There Goes Connie

The Blessing of Turning 67

05/19/2017 By: CCPearson9 Comments

By the time you read this post, I will have celebrated my 67th birthday quite in style in Charleston, South Carolina with my Silver Fox, who is my forever favorite travel companion and husband of 46 years. I must say that we are enjoying this stage of our lives to the fullest and try hard to remember to appreciate and be thankful for every minute we are given.

On my birthday, one of the first thoughts I always have is how much longer I have been allowed to live on this earth, to enjoy my family and friends and (hopefully) to make a difference to people I come in contact with than my own mother was given. She died suddenly at the age of 55. Truthfully, anyone who knew her would have to say that she lived every one of those 55 years fully and with joy. She woke up that fateful Saturday morning and got out all of her ingredients to start making cookies for a bridal shower she was to co-host. Then, she suddenly had a blinding headache and soon lost consciousness as a result of a brain aneurysm. My dad, my siblings, her siblings and I were all devastated. She, however, was immediately ushered into heaven. Of this, I have no doubt “for the Bible tells me so.” Mom had accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful follower to the end. She taught us that “life was too short to sweat the small stuff,” and that was how she went about her days. She was blessed.

Another thought I have is about the generous number of years my dad was given on earth. He died just about six weeks shy of his 89th birthday, and for the vast majority of those years, he enjoyed good health, a host of friends and the devoted love of first my mother and then our sweet stepmother June. He had a very productive and successful career, he managed his money wisely, and he was able to live very comfortably. He was blessed.

I am now into my FOURTH career — through all of which I have found tremendous fulfillment. I have 12 grandchildren with #13 due in October. I used to quip that I wanted to “live long enough to dance at all of the grandchildren’s weddings.” But, if Julie keeps having babies, that might get more and more challenging, wouldn’t you say? Steve and I are so proud of the adults our children have become, and we praise God for their lives and the influence and impact they are making on the world. I am blessed. There’s no doubt about it. I am blessed.

I am not guaranteed another hour or day on this earth. I believe that God absolutely knows the exact “number of my days,” and that I will die when He has ordained that my time is over . . . and not one minute before. He is still giving me assignments. He is still putting me in the path of people who need a touch, a word, a laugh, a hug or a challenge that He wants me to supply. And my job is to be sensitive to know who those people are and how I’m supposed to respond.

I learned from my mother the fun and wonder of making any and every occasion into something to celebrate, and for several years now, I’ve declared that the entire month of May is my Birth MONTH. I highly recommend that you find the joy around you, that you celebrate often and well, that you laugh loudly and with abandon, that you forgive others quickly and thoroughly, and that you “praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow!”

Psalm 90:12-17

12 Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

¹³Relent, Lord! How long will it be?
    Have compassion on your servants.
¹⁴Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
    that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
¹⁵Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
    for as many years as we have seen trouble.
¹⁶May your deeds be shown to your servants,
    your splendor to their children.

¹⁷May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.

LEXINGTON, KY: HORSES AND SO MUCH MORE

05/15/2017 By: CCPearson2 Comments

The first impression as you drive near Lexington is “What gorgeous horse farms they have!” And, for sure, the horse business is prominent in this part of the country — racing, feeding, doctoring, studying, grooming, training, riding, encouraging a boy horse and a girl horse to make a baby horse. You get the idea. We saw many horse barns that were more elaborate than mansions in other parts of the country. And, oh that lush bluegrass!

Racing season is in high gear at Keeneland in April and October, but many other activities happen there throughout the year. You can also visit Kentucky Horse Park and the American Saddlebred Museum for first-class displays and demonstrations, you can tour The Thoroughbred Center, and many of those beautiful horse farms you passed welcome guests to come in for closer looks. After all, this IS the “Horse Capital of the World!”

Horses racing at Keeneland.

Statue of Secretariat at Kentucky Horse Park.

Horse decor is everywhere — in gift shops, in artworks, and even in the shapes of candies, candles and lamps. Horse lovers, this is a place you will love.

Horses in decor items everywhere.

