Remarkable People Along the Journey Archives

Passionate People in Waveland and Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

02/08/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

I met many people — restaurant owners, park rangers, shopkeepers, tourism representatives, tour guides, to name a few — who obviously love their work and are passionate about continuing the upward momentum in Waveland and Bay St. Louis following the double disastrous blows of Katrina in 2005 and the BP oil spill in 2010. To accomplish what they have so far, they have had to possess tremendous dedication, loyalty and commitment to the task. Today I want to introduce you to three of these impressive people.

MIKE SMITH

Mike Smith was recently elected to his second term as mayor of Waveland, Mississippi. Previous to running for office, he was the city’s Fire Chief. During the worst of Katrina, he was the Assistant Fire Chief. That meant that during the hours the storm was raging, he was busy helping and rescuing others while his own property was washed away.

When you visit the Ground Zero Museum in Waveland, be sure to notice a series of photos that Mayor Mike took showing many beautiful houses only 24 hours before they were destroyed. He knew the storm was headed their way and wanted to be able to document the effects as well as to preserve the memories of what once was. Until the hurricane made landfall, the exact location continued to change. But, as it turned out, Waveland was the bullseye.

Mayor Mike faces many challenges — for instance, 20% of Waveland’s population left and hasn’t returned — but is working tirelessly to lure businesses back and to lead efforts to build new structures even better than ever before. The soon-to-be dedicated lighthouse at the new beach area is particularly appealing and will attract thousands for play and recreation.

Mayor Mike Smith and I at the Ground Zero Museum in Waveland, MS.

ERICA LARKIN GAUDET

Larkin Gaudet is a renowned and accomplished sculptor. She and her husband Mitchell own, manage and display some of their works alongside those of other artists at Studio Waveland and Gallery near Waveland’s new City Hall. As a result, they are also helping area artists and attracting more from surrounding areas. The gallery serves as a gathering place for upscale events and also as a workshop and teaching center for those wanting to learn new skills.

Larkin and Mitchell are attractive, talented, charismatic and great ambassadors for the town of Waveland. Check out these websites to learn more: Studio Waveland and Gallery and EricaLarkinGaudet.com.

Larkin Gaudet posing by a sketch of one of her sculptures.

NIKKI NICHOLSON MOON

On the day I met Nikki, she was walking in a boot cast because of a broken foot, but that didn’t appear to deter her in the least. Nikki has certainly withstood much worse.

After a successful career “selling New Orleans” for over 24 years, Nikki bought a large house and inn in a prominent location across from the harbor in Bay St. Louis in February of 2003, when she was 50 years old. The house was built in 1897, so she (mistakenly) thought it could withstand Katrina and chose to stay and ride out the storm. Katrina proved to be far more than anyone anticipated. She narrowly escaped as her house collapsed and the water swept through. With her dog in her arms, she swam and grabbed for anything she could find and miraculously found a tree where she hung on for dear life for hours. Two other people found that same tree, and thankfully the dog was smart enough to hold onto his owner as well.

After many struggles and agonizing decisions, she was finally able to break ground on her brand new home and 12-room inn in October of 2012. Two months later, her husband of two years was diagnosed with melanoma, and six months later, he died. She persevered and has a lovely home and thriving inn as her reward. Nikki said that the hardest thing to overcome was the fact that she has nobody but herself to blame for mistakes but also only herself to make the decisions. She chooses to keep moving forward. I am inspired by her story and can highly recommend her inn — Bay Town Inn Bed and Breakfast.

Innkeeper Nikki Moon and I are the Mockingbird Cafe.

Who have you met lately who inspires you? Who have you talked to with a contagious passion and enthusiasm? The term “movers and shakers” definitely applies to the three I’ve mentioned today. How can you or I make the world a better place? What causes do we need to champion?

Today Our Baby is 40!

10/15/2018 By: CCPearson4 Comments

On October 15, 1978, at 9:18 on a Sunday morning, our baby girl, Julie Rose, was born weighing 6 lbs. and 14 oz. That healthy weight was significant because when I was only 6 months pregnant, her delivery appeared imminent so I was put on bed rest. At 8 months, I spent the weekend in the hospital on an IV drip trying to prevent early delivery. With the prayers of MANY, she held on a little longer and finally arrived only 2 weeks before her due date. Our entire church and family breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Julie came home to a sister who was about to turn 5 and a brother who was only 19 months older and still in diapers. She thrived with 4 people quick to respond to every utter or grunt. It’s a wonder she ever started talking since she had people who could anticipate her every need or desire.

