Our Trip to the Deep South

Greg and I have been so busy the last few years that we haven't had much time to travel except locally. We decided a few months ago that things needed to change, so we have carved out some time to do some things and go some places that we've been wanting to visit.

One of the main places that we both wanted to go was the "Deep South" which includes among others, the states of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. We went by car, and on this trip, we merely traveled through Alabama to get to Natchez, Mississippi which was our main destination.

We spent two nights in this beautiful old house, "Brandon Hall Plantation."

It has been named one of the "finest Antebellum houses in the South."

The grounds at Brandon Hall were delightful...

as was the owner and our host, Kaiser who gave us an interesting, informative tour of the mansion...

after our hearty, delicious breakfast.

Then, we were off to tour another beautiful mansion "Longwood" which was quite unique in its design...

but it also has a secret which you could never guess from observing it from the outside...

Tour Guide in Period Dress

It's unfinished with the exception of the rooms in the basement area!

By the time we finished the tour, it was time for lunch so we went by a really neat place, "Mammy's Cupboard." 

They had great food, but my favorite thing there was the blueberry lemonade, apparently with unlimited refills!

Yum!

Next on our agenda was the impressive "St. Mary Basilica" which is the number one place to visit in Natchez according to "TripAdvisor." ("Longwood" is number two.)

The only word I can think of to describe this place is "Awesome!"

Greg wanted a little coffee break, so we went by "Steampunk" for a bit of refreshment.

We drove by the old cemetery in Natchez to see the... 

"Turning Angel Statue" that appears to turn as you drive by it! What an enigma!

By now, we were ready for supper, so we decided to go to a restaurant which was recommended to us by Kaiser from "Brandon Hall."

It's the "Magnolia Grill" which is right on the "mighty Mississippi" River.

Thank you, Kaiser!

After our delicious meal, we thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful sunset.

This was a perfect ending for a perfect day!

The next day, we went further south to St. Francisville, Louisiana and the... 

"Myrtles Plantation" which was visited by the "Ghost Hunters" of TV fame.

If you are at all interested in the paranormal, please visit my other blog, "Spirit Photographs" on October 20. It will be my special Halloween blog post which will include the Myrtles Plantation.

www.spiritphotographs.blogspot.com

Before leaving Louisiana, we stopped for lunch at the "Magnolia Cafe"-

where we pigged out before heading home.

Happy travels!

Positive thought: "I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list!"-Susan Sontag
Until Sunday, November 4, 2018, Becky

Memphis, Tennessee, Here We Come!

Welcome!

A few weeks ago, Greg and I visited a place we'd never before explored together.  Years ago, before we'd ever met, we each merely passed through Memphis with our families while we were on our way to somewhere else.

We were excited about going on this trip, and had planned it for several months.  We were on a tight schedule as we had only two days to get in everything we wanted to see and do.

We did it!  With careful planning, we managed to do it all, and like we used to say when we were growing up, we "had a ball!"

The first day, we took in the Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid which is a landmark in Memphis.  It doesn't matter if you are into sports or not, because there is something for everybody at the Pyramid.

The 535,000-square-foot space houses specialty shops, a "cypress swamp," aquariums, taxidermy animal exhibits, bowling, as well as other activities, such as an elevator ride to the top of the 32-story Pyramid.

We even had a wonderful lunch there at Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl and Grill.

Our second stop was the Peabody Hotel which houses the famous Peabody ducks.

The Peabody Hotel, where five ducks parade through the hotel's grand lobby twice a day, is a must-see attraction when visiting Memphis.

My brother suggested that we take in Beale Street which is the most famous street in Memphis with its clubs and shops, its soul food, and its live music, and we're glad we did!

Beale Street Is Active, Day and Night

We spent a couple of hours drinking in the beauty of the "mighty Mississippi."  We walked on its banks which have around five miles of parks for outdoor recreation.  You can even take a river boat ride if you so desire.

In this photo, Greg is taking pictures along the Mississippi.  Notice the large buildings to Greg's right, the river boat straight ahead, and the Pyramid in the distance.

We always love staying in bed and breakfast inns, and the nearest one from Memphis was about 25 minutes away in Hernado, Mississippi.

Magnolia Grove Bed and Breakfast was elegantly beautiful, both inside and out.  The snacks and breakfast were superb.

The second day, we went to the famous home of the late Elvis Presley.  No visit to Memphis is complete without a visit to "Graceland."  Elvis seems to be as popular as ever, judging by the crowds of people that were there, not just from the United States, but from all over the world.

Greg and Becky, Right Outside of Graceland

Finally, our last stop was the Memphis Zoo that houses more than 3,000 animals, including "lions and tigers and bears.  Oh my!" (From "The Wizard of OZ') on 70 acres of land.

We were even entertained (through a window) while we enjoyed a delicious, healthy lunch there!

When we got back home, we were exhausted, but we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the "Home of the Blues," "Birthplace of Rock 'n Roll," and "Barbecued Pork Capital of the World." (From "Wikipedia")

Positive thought: "If I had to live my life over again,...I'd take more trips.  I'd climb more mountains....I'd watch more sunsets.  I'd burn more gasoline.  I'd eat more ice cream....I'd ride more merry-go-rounds.  I'd pick more daisies....I'd tell more people that I loved them."  (From "If I Had My Life Over-I'd pick More Daisies" by Nadine Stair or Don Herold)

Thanks for visiting!  Until Sunday, November 8, 2015 (or sooner!), Becky