There Goes Connie

People You Meet Along the Way – Maggie Valley and Waynesville, NC.

11/10/2017 By: CCPearsoncomment

Travel writing has some terrific perks. “All in a day’s work” you are likely to sleep in deluxe accommodations and eat unbelievably delicious chef-prepared meals. You are treated to tours of amazing attractions when the crowds aren’t around, and you can ask all the questions and make all of the photographs your heart desires. But, inevitably, when I drive back into my driveway at home and start unpacking my bags, it’s not the luxurious pillows and sheets or the designer toiletries in the bathrooms, it’s not the crunchy burnt sugar on the creme brulee or the tenderness of the steak that lingers in my mind. Most of the time, the personalities and stories of people I’ve met in a place end up being the most memorable parts of a trip. That was true again in Maggie Valley.

I’m sure the fact that Steve owned his own business for thirty years has a lot to do with it, but I am particularly drawn to people who are passionate and are working long hours to make their businesses succeed. I met several who made special impressions on me that I want to mention.

The first was a lady known to her friends as “JuJu.” From all I can find out, her actual name is Judy Alexander Coker, and she’s the daughter of Tom and Judy Alexander, who first came to the area in 1938 and started carving out a heritage at Cataloochee Guest Ranch that is now being lovingly maintained by the second and third generations of Alexanders. JuJu and her sister Alice Aumen remember every step of the development of the property when they were growing up. They left for a time after getting college degrees but were both lured back by the idea of developing the Cataloochee Ski Area. That project flourished and has since been sold, so now they continue traditions at the lodge. JuJu prefers to work outdoors, especially with the horses and hiking trails. As a matter of fact, her daughter is also on the scene serving as the ranch’s veterinarian.

JuJu graciously posed by a photograph of her mother and allowed us to see a room in the lodge and also one of the cabins. She is obviously very proud of the work her parents started and is committed to seeing their vision planted firmly into the next generation.

Judy Alexander Coker beside a photograph of her mother.

JuJu talking about the history of Cataloochee Ranch.

Portrait of Tom Alexander.

Another impressive person I met was the Manager/Owner of Frogs Leap Public House in Waynesville, N.C., Tonia Raymond, affectionately known in the dining room as “Toni.” She co-owns this upscale, farm-to-fork restaurant with Chef/Owner Kaighn B. Raymond. My friends and I were there for Sunday brunch. Toni was accessible and visible to all the diners present, going from table to table making sure everyone was pleased with the food and the service. My food was late being served, and she was quick to explain and apologize. (Apparently, my breakfast flatbread had slipped off the plate on the way to the table, so a new one was being prepared from scratch. A fact which suited me just fine).

Toni is strongly committed to maintaining a close relationship with area farmers to serve the freshest ingredients from growers very near to Waynesville. Frogs Leap serves an uncommon menu with a great deal of creative flair. I predict that the owners’ hard work will reap good benefits.

Tonia Raymond, owner of Frogs Leap Public House in Waynesville, NC

In the heart of Apple Country, we made a visit to Barber Orchards Fruitstand which has been going strong since 1932. There was a long line of customers waiting for bags of fresh apples, ciders, baked goods and one of the most delicious apple slushes I have ever tasted. As a matter of fact, it was the ONLY apple slush I’ve ever had. In the middle of the bustling activity were 4th generation apple growers, Benny and Jane Arrington. Jane was busy cutting samples of apple varieties for customers to taste, and Benny looked like he was fresh from the orchards. Jane proudly shared that their son is working alongside them now as a 5th generation apple grower. Remarkable!! We all can appreciate what hard work farming of any kind is. I was very impressed with their commitment and success.

Benny and Jane Arrington, 4th generation apple growers.

Jane Arrington cutting samples of apple varieties.

The Bible has a lot to say about the value and the rewards of hard work. All of these people I mentioned today are positive examples.

Proverbs 12:11 – “Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.”

Proverbs 14:23 – “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”

Genesis 2:15 – “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

Proverbs 6:10-11 – “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.”

Now, back to work, everybody!!

