Read more about the article The Rock Garden – Calhoun, GA

The Rock Garden – Calhoun, GA

Since it was Labor Day weekend, we were itching to get out of the city and do something different. We took a friend’s advice and went to see the Rock Garden in Calhoun.

When I think of rock gardens, I think of front-yard landscaping in front of Arizona houses – brown and ugly. This is totally different. It’s more like whimsical castles and bridges made from rocks. And it’s totally free!

Dewitt Boyd, aka “Old Dog” started the gardens, located behind the 7th Day Adventist Church, in 2007. He and other volunteers have spent years working on the different formations. The first one we came to was dedicated to one of the ministers of the church and had names of people in the rocks that contributed. As part of the building, there was a large rock wall that made a secluded outdoor living space to sit and reflect. (more…)

Read more about the article Solar Eclipse Viewing – Lake Keowee, SC

Solar Eclipse Viewing – Lake Keowee, SC

A co-worker of my husband owns a lake house on Lake Keowee near Sunset, SC. What started off as a casual invitation ended up being a department-wide solar eclipse viewing party in the path of totality. Luckily for us, spouses and kids were also included.

Although the company rented a shuttle bus, we took our own car since there were four of us. Our stuff alone filled the trunk – camera, tripod, swimsuits, towels and school textbooks.

Traffic was jammed north of Atlanta so our mapping system took us on scenic country roads near Braselton, GA. Back on I-85, we entered SC where tailgate tents dotted the rest area. “Well it is free parking and free bathrooms,” my husband said. (more…)

Read more about the article Corn Festival at Hardman Farm State Historic Site – White County, GA

Corn Festival at Hardman Farm State Historic Site – White County, GA

Located at the intersection of Hwy 75 (Helen Highway) and Hwy 17 in North Georgia, lies the 162-acre Hardman Farm State Historic Site. It is one of the newer additions to the Georgia State Park system. The farm was built by Colonel James Nichols in 1870 and originally called West End. After discovering the Indian Mounds, he built the red-roofed gazebo on top of it. As a side note, the nearby Anna Ruby Falls was named after Nichols’ daughter. (more…)

Read more about the article Colonial Williamsburg, VA

Colonial Williamsburg, VA

What I remember most about Colonial Williamsburg was that it was crowded and a bit chaotic. Although we purchased our tickets ahead of time, we had to stand in a 20 minute line. We found parking at the visitor center, but it was getting full. After finally getting our tickets, we walked the trail to the historic area. Not everything is open all the time. For example, on that Saturday, only certain houses were open for tours. We stopped first at John Chowning’s Tavern where we had a delicious meal. While we were waiting, we went to the Magazine to see the old weapons.

Then, we went to the Peyton Randolf House. During the tour of the two-story dark red wooden home, we learned not only about the Randolf family, but about their slaves as well. Originally owned by Sir John Randolf, the property consisted of two separate houses that were later joined together. (more…)