There Goes Connie

Suggestions for Parents of Auburn Students – Part 4 “Get Outta Town!”

09/12/2016 By: CCPearsoncomment

If you come into Auburn for a football game intending to just spend a few hours with your student/child, have a meal, see the game and then head back home, you might as well face the fact that you will be in a crowd, a big ol’ crowd. At all of the eating joints within walking distance of the stadium, you’ll be standing in line or waiting quite awhile for a table. If you’re a tailgater, then you’ll have your own food with you, so that’s another subject altogether. In the mid- to late-90’s when our kids were there, we used their dorms or trailer as our gathering spots. Many students have much more deluxe accommodations these days, I hear. Don’t tell our kids. 🙂

However, if you have the luxury of coming in a day early or staying for a day or so AFTER the game, or if you come for a visit when there’s no ballgame on tap, then I have another place for you to enjoy. Head 10 miles down the road to nearby Opelika and find the railroad tracks. A beautiful area has been developed on South Railroad Avenue with eateries of all kinds and live music is scheduled frequently. There’s a nice parking area, and the landscaping is lovely. Several of the restaurants have outdoor dining patios you can enjoy when the weather is nice. A few fun shops also welcome browsers.

The two places Steve and I tried on South Railroad Street recently were Ma Fia’s Ristorante and Niffer’s at the Tracks, but you could also choose Side Track Coffee, O Town Ice Cream, Irish Bred Pub, Jefferson’s, or 8th and Rail. 8th and Rail, I must say, has a menu that doesn’t seem to fit its name — sushi and cocktails. ??? What’s up with that?

If you want to “eat like the students eat,” then go to Niffer’s. I mentioned it briefly in a blog post a few weeks ago. There are other Niffer’s locations in Auburn and at Lake Martin with the same tempting menu. Get a basket of corn nuggets with honey mustard sauce for starters. You’ll be glad I told you. Ah-may-zing. Burgers take center stage at Niffer’s. Choose from 5 different types of patties — beef, black bean vegan, vegetarian, chicken or turkey. Then, pick from an array for toppings and sides. This is a multi-napkin experience. So delicious.

Niffer’s — a favorite of the Auburn faithful.

Eclectic decor of Niffer’s interior.

Looking toward the front door of Niffer’s.

Veggie patty, topped with pineapple and mozzarella with a baked potato.

Ma Fia’s was formerly a simple pizza place, but now it has an extensive and mouthwatering Italian menu. I loved the eggplant parmesan, and Steve gave his pizza 2 thumbs up. The foccacia bread at the beginning was great, too. The atmosphere at Ma Fia’s is more intimate than that of Niffer’s. Think smooth jazz and cozy tables.

Opelika is half the size of Auburn, but it has much to offer. I hope you have a chance to find this neat gathering spot by the tracks.

Oh, and one more thing, here is a link to my article about Railroad Avenue recently posted in MilesGeek.com.

My Church Family

09/09/2016 By: CCPearson6 Comments

Hebrews 10: 24-25 “And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.”

I have often thought that I couldn’t imagine going through a crisis without the support of a church family. Fortunately, I have been a member of a loving church family of believers in Jesus Christ every day of my life. Recently, though, I got yet another look at how a church family functions and how truly valuable it is. The day of my dad’s death and the weeks after are perfect examples.

Within a couple of hours of dad’s passing, ministers called and friends sent texts, Facebook messages and emails saying they were praying and offering to help.
Members of our Sunday School class brought food or provided meals just when they were most needed and appreciated. They not only fed us physically, but they listened and comforted when I cried.
At the visitation and funeral, the majority of those who came, other than family members, were dear friends from church. They stood with us, gave great hugs and met the family they’d heard me talk about so much.
The cards started showing up in my mailbox, eventually becoming a large stack. Many sent memorials to the Baptist Children’s Home which is a ministry very close to our hearts.
For a whole month, I have been greeted by people as I walk in the doors of the church who learned of my dad’s passing and have been looking for an opportunity to express their sympathy.
My family and I were on the prayer lists for the whole church, for the choir, and for our Sunday School class. All of those prayers were vital to our handling of the initial grief and all the decisions that needed to be made rapidly.
Special friends from my Bible study kept in close touch, making sure I was getting through the rough days. They are STILL checking on me often.