Accommodations in Maggie Valley, Waynesville and Lake Junaluska, NC. – Part 1

11/06/2017 By: CCPearsoncomment

If you arrive in the Maggie Valley area without a prior reservation, you will notice a lot of retro-style motor courts. Yes, I used the word “motor court” deliberately, because they remind me of the places we used to stay when my family took vacations back in the 50’s and 60’s. Basically a bed and a bathroom with very few frills. There are plenty to choose from, and I’m reasonably sure the prices would be very moderate. But, maybe you want to stay in a place that is more unique and has more “character” or mountain flavor, shall we say. If so, then here are two recommendations:

Cataloochee Guest Ranch. You’ll find it at 119 Ranch Drive in Maggie Valley. Rooms are available in the Main Ranch House, in individual cabins scattered throughout the 1000 acres of the ranch or the Silverbell Lodge which is great for large families. The ranch sits at an elevation of 5000 ft. making gorgeous vistas possible in every direction. There’s so much to do when you visit. If you love outdoor activity, then help yourself to horseback riding, hiking, bird-watching, wildflower walks and wagon rides. Snow skiing and snow boarding are also available on the slopes adjacent to the ranch.
Entrance to the lodge.

Cataloochee Lodge, a part of the Haywood County Quilt Trails. This is a Lone Star pattern.

Looking toward the ski area.

View from the dining room window.

Meals are a big part of the allure of the ranch. Three meals a day are served in the large dining room. The website includes recipes for Onion Casserole and Zebra Cake, but you can also order a cookbook created by a daughter of the original owners. Cataloochee Cooking by Judy Alexander Coker is available in paperback or hardback. Mountain Fever by Tom Alexander tells the history of the ranch along with much information about this part of the Smoky Mountains.

A look into the dining room.

Sign at the entrance to Cataloochee Guest Ranch.

Merchandise for the youngsters.

Here are some scenes from the ranch:

Upstairs bedroom in the lodge.

Bathroom in one of the lodge rooms.

Bedroom in a cabin.

Large bathroom in a cabin.

Kitchen area in one of the cabins.

Fireplace in a cabin.

Front exterior of a cabin.

2. Smoky Shadows Lodge. Located at 323 Smoky Shadows Lane in Maggie Valley, the Lodge is only 30 minutes from Ashville, N.C. With the motto “Life is better at 4500 feet,” this is a great place for relaxing in a rustic, peaceful setting. Rockers are placed all along the expansive porch taking in possibly the best view of the Smoky Mountains. Rooms are available on both the courtyard side and the mountainview side of the lodge and in two separate cabins.

Rustic sign at the entrance.

Outside of the main lodge building of Smoky Shadows.

Two separate cabins at Smoky Shadows.

A continental breakfast is served for overnight guests, but if you’re going to be in the area, be sure to call to see when one of their gourmet dinners will be served. I’ve heard rave reviews. As with Cataloochee Ranch, Ginger Shinn and the staff of Smoky Shadows has compiled a cookbook of recipes passed down for generations. Call the lodge to request a copy.

Preparing for one of their popular dinners at Smoky Shadows.

Vintage stove and music in the dining room.

Check out these photos in and around Smoky Shadows Lodge.

Rockers on the front porch.

Captivating view from the front porch.

A guestroom in the lodge.

Private bathroom in one of the lodge guestrooms.

Stay tuned for two more very unique suggestions in next Monday’s post.

A Striking Example of the Gift of Hospitality

11/03/2017 By: CCPearson1 Comment

Romans 12:13 – “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.”

1 Peter 4:8-10 – “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

Six days before we arrived, Kay Thagard was in the emergency room with pneumonia and pleurisy, yet we were completely unaware and had no hint of it when we were greeted with open arms as she welcomed us to her picturesque cabin in the woods and mountains of Maggie Valley, N.C. Kay had a delicious hot appetizer waiting as we watched the sun set on the beautiful fall scene outside her screened porch.

The scene from Kay and Bill’s screened in back porch. Camera doesn’t do this view justice.

Since we had been driving all day, she had a great-smelling stew simmering in the crockpot for dinner to keep us from having to get back in the car and go out somewhere. And, the accommodations for guests were comfortable and so homey. I was in awe of the setting and the feeling I had to be invited to enjoy it.

I first met Kay in late summer of 1992 when our daughters (both named Laura) were randomly assigned to room together at The Commons in Auburn for the fall quarter. We both thought it would be a great idea to meet ahead of time, so we found a day, and the four of us had lunch in Birmingham. My Laura remembers that she and her roommate-to-be barely got in a word edge-wise, because Kay and I hit it off immediately and chatted incessantly. I don’t doubt her recollection one bit. 🙂 The girls ended up rooming together for three years and were bridesmaids in each other’s weddings, but after that, we pretty much lost touch until Facebook reunited us. Hurray for Facebook when it comes to things like that!

