Tag: Tourism

Sweet Grass

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South Carolina’s handwoven “sweet grass” baskets date back to the 1700’s. The craft originated in West Africa and has been passed down through the generations in the Gullah Culture.

The weaves of this basket get their strength from the mineral-rich salt marshes of the coastline.

Bundled thin blades of the grass are coiled in circles to make the baskets.  Visitors can easily find this treasured souvenir at the Charleston SC City market and shops throughout the area.

A great example of putting a natural resource to good use

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Cannon Beach, Oregon USA-Pacific NorthWest Coast

Because of my frequent visits to Oregon I am finally packing to accommodate the weather pattern that averages 81 inches of rain a year.
My rain jacket, gloves and saltwater duck boots have me out and about in comfort, and I’m very close to tossing the umbrella away and carrying on like a local.

The scenery of the rocky shoreline is quite spectacular. There is a four mile area of sandy beach for seashell hunting or a glimpse of wildlife.  With a keen eye you may spot a whale, bald eagle, seal or crabs to name just a few.  The ocean temperature ranges from 55º-64’º at its warmest in the month of August.
You most likely will find that a little “nippy”.
The shoreline offers rock formations with a backdrop of gray fog . The most prominent being Haystack Rock, the smaller ones are referred to as “the Needles”
The community is friendly for tourists offering:
A good selection of restaurants
Galleries
Clothing shops
Grocery stores


RV Accommodations
Public parking
Public restrooms
Taverns
Specialty stores (candy, olive oil, sporting goods, coffee shops)

Resort style rental accommodations with ocean front views are available throughout the town. Seasonal rates apply, but if you’re flexible you can grab a great deal in the winter, and the scenery will still be there.
The community offers a feel  of “seaside living”, with cedar shake siding homes.   I found it quaint and welcoming for a year round destination.

From Portland the drive is less than 2 hours and it is 4.5 hours south of Seattle Washington.  Travel  US 26 or Hwy 101 and take in the views of the forest, ocean, waterfalls and more.

Happy travels 🙂

Wormsloe Historical Site, Savannah Ga.

This scenic historic site located in  Savannah Georgia USA  can easily be missed by visitors to the area because it is off the beaten path of the Historic District of the city.  Located on Isle of Hope a coastal community in the southeast area of Savannah, this former plantation has an abundance of wildlife, salt marsh, historic ruins, a colonial village, a military battery and relaxing walking trails that will take you a step back in time.  The gateway canopy of oaks sets the pace for the breathtaking views you will see at Wormsloe.  The tree lined avenue of 400 oaks is a 1.5 mile walk and  other trails branch off from there.

The site of the tabby ruins nestles up to the salt marsh. Tabby homes were built in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida in the 1700’s. Tabby is made with burned oyster shells, sand, and water.

Oysters make a home in the salt marshes in Coastal Georgia.

The Colonial Village will likely interest the young visitors who find a day out looking at nature and museums boring

For I95 Georgia travelers exit #109…it’s about a 40 minute drive, and there is no where to eat at the site, so I suggest stopping in nearby Sandfly at myfavorite barbecue restaurant in Savannah.  No need for directions because you will pass right through Sandfly.  Also, bring bug spray for the walking trails, and expect high heat and humidity in the summer.

 

Happy travels…..get off the interstates and see more than billboards….:)

New Ebenezer…Historical Site 25 miles NW of Savannah Georgia — EffinghamMoves

Twenty five miles northwest of Savannah Georgia in Effingham County is New Ebenezer one of the first five settlements in Georgia USA. In 1741 the colonists who originated in the Province of Salzburg known today as Austria made this their home. Bring a lunch and plan to spend the day. Situated on the banks of […]

via New Ebenezer…Historical Site 25 miles NW of Savannah Georgia — EffinghamMoves

Ghost hunting on a “spring like” day in January

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I finished up my early morning “volunteer work” ahead of schedule today.  The sun and 60º  temperature on a January day quickly convinced me to find something to do outdoors.
I happened to be in Beaufort S.Carolina, so cruising around the “sea islands” with the serene scenery is just what I needed to calm my mind and spirit.
I started out by crossing the Beaufort River over the Woods Memorial Bridge onto Lady’s Island.  In recent years this area with all it’s beauty has become a vibrant community. You’ll easily come to that conclusion when you see the fancy new Walmart.

