5 Great Reasons to Visit Carolina Beach, North Carolina

07/29/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

SHELLS, WAVES AND LESS-CROWDED BEACHES

The sand on Carolina Beach is light brown and coarser than that of the Alabama Gulf Coast or the Florida panhandle, but the less crowded conditions more than make up for that powdery white stuff. The seashells are bigger, and the waves are just as impressive. But, having plenty of places to park your beach chair, towel and umbrella with unobstructed views of the water is a huge plus. The powers-that-be recently brought in tons of sand to replenish what was lost in last year’s storm, so the actual “beach area” has expanded exponentially. It’s idyllic and peaceful.

My only caution is to be careful when you’re getting out of one of those low beach chairs — the kind where you can sit on the water’s edge and experience the ebb and flow of the tide washing over your feet. Each wave that rolls in causes your chair to sink a little bit lower into the sand. You’ll either have to be extremely agile or have able-bodied friends to help pull you up. . . . or so I’ve heard. 🙂

Ready to find the perfect spot for my beach chair.

2. WONDERFUL FOOD

As you’ve come to expect from me, I will go into much greater detail about specific restaurants in an upcoming blog. But, let me assure you that Carolina Beach has an abundance of eateries to satisfy every appetite craving — with the number skewed toward seafood, naturally.

I’ll be sharing about Jack Mackerel, Stoked, Michael’s, Havana’s, The Deck House and Kate’s soon, but also know that a gorgeous, new Publix just opened on the island, so visitors can find plenty of food TO-BE prepared and ALREADY prepared both there and at Food Lion when they’re in town.

3. DONUTS, RIDES AND FIREWORKS ON THE BOARDWALK

Carolina Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park takes up several blocks along Cape Fear Boulevard and is a striking part of the landscape. The rides are open in the summer from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Britt’s Donut Shop, arguably the most popular draw on the Boardwalk, however, opens at 8:30 a.m. to satisfy the demand for their one and only flavor — classic, glazed donuts that quite literally melt in your mouth. Britt’s version is regularly listed in various publications for being the best donut in the state.

Crowds tend to swell on the Boardwalk and in shops, parking lots and restaurants near the Boardwalk on Thursday nights, because that’s when the fireworks show happens. All eyes are on the sky when darkness falls on that night of the week.

They’ve just been to Britt’s Donut Shop.

4. TAKE THE SHORT FERRY RIDE TO SOUTHPORT

Coastal Living Magazine has referred to Southport as “America’s Happiest Seaside Town.” I can believe it. Beautiful homes, a gorgeous setting, unique shops, a picturesque harbor, great food and a laid-back, homey atmosphere combine to make Southport a perfect location for movie crews, especially those bringing to life the novels of Nicholas Sparks. “Safe Haven,” “A Walk to Remember,” “The Secret Life of Bees” and “Crimes of the Heart” are just a few of the more than two dozen movies that have been filmed here.

Take a walking tour (if it’s not too hot), enjoy a tram or wagon tour, eat at Fishy Fishy Cafe, browse the shops — especially The Christmas House on Moore Street — but, by all means, experience the ferry ride from Carolina Beach (you can sit in the comfort of your car for the whole trip if you prefer). It costs $7 each way, but I’d call it a must-do when you’re in this part of North Carolina.

5. DRIVE TO NEARBY WILMINGTON

It’s well worth your use of a day or part of a day to drive back across the bridge to Wilmington and immerse yourself in the shopping, history and dining.

Stately antebellum homes line the streets leading to the Cape Fear River. History buffs will want to check out the tours available for Bellamy Mansion or Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens on Market Street or the Poplar Grove Plantation on Highway 17 North.

Have lunch at Elijah’s overlooking the water, but be sure to save room for a cupcake at The Peppered Cupcake a few blocks away. I enjoyed shopping in Ropa, etcetera across the street and many other attractive boutiques.

Wilmington is another quick excursion to make from Carolina Beach that can be fun, delicious and educational.

Looking out on the Cape Fear River in Wilmington, NC.

