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.
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?
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?
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.
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?
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?
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.
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!
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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!
Oh my goodness, you are the sweetest – this is the nicest write-up! We were absolutely honored to have you at the event, and it was wonderful to see you and get a hug. You’re always welcome in our little corner of the south!
Your kind comment confirms just what a lovely Southern Lady you are … and that is just a small part of what makes you so dang awesome!!
The Thomas family is certainly an asset to Bainbridge! Our town is incredibly grateful for the love and hard work they have poured into the community ❤️
Yes, and it is a true pleasure to write about positive and productive folks such as them.
So proud of my hometown and proud of what the Thomas’ have done to renew the historical integrity of Bainbridge . We certainly reap the benefits by eating at their American Resturant and Cafe Sinclair, also staying at their luxurious hotel. Thanks to Tyler and Heather.
Folks like Tyler and Heather are what makes the southern states so full of joy and beauty! Are there others nearby that you think I should try to interview?
The Willis Park Hotel seems like an interesting place to visit. The Food Explora in me will always take me to Cafe Sinclair . Love the pastry photo. It looks delicious.
Hi Kevin, thanks for your comment. I checked out your site food-explora.com and must say I found the Calorie Calculator very helpful! I hope to find out more about you and see if there are any ways we can collaborate!