A Long Weekend Archives - Page 10 of 12

Sandcastle Cafe and Gnat’s Landing: St. Simons Island, GA

05/04/2016 By: CCPearsoncomment

BREAKFAST —

St. Simons is not known for its night life, so breakfast is a BIG DEAL on the island. Tim and Melissa Welford own Sandcastle Cafe, one of the most popular cafes for locals and visitors alike. They opened in 1989, the reviews were great, and they quickly became a favorite. Located at 117 Mallery Street, they are within sight of the main pier. There is a breakfast bar 7 days a week, but you can have your eggs prepared to order and your choice of pancakes, French toast or waffles. Melissa estimates that they fry 45-60 pounds of bacon on any given Saturday, and the diner seats 65 hungry people at a time.

Sandcastle Cafe exterior only a few steps from the pier.

Keeping the breakfast buffet stocked and ready.

Bountiful breakfast buffet.

Don’t look for designer coffees or cappuccinos. Instead, they search out the best brand they can find, and each pot is ground fresh.

Melissa Welford pours hundreds of cups of coffee each morning for her breakfast diners.

Framed vintage photographs line the walls of Sandcastle revealing the history of this popular diner.

Vintage photos on the wall of Sandcastle depicting its storied history.

Lunch is a la carte and consists of soup, salads, and sandwiches. Sandcastle closes at 2:30 p.m. each day. They occasionally open at night, but only for private parties.

Melissa says that these hours suit the St. Simons people. She describes them as quiet and peaceful. “When the sun comes up, it’s time to get up. When the sun goes down, it’s time to go in.” That’s the rhythm she feels on the island. She and Tim spotted the For Sale sign on a visit years ago, and asked themselves “Wouldn’t it be fun to own a place like this?” From all appearances, they are still having fun.

Cheese grits and hashbrowns, anyone?

Some choice breakfast items.

LUNCH or NIGHT-TIME FUN ON WEEKENDS —

We found Gnat’s Landing for lunch, located in Redfern Village — a place with lots of boutiques and interesting shops, plus 4 other restaurants and a late night bar. Ryan Pope, his dad and brother have owned the restaurant since 2012. It is considered an island staple for lunch and seats up to 175. Most of the area consists of open air dining with a section indoors. We were there when the breeze and the temperature were perfect. There are plenty of fans if the air needs a bit of stirring in the middle of summer. A large projection screen TV keeps the sports fans happy. They are open 7 days a week from 11:30 a.m. until “last call.” (I am WAY too old to know what that means).

The front exterior of Gnat’s Landing.

This venue is popular for casual wedding rehearsal dinners, and you’ll find a fun “gnatio” (their term for the patio) out back. Gnat’s is said to be “flip flop friendly,” and you are likely to be seated at wooden picnic tables with a group of your good friends. Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights the Popes host live musicians, and Thursday is Trivia Night.

Our group chose to sample a variety of items from the appetizer menu (known here as Bug Bites) before ordering our main course. The fried pickles and fried green tomatoes were great, but my personal fave was the Vidalia Onion Pie. It is served in a ramekin and is more like a dip than a pie. Would somebody PLEASE share that recipe??? We also tried a cup of their St. Simons stew (which is really Brunswick stew) and a cup of seafood gumbo. Believe it or not, we STILL had room for more.

Seafood gumbo.

Brunswick, I mean, St. Simons Stew.

Fried Green Tomatoes with a side of pimiento cheese and seasoned mayo.

Signature Vidalia Onion Pie.

Gnat’s fried pickles.

Gnat’s has a Famous Slaw Bowl which is crunchy with ramen noodles and almonds. I chose to try that topped with grilled scallops. Steve chose the housemade tuna salad which had many traditional ingredients along with carrots, celery and red onions.

Housemade tuna salad on a bed of greens with fresh veggies and croutons.

Crunchy Slaw Bowl with Grilled Scallops.

Theirs is a very family-friendly menu with a wide variety of options. I have already spotted several other choices I’d like to try on my next visit.

According to Cap Fendig who owns Lighthouse Trolleys, there are 67 restaurants on St. Simons Island (which is roughly the size of Manhattan). I believe we found two of the best — and met some delightful people in the process.