Besides both of us having multiple grandchildren (she has 8, and I have 13), Kay and I also shared the fact that we both lost a parent to mylodysplastic syndrome, and we both love to plan trips. Kay had all kinds of great info to share before Steve and I headed to Maine in the fall of 2016. We kept planning visits, but life kept interrupting until last week.

This particular visit turned out to be perfectly timed for Steve and me. We had been pretty discouraged over the slow progress on our new house and desperately needed a change of scenery. And, oh, what amazing scenery we got!! Even though the leaves were about a week from being at their peak, we had plenty of great color in those mountains and alongside the gurgling Jonathan Creek.

Fall tree is colorful splendor.

Kay took into account my travel writing interest and planned two full days of restaurants, shops and attractions for us to visit. And, as luck would have it, the annual Apple Festival was on that same weekend, making everything even more festive. It also helped that Auburn was playing on Saturday night — such fun to share with fellow Auburn graduates! War Eagle! The TV was right beside this blissful, cozy fireplace. Perfect for watching the Tigers.

Cozy fireplace in the Thagard’s cabin. Photo above was made by Bill.

I can’t leave out Kay’s husband Bill. Although Kay extends a lot of hospitality when he’s away on business, he was there for our visit and did two full days of chauffeuring. I especially appreciated the fact that he accommodated my desire to make lots of photographs and gave me tips on where to stand to get the best views. He stopped the car numerous times just for picture-taking purposes. 🙂

The four of us having Sunday brunch at Frogs Leap Public House in Waynesville, N.C.

Two outstanding traits of great hospitality stood out to me during our time with Kay and Bill:

They were both completely unselfish. They shared their home, their food, their very entertaining stories, their knowledge of the area, and their time. And we were the fortunate beneficiaries.
Kay made a priority of my needs and interests. She truly wanted me to get a thorough overview of Maggie Valley and the surrounding area, in order to write about it and share it with my readers. She’d seen all the places dozens of times, but she graciously visited them again BECAUSE SHE KNEW WE’D ENJOY THEM.

Entertaining and extending hospitality are two very different activities. Entertaining often focuses on material possessions and striving for perfection. Hospitality, on the other hand, seeks to meet the needs of the guests in your home. Kay Thagard has the gift of hospitality, and I am so grateful I got to be a recipient of it. She has inspired me to refocus my efforts in the days ahead.

Kay often hides from the camera, but I caught her in one of our favorite shops.

Maggie Valley, N.C. – 3 Restaurant Recommendations

10/30/2017 By: CCPearson2 Comments

Just like many of you, I have been to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN numerous times. Fun places. Beautiful scenery. Lots of memorable restaurants and attractions — The Old Mill, The Apple Barn, Pancake House, Dixie Stampede, Dollywood, Ober Gatlinburg, etc. etc. etc. And, of course, the shops and factory outlet stores. I’m sure I’ll go back again at some point, but I have just returned from Maggie Valley, and I MUST recommend that you check it out. I found it to be a quieter, gentler destination with far less traffic but just as much beauty.

Maggie Valley also loosely encompasses Waynesville and Lake Junaluska. The mountain scenery is outstanding, and yes, there is a bubbling creek running there, just like in Tennessee. Cute shops abound, as well as recreational choices and places to stay. You’ll be hearing about lots more in the weeks ahead. But, just in case you are headed there soon to take advantage of PEAK, LEAF-PEEPING, I wanted to make you aware of three great places to eat. They are very different, but all are locally popular and have delicious food on their menus.

The Sweet Onion Restaurant is located at 39 Miller Street in Waynesville. Either make a reservation or be sure you’re standing in line when it opens at 11:30 a.m. It’s THAT popular. Sweet Onion stays open until 9:00 Monday through Saturday, and the choices on the menu are vast. The Sweet Onion Soup and the Crispy Mozzarella and Tomato Salad are UNUSUALLY good. I tried the soup personally, and I heard about the Crispy Mozzarella salad from many of my fellow folks in line. Check the website. I’m sure you will find some of your own favorites. It’s right down the hill from Main St. You can’t miss it.
Crispy Mozzarella and Tomato Salad.

Some dishes waiting to be served.

