Sunday, October 2, 2011

My Summer's Last Hoorah


Guess where I spent last week.


I know summer has been over for a few weeks now,
but my sister Nanniepannie and I
took a late vacation this year.


We spent the last week of September
lazing on the beach at Hilton Head, SC.
Hilton Head is beach and...


...golf.
Although we don't golf, we found plenty of other things to enjoy.
There are miles and miles of lovely trails for walking or...


...bike riding.
These two were complimentary with our condo.


This sign was posted just across the car park
from our condo's front door.
It was one of several like it.
When I first saw it, I thought it was
placed there for local color.


Nope!
Nancy snapped this one while on a bike ride.
The one I saw was swimming in a canal,
directly under a small bridge walkway
I was crossing.



We took a day trip to Savannah,
which was only an hour's drive away.
Be still my heart, I am smitten with Savannah.
The city was built on a grid pattern and
has twenty two squares, like the one above,
spaced every few blocks.
So, walking this "garden-city" is enchanting.
The architecture and charm of the historic district
had me wondering how I can manage
to live there someday.


We had lunch at Paula Deen's,  Lady and Sons Restaurant.


I adore Paula, love watching her on television,
and often use her recipes.
That being said, the restaurant was
a bit of a disappointment.
She's so vibrant, I expected the restaurant
and food to be the same.
It wasn't.  It was typical comfort food buffet,
which you can find anywhere in the South.


There are plenty of decor and interesting shops
A particular favorite of mine was
"The Paris Market."








You get the idea!
I'm the kind of person who enjoys the merchandising of
a shop's goods as much as the goods themselves.
I love looking at and analyzing displays.
The Paris Market was outstanding with its displays.
(Come back Wednesday, when I'll share more
eye candy from there.)

After a stop in Charlotte yesterday at IKEA
(Nancy and I can't get within fifty miles of an
IKEA without stopping),
we got home last night to a house so cold
we had to crank up the heat for the first time
this season.
Summer is now officially over.
Sigh...

17 comments:

John'aLee said...

Looks like you had one amazing trip! A great way to end the summer.

Linda said...

What an amazing post!! HEAT!! I can't believe it! We are still warm here in Texas! Loved your photos and thank you for sharing your trip!
(I PASSED an IKEA on the way home from San Marcos today. I have NEVER been in one. Perhaps I SHOULD!)

Blondie's Journal said...

Hilton Head looks like a lot of fun, but the alligator would have scared the pants off me!! We were in Savannah a few years ago and loved it! All that moss hanging from the trees amazed me!! Glad you had fun!

XO,
Janie

Susan Freeman said...

My husband and I were on Kiawah Island where he played golf and I saw so many alligators that I was afraid to get out of the golf cart. I enjoyed your pics of Savannah. Sorry that Paula's restaurant was disappointing.

Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

nanniepannie said...

It was a great trip, lets do it again next year!

Tanna said...

Oh, I've always wanted to go to Savannah now you've really got me wanting to have a visit! Especially loving it enough to wonder about living there one day! ;)

On the topic of alligators, my first visit to play golf at Charleston National Golf Course had signs about them... never really gave it a thought... Until I hit a little draw that landed me about twenty yards from a body of water... As I was walking to my ball, I heard a 'hiss' and there sunning himself was a big ole gator! LOL! You can imagine my surprise! I still chuckle about that! Looking forward to seeing more!! blessings ~ Tanna

Sally said...

I've always loved Savannah, such a unique little place. The only thing I would never do again; visit during St. Patrick's - you'd not know it was the same place.

Love your pictures! :)

Anonymous said...

Guess what - I'll be in Hilton Head in a few weeks. Love it there. We'll also take a side trip to Savannah because we can't resist The Lady & Sons.

Your pictures have definitely stirred my excitement!

The Single Nester said...

All those seashells and vintage books on the stairs make me happy.

From the Kitchen said...

I love Hilton Head and Savannah. When we lived in Charleston we usually went to Kiawah for our beach time but occasionally headed to Hilton Head. It was in Hilton Head where I purchased my first Silver Palate Cookbook--fond and delicious memories! Being from the south, I LOVE Paula Deen. I've never been to her restaurant.

Re. the eggs. Omit the water bath and leave them in the oven until the yolks are set. Obviously you are not an "egg sopper" as most southerners are!!

Best,
Bonnie

Stitchfork said...

What a fun last hoorah for summer! A little wildlife and all! Love SC, but still have not made it to Savannah - on my to -see list.
xo Cathy

Vicki Boster said...

Susan - a week at the beach is so wonderful. And getting to spend that time in Savannah is icing on the cake! Your photos from the Paris market leave me longing to be there also - I'd want to go just for the picture taking as well!

Yes - it was 34 degrees yesterday morning when I went out to work - fall is in the air. I'm praying for Indian summer~~

Vicki

no spring chicken said...

Yes, it does seem that summer is officially over... but you certainly knew how to say good bye!!

Blessings, Debbie

It's Just Dottie said...

So lovely and fun. I wish I could of went with you!
Smiles, Dottie

pve design said...

Long live summer and little escapes!
I love Savannah! Glad you were able to have some fun.
pve

Privet and Holly said...

I thin y'all sent the
heat up North; it's
nearly 90 today!
I love the beach
I love Savannah
I love Paris Market!
Of course, I love IKEA,
too....Great trip. Wish
I was going back to
Savannah, but don't
think E is considering
SCAD for college--
bummer!
xx Suzanne

Cheryl said...

My daughter lives in Charleston and we have vistited Savannah, but I can only go there in winter - it is way too hot there, that is why I love in the Uk :D, but beautiful huh? That whole part of the USA is beautiful.

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