Probably the second most popular thing on the minds of Lexingtonians would be University of Kentucky basketball. Yes, they are a part of the SEC, and their football team does play other teams in the conference, but their main bragging rights come from the basketball court, specifically Rupp Arena. They have won eight national championships under five different coaches, the latest one was in 2012. So, visitors can expect to see a lot of Kentucky blue and wildcat paraphernalia in store windows.

University of Kentucky souvenirs.

Lexington has plenty of connections to people in American history, too. Ashland, the estate of famous Kentucky statesmen Henry Clay, is located at 120 Sycamore Road and is open for tours through the 18-room mansion and the 20 acres remaining of this plantation. The Mary Todd Lincoln Home, at 578 West Main Street, was where Mary lived as a girl, and later she brought husband Abraham and their children for a three-week visit with the Todd family. Very informative tours are also conducted at this site.

Ashland, home of Henry Clay.

Mary Todd Lincoln Home.

If you want a place to stay that is itself full of fascinating history, antique reproduction furniture, comfort and an ideal location, consider the Gratz Park Inn, 120 West Second Street, in the heart of Lexington’s historic district. Restaurants and shops are within easy walking distance, in addition to the campus of Transylvania University.

Entrance to Gratz Park Inn.

A lobby area at the Gratz Park Inn.

Based on the recommendations of friends, we wanted to try several foods associated with Lexington. The first was a Kentucky Hot Brown — an open-faced sandwich with slices of turkey and ham, covered with cheese that is melted and topped with bacon and slices of tomatoes. We sampled this concoction at Winchell’s, along with fried banana peppers and Derby pie. The Kentucky Derby is actually run in Louisville, of course, but Derby pie is served in Lexington as well. Think rich chess pie with chocolate chips and pecans. Oh my.

Kentucky Hot Brown from Winchell’s.

Fried banana peppers at Winchell’s.

Derby pie at Winchell’s.

At a very neat place called Windy Corner Market, we sampled chili, corncake, and a recommended appetizer of beer cheese with soft pretzels and raw veggies. It was tasty, smooth and creamy.

Beer cheese with pretzels and veggies at Windy Corner Market.

And, once we heard of a place called Old Kentucky Chocolates, we knew we’d need to visit it as well. We didn’t try them, but we spotted the Bourbon Cherries — definitely a connection to Lexington’s place on the Bourbon Trail.

Bourbon cherries at Old Kentucky Chocolates.

We found other great restaurants and shops and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in Lexington. I recommend that you put it on your list of places to spend a few days in the near future.

The Shakers — So Much Good, but . . . .

05/12/2017 By: CCPearson2 Comments

There is so much to admire about the Shakers and the way they conducted their lives, but they went off track in some very important areas.

Shaker furniture, implements and baskets.

Shakers were the first to package seeds in paper envelopes.

Shaker brooms of all kinds.

I love reading about their amazing work ethic. Their leader Mother Ann believed that every member of the Shaker community had an obligation to work, and each person was trained to do a specific job — whether it was cooking, gardening, building, farming or doing the laundry. She taught that every person should “live as if you had 1000 years to live and as if you were going to die tomorrow.” Such a mindset developed a culture of excellence.
I love their emphasis on music and writing songs. Through the years, members composed thousands of songs, primarily used in their worship services. The most famous one is “Simple Gifts.”
I love their determination to live peacefully and the fact that they fed and cared for both Union and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War.
I admire all of their helpful inventions: the circular saw, clothespins, the flat broom, a rotating oven that could bake 60 pies at one time, ball-and-socket tilters for chairs, and a new type of fire engine, to name a few. They shared these with outsiders without worrying about obtaining a patent.
They lived separate lives from the world, but when they saw something that would make their lives better, they readily implemented it in their community. So, their homes had electricity and running water before many around them.
I appreciate the fact that they viewed the sexes as equals and that women had equal food, accommodations and opportunities to produce goods as the men did. The symmetry inside the buildings reflects that perfectly with the side for the men and the side for the women being the same size.
Buildings at Shaker Village in Pleasant Hill, Kentucky, were obviously built to last. The Central Meeting House was finished in 1820, for example, and the East Family Dwelling (which now houses overnight guests) was built in 1817. Two hundred years of durability.
What they produced was known for its quality and excellence — baskets, brushes, bonnets, brooms, homespun fabric, furniture, garden seeds, medicinal herbs, and even applesauce!
The workplaces and the houses of Shakers were clean and orderly. More of Mother Ann’s admonitions include: “Clean your room well, for good spirits will not live where there is dirt.” And, “A place for everything and everything in its place.”
Shakers believed that they must confess their sins regularly, and I certainly agree with that. Nothing good comes from letting unconfessed sins mount up in our lives.

