Navigate the South
Elegance on the Half Shell – The Oyster Plate
Entertain in style with the ever elegant oyster plate, delighting refined diners since the 1800’s. Learn more about these charming dishes, their history and how to collect. Candlelight flickers, music stirs the air, and elegant florals cascade across the table as guests saunter into the dining room. Chairs are pulled, napkins unfurled, and delighted chatter…
Read More7 Signs You Are at a Southern Wedding
Ever wonder what makes a Southern wedding so distinctive? Read about 7 Southern wedding traditions and peculiarities that express our unique Southern joie de vivre. The cutting of the cake… the first dance… the throwing of the bouquet… When you are planning a wedding, there are lots of choices to make. Indoor or outdoor venue? Bold…
Read MoreNaming Your House
Naming your house is a great way to define identity, add character, and show affection for that place we call home! There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. Home brings to mind a distinctive vision, stirring memories, special smells, and a singular feeling of love. There’s…
Read MoreDetails from Swan House
Enamored with the Jazz Age and the New South? Visit Atlanta’s Swan House for a taste of 1920’s culture, design, and luxury! Down in Atlanta behind the eye popping electric blue doors of a classical style mansion the swinging lilt of jazz and the faint tinkle of a flapper’s jet beads can be heard amid…
Read MoreMy Favorite Rambling Hikes in the Blue Ridge
The rustle of grass under your feet, The sound of stones skittering down the path, The smell of cool, piney air, The sun on your face, The freedom to go and turn and wander with no road map, The connection to nature… This is what lures me on long rambling hikes in the Blue Ridge…
Read MoreOur Adventure to Grandfather Mountain
Experience the wonder and adventure of Grandfather Mountain with breath-taking vistas, alpine hiking trails, and rugged mountain scenery. If you haven’t been to Grandfather Mountain, then you need to go. Go! Go now! Not only is it a unique natural landmark of North Carolina, but its mile high bridge, mountain scenery, and thrilling hiking make…
Read MoreLife is Better at the Lake
Did you know that you can rent a cabin in a lot of state parks? This is a totally new discovery for me, but two weekends ago S. and I did just that to celebrate our four year wedding anniversary. We rented a little cabin on the lake at Big Ridge State Park, and it…
Read MoreSouthernisms: Mama Always Said…
Southern mamas’ advice – the best words of wisdom from our Southern mamas – take them to heart! As y’all know, Southern mamas are brimming over with important pearls of wisdom, and in honor of Mother’s Day this weekend I’m sharing some of my favorite Southern mamas’ advice from my own family. After all, “Mama…
Read MoreAloha! A Hawaiian Luau
Experience the aloha spirit and Hawaiian Ho’okipa at a joyful Hawaiian luau. Aloha! While traveling in Maui this Southern girl truly felt the aloha spirit. It was evident everywhere we went from the warm greetings of “Aloha!” to the giving of lei and the ready extension of a helping hand to the pleasant conversation offered…
Read MoreHawaiian Souvenirs: Shopping in Kihei
When shopping for Hawaiian souvenirs, the Kihei Kalama Village and the open air market on S. Kihei Road are must-stop destinations! There is a little bit of everything between these two locales from touristy knick-knacks (made in China) to more authentic Hawaiian treasures. You will find lei, Hawaiian print shirts and wraps, Pacific black pearls,…
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