She was pleasant, easy-going and healthy, and from the time she was first aware of the outside world, she LOVED BABIES.

If we looked around at church and noticed she wasn’t beside us, we knew to head to the church nursery where she and her friend Liz Ann went to “look at the babies.” When she was in early elementary school, her teachers remarked that she held the dolls in the home living section of their classrooms like real babies. When anyone asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up, she would say, “A momma,” but if she HAD to have a job, she wanted to be “the one who held the babies up for everyone to see in the hospital nursery.”

When she was in the youth choir at Central Baptist in Decatur, she was “the one with the radiant smile.”

When the emcee was introducing her when she walked out during the Freshman Beauty pageant at Hartselle High School in the spring of 1994, he said, “When Julie was asked to name her most treasured possession, she said, ‘Her Bible.'” The entire auditorium was hushed. She won.

Julie when she was a student at Hartselle High School.

Julie is strong. Some life circumstances have tried their best to weaken her and knock her off her feet, but she has prevailed. During the 4 years Steve and I were in Ecuador, Julie was a single mom with a young daughter, working for a government contractor on Redstone Arsenal. Not only did she raise her daughter and pay all her own bills, she also earned a master’s degree in logistics in her “spare time.”

How precious it is to MY Momma heart to see her now living her true dream. She is Momma to Allie, a high school senior, all the way down to 1-year-old Enoch, with 6 beautiful children in between: Margaret, Penelope, Rosemary, Samuel, Bethany and Silas. Yes, that makes EIGHT. She homeschools most of them while teaching them to raise vegetables and feed the animals on the 30-acre farm she and her husband Brian own.

Julie with Brian and all 8 of her children.

Julie with Allie, her oldest.

She has a natural gift for hospitality and doesn’t even flinch when she hears that 30 or more will be driving in for supper. Her chili brings them in every time.

Julie epitomizes the woman described in Proverbs 31:25-31.

25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
²⁶She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
²⁷She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹“Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”
³⁰Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
³¹Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

Steve and I are so very proud of her.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JULIE ROSE PEARSON RODGERS! We love you!!

5 People Who Went Above and Beyond

09/07/2018 By: CCPearson2 Comments

One of my favorite aspects of being a travel writer is getting to meet new, fascinating and passionate people. Typically, they are the owners of restaurants, B & Bs or historians and tour guides at attractions of all kinds. On my most recent trip to Canton and Cleveland, Ohio, however, the travel/tourism staff members themselves were the ones who impressed me with their professionalism, their work ethic, their knowledge and their courtesy. You might think, “Well, that’s just part of their job.” And, in some ways, you’d be right. But, five people I met in Ohio definitely went “above and beyond” their formal job description. In my opinion, they “went the second mile,” and I was the grateful beneficiary.

In Canton, I encountered Tonja Marshall, the Executive Vice President for Marketing and Communications at Visit Canton. She supervised the necessary details of my trip and devised an itinerary that made sure I saw as much as possible in the time I was in her city. But, here is where she “went beyond.” One attraction on the itinerary was a visit to the Gervasi Vineyard. I wrote about it here on Monday’s blog. It turned out to be a wonderful few hours, and I’m very glad I went. But, I was nervous about it. I don’t apologize or regret my decision to abstain from drinking alcohol, but I didn’t want to cause embarrassment or awkwardness for Visit Canton, for Gervasi Vineyard or for my fellow travel writers in the process. I had communicated with Tonja before I arrived that I was looking forward to seeing the vineyard but that I didn’t drink alcohol, but I had no idea how that scenario would play out. When we got to the wine-tasting event, we were seated in an amazing room with a stunning chandelier made out of wine bottles. Understandably, this place was ALL IN in terms of wine. Imagine me fidgeting and perspiring a bit by now. But, no, as the various wines were served to my fellow travel writers, I was never even offered a glass. My water glass was kept full, but no wine appeared at my place setting. What a huge relief! Tonja had discreetly and carefully handled the situation for me. I didn’t have to say or do anything. She made the experience easy, relaxing and extremely enjoyable. Thank you, Tonja.