Trout with sweet potato fries and cucumber salad.
Butts on the Creek BBQ can be found at 1584 Soco Road in Maggie Valley. Go ahead and admit it. That’s a pretty cute name for a barbecue joint. It’s rusty but has a good size seating capacity and a gurgling creek to enjoy in the back. Like Sweet Onion, it opens at 11:30, but make a note that Butts on the Creek is closed on Mondays. As expected, hickory-smoked barbecue reigns supreme on the menu, but we actually had catfish with squash casserole and fried apples and thought it was extremely good. This is a very casual place but is also very popular. Don’t be surprised if you have to wait a bit for a table.
Butts on the Creek walking in from the parking lot.

Grilled and fried catfish at Butts on the Creek.
Frogs Leap Public House, at 44 Church Street in Waynesville, is the most upscale of these three. It opens for dinner at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday nights and for brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A large board in the main dining area lists the local farms from which they buy and prepare most of what is served. The owner Toni is strongly committed to serving the freshest ingredients possible as she supports growers. I like her motto: “Innovative Southern Food with a Local Backbone.” My friends and I were there for Sunday brunch. Flatbreads, poached egg dishes and sliders were heavily featured on the menu. I love it when a menu sends me scrambling to find a culinary dictionary, and I hope to go back for dinner sometime in the future.
Frogs Leap Public House.

Flatbread for Sunday brunch.

So, if you head in that direction soon, I urge you to try one or all of these notable eateries. My friend Kay told me about them. Now I’m telling you. Enjoy!

Do It NOW!! Striving to Live Without Regrets.

10/27/2017 By: CCPearson4 Comments

I saw this poignant post on Facebook recently from one of my friends talking about her best friend. It grabbed my heart.

Have you ever thought about what you didn’t say to or do with a dear friend? You thought you’d get around to having her over for coffee on your back porch, sitting on the new furniture she helped you pick out. You thought you’d tell her that you would be honored to help her with her daughter’s wedding when that day comes. You thought you’d get a chance to go eat Mexican food together at a new place in town. And you thought you’d be going to Alaska with her next year. And you also thought she knew how special she was in your life-but did you ever come right out and tell her often enough?
My dearest friend on earth passed away yesterday before we got to live out the rest of our lives together. I won’t get to do any of those things mentioned above, with her as we had planned.
Please tell your dear friends OFTEN how much they mean to you. Eat lunch with them and have coffee with them NOW, don’t put it off another day. Because tomorrow may not come.
I have a hole in my heart that will never go away. I miss her and so many things have been left unsaid and undone. Don’t take your time on this earth for granted, Please!

The friend who died went in for a fairly routine heart surgery — as if ANY heart surgery can be considered routine — but then she had a reaction to the anesthesia, and the doctors couldn’t bring her back.

I, too, had a friend who died leaving me with profound regrets. Patsy Gore Wright was several years older than I was. Her daddy actually baptized me at FBC Athens when I was 8 years old. For a time, she and her husband Jerry lived in Hartselle with their 3 children who were very close in age to my own 3. She could sing “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” with the most passion I have ever heard. She played the organ at FBC, and I played the piano. We LOVED the times when we played duets during the offertory. We both taught private piano lessons. When our son Matt was born prematurely and I had students getting ready for various festivals and competitions, she graciously fit them into her schedule so that they could go right on without missing a beat. She and Steve were also great buddies because she loved her pets so much, and Patsy trusted Steve to take care of them. I’ll never forget one hot day in particular when I went to Patsy’s house, and she served the most delicious strawberry lemonade I’d ever had. “Just a little something I threw together,” I remember her saying. After a few years, Patsy, Jerry and the kids moved away from Hartselle to be houseparents at the Big Oak Boys Ranch near Gadsden. We chatted by phone a few times, but mostly busyness got in the way and we drifted apart. Then, she was at her parents’ house one day and saw mine and Steve’s pictures on the front of The Alabama Baptist when we were appointed as missionaries. She called all excited and pledged to stay in touch and pray for us while we were gone.

She was SO faithful to email and to send materials that we could use in our ministry. Amazingly, she seemed to have a sense about when we needed encouragement. We would open up our email that day and without fail, we’d find Bible verses and positive words from Patsy.

When we returned to the States, I made plans to visit “as soon as I could.” I rushed back into a teaching job, building a house, watching grandbabies join the family, etc. etc. In other words, busyness and LIFE once again got in the way. Finally, the tentative plan was to visit during Spring Break of 2008. However, Patsy suddenly got sick and was gone. I missed my chance. I didn’t make seeing her a priority. And I have felt the regrets for the past 9 years.

