Georgia On My Mind

I found myself having to go to southern Georgia for a family funeral (I’m not writing about the funeral; too personal for this here blog). Because of how quick things happened and the closest airport was an hour away in Jacksonville FL, flying was just too expensive. So, there I was driving 11 hours to St. Simon’s Island with my parents. While I was initially NOT looking forward to a work day’s worth of time in the car, each way, it ended up being rather pleasant and I always like hanging out my parents. Who knew there was another way to get south besides I-95? My dad, that’s who. We went I-something or other until we got to Columbia SC, then cut over to 95. It was really pretty. And, I have discovered that North Carolina is now my favorite state in the Union. Because, wait for it . . . there is a Chick-Fil-A at EVERY SINGLE EXIT on all interstates. I know for a fact that God created Chick-Fil-A. One, because it is so tasty and delicious; and two, because they are closed on Sundays. Ok, two just annoys me sometimes, but whatever. Chick-Fil-A is heaven sent!

My great Aunt and her family lived in Brunswick , on the southern coast of Georgia; we stayed on a pretty little island called St. Simon’s. My cousin booked a block of rooms at a Methodist retreat place. I got a little weird about that concept, but upon arrival I was ridiculously impressed. Apparently the place, Epworth-by-the-Sea, was an estate of some rich somebody or other and then became a place that is run by the Methodist church but open to anyone. The place is right on the water with hotel rooms, conference rooms, a dining room, chapels, and GORGEOUS GROUNDS. The place was loaded with Live Oaks dripping in Spanish moss, palm trees, pretty paths, and benches. The only downside is they request that no alcohol be brought into the rooms. As far as I’m concerned, what they don’t know won’t hurt them. Don’t judge me!!
A meeting cottage that was an old "tabby" slave cottage at Epworth-by-the-Sea

the grounds where we stayed

this place had the best Live Oaks

a 300 year old Live Oak in Brunswick near my aunt & uncle's house

I want Spanish Moss to grow at my house!!!

the view from out hotel room

We decided to take two days to drive home, as opposed the one we did it in on the way down. On Sunday we drove to Savannah and spent a few hours checking out the historic district. As the timing would have it, we arrived during their St. Patrick’s celebration. Apparently, Savannah has the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration behind NYC. Did not know there were that many people from the Emerald Isle down south. It was awesome. The whole city is amenable to open containers. And by open containers, I mean you wander the streets with tasty refreshing alcoholic libations. A police officer even saluted me with “Cheers” as I was walking about with a beer taking photos! They dye all of the water in the fountains of the historic district green, River Street gets shut down to traffic, and live music is performed all day in the City Market. Because we had so little time in the city, we decided to take a Trolley tour of the historic district and then return to the squares, etc that we wanted to really see. Our trolley driver was hilarious and yelled at pretty much everyone we passed. After the tour we headed to River Street for baked oysters, shrimp, and beer. Delicious, but annoying to shuck the damn oysters ourselves. I then took off to see as much of the historic district as possible. I hit the big stuff and got some great pictures before meeting back up with Mom and Dad.

Green Fountains. . . yaaaaaaay!

City Market

River Street

Getting beers for the walk is serious business!

getting ready for oysters and beers

I beleive this one speaks for itself

Colonial Park Cemetary

you gotta be really bombed to pass out on a bench in a cemetary in one of the most haunted cities in the country!

cool street sign at corner of Jones & Lincoln Sts

House from "Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil"

Forsyth Park

On Monday morning we reached Nirvana of the south. . . South of the Border. That place is still chocked full of crap and I still love it as much as I did when I seven. I bought magnets and a bumper sticker; it was too early in the morning to go to Pedro’s X-rated shop. That will happen next time!!!!!!

Pedro says "buy more crap!"

this is how you know you've arrived!

So, in summary, I am now in love with Savannah. I will be taking a month off of work next year to embrace their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations (ok, not a month, but you get the idea). You are all invited to join me. And, we are driving so as to hit EVERY Chick-Fil-A between the Commonwealth and South of the Border. Yeeeeehaaaaaw!