So many shops in the historic district of Wilmington.

Check back next week for some mouthwatering photos from restaurants around Carolina Beach. So, so good.

Lodging Options in Helen, GA: From Primitive to Plush

07/22/2019 By: CCPearson2 Comments

OVERNIGHT TREE HOUSE CAMPING, ANYONE?

Nacoochee Adventures & Zip-n-Time might specialize in zip lines and ATVs, but they will also fix you up with a tree house, if you want to spend the night in the beautiful woods of North Georgia. These treehouses are strictly primitive — perfect for back-to-nature folks — with no electricity or running water. But, with a flashlight and a short walk, you’ll find a convenient outhouse — good to know if you’re trying to avoid bears and “creatures.” Plan to take your own sleeping bags and supplies, but substantial shelter from the rain is provided, along with an up-close way to truly spend the night in the forest. The stuff of fairytales.

Nacoochee Adventures treehouse

UNICOI STATE PARK AND ADVENTURE LODGE

At Unicoi State Park, guests may choose between the hotel-like setting of the lodge or a wide variety of cabins. Especially unique are the barrel cabins with great views of the 53-acre lake. Cabins feature full bathrooms, living areas and furnished kitchens in a wide range of sizes.

Other amenities inside the park include the wonderful restaurant at the lodge, the lake for fishing, canoeing and kayaking, zip-lining, an archery range and miles of hiking trails.

HOTEL CHAINS

With a population of less than 500, it might be surprising to find so many hotels in the tiny town. Clearly, Helen residents WELCOME visitors and want them to have plenty of places to spend a night or two.

You’ll find recognized chains such as Hampton Inn, Red Roof Inn, Baymont by Wyndham, Country Inn and Suites, Jameson Inn, and I can personally vouch for Holiday Inn Express and Suites. Along with the comfortable bed, plentiful hot water, free Wi-Fi and cable television, the full breakfast (with Cinnabon rolls!!!), the ever-present coffee/tea station and the afternoon cookies elevate the guest experience.

VALHALLA RESORT HOTEL

For a truly upscale and pampered overnight stay, consider the Valhalla Resort Hotel. The location takes advantage of the best views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The guest suites feature private balconies, smart TVs and rainfall spa showers. Ahhhhhhhh.

The bungalows, on the property but separate from the hotel, will accommodate up to 4 people, and the private villa, a short drive away, will accommodate 8 guests.

Valhalla Resort property includes a golf course, a swimming pool with cabanas, and a luxurious spa. Plus, the Caledonia Dining Room provides a fine dining experience for breakfast or dinner.

BOOK EARLY

As you can tell, there’s a setting and a budget to suit everyone. The main thing is to decide when you want to visit Helen and book your acccommodations EARLY. Oktoberfest runs from September 5 through October 31, then the magical Christmas season begins. You don’t want to miss out.

Lucy Buffett and Her Famous Fried Green Tomatoes

07/08/2019 By: CCPearson1 Comment

A few months ago, I was invited by USA Today’s 10Best.com to contribute a story about fried green tomatoes, specifically as they apply to Alabama. And it was strongly recommended that I try to interview Lucy Buffett since her green tomatoes, after all, were voted by readers to be the best in the state. (Scroll to the bottom to find a link to the story).

Naturally, I was thrilled to have the opportunity, but I was a little nervous about trying to talk to Lucy Buffett. Her flagship restaurant in Gulf Shores — Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s — is phenomenally popular, even in the off season. Thousands of people wait in line for a table during peak summer months to get the freshest possible seafood, hear some great music, and, of course, sample her top-rated appetizer with WOW Sauce on the side. The parking lot is huge, and while visitors wait, they can browse the gift shop, stroll among gorgeous yachts and boats or let the kids play in the arcade and try their hand on the ropes course. It has become more than a restaurant. It’s a destination in itself. (If you’re going to be in Gulf Shores this summer and want to visit, I suggest you click here when you arrive in town and get your name on the list for the day you want to eat at LuLu’s).

Lucy Buffett’s Fried Green Tomatoes, voted best in Alabama. Photo used with permission from LuLu’s.

