Savannah With Friends

 

Hopping in the car on a muggy August morning, I looked forward to the four-hour drive to Savannah, Georgia. The tires rumbled on the highway as I and my husband made our way to the historic city. Excited to spend a few days with friends, we rolled into town at lunchtime, just in time for reservations at the historic Pirates House restaurant. Opened in 1753 as an inn for sailors traveling up and down the east coast, the house soon became a meeting place for wayfarers and pirates alike. 

Walking up to the building, I tilted my head to see the gray plank siding as it soared into the bright sky. Plenty of pirate memorabilia greeted us upon entry, and we wound our way to the table on wide plank floors. With a sumptuous menu and plenty of history, lunch was quite satisfying.

Nearby the restaurant, the Trustee's Garden beckoned. The site of our Airbnb, we walked to the courtyard surrounded with lush green bushes and trees. Two-story brick townhouses rose before us and crossing the patio we entered our what would be our home for the weekend. Warm polished wood floors and trim embraced creamy walls, definitely a lovely historic home.

Stepping into my tennis shoes that evening, we met friends to take in a walking tour complete with ghost stories, a historic cemetery and a few drinks! Savannah is known as one of the most haunted cities in the country and as the sun set, shadows closed in. Clustered in groups, fog swirled around and the humid air thickened as we walked over cobblestone streets under moss-laden trees. Each haunted pub had a story to share and a drink to enjoy.

In the morning, we strolled through the warm air and arrived at the first of many squares that makes up Savannah. Arranged around each square, brick and marble homes stood like sentries as a testament to the history embracing the town. The Davenport House Museum beckoned, and we stopped for a tour. A lovely two-story house, with accompanying carriage house made up the property and presented a historic look at the past and the plight of enslaved persons in the region.

No trip to Savannah is complete without experiencing Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos bar. Arriving on the riverfront just as the bar opened, we snagged seats near the front. Nestled down the left side of the open concept space stretched a full bar, stacks of bottles rising to the ceiling. Directly in front perched two pianos, emblazoned with stickers, seated proudly on the stage. The party got started as patrons dropped slips of paper and tips on the pianos. The crowd rollicked and sang along with the entertainers, pianos pounding with classic and modern popular music. Several hours later we grabbed cabs back to our house with smiles on our faces and the joy of music in our hearts.

Our final day dawned clear and warm, and we made our way to the waterfront. Cobblestone streets stretched before us, brightly colored shops and terraced restaurants stretched over the water. Wandering up the street, we darted in and out of shops, settling on the terrace of a cafe to enjoy lunch before heading home. Saturated with history, abundant with ghosts along with a robust night life, Savannah is not to be missed and thrives on tourists. For more information be sure to check out Visit Savannah | The Official Guide to Savannah, GA. For Dueling Pianos bar, check out Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos, and see more about the Davenport House Museum here Tours — Davenport House Museum.

Third Culture Kitchen

With fingers flying over the screen of my phone, I searched for a new culinary experience. Determined to reach past our usual haunts, I and my husband searched for the unusual. While the Space Coast of Florida is well known for rocket launches and launch parties, what is not commonly known is that Titusville has a burgeoning food scene with many restaurants offering locally sourced fare and imaginative cuisine. 

My search paused at Third Culture Kitchen. Celebrating the emerging unity of society, this unique kitchen offers fusion dishes and an eclectic menu appealing to many tastes. Combined with unusual cocktails, the experience was a flavor explosion. 

As we turned into the parking lot, we noted a steady crowd of locals. Stepping from the car, the mild Tuesday evening wrapped around us making the choice of outdoor seating a no brainer. Warm, dark wood and turquoise walls greeted us in an open, graciously appointed space. Once seated the server promptly approached to take our drink orders. Selecting from the specialty cocktails, I reached beyond the norm to order an "Apples to Apples." Yummy apple infused Haku Japanese Vodka mixed with pineapple, lemon and bitters swirled in my mouth. Food selections included Asian inspired tacos, handhelds and small plates with vegetarian and vegan options well represented. After choosing the flank steak with chimichurri sauce and summer salad, the unusual flavors warmed my stomach.

As stated on their website, "Third Culture Kitchen is the meeting place between the culture of our families, our homes, and the global community. There is no strain to find “authenticity” in our house, If it tastes good and feels right, it goes. Here, curiosity and combination are king." These words embraced our entire meal, and we left satisfied and hungry for more. See more at Third Culture Kitchen | Curry, Spring Rolls, Bao, Burritos, Poblano, Vegan, Vegetarian & Gluten Free Food - Titusville, FL

Golfing in the Rain

 

A day trip to Central Florida was in store. Dotted with golf courses, the area is rich in opportunity for those who enjoy a great game. 