BUT, once you look beyond these very good things, the more disturbing beliefs and practices emerge.

The Central Meeting House at Shaker Village in Pleasant Hill, Kentucky, built in 1820.

Ann Lee founded the Shakers (first referred to as the “Shaking Quakers”) in England in 1770, as a result of her discontent with the Anglican Church. She married in 1762 at the age of 26 and had four children, but all four of them died in infancy. Shortly after the last child died, she claimed to have had a vision from God that sexual intimacy was the root of all evil and that a person had to be celibate in order to truly serve God. She persuaded her husband and seven followers to leave England and relocate in America. Within two years of coming to America, her husband left her for another woman. Clearly, Ann Lee had a very unfortunate experience with marriage and with child-bearing, but God created the sexual union AND the ability to conceive and bear children. And, the Bible has a lot of say about marriage, husbands, wives and being parents.

As the doctrine of Shakerism and celibacy spread, there would often be 40 or more men and women living under the same roof but in opposite parts of the house. They took vows to live together as brothers and sisters, rather than as husbands and wives. So, of course, my question was HOW did these communities grow without any children? I learned that the Shakers adopted many orphans and reared them in their communities, giving each one the option to stay or to leave at the age of 21. The Shaker membership was at its highest between 1820-1860 with 6000 believers, so many of those adopted orphans must have chosen to stay.

Probably the most troubling belief of the Shakers was this — the formal name for the Shakers was the United Society of Believers in the Second Appearing of Christ, and they believed that Ann Lee, who came to be known as Mother Ann, was the embodiment of that Second Appearing of Christ. She came to believe that God was bisexual, that Christ was the male portion of God and she was the female portion. Ann died at the age of 48, but by then there were plenty of believers to take up her missionary zeal for making converts to Shakerism.

So much good was done by the Shakers, but they were oh-so-wrong about some very important teachings in God’s Word.

Genesis 2:23-24 “The man said, “This is now bone of my bones,And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman,because she was taken out of Man. For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.”

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

Visiting Kentucky’s Shaker Village: What to Expect

05/08/2017 By: CCPearsoncomment

The Shakers haven’t lived on the property since 1910, but many signs of their presence are still very evident within the 3000 acres preserved for the use of visitors. Weekend calendars are full of activities from concerts to tours to hands-on activities for children, but during the week you can expect to take a deep breath and feel that you have stepped back in time.

A couple of weeks ago, Steve and I enjoyed 24 hours at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, near Harrodsburg, Kentucky. It was a welcome respite and change of pace after spending two very busy days in Cincinnati and before heading to another full schedule in Lexington, KY. Let me share some photos that will help you picture this very tranquil place and list some things that you can expect to find when you visit.

Spacious guest rooms that are clean and comfortable. The decor is neutral and lacking in gizmos and artwork, but the beds and chairs are chosen for comfort. You might be surprised to find internet and televisions, but both are included in the room rates. I smiled when I saw the brand of bathroom toiletries — Bee Kind. Fitting, don’t you think? Our room was in the East Family Dwelling. It would not be considered handicapped-accessible, and there was no elevator, so be aware of that before making your plans. Here is the accessibility statement issued by Shaker Village.

Sparse, but comfortable guest rooms with great bedding, easy-to-clean floors and spacious sitting areas.

Plenty of hot water and clean bathrooms.

Bee Kind toiletries.

A spacious sitting area.