Savannah Bee Company: AMAZING Honey and More.

05/02/2016 By: CCPearson2 Comments

While visiting St. Simons Island recently, Steve and I had the unique privilege of meeting Ted Dennard, the Founder, President and Head Beekeeper of Savannah Beed Company. We love hearing the passionate stories of business owners who love what they do and are proud of their products. Ted started learning about bees and beekeeping when his dad allowed a friend, Roy Hightower, to put beehives on his property. The agreement was: “You use our property. Then teach us about bees and give us some honey to eat.” Ted was hooked. His first pet was even a cat he named “Honey.”

Prominent saying on display at Savannah Bee Company.

Ted earned a degree in Philosophy and Religion at the University of the South in Sewanee, TN, and even taught beekeeping in Jamaica while serving in the Peace Corps. He saw himself as a hippie and had no desire to own a business, especially one that might “adulterate his love of bees.” His dad had told him early on: “Do what you love. Don’t do anything for money.” He found himself in a menial job scraping the scum off of bathtubs and realized he wasn’t really “doing what he loved.”

A Savannah store owner allowed him to put a few jars on his shelves to see how they would do. They quickly sold out, and the owner wanted more. By 2001, he had jars of honey in 25 stores, so he printed up a price sheet, went to the Atlanta Gift Mart, and wrote $3000 worth of orders. Aha. Maybe he was on to something. By 2007, he had 94 employees and a 40,000 square foot warehouse and was out of space.

Honey at Savannah Bee Company in many glorious colors.

His first retail store opened in 2008. Now, there are 3 stores in Savannah, 1 in Charleston and 1 on St. Simons Island. In addition, you can purchase Savannah Bee Company products at Dean and Deluca, Earth Fare, Whole Foods, Williams and Sonoma, Neiman-Marcus, Crate & Barrel and many other fine retailers.

Honeycomb, which is so good for allergies and general good health.

Tupelo honey is the absolute top of the line in the honey world, and it was his first product. Ted even wanted the bottle to look distinctive. The small taste I got was better than any honey I’ve ever had — buttery, subtle, light, melts on your tongue. Oh my. The big bottles of this Gold Reserve sell for $112 each in the retail stores. I was oh-so-tempted. Hmmm. I DO have a birthday coming up. We ended up walking out with Wildflower Honey, Rosemary Honey, Cheese Honey, Grill Honey and a container of honeycomb. I will use them sparingly until I have a chance to buy more.

Goodies I brought home from my first visit to Savannah Bee Company.

Ted is, at heart, a teacher. He explained that there are 25,000 different species of bees around the world. He told us that eating the honeycomb is best for asthma and allergies. He claims that eating it twice a day will help you to do away with allergy medications. He explained that 1 beehive will visit 500 million flowers and that it takes 2 million flowers to make 1 pound of honey. Ted wants children to learn about bees and has established a foundation — www.Bee.Cause.org — to put beehives (inside big glass cases) in 1000 schools. So far, they have made it into 180 schools.

Ted Dennard, Founder, President, and Head Beekeeper at Savannah Bee Company, educating his customers about honey and bees.

Savannah Bee Company has expanded to include a line of body and skin care products, and they strive to make them as pure as possible. They contain no petroleum derivatives, parabens, talc, DEA, sodium lauryl, sodium sulfate, artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, or propylene glycol.

Even though I don’t drink alcohol, I learned that there is actually a wine made from honey called Mead, and it is the oldest known alcoholic beverage. It consists of watered down honey and yeast. Mead tastings are offered in their retail stores and have become very popular, actually doubling the traffic into the stores.

Want to know dozens of ways to incorporate honey into your cooking? Go to the website to find lots of very tempting recipes.

I am now a huge fan of the Savannah Bee Company, and I recommend their honey wholeheartedly.

Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge, LA — A Pictorial Tour

04/04/2016 By: CCPearson2 Comments

The Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge has to go on my list of Best Museums Ever! Of course, the history and cultural diversity of Louisiana adds to the appeal, but the displays are so colorful, interactive and informative that they just draw you in, and you find yourself wandering without even thinking about the time. The admission price is very low. Both young and old like it. Steve and I loved it as well as the elementary school groups who were there at the same time. It’s well worth a couple of hours of your time. Click on each photo for a closer look.