Later that same afternoon, our group traveled to Cleveland where we were joined by four more travel writers. That is where I met the staff of Destination Cleveland/TheCLE/ThisisCLE/ThisisCleveland or whatever name you want to give them. 🙂

Kristen Jantonio, Communications Specialist, was indeed a “special communicator” before I set foot in her town. My emails received her prompt attention, and she patiently answered all my questions. (That’s saying a lot when your nickname is “The Queen of Questions.”) I mostly think of Kristen as the person responsible for an exquisite night of dinner at LockKeepers and a concert by the Cleveland Symphony at Blossom Music Center. She saw my elation at having such a wonderful experience. She joined us on other tours and helped me set up my very first Uber appointment, too, but I see her face when I think of that music. Thank you, Kristen.

Nick Urig, Communications Manager, led an informative walking tour of downtown Cleveland, showed us the ropes for ordering dinner at The Greenhouse Tavern and took us to breakfast at the West Side Market Cafe. That is where Nick REALLY came through for me personally. I saw pierogis on the menu (not for breakfast, of course, but yet it was on the menu). And I had never tried a pierogi. Not only did Nick goodnaturedly explain the making of and various types of pierogis, he ordered some for our table, and I got to taste my very first one. It was great! I’m ready for another one! And, as a side note, Nick is tall, attractive and exceedingly polite. I felt safe in that big city when he was with us. That’s huge when you’re a prissy Baby Boomer from Alabama traveling without your husband. Know what I mean? Thank you, Nick.

Stephanie Sheeley, Communications Coordinator, is a fun-loving young woman with a mass of shiny black curls and what I would call “statement fingernails.” Last week they were long and yellow. I found her to be very self-confident. That trait came through one morning when she walked out the door of her house, only later to discover that the zipper on her dress was broken. Her exposed skin in the back didn’t slow her down one bit. She carried on as if nothing was wrong. She also gave me some helpful hints about the hair of my own Ethiopian granddaughter. In other words, she related to me as a person, not just as part of her job, and I liked that a lot. Thank you, Stephanie.

Emily Lauer, Senior Director of PR/Communications, was the one I got to spend the most one-on-one time with. The two of us attended the Indians/Orioles baseball game on a warm Friday night at Progressive Field. That girl knows her Indians!!! She taught me about the HotDog Relay — when the mustard, ketchup and onions race from 3rd base to 1st base. She knew the names and a good bit of the history of each player. She pointed out the guy way up in the stands behind the outfield who played the drum to encourage every Indian batter — and has been doing that same thing for FORTY YEARS!!! She sang along with me to “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and “Hang on, Sloopy.” She let me talk about my family and show her pictures of my new house, and I heard some about her life and career path. She walked for blocks and blocks with a cast shoring up her sprained ankle and then chauffeured me back safely to my hotel after the Indians pulled out the win. I hope I wasn’t too boring of a companion, but mostly I know Emily went out of her way to be nice and to be sure I had a great time — which I truly did. Thank you, Emily.

I wish I had gotten pictures of all these special people. I do have pictures of them in my mental images of Canton and Cleveland.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus talked a lot about doing the unexpected things, about going beyond what is required, about being exceptionally generous and kind. “Love your enemies.” “Pray for those who persecute you.” “If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also.” And the admonition that applies today: “And whoever shall force you to go one mile, go with him two.” (all verses found in Matthew 5)

I’m so glad I got to visit a part of the country I’d never seen before, but mostly I am glad I got to meet these people who made a deep impression and represented their organizations so very well.

VisitCanton

This is Cleveland

Ivy Green: Birthplace of Helen Keller in Tuscumbia, Alabama

08/13/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” Helen Keller

Have you found Ivy Green yet? Did you go on an elementary class field trip when you were a child? Have you had visitors from other states and wondered how to entertain them for a few hours? Would you merely like to be REinspired by the remarkable story of Helen Keller and her devoted teacher Anne Sullivan?

Portrait of Helen as a young woman.