East Family Dwelling.

2. Delicious meals at the Trustees’ Table. Meals are not included in the room rates, but they are a great option served right on the grounds within walking distance of your room. There is a large working farm on the property, so seasonal vegetables and other ingredients are incorporated as much as possible. Reservations are encouraged for breakfast, lunch and dinner, because diners are very likely to drive in from neighboring towns.

Homebaked bread and a vegetable relish is included with dinner.

Homebaked bread and a vegetable relish are included with dinner.

Tender chicken topped with micro-greens from the Shaker Village garden.

The famous Shaker Lemon Pie. Tart and fresh.

A generous portion of trout.

The Trustees’ Office is where the restaurant is found. Plus there are guest rooms upstairs and a gift shop and reception desk near the entrance.

Crisp bacon, soft-scrambled eggs, cheese grits and baked apples on the breakfast buffet.

Fluffy biscuits and pumpkin muffins served at breakfast.

3. Tours by knowledgeable guides. Examples of symmetry are everywhere. Shakers were strong believers in equality between the sexes, so even though there was clear separation between the spaces for men and those for women, those spaces were equal in size and accommodations.

Knowledgeable guide given a group tour.

Spiral staircase reaching up 3 stories.

Twin spiral staircases are on both sides near the entrance to the restaurant.

Symmetrical entrance doors at the Centre Family Dwelling.

Symmetrical staircases.

Centre Family Dwelling.

4. A gift shop, free parking, and plenty of space to walk, hike or ride horses. In the Preserve section of the property, there are 40 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. Guests can also shop for Shaker-style crafts and books on their history. The small building next to the Trustees’ Office, which is called the Post Office, AND the Trustees’ Office offer gift items and snacks. In particular, I wanted to find the recipe for Shaker Lemon Pie and was glad to see it in a small, affordable cookbook.

One section of the gift shop housed in the Post Office.

I’ve had a lot of thoughts about the many good things that were invented or implemented by the Shakers, and I also have some spiritual thoughts about their beliefs and practices. Check back in on Friday to read more.

Plan your visit to include some time in nearby Harrodsburg. The small town is filled with history from the well-preserved buildings of Main Street to Old Fort Harrod State Park and beyond. Harrodsburg is also a key location in two massive yard sales, the 400-mile sale along Highway 68 in early June and the other along Highway 27 in August.

I Found a Treasure!

05/05/2017 By: CCPearson4 Comments

I thought it was lost forever. I searched online over and over, but none of the recipes I found had the “secret” middle layer using an egg that my Momma’s recipe had. She served her unique Orange Congealed Salad many times, and it always got rave reviews. She died 31 years ago, and somehow the recipe seemed to have disappeared. But, a few days ago, while I was searching for something else entirely in a place I rarely look, THERE IT WAS. The coveted recipe. And in my Momma’s own handwriting. I was thrilled. In my heart and from my perspective, it was like finding a Lost Treasure.

The very top of the recipe I found. For the time being, I believe I’ll keep the entire recipe “in the family.” Hope you don’t mind.

I quickly made a photo of the recipe and sent it to my siblings and daughters — much to their delight. I will be diligent to be sure this treasure never gets lost again. And, to add to my joy, tomorrow I will take this salad to a luncheon at my church where several ladies will be attending who actually knew my Momma. That makes me smile, and I believe Momma would be pleased.

The first layer of Momma’s orange congealed salad.

The final stage of Momma’s orange congealed salad. It’s that secret middle layer that makes it extra special.

Jesus shared several parables about finding something that was lost and rejoicing when it was found. One, in Luke 15, involves a woman with similar feelings to my own.

Luke 15:8-10 “Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!’ In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

What a beautiful picture for those of us who have “repented.” Our repentance brought joy in the presence of God’s angels. And, doesn’t that motivate us to share the gospel with those who are lost, so that the angels can experience joy over and over and over?

Must-Eats in Cincinnati

05/01/2017 By: CCPearsoncomment

When Steve and I pulled into Cincinnati last week, I had three foods on my list of must-eats considered to be distinctively “Cincinnatian.” They were goetta, Graeter’s ice cream and Cincinnati’s version of chili. We happily found and sampled all of them, plus another as a delicious bonus.