My blood relatives have been great, of course. After all, they lost a dearly loved family member, too.

But, in short, my church family PRAYED, LOVED and DEMONSTRATED HOW MUCH THEY CARED. Soon, I’m sure, it will be my privilege to be a blessing to one of them.

Suggestions for Parents of Auburn Students, Part 3 (A Unique Cafe)

09/05/2016 By: CCPearsoncomment

CREPE MYRTLE CAFE

The Crepe Myrtle Cafe at 1192 Donahue Drive in Auburn is nestled into a plant and flower-filled oasis. To find it, look for Blooming Colors nursery at the corner of College St. and Donahue. As you wind your way to the back of the property, you will see a building with a large outdoor dining patio. At the front of the cafe, a produce store filled with locally-made goods and gift items has a large seasonal display. Then, start thinking about crepes of all kinds — breakfast crepes, savory lunch crepes and, of course, dessert crepes. What a clever play on words! Crepe myrtles are grown and sold at Blooming Colors, and the cafe prepares edible crepes.

Large outdoor dining patio.

Breakfast is served from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., and then the rest of the menu is ready and waiting from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. If crepes aren’t your “thing,” don’t worry. Pigs in a blanket, fresh-made scones, and plenty of salads, soups and paninis are also available. Kids’ roll-ups are also offered, which are actually 1/2 paninis with traditional favorites inside such as ham and cheese, peanut butter honey and banana or PB and J.

Unassuming sign points the way.

The order counter at Crepe Myrtle.

Steve and I shared the Veggie Lovers Crepe, the Eggs Florentine Crepe and a hot, gooey cinnamon roll. Very good!! I did find out that the cinnamon rolls aren’t made from scratch or anything, but they were still delicious.

Our breakfast!

Warm, ooey, gooey cinnamon roll.

Eggs Florentine crepe with plenty of fresh spinach.

The atmosphere is completely casual, and we found it to be a delightful choice for breakfast, and the prices were good. We also came out with several goodies from the produce section.

South Alabama peanuts.

Locally-grown tomatoes — the definition of summertime.

Colorful displays of fresh produce in the front section of the cafe.

Note to My Blog Subscribers — A Change for Fridays

09/02/2016 By: CCPearsoncomment

Dear Subscribers to ThereGoesConnie.com —

First of all, thank you so very much for allowing me to show up in your email box every Monday and Friday. I love your comments, and it encourages me so much to know you are “out there,” reading and maybe learning, laughing or even crying right along with me.

Since May 2015, every Friday I have posted an excerpt from the journals I kept while Steve and I were serving as missionaries in Ecuador. As I poured through those journals, I realized that most of what remains is intensely personal. There were days when I was crying out to God on behalf of a family member and a situation back home. Other days I was wrestling so hard with physical, emotional and spiritual challenges. Satan never seemed to leave me alone for a day. Much of that is just too raw to share.

What I have posted so far about our missionary days will likely end up in a separate e-Book before too long. But, it occurred to me that I needed to be acknowledging and sharing what God is teaching me in THIS time of my life — maybe even lessons He taught me that very week.

So, starting today, my Friday devotional posts will be much more recent and will be under the heading of “God Continues to Teach Me.” Monday posts will continue to be travel-related. Fresh posts about New Orleans, the coast of Maine and the World Food Championships in Orange Beach are coming up this fall, so stay with me.

I look forward to reading your comments and suggestions.