Ivy Green at 300 North Commons West in Tuscumbia, AL is a place where we Alabamians can take a lot of pride. The grounds, buildings, furnishings and artifacts are beautifully-maintained. Tour guides are well-trained, and the admission price is very affordable. Adults are $6.00, and children are $3.00, but Senior Adults, AAA members and members of the military pay only $5.00. It is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and is only closed for major holidays.

View of the main house from the entrance.

Originally built as a bridal suite for Captain Arthur Keller and his young wife Kate (Helen’s parents), it became a school house for Helen and her teacher Anne Sullivan.

“The Miracle Worker” is a well-known movie and play based on the story of Helen and her teacher Ms. Sullivan. That same play is actually performed on the grounds of Ivy Green every summer on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m. throughout the month of June until mid-July. 2019 dates will be June 7 – July 13. Go ahead and mark it down somewhere. It has been named “A Top 20 Event in the Southeast” and is the Official Outdoor Drama of the State of Alabama. The annual Helen Keller Festival is held every year during the last weekend in June.

Besides the main family home, built in 1820, visitors can also see the cottage, the kitchen building, the pump where Helen first learned and understood the word “water,” and ice house, the gardens, the Lion’s International Memorial Garden and the gazebo. The museum inside the main home is filled with fascinating memorabilia of Helen’s life. One of the most impressive areas to me was in the Lion’s Garden where a video plays in a loop with actual footage of a speech made by Helen. You can see and hear this woman — who learned how to speak although she was blind and deaf from the age of 19 months.

Capable guide leads a tour through the main house.

Clothing worn by Helen and her mother.

Helen was born June 27, 1880 and died just a few weeks shy of her 88th birthday on June 1, 1968. She wrote 12 books and numerous articles during her lifetime and received countless awards. Her story and these grounds surrounding Ivy Green — on the National Register of Historic Sites since 1954 — are highly-recommended ways to ignite meaningful conversations with children and grandchildren. Steve and I were so impressed with the deep thoughts our grands expressed after hearing about Helen and seeing her birthplace.

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” Helen Keller

P.S. No doubt, you will want to have breakfast, lunch or dinner when you’re in Tuscumbia touring Ivy Green. If so, consider a couple of restaurants I’ve written about in past blog posts. Here you will read about Big Bad Breakfast and Ray’s at the Bank. And here you will read about the cafe at Alabama Chanin.

EMERALD FARM in Greenwood, S.C. — Goats, Peacocks and Trains, Oh My!

06/29/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

A visit to Emerald Farm in Greenwood, South Carolina, will leave you amazed that one woman could possibly manage so many animals and hobbies while staying relaxed, dedicated to a healthy lifestyle, and content in her impressive and popular environment.

Kathy Zahn explains her soap-making technique.

Kathy Zahn in her workshop.

Kathy Zahn almost seems to know something about everything, but she’s a particular expert in Saanen goats. Saanen goats originated in Switzerland and are known for their excellent milk, which is good for drinking or for making cheese. This milk is used at Emerald Farm for making soap and all kinds of good-for-you products. Check out the list here. Yes, shipping is available.

A curious Saanen goat

Kathy also enjoys the many peacocks that roam around her house, in her yard and throughout the 75 acres of tree-studded pastureland. The peacocks were fun to watch, especially when their distinctive feathers were on grand display. But, the peacocks are also joined on the farm by llamas, cows, ducks, chickens, and even honeybees.

A llama checks out the visitors.

Proud as a peacock.

One of dozens of peacocks roaming freely on Emerald Farm.

A shop for gifts and antiques contains many treasures, and guests are allowed to wander through the herb garden. Be sure to notice the handcrafted birdhouses for sale.

So many activities at Emerald Farm.

Handmade birdhouses for sale.

Toys and antiques

A separate building houses a Train and Hobby Shop, and upstairs is a jaw-dropping display of model trains running along yards and yards of tracks in the Model Railroad Clubhouse. Outside there is a real train you can ride around the property, complete with a small waiting area set up like a real train station. Tickets to ride are $2.75, and you’ll get a great view of the whole farm during the trip.

Model Railroad Club

Here comes the train.

All aboard! I wish I’d had time for a ride. The grands would have loved it.

It’s easy to understand why Emerald Farm is popular for school groups on field trips. The farm can even be booked for a birthday party or other special gathering of people wanting to take advantage of the picnic area or the pavilion by the pond.