Woods Memorial Bridge
Forest Gump not in Mississippi

If you ever watched the movie “Forest Gump” you will recognize the bridge.

Traveling south on US 21, I crossed onto St Helena Island. Things slow down a bit here and the island is rich in history of the Gullah Culture.

Bring a sack to fill up at the roadside fruit and vegetable farms.

I turned  onto the 7 mile highway to Lands End. This is where things get interesting because I hope to “see the light”. I have no fear of the haunting tales because if there is a spirit surrounded by the beauty of this area it surely has to be at peace.

To read more about the mysterious light: https://eatsleepplaybeaufort.com/beauforts-haunted-history-the-lands-end-light/

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You have arrived….Lands End, South Carolina…

After leaving my first stop is at the “Chapel of Ease”, another “haunted area” on the 7 mile road.  I tried real hard to get a dose of scary but just peace and quiet here for me.

For more information: https://eatsleepplaybeaufort.com/beauforts-haunted-history-st-helenas-chapel-of-ease/

I find myself frequently pulling the car to the side of the road to snap a photo or just sit and think about things. The idea that this area has been  inhabited since the 1700’s, renews my faith in the fact that we are of a kind and gentle folk. The untouched marshes, creeks and rivers are a sanctuary to the natural wildlife freely living in harmony with us.

The Gullah culture is rich and “Praise houses” are still on the island. In my travels this is the only area I have seen this.

To read more  : http://gullahcommunity.org/our-community/praise-house/

Places to fish, shrimp and launch a boat are everywhere.

At the end of my brief vacation  from “busy busy life” , it’s definitely time for a lunch and thrift store shopping..

shopping nearby

 

Happy travels…get off the I95 in South Carolina exit 33 and find your way to Beaufort…there’s so much to see but don’t visit during a big storm it gets a windy…:)

 

 

Nature coast of Florida

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My holidays travels had me out and about and I found my way into central Florida.  The weather was just perfect at 72º, so I had the urge to jump into the Rainbow Spring. There were others that had the same idea and it’s pretty cool…both the idea and temperature.  You also have to be a little brave because you may have a close encounter with some of the natural habitants of the river.  The state park area has a designated swim spot and it is patrolled to keep an eye out for alligators or dangerous snakes.  We spent 2 days in Dunnelon, and found plenty to do.

The city and surrounding area has an interesting history of being a mining town for phosphate.   That was news to me but explains why this little city has some old homes and buildings.  Today, you will find a nice variety of shops, motels, restaurants and a lot of water sports…It’s easy enough to rent equipment or take a river cruise on an airboat.

 

To get a feel for the community and and the welcoming atmosphere get off the I75 and find your way to US 41 and see a part of the not so tropical Florida

Happy travels off the interstate…..it’s much more fun to experience the scenery first hand

Coastal Carolina gem…Port Royal

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I’d like to tell you all I live here but I can’t say that today…This cozy small community with pastel colored homes is so charming.  Located just south of Beaufort S. Carolina it has been catching the eye of newcomers to the Southeast USA.  I strolled the small neighborhood of residences and also stopped for lunch at the “Cracked Egg”, one of  the few locally owned restaurants.   If you like antiques, art and doo-dads, you’ll find shopping for all that with a village like atmosphere.

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Breakfast or lunch

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There’s more….if you like History..that too!

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Wildlife and nature at your doorstep…Port Royal is between the Beaufort River and Battery Creek

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And with all this and the pleasant year round climate what I like best is the personality of this community …It’s just a happy friendly  place…

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For more information please visit: http://www.portroyal.org

Happy travels….hop off the I95 …Follow signs for Parris Island SC and you’ll get here….the summer is hot and humid, bring the bug spray, your trip may take a little longer but it’s a fun use of time