Goetta, and specifically Glier’s Goetta, is pronounced “get-uh” and, according to their website, it “is a German breakfast sausage that blends the textures and flavors of pork, beef, whole grain steel-cut oats, fresh onions, and spices. It is slow-cooked daily and perfectly prepared when browned and served.” Glier’s produces 1,000,000 pounds of goetta each year, and 99% of it is consumed right in Cincinnati. That likely explains why the rest of us have never tried it. It is definitely an acquired taste, but I thought it was pretty good. You don’t expect your sausage to be crispy/crunchy, but goetta is, so be prepared for that. I do recommend that you try it. “When in Rome . . . .,” right?

We had it both mornings we were in the city. First at Hathaway’s Diner on the first floor of Carew Tower, and the next morning at the Symphony Hotel. I didn’t hear of anyone who made their own goetta at home. Glier’s definitely has this product firmly in its grasp.

Glier’s Goetta at Hathaway’s Diner.

2. Graeter’s Ice Cream is distinctive because of the French Pot Process used in making it. Read and see photos of that process here. Categories of flavors are: seasonal, classic, signature chip, low glycemic and sorbet. THE absolute signature flavor is Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip, and I can testify that it is truly wonderful. Steve and I shared a scoop after our dinner at Montgomery Inn Boathouse (a place you will read more about in coming days). We also went into a stand-alone Graeter’s location in Fountain Square — just to browse, of course.

Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream by Graeter’s

3. Cincinnati has a highly unique chili recipe. It is served over a plate of spaghetti pasta and is topped with grated cheddar cheese. In this form, it is referred to as a Three-Way. The chili itself has a cinnamon hint to it, and some speculate that cocoa is also included. If you add a layer of beans OR onions, it becomes a Four-Way, and if you add BOTH beans and onions, it is then a Five-Way. I had been warned that “nobody likes sweet chili,” so we chose the Five-Way. I could still taste the cinnamon, but the beans and onions helped to make it more similar to the chili from my neck of the woods. In this category, as with Glier’s Goetta and Graeter’s Ice Cream, Skyline Chili appears to have a tight grip on the market. There are other places around town serving chili, but Skyline is a local favorite. Camp Washington Chili was also recommended, and we’ll have to try it on a return visit. So much to see and eat. So little time.

Cincinnati-style chili at Skyline Chili

As for the bonus, we had dinner one night at The Eagle on Vine Street, just a couple of blocks from our hotel, and decided to order their spoonbread. Oh my goodness. It is made in an iron skillet like cornbread but is less dense. Then while it’s still hot, it is smeared with a generous serving of maple butter that seeps into the bread and makes it totally worth the calories. While you’re at The Eagle, go ahead and splurge on their fried chicken. EXTRA good.

Spoonbread at The Eagle.

When you go to a new city, I urge you to do your homework and find out what special dishes the locals enjoy and determine the best places for trying those foods. It will enrich your visit tremendously.

Can 2 Baptists Go to the Horse Races Without Sinning?

04/28/2017 By: CCPearsoncomment

I hope the answer is “Yes,” because Steve and I enjoyed a fun afternoon during the Spring Race Meet Season at Keeneland in Lexington, KY just last week. We both have our share of addictions and temptations. Don’t get me wrong. I, for instance, need to spend as little time as possible in a bakery. But, gambling and alcohol don’t tempt us. For those who struggle with those addictions, I would suggest staying far away. The Bible does address this in no uncertain terms.

James 1: 13-16 “When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.”

1 Timothy 6:9 “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.”

The weather was perfect. Mild temperatures, a gentle breeze. Parking was free, and a complimentary shuttle ran regularly to help navigate the uphill trek to the Racing Pavilion/Grandstand. Tickets to get in were less than $10 each, and that included admission and a seat in the grandstand — which meant seats with backs and armrests and being out of the bright sun. Here was the view from our seats — right in front of the finish line.