Starting as a beautiful day, I breathed in crisp air as I stood on the first tee box. Golfing in Florida is always a risk this time of year; rain can blow in quickly with a deluge. Hoping to get in a round before the clouds gathered, I swung my club.

The lovely day turned into a stormy one on the fifteenth fairway. Laughing at the rain, I finished my round somewhat wet. Puddles like glass in the grass reflected the sky, and I squished through my last few holes.

It would have been easy to get angry, frustrated at the weather that interrupted my impromptu trip. Learning to laugh at the rain, take joy in the small things and be grateful is a choice. I pray that we all choose joy.

A Trip to Valiant Air Command

 Following signs to the Space Coast Airport, I and my husband turned down a narrow, winding road. Squinting into the bright sunlight, wide warehouses appeared in the distance, resolving into multiple aircraft dotted around the tall, silver walls. We pulled into the parking lot to discover an amazing part of history.

Nestled in eastern Florida is what is commonly known as the "space coast." Home of Space Force, launch pads and NASA, Cocoa Beach and Titusville are towns that host a wide range of launch parties, museums and space events of all kinds. Just west of Kennedy Space Center, Valiant Air Command's Warbird Museum is packed with aviation history. 

Entering the museum, a wide gift shop greeted us. Fun memorabilia were available for purchase, all proceeds going to support the 501(c)3. Purchasing our tickets at the counter, we started the tour in the Memorabilia Hall. Mannequins dressed in all manner of historical uniforms marched in front of us. Special exhibits included a tribute to the Women's Air Force Service Pilots, the Flying Tigers and the Tuskegee Airmen.  

Moving into the main display hanger, dozens of carefully restored aircraft sat proudly before us. Rising above all was the flagship of the museum, a 1942 C-47A that dropped paratroopers in Europe on D-Day. The aircraft sits combat ready and flight worthy today. Strolling through the hanger, the atmosphere spoke to me with hints of patriotism and the heroes that flew these planes.

Wrapping up our tour in the Vietnam Memorial hanger, I was particularly moved. My father fought in Vietnam and instilled in me the love of country, and the appreciation of those who fought and died for our freedoms. I encourage all of you to take a moment and think about how blessed we are. 

For more information and to plan a trip, go to:  Home | Valiant Air Command 

A Cozy Night at Agustin Inn

 Rumbling down the narrow brick street, my car nearly brushed trees draped with Spanish Moss. Peering through the windshield, my eyes caught sight of the home, gold walls with wide, wrap-around porches soaring three stories into the blue sky. Tires crunched into the dirt parking lot nearby and I stepped out, breathing in the moist, humid air of St. Augustine, Florida. Through the stucco fence, pineapple shaped chimes sang in greeting. The wrought iron gate swung open smoothly, and crossing the gracious brick patio I climbed the steps onto the porch. Entering the foyer, an antique armoire loaded with fresh-baked cookies and coffee beckoned. I looked over to see a warm smile greeting me. In that moment, I was home.   

The Agustin Inn, a Bed and Breakfast Diamond Collection property, is 123 years of history wrapped in modern comfort. Located in the historic district of St. Augustine, eighteen individually decorated rooms grace three stories, where guests are pampered by a team of professionals whose goal is to provide each guest exceptional customer service exceeding all expectations.  I had the opportunity to experience this amazing service for a night earlier this month. The inn has so much to offer, from amazing rooms, romantic packages and yummy breakfasts. It also provides Happy Hour each afternoon, with indoor and outdoor seating encouraging guests to interact. In fact, guests feel like family as soon as they step into the foyer of the inn. Experiencing the Bed and Breakfast, just steps from St. Augustine's historic St. George Street, is a great opportunity during a visit to America's oldest city. 

Having been to St. Augustine a few times, I was eager to stay in the heart of old town. There is much to see and do, especially for those who love history. From Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth to the Pirate Museum, to the Castillo de San Marcos, there is plenty to fill a vacation. Find out more on the website:  The Agustin Inn | Bed and Breakfast in Historic St. Augustine.

Traveling The World

It was 2020, and the world shut down due to a pandemic. With 20 years of travel experience, it was time to put pen to paper and start writing about my experiences. While I felt confident about my abilities to write academically, I wanted to bring rich detail and experience to each story. So, I signed up for a travel writing course and got to work.

Unfortunately, life got in the way, as happens to so many of us. Recently, however, as the world has opened back up and people are hitting the roads, I decided it was time to dust off my pen and paper (or computer!) and put down those experiences.

Recently I have had the privilege of having some of my stories published, and that has opened a whole new world. I hope you will join me as I chronicle past, present and future experiences! And please dream your own travel dreams - it is never too late.