In recent years, Ms. Buffett has added two more restaurants — Destin, FL and North Myrtle Beach, SC.

How was I going to be able to actually TALK to someone so successful? Hallelujah for the help I was given by the great tourism folks at GulfShores.com, especially Mary Sargeant and Kay Maghan. They graciously agreed to get in touch with Ms. Buffett’s personal assistant, and an interview time was established. I started reading everything I could find about her and realized she has led an extremely interesting life. She’s worked very hard for her well-deserved success.

From the first “hello,” I felt as though I were talking to a long-time friend. Lucy was friendly, funny, forthcoming, helpful and oh-so-genuine. What I expected to last 10 minutes, went on for 30. It was delightful to learn that we have several things in common.

She, too, is a grandmother. Her twin granddaughters are deeply loved and immensely enjoyed.
We both play a musical instrument. In her case, it’s the ukelele! 🙂 She’s teaching herself to play and is insisting that her granddaughters learn an instrument of their choosing.

Lucy and her husband, as of about 10 years ago, no longer drink alcohol — not a drop. She does, however, enjoy an occasional, non-alcoholic, ginger beer. And, the pimento cheese she serves uses a little bit of honey ale brewed by Back 40 Brewing in Gadsden, but she’s never tasted the ale “straight.”

The recipe that sets her fried green tomatoes apart is found in her cookbook Gumbo Love and is NOT for someone who wants to whip them up right quick. The flour mixture alone has 10 ingredients, and the WOW Sauce she serves to accompany them adds another 5. But, believe me, her extra touches are what set them apart.

So, here’s my story. I’d love to read your thoughts.

https://www.10best.com/interests/food-culture/everything-you-want-to-know-about-fried-green-tomatoes/

Take a Break From the Theme Parks in Central Florida With These 6 Suggestions

05/13/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

First, let me be clear. Disney World, Epcot, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Animal Kingdom and all the rest do a phenomenal job in the arena of family entertainment. They have guest experiences down to a very fine science. You will see topnotch shows, world class exhibits and breathtaking landscaping. You’ll eat great food while being served by a friendly, attractive waitstaff, and the shopping possibilities for spending your money have no bounds. While Steve and I could never conceive of spending what we’d have to spend to take 14 grandchildren to Disney World, we certainly understand and support those of you who CAN provide such a vacation. And we love looking at your photos on Facebook. 🙂

But, for the purposes of today’s blog post, let’s assume that you’re heading to the Central Florida/Kissimmee area in the coming months and want to spend at least one day away from the parks. Here are just a few OTHER activities you might enjoy:

Ride a bike through Celebration, Florida. Celebration Bike Rental is there to provide everything you might need, including a guide if you wish. The paths are smooth with very few hills, and you’ll pedal past close-up encounters of nature as well as stunning homes. And, if you should happen to take a small spill (not that I have firsthand knowledge or anything 🙂 ), they are eager to take great care of you. I highly recommend them.

Enjoy the shops and eateries in Celebration, Florida. It’s such a pretty little planned community with tree-lined streets and a beautiful lake. You’ll enjoy the laidback atmosphere so much after the hustle and bustle of crowds at the theme parks. An idea to consider is signing up for a cooking class at U Can Cook Culinary School. That will be on my list during a future visit.

Take a walking tour of historic downtown Kissimmee, Florida. Begin at the Kissimmee Welcome Center (look for the large horseshoe sculpture). You might be surprised to find all of the cowboy references scattered throughout. Your guide can explain why they are there. Enjoy the public art on display and notice all of the ethnicities represented in the 26 restaurants downtown. Browse the specialty shops. Be sure you include a stop at the Osceola County Courthouse, which is the oldest courthouse in Florida still being used as a courthouse. Stroll along the Lakefront Park and consider signing up for a 1/2 day of bass fishing at Big Toho Marina.

Drive out to Boggy Creek Airboat Rides to observe alligators, hear a presentation about Native American life and take an exhilarating ride through the waters that form the mouth of the Everglades. You might catch a glimpse of some creatures who don’t swim or fly.