Oh my, those thoroughbreds are such gorgeous animals!! And just driving to Keeneland, we passed miles and miles of picture-perfect horse farms, fenced grounds and palatial barns. The horse-racing culture has obviously generated millions upon millions of dollars worth of revenue for Kentucky, its cities and its citizens. The owners, trainers and jockeys benefit directly, but also those who grow the hay the horses eat, those who muck out the stalls, and still others who teach riding lessons are helped by this industry, too.

There were OPPORTUNITIES to place bets everywhere, but the only money we spent during the races went for a program, 2 soft pretzels and some lemonade. Instead of betting money, we looked over the names of the horses in each race and picked our favorites. My goodness, who has the job of coming up with the names for these horses? They range “from the ridiculous to the sublime,” as the saying goes. I remember Race 5, in particular. Steve liked “Johnny Obvious,” and I was torn between “Keep Talking” and “Kiss the Toad.” In the final seconds, “Bound for Nowhere” came streaking from the middle of the pack and won by several lengths. There’s got to be a sermon in that, don’t you think? “Bound for Nowhere” running as fast as he could and winning the race . . . but why, if he has no destination in mind. Hmmmm.

But, anyway, we laughed and cheered and had a grand ol’ time. And we enjoyed chatting with the family sitting next to us. We observed the pageantry and the traditions. My favorite, of course, was the role of the bugler and the precision with which he did his job.

Now for a confession. I WAS tempted by the hats!! Or maybe I should say that I was lured by them?? We weren’t at the Kentucky Derby, mind you, and only a small percentage of the ladies were wearing great hats. But, there was a large display of gorgeous hats for sale near the entrance to the racetrack, and ladies were ENCOURAGED to try them on. The large pink one in the photo had a hefty price tag of over $500, so, nope, that was not going to go home with me. But, on the way out, with some nudging from Steve, I did buy one that makes me happy, and it was only 1/10 of the cost of the pink one. Whew. Our budget is still intact, and I have a memorable souvenir of an afternoon I never imagined experiencing before I became a travel writer.

Do you see the blue hat right in the center of this photo? It may or may not have come home with me.

And then there’s the whole subject of Christians being IN the world, but not OF the world. Something we’ll talk about on another day. Oh, and as we were walking back to our car, we saw a First Baptist Church bus parked among the dozens of tour buses. ?????

New, Improved Huntsville Botanical Gardens: A Gorgeous Venue in North Alabama

04/24/2017 By: CCPearsoncomment

Having completed a $16-million project, the new Eloise McDonald Propst Guest Center is now open and is the first “face” you see when you come onto the grounds of the Huntsville Botanical Gardens at 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue in Huntsville.

View of the Guest Center from the parking lot.

Thousands of new plants are in the ground and are busy blooming to the delight of all. Their fragrance as you enter the building let you know you’re in for a visual and sensual treat.

Some bright new plants on the grounds.

Once inside, you will immediately notice the Gift Shop with its beautiful temptations.

Spring merchandise in the Gift Shop.

Looking from the Gift Shop into the cafe.

A new cafe is now up and running in the Guest Center. Table in the Garden is owned by Jake Reed who also owns Albany Bistro in Decatur. Table is a casual eatery with both indoor and outdoor seating. Reed and his staff offer full catering for events at the Botanical Gardens. Many weddings and events are already on the calendar for the coming months.

Table in the Garden.

Order counter for Table in the Garden.

Outdoor patio of Table in the Garden.

Patio beside the Carriage House in the new Guest Center.

Art on display in the Guest Center.

Behind the Guest Center, a new lake and walkways have been added. I urge you to visit soon and savor all the newness and excitement in the air.

New water feature.

Auburn B & B Owners Exhibit Christian Hospitality

04/21/2017 By: CCPearson6 Comments

In a recent visit to “The Loveliest Village on the Plains,” I had the delightful privilege of touring the Crenshaw Guest House and sitting down with its very warm and personable owner, Sarah Jenkins. Crenshaw Guest House is a B & B located at 371 N. College Street, near the railroad tracks running through downtown Auburn. It is within easy walking distance of the shops and eateries frequented by students and all manner of university folks and is within a REASONABLE walking distance of Jordan-Hare Stadium and Auburn Arena for football games, basketball games, concerts and the like. Not only is it conveniently located, it is also packed with Auburn University history.

