Read more about the article Okefenokee Swamp Park – Waycross, GA

Okefenokee Swamp Park – Waycross, GA

Did you know that Georgia has seven natural wonders? One of these is the Okefenokee Swamp at the southern end of the state. The name derives from the Native American term “Land of the Trembling Earth” which is exactly the sensation one would feel when stepping on the soggy masses of soil deposits.

Consisting of 438,000 acres of wetlands (or roughly 650 square miles), the Okefenokee swamp remains the largest blackwater swamp in North America. The black water comes from tannins on the bark and leaves that drop into the water. However, if you scoop up water in your hand, the water is more of a dirty orange color.

You can see the blackwater next to the green lily pads and vegetation

The Okefenokee Swamp lies in a remote area of Georgia with few roads or cities nearby. The Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge has a main entrance about 11 miles from Folkston (pop. 4,500) and a smaller entrance at the Stephen C. Foster State Park about 17 miles from Fargo (pop. 250). Both areas offer boat rentals, guided boat tours, walking trails, and camping.

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Read more about the article The Minden House – Minden, La

The Minden House – Minden, La

Recently, my great-grandmother's house in Minden was featured on Magnolia TV's "In with the Old." Titled "Minden's Mysterious Yellow House," the show features the extensive renovations Sara McDaniel of Simply…

Read more about the article The Lightner Museum – St. Augustine, FL

The Lightner Museum – St. Augustine, FL

After three years of visiting St. Augustine, I finally toured the Lightner Museum. The museum, housed in the former Hotel Alcazar (1888-1931) features massive collections from collector Otto C. Lightner (1886-1950).

Open seven days a week, the Lightner Museum lies in the historic St. Augustine district directly across from Flagler College. To reach the museum entrance, you go through the front part of the building which houses St. Augustine City Hall to a serene courtyard area.

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