Pretend you are Tarzan or Jane at the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park. Full disclosure: I put on the harness fully intending to at least try the zipline. But, then I considered the distance between the line and the ground, coupled with my less-than-limber body, and chose to keep my feet planted on terra firma. The young millenials I was with had a great time, and I’m sure some of my grands would have been eager to try the whole course. Safety is a HUGE deal with the people at Tree Trek Adventure Park. They give very explicit explanations and stay close by to assure that you follow the directions carefully.

I was really looking forward to my very first hot air balloon ride, but the winds didn’t cooperate. If that is on your Bucket List, then make a reservation with Orlando Balloon Rides and be sure to send me some photos.

Enjoy your time in Central Florida.

4 Unusual Finds in Cincinnati

04/29/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

After two trips to Cincinnati in the past couple of years, I must say that I have become a huge fan of the city. Its vibrancy, architecture, fine arts, history, food (specifically its version of chili), and, of course, its passion for their Cincinnati Reds baseball are all contagious.

Camp Washington Chili – 5 way — spaghetti, meat sauce, cheese, beans and onions.

But, Cincinnati also has its fair share of quirky places, hidden gems reflecting the skills or the collections of individuals in the area. Allow me to introduce you to 4 of these.

Vent Haven Museum – The World’s Only Museum Dedicated to Ventriloquism

With over 900 ventriloquist dummies (and yes, that is the politically correct name for them), you’ll sense many eyes looking back at you when you walk in the door. Technically, Vent Haven is at 33 West Maple Avenue in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, but that is considered to be part of the greater Cincinnati area. Founder W. S. Berger spent 40 years on this collection, which has been gathered from 20 different countries and has examples from 3 different centuries. Be sure to see the Edgar Bergen display as well as Shari Lewis and her beloved Lamb Chop.

It is only open from May 1 to September 30, and you’ll need to call ahead to schedule a tour. Click here for that link. A $10 per person donation is suggested. Be aware that there are no public restrooms at Vent Haven.

LUCKY CAT MUSEUM

For me, this is the kind of place that proves that you can find a passionate collector or person who is interested in just about anything you can name. The Lucky Cat Museum consists of hundreds, probably even thousands, of cat statues with a paw held up or waving — the kind found in virtually every Japanese or Chinese restaurant. These are considered to be lucky charms that bring prosperity to the person(s) displaying it.

The museum is inside Essex Studios at 2511 Essex Place in Cincinnati and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 3:00 to 6:00. Admission is free but donations are gladly accepted.

THE SWING HOUSE

The Swing House is one of the truly coolest things I’ve seen in a long time. It is actually an art project inside a 3-story house. Located at 1373 Avon Place in the Camp Washington section of Cincinnati, owner/artist Mark de Jong took out the interior walls and floors and suspended a 30-foot swing from a metal beam in the ceiling. I took a short turn in that swing and found it to be exceedingly smooth and exhilarating. Imagine swinging from over your bed to over your kitchen sink!! There is an Open House to visit on the first Saturday of every month from 12:00 to 4:00.

The house can actually be rented out as an AirBnB. Here is a link to that listing.

AMERICAN SIGN MUSEUM

The American Sign Museum is at 1330 Monmouth Avenue in Cincinnati, also in the Camp Washington section. It is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 4:00 and on Sunday from 12:00 to 4:00. Admission is $15 per adult, but 3 children are free with each adult admission.

This Sign Museum is a colorful trip down memory lane with sights that will trigger images of your childhood. The 20,000-square foot space is filled with signs covering a 100-year time span.

Cincinnati is only about a 6 1/2-hour drive from North Alabama. It’s a great place. I strongly suggest that you think about visiting. Links to each website are embedded in the headings.

REUNION RESORT – Fabulous Lodging Options near Disney World

04/22/2019 By: CCPearson2 Comments

Hotels are everywhere in the Orlando/Kissimmee, Florida, area, but I recently got a close-up look at an amazing 2200+-acre property within a 6-mile drive of Walt Disney World and only 30 miles from the Orlando airport. You might want to consider it for your next visit to Central Florida.