On Christmas Eve, people in St. John the Baptist Parish build and burn bonfires like this all along the Mississippi River levee. It makes quite a spectacle.

These photos are just teasers. I’m sure you’ll be able to figure out one of my favorite sections — Louis Armstrong.

But, there was SO MUCH MORE.

Hotel Mazarin: A Boutique Hotel on the Edge of the French Quarter in New Orleans

03/28/2016 By: CCPearson2 Comments

Recently, Steve and I spent a very comfortable and luxurious night at Hotel Mazarin on Bienville Street in the French Quarter section of New Orleans. Once we turned our car over to the valet, we were able to walk to all of the sights we were interested in seeing, such as Jackson Square, and the shops on Royal Street. One of our main destinations was dinner at Gumbo Shop, but that is a post for another day.

Exterior of Hotel Mazarin

When you walk into the lobby of the Mazarin, you feel like you’ve stepped into a completely different world. It is so elegant, calm, peaceful and quiet — quite a contrast to all that goes on outside the door. The lobby is small but beautifully furnished, and the staff is eager to meet your every need.

Lobby of Hotel Mazarin

There is a large courtyard with several stories of rooms wrapped around it. The lush plants as well as the large, noisy fountain attract happy birds. It makes a great location for quiet conversations and for breakfast after a restful night. The hotel has a fitness room, an elevator, and another smaller courtyard near the back with even more privacy.

Looking down on the courtyard from the 2nd floor

Courtyard fountain in the center of Hotel Mazarin

Rooms provide every amenity you’ve come to expect in a hotel room, plus a large shower that is tiled with marble. Hotel Mazarin takes its offer of free wi-fi very seriously. Steve had some connection issues, and they sent a tech guy up immediately. The tech guy contacted the people responsible for the service, and in just a few minutes, Steve was up and running. From the reception desk personnel to the valet attendant to the porter to the breakfast servers, all were committed to providing a superior experience.

Breakfast, by the way, was exceptional. No plastic forks or styrofoam cups and plates. All of your breakfast favorites are offered, in addition to scones and great coffee.

Colorful fresh fruit in the breakfast buffet

Hotel Mazarin has a great website, so give it serious consideration for your next trip to NOLA.

And, by the way, the owners of Hotel Mazarin will offer you an exclusive discount if you reserve with them through this link — www.neworleanshotelcollection.com/big Enjoy the Big Easy!

Two Hidden Treasures in Fairhope, AL

03/16/2016 By: CCPearson1 Comment

On a recent visit to Fairhope, AL, I had the privilege of spending time with a “local,” who also happens to be my long-time friend Vivian Oden Weaver, known in Fairhope as the town’s Official Mrs. Claus. We covered a lot of territory, conversation-wise, in the couple of hours we had together, but she also showed me a couple of places that are well-known to the locals but likely hidden from tourists. One is a great place to eat, the other a beautiful store for home decor and furnishings. Click on the photos for a closer look.

Vivian Weaver – Fairhope’s Official Mrs. Claus with a costume she designed and fashioned herself.

One was Sunset Pointe at Fly Creek Marina. It is right across the bay inlet from the yacht club and offers both indoor and outdoor waterfront dining. The hostess and servers were friendly, and the food was delicious and attractive. Check out these food photos and make your plans to include it in your next trip to the Gulf Coast.

Fresh, colorful house salad.

Crab Mac n Cheese

Fried Gulf Fish with sweet potato chips and grilled slaw.

The other place was a stunning shop located at 801 N. Section Street, Green Gates, owned by Vivian’s good friend, Rene Mashburn. This statement from the store’s website says it all — “Her . . . success is due to the inviting atmosphere, the selection of unique inventory and presentation. Everything is presented in beautiful vignettes.” Here are some pictures I took recently. Bear in mind that the vignettes are ever-changing. Also, a second location will open soon closer to the main downtown area.