Actress Jennifer Aniston has said: “There are no regrets in life, just lessons.” I know my own regrets have produced a lot of lessons. What about you? Is it possible to live a life with NO REGRETS? Probably not, but it’s a worthy goal.

Here are some verses to encourage us and spur us on to action:

1 John 3:18 – “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”

Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

Hebrews 13:16 – “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

Galatians 6:10 – “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Same Owner, Same Chef: 2 New Decatur Eateries

10/23/2017 By: CCPearson2 Comments

I first knew Tyler Jones when he was sitting a few rows away from me as I played the organ at Central Baptist Church. His parents, his grandparents, his aunt and his cousin were all members there, and Tyler was a few years younger than the Pearson kids. Now, I’m getting to know him again through his business success as an adult.

Tyler — now all grown up – owns two restaurants in Decatur. One is about a block from the Princess Theater on 2nd Avenue, and the other is on Grant St., across 6th Avenue from the old Central Baptist location. Both businesses have been successful restaurants in the past, but now they have new names and new vibes.

The Railyard, at 209 2nd Ave., is open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. SEVEN DAYS A WEEK for lunch and dinner. Whisk’D, at 1051 Grant St., is open from 6:00 a.m. to noon SEVEN DAYS A WEEK for breakfast and brunch. Imagine the commitment that those hours represent!

Chef Bill Harden – who is the culinary wizard behind both restaurants – describes his cuisine as Southern, farm-to-fork, seasonal comfort food. But, from what I can tell from the menus of both, there is a whole lot of creativity involved with plenty of surprises for the diners who choose to eat at either place.

The Railyard has something of a tavern atmosphere with a hefty selection of wines, beers and mixed drinks, but the food menu offers a large variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, small plates/skillets, large plates and BURGERS!! There are 9 different burgers listed along with a Build-Your-Own Burger and an impressive selection of toppings. The large plates range from quail to pork schnitzel to prime rib with several great-sounding seafood choices in between.

The Railyard entrance from the back parking lot.

The Railyard interior.

Steve and I met some friends there for Sunday brunch recently. Here are several of our plates:

Sunday brunch at The Railyard.

Salmon with shrimp.

Pimento cheese appetizer.

Frittata with pulled pork.

Chunks of seasoned beef and black beans.

Whisk’D is in the location which previously housed Albany Bistro. The brick walls, floors, fireplace and chandeliers are the same, but the whole “feel” is different. It has more of a neighborhood, “let’s get together” look. There are long tables obviously designed to be shared or for a group to use. Diners walk up to the counter in the back to place an order, then have a seat and everything else is served in a timely and efficient manner. We especially enjoyed the art depicting many well-known symbols and icons of Decatur.

Mixing the old and the new at Whisk’D — Decatur Red Raiders MOSTLY with a touch of Austin Black Bears.

A cozy table at Whisk’D.

When Steve and I ate there for breakfast recently, he chose the Wagyu Chili Omelet, and I had the Banana Bread French Toast, both were served with fried potatoes and a bowl of fresh-cut fruit. However, we could have had more traditional breakfast items such as biscuits, eggs, sausage, fried chicken or waffles. I believe you’ll like the selections and the very reasonable prices.

Wagyu Chili Omelet with fried potatoes and fruit.

Banana Bread French Toast

There is very little parking near Whisk’D, but you can park along both sides of Grant St. as long as you don’t block anyone’s driveway. It was actually fun to see so many people walking to Whisk’D from their homes. It’s definitely a neighborly place.

Try both places and let me know what you had that was good. I’ve got several items that I’m dying to try on my next visit.

The Queen of Questions Recognizes THE Perfect Role Model

10/20/2017 By: CCPearson3 Comments

My title as the Queen of Questions was given to me during my children’s teenage years. Believe me, I asked a LOT of questions. Those teenagers didn’t always answer me truthfully, and there were times when I didn’t ask nearly ENOUGH questions. But, I, at least, demonstrated my interest and my concern about where they were going, who they would be with, what they would be doing, and when could I expect them back home, etc. etc. etc. Any parent reading this can relate.

In my present role as a travel writer, my questioning skills come in very handy. My husband smiles every time he’s with me and a tourism representative, a chef or a B & B owner says, in response to one of my questions: “I’ve never been asked that before.” I hope I’m not annoying. I just want to know the details. I want to know what lies beneath the surface. I want to know a person’s motivation or inspiration.