Front exterior of Crenshaw Guest House on N. College St. in Auburn, AL

It was built in 1890 by Bolling Hall Crenshaw who was a professor at Alabama Polytechnic Institute (which later became Auburn University) and authored several mathematics textbooks. A later owner was Frances Speight Sugg Verma, granddaughter of Cliff Hare (see the reference to Jordan-Hare Stadium above). And, more than 20 trees on the property were planted by former Auburn football coach, Pat Dye, who drops by every year to “check on his trees.” This place screams “A-U-B-U-R-N!”

But, it was a quote on the Crenshaw Guest House website, that really drew me in and made me want to take a closer look. Speaking of owners Steven and Sarah Jenkins: “Their main reason for purchasing the Crenshaw House is to share Christian hospitality and provide a comfortable, clean home away from home for current and future friends visiting Auburn.” I absolutely loved that statement, so my first question to Sarah when I visited was this, “Tell me what Christian hospitality looks like to you.”

Steven and Sarah Jenkins, owners of Crenshaw Guest House in Auburn, AL

Without missing a beat, Sarah said that to her it meant “making sure people feel welcomed, loved and accepted.” She said that their guests come from all different backgrounds — parents of university students, young couples/families, alumni, people interviewing for jobs — and she wants to “invest in them as people, talk to them, visit with them, see what’s going on in their lives.” She said that it could appear that time for such investing would be short, but that actually when guests come in for breakfast, there IS time to talk. She mentioned a couple from India who stayed recently. The husband was interviewing for a job, and they had only been married for a few months. The new wife proudly shared wedding pictures she had on her phone.

Scripture is strategically placed throughout the house, and both Steven and Sarah readily and naturally work into their conversations how God brought them to Auburn and how they became owners of Crenshaw. Sarah said, “We had never had owning a B & B on our radar, yet God kept opening doors, and we walked through them. Even in decorating the rooms, God provided. Guests will remark about various items, and we share how God provided exactly what we needed for that spot. One time I found a vintage suitcase, and it made me smile. God cares about the big things, but He also cares about the little things.” I loved the way Sarah so easily and gratefully acknowledged God in everything she said during our time together.

She said that they don’t blatantly try to evangelize. They just welcome people, and share what God is doing in their lives. She mentioned how important relationship-building is, and that they have a LOT of repeat/returning guests as a result of the relationships that have formed.

As a side note, Sarah said that they don’t ban alcohol on the property (guests may buy their own and bring it in), but they also don’t SERVE alcohol.

I asked her about inspections and health ratings, etc. She said that she was her own personal CLEAN POLICE. I believe it. The place was spotless! In addition to washing all the sheets and towels after every guest leaves, she even washes the bedspreads and shower curtains!! What a way to “go the extra mile!” She’s also a big Chlorox user and goes over every surface that a guest might have touched. This habit comes directly from her previous years as a pre-school teacher at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. She was also well-taught by her mother, who comes for a visit and says, “What can we clean today?” The oft-used phrase “cleanliness is next to godliness” is actually nowhere to be found in the Bible, but I’d say that Sarah’s approach to the atmosphere she has created at Crenshaw Guest House is a perfect example of how that saying can be modeled. It is a very clean place to stay, and Sarah is obviously a Spirit-filled woman. Just as a word of explanation, Steven is definitely involved in owning this B & B and often fills in with entertaining guests and serving breakfast, but he’s also a full-time software engineer with a cottage in the back of the property that serves as his office.

Sarah mentioned that in addition to the joy of meeting people through the B & B, she also appreciates the university students they are able to employ during busy times. These strong, able-bodied young people help with cleaning, serving breakfast and yardwork and are a great blessing to the Jenkins family.