Sincerely,

Connie Pearson

Suggestions for Parents of Auburn Students, Part 2 (Restaurants)

08/29/2016 By: CCPearsoncomment

As I mentioned in an earlier blog post, there are some definite “student favorites” when it comes to eateries in and around the Auburn University campus — Guthrie’s, Cheeburger Cheeburger and the like. I would also add Momma Goldberg’s Deli and every chain fast food place known to man. However, if you’re looking for something a little more unusual or upscale or even trendy, then today’s blog and next Monday’s will provide some recommendations.

THE HOUND

This was the #1 recommended must-try restaurant that I heard about from a trusted friend and also learned from “people on the street.” Located at 124 Tichenor Ave., The Hound is located on the street behind Cheeburger Cheeburger, conveniently beside a parking deck. The building used to house a printing company, then a brewery, before becoming this exceptionally popular casual dining spot. When you walk in, you will be reminded of a rustic hunting lodge or even a barn because of the concrete floors, brick, weathered wood walls, cedar plank tables, mounted deer heads and antlers and lots and lots of wood accents. This is NOT a tablecloths-and-cloth-napkins kind of place. It is one that is being fully embraced by students, teachers and returning alums of all ages.

Front exterior of The Hound.

Casual interior of The Hound with lots of wood and openness.

Owners are Matthew and Jana (Caruthers) Poirier. Jana, along with lots of immediate and extended family members, are diploma-bearing Auburn fans. The dream of Matthew and Jana was to return to Auburn and establish a restaurant and bar with (according to their website) a “focus on bacon, bourbon, community, and family.” The bacon, by the way, is actually cured in-house at The Hound. Some of the tables and many of the wood beams and decorative touches throughout the decor were handmade using reclaimed wood and other “finds” from Alabama. A large community table and the hostess stand were crafted by Jana’s father and used in her wedding to Matthew in 2010. Upside-down minnow buckets used as light fixtures add to the lodge/barn feel of The Hound — not to mention the large painting of hounds when you walk in the front door.

Painting inside the front door goes perfectly with the restaurant’s name.

Upside-down minnow buckets used as light fixtures.

Community table made by the father of owner Jana Caruthers Poirier.

Hostess stand crafted from reclaimed wood by John Caruthers.

Since the Auburn University mascots are the eagle and the tiger, I wondered how The Hound got its name. According to our server, Matthew Poirier fell in love with a restaurant in California during a trip there which was called The Bloodhounds, so he wanted to bring a similar vibe to Alabama. Another California connection is a special spicy pepper sauce that they have shipped in to use in several of the recipes.

The Hound is closed on Mondays. On Saturdays and Sundays, it opens at 9:30 and serves a separate brunch menu. Tuesdays through Fridays it opens at 11:00 a.m. and closes at midnight. For our first visit, Steve and I were there for lunch. He chose the Little Piggy Grilled Cheese with a house salad. This was no ordinary grilled cheese. It consisted of 3 cheeses, some of that house-cured bacon, tomato and brandy ketchup on sourdough bread.

This Little Piggy Grilled Cheese and house salad.

I chose — as a result of feeling that I was in a hunting lodge — the Bison Burger and fries. Naturally, I had to ask where the bison meat came from. Rocky Mountain Natural Meats in Henderson, Colorado provides the lean and very tasty ground bison. It was delicious!!

Bison Burger, mushrooms, Swiss cheese and tobacco onions with fries.

I suspect that the Poiriers will continue to have great success. They have, in fact, already opened another restaurant — The Depot — which is only a couple of blocks away at the railroad tracks and specializes in seafood. It will be on our must-try list for a future visit.

Prices are well above fast food prices, but so is the taste and quality. We enjoyed The Hound a lot and would certainly recommend it.

Suggestions for Parents of Auburn Students, Part 1

08/22/2016 By: CCPearson2 Comments

When you come into Auburn to a) see a football game on a glorious fall Saturday or b) to give an extra hug and some cash to a needy, homesick college student or c) because you just want to find some places that appeal more to a slightly older demographic than the typical 18-22-year olds who are in the thick of their college experience, then I have a few suggestions for you based on a recent visit.