A granddaughter recently paid me a very high compliment without even realizing it, I suppose. She said, “Momma says that if I want to learn about the Art of Conversation, I should talk to YOU.” Wow. That made me feel warm all over. I do love a lively, give-and-take, everyone-gets-to-participate conversation. And I know that oftentimes good conversation flows as a result of good questions that lead a person to talk about his/her passions.

So, how does all of this relate to THE Perfect Role Model for a questioner such as I am?

Once again, I have to give Preacher Matt the credit for pointing me toward a book he found recently. Jesus is the Question: The 307 Questions Jesus Asked and the 3 He Answered by Martin Copenhaver. Here’s a link if you want to check it out or order one.

How many times have you heard the phrase “Jesus is the Answer”? This book goes in a different direction and proclaims that Jesus is the QUESTION. So, Jesus ASKED 307 questions, but He only answered 3. Why hadn’t I realized that before? That means He was (and IS) THE ultimate King of Questions, wouldn’t you say?

Matt went on to point out 3 questions Jesus asked that are critical for us to answer in order to have a deeper relationship with the Savior (verses are from the New King James Version).

“What are you looking for?” John 1:38-39 “Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” ³⁹He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).
“What do you want Me to do?” Mark 10:36 and Mark 10:51 “³⁶And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” ⁵¹So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.”
“Do you love Me?” John 21:15 “So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah,do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”
I think it would be a very revealing thing for all of us to do — to imagine Jesus asking us those 3 questions and pondering how we would answer Him. (Insert your own name, of course) Connie, what are you looking for? Connie, what do you want Me to do? Connie, do you love Me?

I don’t know about you, but I’ve got some thinking to do.

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Belle Chevre in Elkmont, AL – Where Goat Milk Becomes Amazing

10/16/2017 By: CCPearsoncomment

We’d seen the billboards along I-65. We saw some of the products in the cheese case of several grocery stores. But, even though it was a short drive away, we had never gone to Elkmont, AL to really check it out. Then a Groupon popped up. Who can resist a good Groupon? Finally, we had a free weekend to use it, and we’re so glad we did.

Belle Chevre Cheese Shop and Tasting Room is located at 18849 Upper East Hampton Road in Elkmont. It is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 to 3:00 and on Saturday from 10:00 to 5:00. The sandwich board boasts some mouthwatering choices for lunch, plus there are several flavors of ice cream and Belle Chevre’s scrumptious lemon cheesecake. You can buy goat-themed merchandise, in addition to the breakfast and artisan cheeses. Breakfast offerings are: honey, cinnamon, coffee and fig. And, artisan choices include: Greek kiss, pimento, Southern belle and original.

Storefront of the cheese shop and tasting room.

Goat-themed merchandise.

Inside the sandwich shop.

Sandwich menu board.

Behind the back parking lot, you’ll find a much larger quonset-hut style building which is the actual cheese making plant. Tours are only given two days a week — at 10:00 and 1:00 on Friday and at 11:00, 1:00 and 3:00 on Saturday.

Exterior of main production and office building.

Tours have 4 main components. First, you get to meet some of the well-tended, milk-producing goats. In reality, the curds to produce about 2000 pounds of cheese each week come from a farm in North Carolina with 900 goats that are milked twice a day. Consider the logistics and the commitment of such a farm!!

Nubian and Nigerian pygmie goats.

The source of the goat cheese.

Second, visitors are escorted back inside to watch a short film called “Tasia and The Cheese Revolution.” This is where you get an overview of the history of Belle Chevre (which means “beautiful goat” or “beautiful goat cheese”). Tasia (pronounced “tuh-shee-uh”) Malakasis is the present owner and president. She is a native of Huntsville, AL with blood ties to Greece. After she finished school, she headed off to New York to seek her fortune in a high-tech career but was always drawn to food and cooking. One day she walked into a Dean & Deluca store in Manhattan and noticed a cheese made in Elkmont, AL. That intrigued her, because she was surprised a product in that store came from such a small town near Huntsville. She tasted the cheese, fell in love with it and started trying to find out how she could be involved in the company. After quitting her New York job, moving back to Alabama and working for free for six months, she bought Belle Chevre. At that time, Belle Chevre goat cheese was well-known OUTSIDE of Alabama. Ms. Malakasis began a marketing strategy to make it better known in North Alabama and surrounding areas. Judging from the demand for so much cheese each week, it is obvious that she has become a huge success.