Admission and parking are both free, and visitors are welcome from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For a guided tour, you’ll need to call for a reservation. Check the website for further details.

Wildberry Lodge: A B & B With An Awe-inspiring View Outside Asheville, N.C.

06/25/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

Ken and Glenda Cahill had a dream — a log cabin home in the mountains. They started by searching far and wide for an expanse of land with a building site that could take advantage of the gorgeous seasons on display every year in the Great Smoky Mountains. They finally found 45 acres in the perfect spot. Then, they decided on a floor plan and had Maple Island Log Homes in Michigan craft it out of red pine logs. Meticulously, each log was notched and numbered, then the house was dismantled and loaded onto seven 18-wheelers and trucked to North Carolina. There it was reassembled, and Ken and Glenda began the back-breaking, tedious work of staining each log and chinking between every crevice. Next came the roof, windows, doors, plumbing and all the other million details that go into making a shell of a structure into a liveable home. During the 2-year process, Ken and Glenda kept their “day jobs” through the week, and then camped out on the property on weekends — in all seasons — to complete their labor of love. Along the way, they realized that the most practical way to be able to afford their large dream home was to share it and make it functional as a Bed and Breakfast.

View of the lodge from the road

The main lodge sits at an elevation of 2700 feet, a perfect vantage point for the sweeping vista below. As they explored their newly-acquired property, they discovered all kinds of berries growing on the hillside. The name Wildberry Lodge became the logical choice. The names for the five guest rooms follow the theme: Gooseberry, Strawberry, Blueberry, Raspberry and the larger Blackberry Suite. Steve and I stayed in the Blueberry Room, but, because it was vacant at the time, I was also able to get a good look at the Strawberry Room.

Strawberry Room

Blueberry room

Several years after the lodge opened in 2002, a guest cabin was added that is a perfect honeymoon suite because of its separate location and privacy, but it can also be opened up and rented for a whole family with both upstairs and downstairs rooms to enjoy.

Honeymoon cabin

Each room has its own private bath and balcony or deck. Highspeed wireless internet is provided, and fireplaces are in most rooms.

Private bath

There is a large great room downstairs by the kitchen with a huge stone fireplace, and an upstairs loft has a flatscreen TV and sitting area with snacks, drinks in a refrigerator and a large DVD collection.

Large great room with stone fireplace

Upstairs loft

The basement has a fully-equipped game room with a pool table, tabletop shuffleboard, and video games.

Game room in the basement.

Outdoors, guests will find a large deck (perfect for basking in the natural surroundings), hammock swings, a fire pit for Smores, and a hot tub.

Large deck overlooking the mountains

View from the deck

hot tub

Afternoon appetizers are prepared, which we enjoyed thoroughly, but almost every B & B guest I’ve ever met mentioned the anticipation of breakfast as being at the top of their reasons for staying in a Bed and Breakfast. Check out a fuller description here, but on the morning we were at Wildberry Lodge, the menu consisted of Wine-Poached Plum, Lemon Pecan Pancakes, Sausage Patties, Lemon Cream Roll with Strawberries. It was delicious, and the setting was superb.

Granola and juices on the sideboards

Wine-poached plum

The innkeepers don’t allow guest to bring pets, but they have cows, goats, 4 rescue dogs and a cat on the property. So, if you’re an animal lover, you’ll be in good company.

Goats on the property

Another couple who were guests when Steve and I stayed at Wildberry chose it specifically to decompress from very hectic jobs. They purposefully wanted to unplug, to avoid traffic, to unwind, relax and refocus. The lodge is rustic, natural and peaceful, and the innkeepers are very environmentally aware, implementing lots of “green” practices. They are hospitable and happy to give you recommendations about nearby restaurants and attractions. The lodge is 12 miles from Asheville, and you’ll need your GPS to find it off of some windy, country roads, but if natural beauty and a place to just “be” is on your want list, then Wildberry Lodge is a great choice.

RHUBARB: Highly-Acclaimed Chef Brings Marvelous Meals to Asheville, N.C.