As for the future, Sarah says, “We’re here until God tells us to move.” I hope they will be there for a long time to come, touching the lives of all their guests with excellent examples of Christian hospitality.

1 Peter 4:9 “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.”

Romans 12:10-13 “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; ¹¹not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; ¹²rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; ¹³distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.”

Even the back entrance is welcoming.

Auburn Area Eateries and an Art Museum

04/17/2017 By: CCPearson1 Comment

I’m not quite ready to compare Auburn, AL to Franklin, TN, but in one respect, they are similar. Every time I visit either one, I find new places to eat. Some small. Some large. Some casual. Some gourmet. Some trendy and sleek. Some very plain. On a recent weekend on the Plains, I tried several cafes and restaurants that I had never noticed before.

AMSTERDAM CAFE at 410 S. Gay Street.

When you walk in the door, you will notice a connection between this place — or at least the NAME of this place — and Vincent Van Gogh, a famous painter who lived from 1853 to 1890. He was born in the Netherlands, and in fact, The Van Gogh Museum is in Amsterdam. Several of his self-portraits adorn the walls of the dining room (reproductions, of course. Who in the world could afford an original??). One has been slightly altered to fit into the Auburn football atmosphere.

Van Gogh dressed to play football for Auburn

The place was hoppin’ when we arrived after 8 p.m. on a Thursday night. I can only imagine what it’s like on game weekends, so plan ahead and make reservations.

Turkey wrap with sweet potato chips

Crab cake and avocado croissant.

I had my eye on the Crab Cake and Avocado Sandwich since it had made the list of “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die.” Steve chose the Amsterdam Turkey Wrap, and we both had the housemade sweet potato chips for our sides. The server suggested dipping the chips in honey mustard sauce. Great idea! A delicious combo. Check out the menu on the website. You can spend a little or a lot at Amsterdam Cafe.

BIZILIA’S CAFE at 134 N. College St.

Blueberry muffinini

This place specializes in paninis. I happened by after a morning stroll around the campus and was lured by their muffininis. The man at the order counter mentioned blueberry, chocolate chip or banana nut. I thought the blueberry one sounded good. It was a muffin that had been sliced and griddled with butter and was served nice and warm. If I were a coffee drinker, I believe it would have been great with a cuppa Joe.

WAREHOUSE BISTRO 105 Rocket Ave. in Opelika.

You’ll have to get in the car and drive to this one, and yes, it really IS in a converted warehouse. Plus, there are warehouses forming an industrial park all around it. Warehouse Bistro has been in existence since 1993 and is a great place for casual fine dining — two words that don’t often go together. We were there with a number of Steve’s classmates from veterinary school, so we enjoyed our meal while laughing through endless stories about doctoring animals and sharing tales of practice woes and successes.

Front patio at Warehouse Bistro.

The menu is impressive, and reservations are recommended but not required. It is closed on Sunday and Monday but is open Tuesday-Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 and on Friday and Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Our meal consisted of the Bistro Salad — field greens, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, cucumbers, smoked bacon, red onions and Feta cheese with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

Bistro Salad

Gulf Black Grouper — sauteed and topped with jumbo lump crab meat and Hollandaise sauce.

Black grouper topped with crabmeat

Blueberry Bread Pudding — served warm with Creme Anglaise poured on top.

Blueberry bread pudding

A beautiful facility on the Auburn University campus is the JULE COLLINS SMITH MUSEUM OF FINE ART 901 S. College Street. It is open every day except Monday. While you are strolling through the amazing exhibits, you may wish to have lunch at the Museum Cafe (a limited menu but a tasteful, relaxing atmosphere). It serves salads, paninis or soups, etc. from 11:00-2:00 Tuesdays through Fridays. A Museum Gift Shop is also in the building if you’re looking for extraordinary gifts for friends.

On April 6, 2017, construction began on a performing arts center directly across the street from the museum. When it opens in 2019, it will serve as a wonderful venue for touring Broadway productions, as well as concert space for operas, symphonies, dance, along with student and faculty recitals. This section of South College Street will form a cultural arts district for the university campus. Exciting days ahead for students, alumni and visitors from all over.

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