In the third part of the tour, you will look through glass partitions into the production room and see some of the processes that take place.

The production room.

And, finally, you will get to the delicious climax. Everyone on the tour will taste at least 8 different cheese varieties, plus the cheesecake. Then, each person gets to choose a cheese container to take home. Warning: it will be very hard to stick to only one!

Belle Chevre’s original spread.

A sample of pimento goat cheese.

Preparing a sample of Greek kiss.

A cute taster at Belle Chevre.

The Belle Chevre website has quite a few recipes for using the various goat cheeses. If you enjoy cookbooks as much as I do, you might want to order the cookbook written by Ms. Malakasis called Tasia’s Table.

It is available through the website or on Amazon.

You will need to call and make a reservation if you want to take the tour — 256-732-4801. Steve and I enjoyed it a lot. It was informative and SO tasty. 🙂

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Reminders from Two Little Girls

10/13/2017 By: CCPearson4 Comments

Last weekend I had the pleasure of spending the day with two little girls. On the surface, they may seem completely different. One was prayed for, planned and welcomed joyfully into the world. The other was also prayed for and planned, but spent most of the first five years of her life in an orphanage in Ethiopia before being welcomed joyfully into her forever family. One attends a public elementary school in a large metropolitan area of Tennessee. The other is homeschooled in a moderate-sized town in Georgia. One is the only brown-skinned person in her family. The other is the only extrovert in a family of introverts. But, somehow, in God’s divine plan, both of these beautiful girls are my granddaughters, legally and emotionally, with equal amounts of my love.

Birti and Megan checking out the merchandise.

Thinking about our day together, I believe I was reminded of 4 very important life lessons.

It is truly good to laugh. There’s something that lightens your heart when you hear the innocent giggles and chuckles of young children. The Bible says that “a merry heart (a laughing, joyous heart) does good, like medicine.” Proverbs 17:22 John Cleese is quoted as saying, “Laughter connects you with people. It’s almost impossible to maintain any kind of distance or any sense of social hierarchy when you’re just howling with laughter. Laughter is a force for democracy.” And Paul Lowney said, “Laughter has no foreign accent.” I just know that I observed for hours on end during that day that laughter was a great equalizer. It came so naturally to those little girls and certainly did me more good than any medicine.
It’s not that hard to get along with another person. In the case of Birti and Megan, they share an interest in soccer, electronics and mint chocolate chip ice cream, but they also have plenty of diverging activities and foods that they enjoy. Yet, they got along beautifully without a single cross word. When they saw the birthday cake I had waiting for them, they quickly swapped candle colors to make sure both were happy. When they were shopping in the stores, they eagerly pointed out treasures they saw on the shelves that they believed would be appealing to the other person. And they found the most fun out of buying the same things with just a touch of individuality thrown in for good measure, such as in Build-a-Bear when they bought the same stuffed dog but were careful to give them different names. Why don’t adults make that much effort to work together to improve relationships? Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
Wise money management can be taught from an early age. Their granddaddy would have LOVED seeing how much time and thought these girls gave to how they would spend a portion of their birthday money. I see it as a tribute to the careful teaching and examples of their parents and also as a reflection of their personalities. Birti wanted to make sure she still had some money left, and Megan wanted to be sure the item she was buying was something she really wanted. For my part, I was just very glad to have the luxury of time to allow them to shop the way they wanted to shop. Proverbs 13:18 “Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards a rebuke will be honored.” Children watch everything we do and say. Lessons about money should be carefully taught.
A different kind of music is leading them to a knowledge of God and to an experience of worship. Both of these young granddaughters LOVE contemporary Christian music. They listen to it a LOT and have many songs memorized. It speaks their language. Their voices are pure and clear, and I had several chances to hear them singing with complete abandon when they thought no one was listening. But when we attended a very traditional worship service on Sunday morning filled with music that I had grown up with, they stood there mute and told me afterwards that they didn’t know a single one of the songs. These are girls who attend church every week, but they are worshiping in a completely different atmosphere and style. The songs they shared with me have powerful, biblically-based lyrics. In my own personal “perfect world,” a worship experience would interweave both the old and the new using lots of instruments, but very few churches have that. I would LOVE for them to cherish “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” and “Glorious is Thy Name” as much as I do, but that is unlikely to happen. I am determined to embrace what works to teach them the truths about God and His Word. That doesn’t mean that I have to abandon my own heart language of hymns, but it does mean that I should enjoy learning THEIR music, too. Ephesians 5:19 “speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,” Psalm 105:2 “Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.”
Birti and Megan relaxing on the couch and eating nacho chips after our shopping trip.