06/22/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

Whether you visit Asheville, North Carolina to see the Biltmore Home and Gardens, to explore the art scene or simply to take in the beautiful scenery, I urge you to make reservations for dinner at RHUBARB located at 7 SW Pack Square. And, go one step further and request to be seated at the chef’s area where you can watch the culinary wizardry take place. You will be so impressed, AND you’ll enjoy a memorable meal.

Chef John Fleer was born and grew up in Winston-Salem, N.C. He majored in theology at Duke University and started working toward a master’s degree. But, a part-time job led him to his true passion of food and cooking. He left graduate school and enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Along the way of honing his skills in the kitchen, he had an amazing weekend job as a private chef for Mary Tyler Moore! Wow.

He made his way back to the South when he was hired as a chef for Blackberry Farm in Walland, TN. During the almost 15 years that Chef Fleer was at Blackberry, he is credited for developing a signature style known as “Foothills Cuisine.” It combines the hearty foods originating from the Smoky Mountains with the products of the Farm’s heirloom garden and the freshest regional produce. Dishes contain both gourmet and Southern comfort elements. Now that Chef Fleer has his own restaurant in Asheville, he still is dedicated to seeking out the finest possible ingredients to use in creating dishes for his guests.

Chef Fleer has been a finalist FIVE TIMES for the James Beard award as Best Chef Southeast. With all of his impressive credentials, I was a little intimidated to be seated so near as he conducted what appeared to be a finely-tuned symphony of kitchen staff members, pots, pans, foods, an open grill, sizzling skillets, fresh herbs and wood-fired ovens. Yet, when I had a short time to chat, I found him extremely personable with a ready smile and a quick wit. It didn’t surprise me to learn that he is married to his high school sweetheart. They have three sons, and the family shares a passion for playing and watching soccer. That tells me that he purposely seeks to have a life outside the kitchen, and I think that ability to find balance in his life is at least one of the keys to his success.

Rhubarb opened in October of 2013 in a couple of storefronts in Pack Square in a room that was formerly an adult bookstore. Pack Square is located at the intersection of Patton, Biltmore and Broadway Avenues in Downtown Asheville’s Historic District.

The menu is constantly changing to reflect the best of each season. The night Steve and I were there, we shared the Goat Cheese Burrata with Rhubarb Jam, Pickled Strawberries and Crispy Shallots.

Then, we had the nightly fresh fish for our entree.

To end our meal, we had probably the most unusual dessert we’ve ever been served. The Executive Pastry Chef is 31-year-old Kaley Laird. She prides herself on imaginative flavor combinations. We had a fabulous creation called “Dream of Summer” that had just the right amount of sweetness and was extremely intriguing and satisfying. According to Chef Kaley, this dessert is reminiscent of the S’Mores she remembers from her youth with even the smokiness of the campfire infused in the flavors. This was the description on the menu: “Burnt Sage Ganache, Marshmallow Panna Cotta, Smoked Caramel, Sage Ice Cream, Almond Butter and Benne Seed Crumble.” Read more about her and about Chef Fleer on the Rhubarb website.

Here are some photos of the crew at work: One makes salads while shrimp is sauteeing. Another is handling the grill and the oven, while another checks internal meat temperatures. Chef Fleer makes sure that every plate leaving the kitchen area is presented perfectly. We saw one plate — that I would have thought was just fine — handed back to a staff member to redo according to more exact standards. It was impressive.

Rhubarb is closed on Tuesdays, so check the website and make your reservations before you head to Asheville. I believe you’ll be in for a delicious experience.

LEARNING FROM PASSIONATE PEOPLE: Engineers Reinvented as Innkeepers in Asheville, N.C.

06/18/2018 By: CCPearson4 Comments

Dan and Diane Rogers earned degrees in engineering back during their college days, but he migrated into a sales position, and she became a stay-at-home mom and honed her skills in the kitchen. Eventually, she took a job as a Girl Friday/bookkeeper for a CPA friend. Little did they realize that they were being perfectly groomed to eventually reinvent themselves as owners of a B & B in Asheville, N.C. Dan’s sales job took an unexpected turn, and they found themselves trying to figure out what to do next — and were still young enough and healthy enough to pursue something completely different. Pinecrest B & B was for sale. They snatched it up, began the steep learning curve, and now have a very successful business that is a vibrant part of the Asheville Bed and Breakfast Association.