Countdown in The Shoals — 2 Luxurious Places to Spend the Night

02/24/2016 By: CCPearsoncomment

Want something historic, comfortable, and homey? Want to wake up to the roar of the UNA lions housed a block away and a scrumptious breakfast prepared by Betty Mahoney? Want to be in a great location for events at UNA or in Downtown Florence? Then, may I recommend the Limestone House Bed and Breakfast? If it was deluxe enough for Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Humphrey Bogart and George (Goober) Lindsay, then I believe it will be deluxe enough for you. There are only 2 guestrooms, so plan your stay and cross your fingers that one of them is available.

Steam showers in the Limestone House.

Henry Ford Room at the Limestone House

Limestone House sunroom

Limestone House parlor

2. Do you want a 4-Diamond property with all of the frills? Are you attending a conference and need to stay close to your meeting sessions? Do you enjoy exercise facilities and/or swimming (both in season and out of season)? Are you craving some personal pampering in a top-rated spa? Do you have a special occasion to celebrate in Alabama’s only revolving restaurant? Then, the Marriott Shoals gets my strong recommendation.

View from atop 360 Grille at the Marriott Shoals

360 Grille at the Marriott Shoals

Marriott Shoals outdoor pool with slide.

Marriott Shoals exercise room

Marriott Shoals guestroom.

Stay tuned for one more post about The Shoals:

1 Long Wall That Will Inspire You

Rome, GA’s only B & B, The Claremont House, plus other amazing historical facts

02/08/2016 By: CCPearsoncomment

Rome, Georgia continues to fascinate me, especially as I dug in deeper preparing for this article recently posted in BabyBoomster.com.

On Thanksgiving Night of this year, Steve and I stayed at The Claremont House, a gorgeous Victorian mansion-turned-B & B on 2nd Ave. We were at the very top of the stairs and the ONLY GUESTS staying in the main house that night. It’s a good thing neither of us believe in ghosts. Gulp! It was after dark when we arrived, but we found a key taped to the back door and made our way carefully and quietly following the directions left behind. We found a large room with a canopied king-size bed, and a clawfoot tub/shower.

(Click each image to get a closer look).

Elizabeth Room in the Claremont House.

The owners were away for the holiday weekend but left some capable young ladies behind to prepare breakfast and answer hundreds of questions for us. They served a spinach egg scramble, bacon, fresh fruit and biscuits to us and to the 3 people who had stayed in the detached cottage the night before. It was delicious, and they were gracious hostesses.

The girls told us about owners Chris and Holly who combined their last names to become McHagee. She’s an anthropologist. He’s a sociologist. She cooks. He’s the event coordinator and handyman. They’ve owned the B & B since they were 24 years old. A remarkable fact, don’t you think? They have a young daughter who lives with them in one end of the house and are expecting their 2nd child. I found myself wanting to talk Steve into buying a house to convert into a B & B. He immediately nixed that idea. No surprise there.

Front door of The Claremont House

Breakfast Room of The Claremont House

Exterior of the Claremont House.

Those girls were very enthusiastic about Rome and all of its uniqueness. They told us about Rome’s present tennis prominence and how it impacts the town by filling every hotel room during tournaments. Scouts from major colleges and universities come, so it’s a huge deal for high school players in particular. Rome is braced for a giant economic impact when the Rome Tennis Center of Georgia is completed which is now halfway through Phase 1.

They told us about Myrtle Hill Cemetery and some of the famous people buried there. We went by for a quick look but will definitely plan a more leisurely stroll through it on our next visit to see daughter Laura and her family. They also shared some of the interesting facts about Berry College, Oak Hill, and downtown’s Broad St.

View from the top of Myrtle Hill Cemetery

Did you know that Hernando de Soto went through Rome?

Did you know that Sweet Home Alabama wasn’t filmed in Alabama but had many scenes filmed in Rome, especially the wedding scene at Oak Hill Plantation (known in the movie as “the Carmichael Plantation”)?

Can you name the largest college campus in the world? What about the most beautiful? Yep, right there in Rome. Here’s a big hint.

Berry College “Gate of Opportunity”

Do you know what The Cotton Block is?

Can you list the 3 rivers that converge in Rome?

What about Rome’s role in the Civil War or the shattering event of 1886? Remember. Here’s a good source for finding the answers.

Brush up on your history, read the article linked above in Baby Boomster.com, grab your camera and spend a few days in Rome. I believe you’ll find a LOT to enjoy.