At Reunion Resort and Golf Club, 7593 Gathering Drive in Kissimmee, guests may choose from one, two- or three-bedroom villas or multi-bedroom vacation homes sleeping as many as 36! Many of the vacation homes have private swimming pools, but the resort also gives access to numerous pools, water slides and a 1000-foot lazy river.

An advantage of the homes would be the kitchen facilities and the spacious rooms for gathering and relaxing with families, friends or business associates. Grocery delivery is available from a Publix nearby, or there are two outstanding restaurants within the property grounds — Eleven (appropriately named for the floor where it is located) and Traditions in the newest golf clubhouse.

Speaking of golf, there are THREE signature courses inside the resort — Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson.

Massages, facial and body treatments are offered in the luxurious Boutique Spa, in addition to salon experiences such as hairstyles, manicures and pedicures.

Tennis, pickleball, bocce ball, bike rentals, playgrounds and fitness classes can all be scheduled by guests at Reunion Resort.

A shuttle operates 24-hours a day to transport guests from their lodging choice to any of the restaurants, golf courses, spa treatments or sports activities within the gates.

Here are some photos from the 6-bedroom house where I stayed:

And check out this burger I ordered at the Traditions Clubhouse. Enough for SEVERAL hungry people.

For larger groups, how about this beauty that sleeps 28 people and has its own lazy river:

Or this fabulous home that sleeps 36, has a bowling alley, a golf simulation area, theater room and large pool:

You could host an entire family reunion in one of these homes. We could even have Cousins Camp there. What do you think, Steve Pearson? It’s okay to dream, isn’t it?

Suffice it to say that there are some great choices for lodging when you decide to vacation in the Orlando/Kissimmee area. This one is near Celebration, FL and Disney Springs, giving even MORE dining and shopping possibilities.

Looking Back at my 2018 Travels and Recommendations

01/07/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t just looked back at my calendar and all of the photos I took. During 2018, I visited 23 destinations, finished construction/decisions/moving involved with our new house and hosted the 11th Annual Cousins Camp. You might think I’d be ready to stay home for awhile, and yes. I truly do savor days for writing, thinking and “just being.” But, those of you who know me best, know that I always LOVE planning. So, happily my calendar is filling up with more amazing places to explore in 2019.

A few of the trips I made in 2018 were purely for fun, but 100% have or will end up as blog posts or articles in other publications. And, 100% of the places I visited can be wholeheartedly recommended for you. The vast majority were in my heartland, a.k.a. The Deep South, but I also got on a few airplanes along the way.

I began the year with Steve on Captiva Island, near Fort Myers, FL, and we ended our travel year seeing New York City at Christmas time. In between, there were fabulous restaurants, hotels, museums, attractions of all kinds and stunning displays of nature. Here are some highlights, pretty much in order as I saw them through the year. Maybe one or more of them will capture your attention and draw you in for a closer look. Please stick with me as we explore more hidden, and not-so-hidden, gems in 2019.

Shellhunting with the shorebirds on tranquil Captiva Island, near Fort Myers, FL in January of 2018.

The iconic tree in Rockefeller Center, New York City, December 2018.

February is a wonderful time to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast. There are many activities and advantage for snowbirds, and of course, the seafood is always fresh and delicious.

A search for the many painted mules in Jasper, AL is a fun pursuit. While there, the shopping and dining options are plentiful.

The Birmingham Civil Rights Museum is an important destination. While in town, try some of the great restaurants — Highlands Bar and Grill, Galley and Garden, Chez Fonfon, etc. — and take the elevator to the top of the Vulcan.

It was so much fun to share a “Gone with the Girls” tour with my daughter and granddaughter. Clay and Henry Counties and their towns of Jonesboro, Locust Grove and McDonough (just a few miles south of Atlanta) are full of great eateries. shops and attractions, among them is the Road to Tara Museum.