Pinecrest B & B, nestled in an Asheville neighborhood.

Steve and I met Dan and Diane the afternoon after spending hours at the Biltmore Home and Gardens. The Biltmore was amazing, especially with the displays of Chihuly glass, but we were worn completely out. I rang the bell and was greeted by their smiling faces. What a relief! They showed Steve and me to our beautiful room, gave us a quick tour of the common areas, offered to answer any questions we had, and then left us to rest and recuperate.

Welcoming foyer/entranceway.

Dining room for breakfast.

Sitting area in the sunroom.

A welcome bag was in the room with some of the most delicious popcorn I’ve ever eaten. Diane could go into the popcorn business and be a huge success, but there was more. Fresh peanut butter cookies with chocolate ganache were waiting on a sideboard. Oh. My. Goodness. The recipe is embedded in the inn’s website under their blog. Here’s a link. They are somewhat labor-intensive, but I can guarantee they will become a cookie you dream about. And, can you believe it? The cookies are gluten free!!

Delectable popcorn created by Diane Rogers.

Afternoon treat – peanut butter cookies with chocolate ganache.

The beds are equipped with sheets and bedding by Comphy. The rooms are filled with delightful amenities. You’ll enjoy a truly comfortable night’s sleep. THEN COMES BREAKFAST!.

Guest room – Grace Suite.

Dan is the congenial host, serving the guests — ladies first, of course — and being sure everyone has what they want. In the meantime, Diane works her magic in the kitchen. Breakfast is served at 9:00 a.m., but for guests who have to leave earlier, a to-go breakfast is provided. Listen to the menu when we were there: Deviled eggs, Asparagus and Proscuitto, Stuffed French Toast with fresh peaches and maple syrup, and Breakfast Sausage with coffee, tea or juice. It was outstanding and served so attractively. There were 10 of us at the table, including a couple from Ireland, so the conversation was stimulating and fun.

Deviled eggs, asparagus wrapped in proscuitto.

Stuffed French Toast with fruit and sausage.

I so regret that I didn’t get a photo of Dan and Diane, but there’s a great one on the Pinecrest website. The moral of this whole story is that it is entirely possible for people to put their whole life experience to use in very unexpected ways and be highly successful. The possibilities are almost endless.

If you plan a trip to Asheville, I urge you to consider staying at Pinecrest B & B. Meet Dan and Diane. Enjoy their hospitality and be inspired by them.

LEARNING FROM PASSIONATE PEOPLE: 2 Incredible Young Women in the World of Hospitality

06/15/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

My favorite part of being a travel writer is meeting passionate, talented people. During a recent visit that took me to Charlotte, NC and Greenwood, SC, I met two women — both young, both highly motivated, both energetic and both making a difference in their chosen professions.

First let me introduce you to Miranda Brown, the 24-year-old Executive Pastry Chef at The Asbury in Charlotte, NC. Did you catch her age and her title? She also serves as a Sous Chef to Executive Chef Matthew Krenz, giving her a chance to work in the savory area once in awhile. Can you believe how fit and trim a pastry chef can be? No doubt, she is possessed with great genes, but she is also always on the move and probably has little time to just sit and consume calories.

Miranda Brown, Executive Pastry Chef, The Asbury, Charlotte, N.C.

Miranda loves to start with a fruit or other single ingredient and uses that as her inspiration as she creates. Miranda trained under Ashley Boyd at 300 East, and Boyd’s teaching continues to echo in Miranda’s mind, especially when she incorporates fresh herbs into her desserts. A recent one, for example, is White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Fennel Gel, Pickled Shaved Fennel, and Apple Relish. That makes a dessert sound positively healthy, don’t you think?

White chocolate panna cotta.

Sticky buns stuffed with country ham and goat cheese icing are also signature items on The Asbury’s menu. Miranda oversees the baking of hundreds of these every day.

Sticky buns at The Asbury.

The Asbury is adjacent to The Dunhill Hotel at 237 North Tryon Street in Charlotte. I highly recommend that you try both the restaurant and the hotel when you are in Charlotte, and, by all means, save room for dessert!

Next, I traveled to the Old 96 District in South Carolina and stayed at the Inn on the Square at 104 East Court Avenue in Greenwood, SC. That’s where I met Claire Griffith, the hotel’s General Manager, a delightful whirlwind.