WHERE TO STAY??? On a game weekend, you can probably forget about it unless you are willing to pay double the normal rates and “stay for a minimum of two nights.” If you’re the sleeping bag or blow-up mattress type, you might find a few vacant square inches in your child’s apartment or trailer. If you’re one of the VERY lucky ones, perhaps you have your own deluxe motorhome and can come and stay for several days within the shadow of Jordan-Hare Stadium. Otherwise, though, I’d suggest looking for hotel rooms in Montgomery, Columbus, GA or the Lake Martin area.

I did spot a Bed and Breakfast near the railroad tracks and a few steps from downtown Auburn that looked very nice from the outside. It’s a Victorian house painted a beautiful blue called The Crenshaw Guest House and was built in 1890. Check out their website. B & B’s can be a LOT of fun, and I promise that the location of this one is great. As a bonus, a new restaurant — The Depot — recently opened diagonally across the street, which specializes in seafood.

If you come during the week and want a gorgeous place to relax and play a round of golf away from the crowds, then the Auburn-Opelika Marriott Hotel and Conference Center at Grand National is a great choice. Grand National is one of the Robert Trent Jones golf courses, and the hotel is lovely. If you ARE able to book it for a game weekend, they offer a free shuttle service to the Auburn mall and from there you can take the Tiger Transit to the stadium — which I would strongly suggest rather than trying to drive in and search for a parking spot on your own. In addition to very comfortable beds, they offer free wi-fi and a bountiful breakfast buffet (for an additional charge). If you go while the weather is warm, the pool is fabulous.

Comfy beds at the Marriott.

View of the pool from hotel room at the Auburn-Opelika Marriott.

Golf course at Grand National in Opelika, AL.

And, here’s another thought. If you like the great outdoors and somewhat rustic accommodations, consider renting one of the cabins at Chewacla State Park. They were originally built in the 1930’s but were updated in 2003. There are only 6 of them, so plan early if that sounds like something you’d enjoy.

I should, of course, mention the Auburn University Conference Center. It is extremely nice and is right in the center of the action, but you might be fortunate enough to book it for 5 years from now on a game weekend. Alas.

Then, here’s another appealing option. Enjoy the hospitality of great friends who LIVE in Auburn. I think I’d like that best of all.

Check back next Monday for some restaurant suggestions that Steve and I found to be well worth recommending.

Memory Food and Photos for Auburn Grads (title suggested by daughter Laura)

08/15/2016 By: CCPearson2 Comments

Steve and I recently spent a few days in our beloved Auburn — the place where we spent the first year of our marriage, from which we both have hard-earned degrees, and to which we both sent much hard-earned money when our kids were there. We needed to get away. We’ve had a lot of sorrow and stress since February of this year. We wanted to just “be” for a few days. Whipping out my Travel Writer Hat, I started researching the latest and greatest restaurants that I could review. Our kids, instead, balked at that idea and said we should stick to the “tried and true.” We managed to do both. In a future post, you will read about restaurants that have appeared on the scene in recent years and have begun gathering their own loyal followers.

For those who know The Loveliest Village on the Plains well, you will recognize the places in the photos, and hopefully, they will conjure up great memories.

Laura says, “When I think of Auburn, I think of chicken fingers. My two favorite places are Guthrie’s and Tenda Chick.” So Laura, these photos are for you. I hope you get to eat some soon.

I hear the chicken fingers are amazing.

Niffer’s is another traditional place for Auburn alums and for present students. I tasted their corn nuggets with honey mustard dressing for the first time this week. Oh my! Steve and I shared a basket and seriously couldn’t make ourselves stop eating them. Positively addictive. Niffer’s has great burgers. They have so much variety that even vegans and vegetarians can dine there with plenty of choices.

Niffer’s for terrific burgers.