Oxford, Mississippi is home to the University of Mississippi, 4 restaurants owned by John Currence and Rowan Oak, home of novelist William Faulkner. What a great town!

In addition to famous recording studios, boutique hotels, the University of North Alabama and good Southern eats, be sure to visit the store and workshop of Natalie Chanin and get a close look at her fabulous textile artistry.

The historic and beautiful Dunhill is a great place to stay in downtown Charlotte. The rooms are comfortable, the location is great, and The Asbury, adjoining restaurant, has award-winning chefs.

Biltmore House and Gardens is a MUST when visiting Asheville, N.C. Also, consider one of the delightful B & Bs in the area.

While visiting the Old 96 District of South Carolina, I highly recommend staying at The Inn on the Square in Greenwood, S.C.

Historic Brattonsville is an informative attraction in the Olde English District of South Carolina, between Charlotte, NC and Columbia, SC.

Canton OH is home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and SO MUCH MORE!!

Downtown Cleveland is filled with sports venues, hotels and restaurants. A little further out are attractions for history, art and music lovers, and don’t forget the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Columbia, TN has a great historic downtown, the James K. Polk Home and the Blythewood Inn Bed and Breakfast. Be sure to plan a stop when you’re in the Nashville area.

Gadsden, AL has Noccalula Falls within its city limits, plus a wonderful Main Street with shops, restaurants and a very active cultural center.

Corinth, Mississippi is the site of important Civil War history. Here is a poignant fountain outside the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center.

The Palm Court, ornate restaurant inside the Plaza Hotel in New York City, is where one of America’s most famous Afternoon Tea parties takes place.

Go. See. Eat. Experience. There’s a great, big, fascinating world out there.

(Just scroll back through my blog posts to read about these places in greater detail).

4 Huge Reasons to Take Your Grandsons to Cleveland

10/08/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

I recently visited Cleveland and Canton, Ohio with a group of fellow travel writers. It was my first time in the area, but I am determined that it won’t be my last. For my next visit, I WILL take some grandsons along. They’ll have a ball!!

SPORTS, SPORTS AND MORE SPORTS! — Three major professional teams have their home stadiums in Cleveland, Ohio: Cleveland Browns (football), Cleveland Cavaliers (basketball) and Cleveland Indians (baseball). Those stadiums are in the same general vicinity, so much so that when I visited, I walked a few short blocks to Progressive Field for an Indians game and passed an excited horde of fans heading in the opposite direction to FirstEnergy Stadium for the Browns season opener. The Indians climbed to the top of their division and made it to the playoffs this year. The Browns fans stay loyal, in spite of lackluster records. They believe in their team. The Cavaliers said good-bye to Lebron James after winning the NBA championship but still love the Cavs and their chances to bring home more wins.

Our boys would love going to a game, and the odds are good that we’d be able to schedule our trip to see one of these Cleveland teams for a home game.

2. PURE FUN! — Cleveland has its own zoo, aquarium and science center, but a mere hour away from downtown Cleveland in Sandusky is Cedar Point Amusement Park, calling itself “The Roller Coaster Capital of the World.” That says it all, doesn’t it? Thrills-a-million!

For a bit of quirkiness, A Christmas Story House, site where much of the iconic Christmas movie was filmed, is open for tours. Since the movie first came out in 1983, perhaps a pre-trip viewing of the movie would be in order to whet our appetites. Popcorn, anyone?

A Christmas Story House

3. LEARN ABOUT ROCK AND ROLL AND PRO FOOTBALL LEGENDS! The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is on E. 9th Street in Cleveland and is one of the most popular attractions in the city. The interactive exhibits and memorabilia from famous singers are guaranteed to entertain the younger set, and maybe they will gain an appreciation for the music of their parents’ and grandparents’ days. The Beatles, Elvis, Aretha Franklin — every one you could name. This is a multi-sensory profusion.

Outside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

An hour away in Canton, is the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Once again, the displays and exhibits are interactive and superbly done. My favorite display showcased the Super Bowl rings of various stars. Those bad boys are HUGE!! I can imagine the grandsons picking a favorite team and following the journey of its most famous athletes through the museum.