Claire Griffith, General Manager, Inn on the Square, Greenwood, S.C.

Claire started out in the food and beverage side of the hospitality industry by watching her mother work and doing everything she was told to do — even as a child. The work was hard, but she loved the excitement of it all. Her mother also pointed her in the direction of hotels, and she got the first job she ever applied for in that area. Love brought her to Greenwood, S.C. when her boyfriend (now husband) wanted to move back to his hometown. At the time, there weren’t many openings in the hospitality field, so she joined a catering team at Lander University.

All the while, she kept her eyes on a property in the corner of Greenwood’s Uptown, and she was elated when Jim McGuinness and Wesley Oldham bought it and started the renovation. When the time was right, she marched in and announced to the men, “You need me!” Never mind the fact that she was seven months pregnant at the time, they believed her and had the good judgment to hire her. The hotel opened for business on October 1, 2015, and she gave birth on November 10, 2015. Talk about a Superwoman!!

Inn on the Square, Greenwood, S.C.

Claire almost seems to be everywhere all the time. She gave me some time to talk about the hotel’s history at the end of a full day, and we saw her again early the next morning when she breezed through the dining room to grab some coffee — obviously gearing up for another busy day. Inn on the Square is indeed fortunate to have her energy and her zest for the job. I hope they will keep her at the helm for a long time to come.

LEARNING FROM PASSIONATE PEOPLE – “It is not your environment, it is you.”

06/08/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

“It is not your environment, it is you — the quality of your minds, the integrity of your souls, and the determination of your wills that will decide your future and shape your lives.” Dr. Benjamin E. Mays

Until a couple of weeks ago, I had never heard of Dr. Benjamin E. Mays. But, through the direction of Barbara Ware of the Old 96 District in South Carolina and the astute knowledge of Chris Thomas, I now know and appreciate the accomplishments and motivations of this remarkable man.

Three main buildings can be toured at the Dr. Benjamin Mays Historic Preservation Site in Greenwood, S.C. One is the birth house of Dr. Mays, who lived there with his parents and his seven siblings. His parents were former slaves who became tenant farmers.

Tenant farmer home and birth place of Dr. Mays.

Another is a replica one-room schoolhouse representative of one where Dr. Mays attended school in his early years.

Exterior of the one-room schoolhouse.

Inside the one-room schoolhouse representing Dr. Mays’ early education.

The last is the actual museum housing hundreds of photographs and documents gathered throughout his life.

Statue of Dr. Benjamin E. Mays in front of the museum on site.

If you watched the funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. back in 1968, you probably saw Dr. Mays since he gave the eulogy. Dr. Mays was the president of Morehouse College from 1940-1967, and that is where he met Dr. King during his days as a student. Dr. Mays became a mentor to King. In addition, he was a Baptist minister, an author, and a civil rights pioneer.

Dr. Mays was the valedictorian of his high school class in 1916. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bates College in Maine and went on to earn both master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Chicago. This man who started out in a one-room schoolhouse was eventually conferred FIFTY-SIX honorary doctoral degrees from 1945-1984.

Chris Thomas, the man who shared all of this information as well as the heart and soul behind it, is a perfect choice to be the Director of the Preservation Site. He majored in history at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and received a Master of Arts and Theological Studies from Liberty University. He pastors a local church and is an avid student of African and African-American history. When you visit, you will be fortunate indeed to have Mr. Thomas as your guide. He continues to work tirelessly on the development of the site which was recently named a part of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.

Mr. Chris Thomas, Director of the Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Historic Preservation Site.

Suffice it to say, I was inspired by both Dr. Mays and Mr. Thomas.

Posing with Mr. Chris Thomas after his thorough and informative tour.

Here is another thought-provoking quote by Dr. Mays — “When we build fences to keep others out, erect barriers to keep others down, deny to them the freedom which we ourselves enjoy and cherish most, we keep ourselves in, hold ourselves down, and the barriers we erect against others become prison bars to our own souls.”

I believe his words have a biblical ring to them. Consider these verses:

Matthew 5:44 – (Jesus said) “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, . . . “

John 13:35 – (Jesus said) “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Galatians 3:28 – (Paul said) “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

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