Thanks, Megan and Birti. Without your knowledge, you reminded your Grandmomma of things she needed to remember.

The Mall and Taco Mama with Grandmomma

10/09/2017 By: CCPearson2 Comments

It’s a Grandmomma’s dream day when Granddaddy and a gang of grandboys are off for an Auburn football game,

Granddaddy and 4 of his grandsons in Auburn.

and I have some time to just concentrate on a couple of granddaughters. Except for Cousins Camp, it’s rare for Megan in Georgia and Birti in Tennessee to have a day together. It’s extra-nice that their birthdays are 1 year and 9 days apart, so they had birthday cash burning a hole in their purses and a Grandmomma happy to give them the time to spend some of it. Shopping and lunch were our primary objectives.

When we arrived at Parkway Place Mall in Huntsville and they realized it had a Claire’s, a Justice and a Build-a-Bear, they declared it “the best mall ever!” I discovered that these girls were very careful and savvy shoppers. One of the stores had a buy one/get one free deal going on. I’m pretty sure they looked at ALL of the possibilities. In this case, it’s so much better to be the GRANDmomma instead of the Momma. Grandmommas are much less likely to be in a hurry, don’t you think? I asked them as we were leaving, “When’s the last time you got to spend more than 2 hours looking for only your kind of stuff?” Their response: “NEVER!” And there you have the reason Grandmotherhood is SO awesome.

Claire’s and Justice are great places for a couple of 9 and 10-year-olds. Jewelry, purses, iPod cases, small stuffed animals, hair accessories, cute clothes and much, much more.

Unlimited time to make decisions in Claire’s.

Hurray for birthday money and some time to shop.

Both girls LOVE soft, cuddly stuffed animals, so Build-a-Bear was perfect. It just seemed natural to “be twins” in their choice this morning. Here are the results.

Fluffing their new puppies at Build-a-Bear.

Creating birth certificates for their new stuffed animals at Build-a-Bear.

Twin puppies with AU shirts.

Happy with their purchases in Build-a-Bear.

After all the serious looking, it was time to have lunch. Here’s where Grandmomma gets to “gently lead” in interesting directions. I had been wanting to check out Taco Mama. They thought the idea of “building your own taco or burrito” sounded good, so off we went to The Village of Providence. Of the 11 Taco Mamas currently in operation, 9 are in Alabama, 1 is in Nashville and 1 is in Greensboro, NC. The weather was great for enjoying the outdoor tables and atmosphere. Custom-designed glass garage-type doors allow the whole place to be open-air when possible. At other times, they are closed and everything is dry and climate-controlled.

Exterior of Taco Mama in The Village of Providence.

Colorful interior of Taco Mama.

Always on the lookout for bargains, I was glad to see a Ninos (A.K.A. Kids) Menu. Megan happily selected the cheese quesadilla with a side of tortilla chips. ($3.00)

Megan with a kid’s quesadilla at Taco Mama.

Birti wanted to build her own beef burrito with a side of queso. She made short work of it! ($8.00)

Birti with a beef burrito and queso at Taco Mama.

I enjoyed a chicken burrito with lots of veggies tucked inside with ancho chile slaw. It tasted very fresh and flavorful. ($8.00) There are a few items that go up to $9 and $10, and the ahi tuna is $13, but everything on the menu is very affordable.

Chicken burrito with ancho chile slaw at Taco Mama.

Speaking of “building your own,” in the list of meats, you will see the normal ones of beef or shredded chicken, but you could also choose chorizo, pork, barbacoa, steak, grilled shrimp, flounder or a few others. And the list of other add-ons is extensive: rice, refried beans, black beans, onions, cheeses, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, jalapenos, corn, sour cream and more. Actually, I believe you could have ALL of the free add-ons, if you walk in with a huge appetite. Then there are 7 different sauces. The key words are “lots of choices” and “have it the way you want it.” Sounds like a good business model to me.

Taco Mama at The Village of Providence opens 7 days a week at 11:00 a.m. This is a place where you walk up to a counter to order and get your own drinks in plastic cups, but once you’re seated, the service is prompt and courteous. If you enjoy Mexican cuisine, I recommend that you try Taco Mama.

Another great day for this Grandmomma. Read more about my time with these little girls on Friday.

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