Pro Football Hall of Fame

Super Bowl Ring

4. EAT GREAT FOOD! The first place that springs to mind is The Happy Dog at Euclid Tavern. Check out this impressive list of FIFTY, yes 50, different toppings you can order for your hamburger or hot dog.

Hot Dog toppings

The Greenhouse Tavern on E. 4th Street has an Ohio Beef Burger that would get 2 thumbs up from some hungry boys.

Ohio Beef Burger at The Greenhouse Tavern

For breakfast, I would want to take them to Grumpy’s Cafe one day and West Side Market Cafe the next. And, somewhere along the way, they would need to taste their first pierogi. THEN, they could feel that they had really walked in the shoes of true Clevelanders.

Grumpy’s breakfast

Pierogies!

Yes, I know. Cleveland is probably NOT the best choice for a grandparents/grandchildren destination in the winter. But, for spring, summer and fall, it is bursting with ways to make amazing memories.

P.S. Never fear. There’s a whole future post about great activities the grandDAUGHTERS will love as well. 🙂

7 Must-Do Activities for San Francisco (Revisited)

07/23/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

(I am declaring a one-month sabbatical from blogging for July. The two reasons? 1) We’re FINALLY moving into our new house, and I desperately need to “make it into a home,” with all of the organizing, picture-hanging, accessorizing that entails. 2) The 11th Annual Pearson Cousins Camp will be held July 22-28. That week requires complete focus, attention and meticulous planning. So, for this month, we will revisit some of my favorite posts from the past three years that I have been blogging here at ThereGoesConnie.com).

7 Ways to Feel Like You Really Went to San Francisco

06/15/2015 BY: CCPEARSON4 COMMENTS

(This is a print we bought as a souvenir. It hangs in a place we pass frequently to remind us of our wonderful time in the City by the Bay.)

1) Ride a cable car. It’s a must! Every movie or television show you’ve ever seen that is set in San Francisco shows them. The views are wonderful. The drivers are entertaining. It doesn’t cost very much. You’ll kick yourself if you don’t. Steve and I both rode UP, then he chose to walk back down through Chinatown and the Crooked Street. I wish I’d been with him.

2) Stroll around Fisherman’s Wharf. See what’s for sale. Smell the fresh seafood. Savor the feeling of being on the Bay. People watch. Enjoy the colorful boats docked there.

3) Eat sourdough bread SEVERAL TIMES. Crusty on the outside, soft on the inside. So yummy! Boudin’s is the place at Fisherman’s Wharf.

4) Eat chocolate at Ghiradelli Square. Yes, it will cost more there than at your local grocery store, but just do it so you can say you did. There are other neat things to buy there, but don’t by-pass the chocolate. I’m telling ya.

5) Take a narrated bay cruise to Alcatraz. Even if you don’t actually go into the former prison, it is still eye-opening to understand where it is, who was housed there, what an escape would have involved, etc. Let’s just say it will enhance your understanding in novels and old movies.

6) Drive up to Napa Valley and Sonoma to tour a vineyard. It’s only a few miles up the road. Steve and I are non-alcohol people, but we still enjoyed seeing the gorgeous fields of grapes and learning about the wine-making process. Somewhere in my mind, I knew that yeast was involved, but it wasn’t until I walked into the Gloria Ferrar Winery and started looking for the homemade bread (without finding any) that I knew for sure that yeast was a part of the process. And, just so you know, there are plenty of sodas, juices or flavored waters available while the rest of your group has their wine-tasting.

By the way, everyone scattered for lunch in the town of Sonoma. We happened upon a Mexican restaurant called “Maya.” Here is the review I shared on Trip Advisor about it: The Best Mexican We’ve Ever Eaten “My husband and I were in Sonoma for a few hours recently and happened upon Maya for lunch. We were so pleased with the results. We shared “Oh-So-Good” Nachos and Chicken Enchiladas. Both were absolutely bursting with flavor and fresh ingredients. Our service was good, and the prices were very reasonable. We would highly recommend that you give it a try.”