Cheeburger Cheeburger is right down the sidewalk from Toomer’s Drugs as you go toward the railroad tracks. Or, if you’re merely thirsty, stop in at Toomer’s for lemonade.

Cheeburger Cheeburger! I wonder why they left spelled it that way??

The newly-planted trees at Toomer’s Corner will finally be ready for rolling with the upcoming football season. Let’s just hope that exuberant celebration event gets to happen many times beginning September 3, 2016 when Auburn plays Clemson. In case you were in a foreign country after Auburn won the National Championship in 2010, Google “Harvey Updyke” or “Toomer Trees” to read the full story. It has been a massively expensive restoration project to be able to bring this tradition back to the Auburn campus.

New trees are finally big enough to roll again. War Eagle.

Do you need a new Auburn t-shirt or sweatshirt? The 3 top places to look would be J & M Bookstore, Anders Bookstore and Tiger Rags. Tiger Rags is also the place to get your Game Day shirt when you arrive on a future fall Saturday.

A great place to buy Game Day shirts and Auburn gear of all kinds.

THE iconic building at Auburn is Samford Hall. It has provided the backdrop for thousands of family photos. Two grads — one from 1971 and one from 1972 — couldn’t resist the photo op either. Have I mentioned that I graduated the same day that Pat Sullivan did?

The building that represents Auburn to many people.

Samford Hall with 2 old grads in front.

“2 bits — 4 bits — 6 bits, a dollar. All for Auburn, stand up and holler!!!!! War Eagle!!!” 20 days until kick-off!!

Jordan-Hare Stadium with its massive Jumbotron!

2 Huntsville Restaurants to Spotlight — Grille 29 and 1892 East

08/08/2016 By: CCPearsoncomment

I recently had articles published about 2 great restaurants in Huntsville, so I want to call your attention to them here on my blog. One I had visited several times previously, and the other was completely new to me. Both have great chefs, unique features, and loyal diners.

Grille 29 is located right at the entrance to The Village of Providence in Madison, AL. It is a WONDERFUL place to celebrate a happy occasion. The food, the ambiance and the service are worth the splurge. You can dress up or dress down, but prepare to feel special when you’re there.

Grille 29 anchors the Village of Providence in Madison, AL

Executive Chef Cara Thompson is bringing her experience, her knowledge of Huntsville people, her skill and her youthful adventuresome nature to Grille 29’s kitchen, and the results will have you going back for more again and again. Flavors of cheesecake and bread pudding vary depending upon Cara’s whim and seasonal ingredients, and her specials allow you to have new taste experiences during each visit. One of their menu items — Grouper Oscar — is listed in “100 Dishes to eat in Alabama before you die,” and it is worthy of the description. Steaks are handcut from Hereford beef, and the seafood is shipped using wet ice by ground transportation for peak freshness.

The formula for success in Huntsville has led to adding another Grille 29 location at Brookwood Village in Birmingham.

Read more about this fabulous place in my article for MilesGeek.com here and see some photos that will have you picking up the phone to make a reservation. Did I mention chocolate souffle?

1892 East was new to me, but I’m so glad I found it. Billed as “the New American restaurant and tavern in the neighborhood,” it has been heartily embraced by diners living in the historic Five Points area of Huntsville as well as those who gladly drive in from all of the city. In fact, the atmosphere of neighbors-eating-with-neighbors drew me in right from the beginning.

Exterior of 1892 East located at 720 Pratt Avenue in Huntsville, AL.

Executive Chef Steven Bunner seeks out the very best in locally-sourced ingredients and combines them into uncommon offerings seldom found on other menus. Vegetarians, in particular, will be pleased when they peruse the selections at 1892 East. Think about Mushroom Pot Pie or a Tempeh Sandwich for lunch or maybe Vegetable Cassoulet or Roasted Acorn Squash for dinner. I had Stuffed Trout when I was there, and it was cooked perfectly. After appetizers of Scallop Rangoon, I still had room to share Creme Brulee with Steve. Never fear. There are plenty of non-vegetarian choices as well, such as beef tenderloin, salmon, chicken, shrimp and chops, and the kids’ menu includes mac and cheese, grilled chicken and French fries, along with Cheese Flatbread. Definitely something for everyone.