Did I mention that Rome, GA even has a Chick-Fil-A Dwarf House? What are you waiting for? Go! Go!

A Few Days in Rival Territory — Bama Bed and Breakfast

02/01/2016 By: CCPearson2 Comments

Imagine staying in a bedroom that was once occupied by Union troops who commandeered the house during the Civil War. Imagine hearing whispers in the hall between the Union captain and the homeowner’s daughter as they fell in love and made promises for the future. Imagine the careful actions of the homeowner and his family as they hoped against hope their home wouldn’t be burned to the ground when the soldiers left Tuscaloosa and headed to another battleground.

Bama Bed and Breakfast, campus location, was built in 1823 as a result of a 125-acre land grant signed by President James Monroe, 5th President of the United States. The home has been continually occupied since that date but didn’t officially open its doors as a Bed and Breakfast until August 2015, just in time for football season. Bama B & B also has a lakeside location hosted by Marc and Kim Roberts. Kim’s parents, Bob and Yvonne Schwartz, are the gracious hosts at the campus location.

It is a very striking structure. The front columns were originally ordered for a building on the University of Alabama campus. But, when the columns arrived, they didn’t fit, so this home at 46 Sherwood Drive was the lucky recipient.

Exterior of the Bama B & B campus location with columns originally intended for a university building.

I drove in at 10:00 a.m. on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day just hoping to be able to park my car in their lot while I toured Tuscaloosa. But, Marc, Bob and Yvonne greeted me enthusiastically and insisted that I go ahead and bring in my bags. I was led to the Capstone Suite where a beautifully-decorated room awaited. My friend, Dr. Beth Long, and I were then given a quick tour of the gorgeous home filled with antiques and period furnishings and accessories.

Marc, Bob and Yvonne giving a warm welcome.

I noticed that the dining room table was adorned with houndstooth placemats and elephant napkin rings and casually (well, maybe not TOO casually) mentioned that I was a big Auburn fan. In an extremely thoughtful gesture, when I came down for breakfast the next morning, those had been removed and some blue floral ones were in their place. Now THAT my friends is personal, caring service.

Dining room complete with houndstooth placemats.

Speaking of breakfast, it was prepared primarily by Bob because Yvonne had had foot surgery a few weeks earlier. He did a great job. Delicious food. Yvonne’s specialty — cocoa syrup (aka chocolate gravy) — was a happily-anticipated treat. Yvonne also had homemade cookies waiting in the foyer.

Foyer table with tempting treats

While I was in my room, I noticed that every possible need of an overnight guest had been provided — including a make-up towel, Q-tips, current magazines, and free wi-fi, just to name a FEW. Inside the spacious closet was a safe, a microwave, a fridge, a Keurig machine, and a small icemaker. Wow. The bed linens were luxurious and so, so comfortable.

Spacious bathroom featuring a clawfoot tub.

Yellow and blue Capstone Suite.

Marc and Kim, Bob and Yvonne genuinely enjoy having guests. If you are planning to visit Tuscaloosa in the future, I heartily recommend that you give either of their locations a try.

Bama Bed and Breakfast Explore their website for all the necessary details.

A Few Days in Rival Territory Eating and Shopping

01/27/2016 By: CCPearson1 Comment

You know by now that I typically avoid chains — retail, dining, or hotel-wise — when it comes to my writing and recommending. Sure. I do go there, stay there, shop and eat there from time to time. But when I have a choice of something off the beaten path, locally-owned, with a unique vibe or menu, that’s where I want to go. After owning our own business (Pearson Animal Hospital in Hartselle) for almost 30 years, we understand how animated and enthusiastic folks can be when they talk about the places they have created with the “sweat of their own brows.” It’s pride, pure and simple, but in the unsinful sense of the word.

When my friend Beth Long and I were together last week, she took me to lunch at a great place called Sweet Home Food Bar at 2218 University Blvd. My first thought was, “Oh no. Not a buffet.” But, my worries quickly dissipated when we walked in the door and were handed our menus. I loved the old brick walls and the exposed ceilings. The owners, George Harsch and his wife Debra, are friends of Beth’s and were delightful to meet. The food was SO, SO good. Beth recommended the BLT with pesto mayo, and she was right. The “T,” by the way means fried green tomatoes. Oh my! Beth’s daughter Maggie ordered a buffalo chicken sandwich, and it looked yummy, too. There is a room in the back that is perfect for small meetings or parties. We visited on a Monday when several dozen businessmen and retirees gather. Back in Hartselle, that would probably have been called “The Liars’ Table.” I’m sure they were swapping tall tales. Sweet Home Food Bar is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Monday through Saturday and for brunch on Sundays. Give them a try.