7) View the Golden Gate Bridge from every possible angle. It truly is a beautiful symbol of the city, and what a serendipity for Auburn fans that it is painted ORANGE. We happened to be on a tour bus by the time we headed out of San Francisco. The tour director brilliantly made sure we heard Frank Sinatra croon “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” as we drove over it for our final time on this visit. A perfect moment in my book.

For a hotel in a great location, we liked the Hilton Fisherman’s Wharf. See the website here.

Several restaurants we recommend are: Alioto’s, Beach Street Grill, and Joe’s Crab Shack. All three are reasonably priced with good food.

On our next visit to San Francisco, I’m sure we’d repeat numbers 1, 2, 3, and 7 again, and maybe even 4, 5, and 6. Why skimp on fun??

Don’t Miss the Lobsters in Maine (Revisited)

07/20/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

Maine Impressions — LOBSTERS!!

10/24/2016 BY: CCPEARSONCOMMENT

A memorable scene from Forrest Gump occurs when his friend Bubba drones on endlessly about the many ways that shrimp can been prepared and eaten. As a refresher, watch it here.

When we got off the plane in Portland, Maine recently, one of my goals was to experience lobster, Maine lobster, in as many ways as I could find. After all, hadn’t we just come to the Lobster Capital of the United States, maybe even the world?? According to a March 4, 2016 article in Portland Press Herald, lobstermen in Maine hauled a record $616.5 million worth of lobsters in 2015, derived from 276.5 million pounds. Stacks of lobster traps and displays of colorful lobster buoys are common there but very uncommon for our native Alabamian eyes.

Lobster buoys and traps in Boothbay Harbor.

I had not eaten lobster since a very nice date during college insisted I order it in a restaurant and try it for the first time. I remembered liking it, but there again, over 45 years had passed in the meantime.

Fresh from the lobster boat ready for the boiling pot.

Since I wasn’t positive I’d really like it, I ordered a combination lobster/crab roll for one of our first lunches in Kennebunkport. I liked the crab, but I LOVED the lobster, so it was full on after that.

A lobster roll in Boothbay Harbor. It tastes even better eaten outdoors overlooking the harbor.

For dinner that night, we had lobster bisque served in a coffee mug, then lobster mac and cheese. Both were delicious. The lobster mac and cheese was fancier than the name implied with huge chunks of lobster and both fontina and Gruyere cheeses.

Lobster mac and cheese in Kennebunkport.

During our first night in Rockland, we decided to go for broke and order “the whole deal” and try our best to crack that beast and coax out the meat. It was an ordeal and a lot of work. Dishes where the lobster has been picked out for you are much better deals. Trust me.

My lobster bib getting ready to tackle the whole monster.

All except the white albino lobsters turn red when they’re cooked. I think they look better when they are this nice color.

While watching the Auburn game at a sports bar in Bar Harbor (see what I did there?), we enjoyed hot crab and lobster dip on flatbread wedges. Oh my goodness. YUMMMMM!!

After about 3 days of lobster, we decided to move on to some of the other delectable seafood choices and found the haddock and scallops to be amazing. If you are a seafood lover, I strongly recommend a trip to Maine. Try some dishes that aren’t fried and don’t expect hushpuppies, and you’ll be very satisfied. I promise.

Just as a quick side note, we had breakfast one day with a couple from Cape Cod. They had no plans to eat lobster in Maine declaring that the lobster on their part of the coast was much “sweeter and softer.” Maybe that calls for another exploration trip. 🙂

When you’re planning your trip, check the websites for these restaurants:

Pier 77 at Cape Porpoise near Kennebunkport

Mabel’s Lobster Claw, Kennebunkport

Alisson’s, Kennebunkport

Archer’s on the Pier, Rockland

Mariner’s Grill, Camden

The Pearl on the Pier, Rockland

Paddy’s Irish Pub, Bar Harbor

The Chart Room, Bar Harbor

Be aware that some of these may only be open for “the season” which basically runs from Memorial Day till Columbus Day, so do your research.