Here is my article about 1892 East in MilesGeek.com.

Ahhhhhh, creme brulee.

On both of these evenings, Steve and I were hosted by the restaurants, but in spite of their generosity, the opinions expressed are 100% my own.

No More Cuy (“Kwee”) For Me: Gallbladder Surgery in a 3rd World Country

08/05/2016 By: CCPearsoncomment

(Note to prayer partners on October 12, 2004)

Cuy, as you’ve learned by now, refers to guinea pigs which are eaten on a regular basis here in the Andes Mountains. Well, as a result of thorough medical exams I’ve gone through yesterday and today, I’ve been advised to stay away from the “delicacy” from now on. As you might imagine, that news didn’t make me very sad. However, I do have a problem for which I would very much appreciate your prayers.

This coming Friday morning (Oct. 15) I will have my gallbladder removed laparoscopically at the Hospital Monte Sinai here in Cuenca. An ultrasound revealed a large gallstone which explains some of the pain and sickness that I’ve had lately. Happily, Steve and I were able to find a competent doctor/surgeon that we trust, and he even speaks a good bit of English. This procedure requires only a 24-hour hospital stay, and Steve will be able to be right by my side. No one wants to have surgery while living in a Third World country, but God is in control.

(Report to prayer partners on October 17, 2004)

I received wonderful and attentive care. The hospital staff even brought in a flower arrangement with 2 orchids in it and a small fruit basket. Plus, three doctors had to sign off on my care ON A SATURDAY MORNING — the cardiologist, the pain management doctor and the surgeon — and they were all there as if it were a normal work-day. Would you believe that the total cost was only about $1500?? That included surgery, hospital stay, anesthesiologist, and doctors’ charges. Amazing! AND, I’ll get a CD of the whole deal that we can gather around and watch at Christmas time, if you want! Ha!

P.S. My recovery went smoothly. No infection. Praise the Lord

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength.” Proverbs 24:10

Huntsville — Indoors and Outdoors

08/01/2016 By: CCPearson1 Comment

It’s so easy to just head to Parkway Place Mall or BridgeStreet and miss some of Huntsville’s special places. And, if you’re a grandparent wanting some suggestions for entertaining grandchildren, maybe these possibilities will interest you.

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center is a “given,” but you have most likely already visited it. If not, then head there ASAP. The exhibits, games and rides are so well done, and don’t forget the IMAX movie.

U..S. Space and Rocket Center

OUTDOORS

Huntsville Botanical Gardens — There are special events happening at the Gardens throughout the year — much more than just the Galaxy of Lights at Christmas time. Check the website and plan your visit.

2. Hays Nature Preserve — Great hiking and biking trails plus a large playground are perfect for families to explore together. It’s free!

3. Monte Sano State Park — There’s an entry fee, but you’re sure to find shade and cooler temperatures when you head up the mountain. Hike, bike and camp overnight.

INDOORS

Huntsville Museum of Art — What a great educational section they have for children! LINE, SHAPE, COLOR and TEXTURE — let the kids explore and do the hands-on activities that are provided. If you get hungry while you’re visiting, just head down to the Plaza Level to Pane e Vino for kid-pleasing pizza. The smells will drive you crazy.

Huntsville Museum of Art

2. EarlyWorks Children’s History Museum— If the weather is too hot outside, then EarlyWorks is a great place to spend several hours, learn and be thoroughly entertained.

EarlyWorks Children’s History Museum

3. Southern Adventures — Are your kids or grandkids older and active? Southern Adventures is both a water park, and an arcade and an amusement park.

Southern Adventures

Have a good time finding something new to enjoy in Huntsville, AL.

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