Sweet Home Food Bar owner, Debra Rubino

Sweet Home Food Bar in Downtown Tuscaloosa.

Colorful salads at Sweet Home Food Bar.

A couple of doors down from Sweet Home, at 2228 University Blvd,, is an interesting shop called Olive Tree. Owner Chris Roycroft loves to interact with his customers. Olive Tree has a large mix of furniture, accessories, and antiques. Much of the merchandise is sold on consignment. Chris is confident that your first visit won’t be your last. He knows his folks come in, spot an item or two, mull it over for awhile, and then come back in to make their purchase, and he’s okay with that.

Inside Olive Tree.

Beyond Southern Furnishings is an enjoyable store featuring furniture pieces with wood trim from India and Indonesia. The decor definitely fits the shabby chic style. There are plenty of gift items and artwork by Emily G. I was particularly drawn to Emily G’s designs and color. A percentage of her sales is used to assist Christian orphanages and missions around the world. Good for her. Check out her website — www.emilygcollection.com

Beyond Southern Furnishings on 20th Ave.

Art by Emily G.

Take 5 minutes and cross the Black Warrior River to Main St. in Northport, as close as a town can get to Tuscaloosa. This happy block will remind you of downtown Rogersville or even Main St. in Franklin, TN — without all of Franklin’s traffic. Many hungry folks — students and locals alike — flock to City Cafe. I didn’t get to try it, but the homecooking is said to be worth every calorie. I also wanted to try Mary’s Bakery, which is officially licensed to put University of Alabama logos on their products, but it was closed on Mondays. In fact, don’t plan to visit Northport on Mondays because many of the stores close that day. We DID, however, find the gorgeous shops of Rhubarb’s and Gracefully Done open. Rhubarb’s has a large selection of Vera Bradley merchandise and plenty of national championship clothing. Gracefully Done will tempt you to redecorate your entire house. So beautiful. You can also find a large toy store and an old-timey hardware store on Main Street. Definitely worth a few hours of your time.

Displays in Gracefully Done.

Shirts in Rhubarb’s.

Toys in the hardware store.

As suppertime approached, Beth took me to see Archibald’s and Catfish Heaven. Both were closed, but we did find Archibald and Woodrow’s open. Not fancy in any way. Just good barbecue, soul food, and fixins’. I understand that they even deliver to tailgate locations on game days. Considering all of the hassle of doing that, I couldn’t help being impressed.

Catfish Heaven.

Archibald’s.

Just for fun, Beth took me to Rama Jama’s, a hamburger place plastered with Bama memorabilia, and I got to pose with the owner, Gary Lewis, who many say bears a striking resemblance to Nick Saban. What do you think?

Rama Jama t-shirt.

Many people think the owner of Rama Jama looks a lot like Nick Saban.

If you enjoy art galleries, museums, indoor and outdoor concerts, water sports or parks, Tuscaloosa has plenty to offer.

Let me just state one more time for the record: I LOVE AUBURN. But, there is much to appreciate about Tuscaloosa, too, especially if you’re willing to overlook all the Bama stuff. War Eagle!

Here I am with my War Eagle sign standing in front of Bryant-Denny Stadium

P.S. Just one more note. I understand that there are many great churches in and around Tuscaloosa, but my friend Beth attends Church of the Highlands, which has just moved (debt-free) into an amazing new campus. They launched a 21-Day Prayer and Fasting effort to start the New Year. On the Monday morning when Beth met me to begin our day of touring, she had been at the church at 6:00 a.m. with ONE THOUSAND other people for an hour of prayer!!!! Just think about that. Hundreds of college students, along with people of all ages and backgrounds, caring enough to come out that early to pray . . . and on a holiday, no less. That church must be “doing something right.”

