially when the context is sitting right in front of me. I bridge the chasm of differing beliefs by considering each other’s worldviews and how they were formed. We may respectfully agree to disagree, but never let opinions get in the way of a friendship or a willingness to help in a time of need.

Could you talk about Tallahassee and how you feel about travel?

Here in Tallahassee there is genuine hospitality, and everyone can feel like a local. It has a relaxing pace and such beauty in the hills, trees, and moss. One place I’d like to go again is Scotland. I also hope to someday visit my grandfather’s birthplace and hometown in Italy.

What activities bring out your deepest passion or enthusiasm?

Golf would be the biggest one. I love the game and going to different courses, some of which are world class. And, by the way, on November 2^nd there will be a gold fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Project. It is called the “Cliff Hinkle Round to Remember”. Other than golf, I enjoy fishing and bird hunting. I’m not overly creative but do get creative when trying to solve problems. I listen to music every day and get an energy from it. Art inspires me by the depth to which it can take me into the subject. Food is a group activity that’s best when shared with good company. Of course, relaxing at home with my wife Beth Anne and our schnauzer Gus is often the best way to recharge.

What is the most fun thing you have ever done?

Big family trips watching nieces and nephews discover new things. If you ever let fear prevent you from trying something, watch a child water or snow ski for the first time. We should all be that fearless.

What makes you an exuberant person?

I don’t know that I am. On the negative side I will get excitable when a referee makes a bad call, or you try to take my dessert away from me. But seriously, on the positive side I experience the greatest joy through time well spent and seeing people at their best.

What is your message to the world?

Pick your battles carefully because some hills are not big enough to fight for or to die on. Always be willing to help others. Always be willing to ask for and accept help. Have the courage and respect to learn new cultures and grace when practicing your own.

— — — — —

John Trombetta is the epitome of charm, confidence, and executive presence. Dang y’all, maybe I should start a fan club for him. Well, I certainly hope you enjoyed this article. I ask that you please leave a kind comment for all to see. Thank you.

Meet Janis David: Modern Day Renaissance Woman

September 22, 2020 by angelchatt

She is always eager to learn, to grow, and to enjoy good company. Nature, animals, and all people are treated with compassion and acceptance by her. She is simultaneously calming and exciting, simple and complicated.

Could you tell the readers what you do?

I am an author of stories and books. I am an instructor of Qigong and Belly Dance, and a sensuality coach. Not long ago I owned and sold a computer software company and I still do a little work in real estate. Because I made some sound investments years ago, now at age 65 I am free to be my own boss and live in my own style.

Escapades of a Belly Dancer (vol.1 & vol.2)

What are your best qualities?

I bring a unique perspective of energy, sensuality, and creative expression to all that I do. I put feelings into words and actions that some cannot understand, and many cannot describe. I am an existential empath who is self-actualized.

Could you talk about where you have lived and traveled?

I previously lived in New York, California, Hawaii, New Mexico, and Utah. I have now lived in Florida for 23 years. Where I live in Crawfordville is about 18 miles south of Tallahassee and filled with natural beauty. My property is peaceful and calming, close to rivers, springs, and beaches. I have visited Italy, Australia, and England. If I ever do travel again, I’d like to see Africa. But I’m happy right here, right now.

Which are you most passionate about: art, food, or music?

That’s difficult since they are all part of my passion for life. I love food and cooking for friends. I cook using food as medicine. I am an artist. I am a dancer who moves to music.

What activities do you find most fun or relaxing?

Nature’s negative ions help to mellow me out and expand my sensuality. I have a medical marijuana license and find that ingesting THC stimulates creativity. Watering my gardens and exercising are great. I also find photography, weaving, painting, and drawing very relaxing. The most fun ever was an Essence of Being seminar during which I walked on both hot coals and broken glass, and I also flew through the air on a cable. All of that was empowering and I proved to myself that I could do it.

What makes you an exuberant person?

Mainly it is my zest for life and freedom from guilt. I like who I am, a strong and confident Scorpio. I have unconditional love for all people and animals.

What is your message to the world?

We are all one. We need to recognize and repair racial disparities. We all have the right to believe in our God of choice since it is all the same and we just use different names.

— — — —

Dang y’all! I hope you found Janis just as fascinating as I did. What did you find to be the most surprising or interesting part of the interview? What would you ask her? Please, take a moment to leave your questions and kind comments.