A Few Days in Rival Territory

01/25/2016 By: CCPearson2 Comments

Why on earth, you must be asking, would a degree-waving, orange-and-blue-wearing, War-Eagle-yelling Auburn fan deliberately CHOOSE to spend two whole days in Tuscaloosa, where the campus of arch-rival University of Alabama sits? Because I am enjoying my new role as a travel writer is only a minuscule part of the answer. After all, I could “travel write” anywhere. No, the big reason for me to spend time in “enemy territory” was to visit two great friends. One I’ve known practically all her life, and the other I first met when we began our missionary journey.

Beth Newman was a perky, cute, fun-loving, smart, talkative young girl in Hartselle, AL, who Steve and I taught in Sunday School. Her mother and I shared many conversations while our kids were growing up. Beth graduated a year ahead of my oldest daughter, and I lost touch with her UNTIL we reconnected via Facebook. Hurray for Facebook!! Beth was asking for prayer for her daughter Maggie who was undergoing very extensive and painful surgeries at Vanderbilt to correct severe scoliosis. Then, I watched via computer as Beth became Dr. Elizabeth Long, took on a very important job in special education with the Tuscaloosa City Schools, and moved with her husband and two daughters to Tuscaloosa. When Beth read that I was travel writing, she sent me a sweet invitation to let her show me her newly-adopted city. And, knowing of my Auburn loyalty, she even said we could steer clear of “Alabama stuff” if we needed to. Now, that, my friends, is a thoughtful person indeed!

Beth, her younger daughter Maggie, and me.

So, last week, Beth met me at the Bama B & B where I would be spending the night and gave me her entire day off showing me many, many sights and treasures of Tuscaloosa, AL and its sister city, Northport. I will be sharing some gems we unearthed in the next several blogs. I will say, though, that crimson, houndstooth, elephants, and number 16s (to signify the most recent national championship of the football team) are EVERYWHERE. There was no avoiding them.

An elephant-themed shirt.

16. Auburn fans aren’t sure that there really ARE 16.

A stuffed Big Al was waiting on my pillow.

If you only get off the interstate and follow the beaten path to Bryant-Denny Stadium for football games, eat at chain restaurants, and stay in chain hotels, you will miss the sights we saw. I wanted to visit places that “the locals” know about, and Beth did a great job of sharing them with me.

Barbecue place proclaims its allegiance.

Cookies with the distinctive A.

My mind was spinning when our day ended, and I got back to my room. I have to admit that I was impressed with Tuscaloosa. Both the rebuilding after the 2011 tornado AND the massive infusion of revenue stemming from the success of the football program has produced a gleaming, pulsating, dynamic city that is growing, drawing new businesses by the dozens and showing no signs of slowing down. You have to admire the vision of the city leaders.

The next morning I woke up in my historic bedroom and had a delightful breakfast with the B & B hosts (much more about that later). Then, I headed to the Tuscaloosa Visitors Center for additional information, did a little more exploring, and met another great friend for a long lunch.

Evelyn Sexton and me stopped chatting long enough to pose for this quick photo.

Evelyn Sexton and I stopped chatting long enough to pose for this quick photo.

I met Evelyn Sexton near the end of our training weeks in Richmond, VA before moving to Ecuador. We bonded immediately. Both of us from Alabama, both mothers of three children, and both piano performance majors in our college years! Evelyn and her husband Jim had been serving as missionaries in South America since 1988. They were willing and capable of answering my many questions, and very importantly, they “spoke our heart language” because they knew exactly where we were coming from both geographically AND emotionally. When we arrived on the field, we were in Cuenca while they were eight hours through the Andes Mountains in Quito, but we still saw each other at meetings and conferences. Evelyn and I even got to play some two-piano selections together at one of our big meetings and had a ball sharing with each other in that way.

Evelyn and Jim retired from the International Mission Board last summer after serving for 26 1/2 years. They are some of my heroes and did some wonderful work in Paraguay, Ecuador and Chile. Their seven grandchildren are thrilled to have them closer, and so am I. Evelyn and I talked for 2 1/2 hours and just scratched the surface of catching up. I would gladly go back to Tuscaloosa to spend more time with her.

Come back Wednesday for shopping and dining suggestions in Tuscaloosa, and next Monday I’ll tell you all about the Bama B & B.

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