Columbia TN Archives - There Goes Connie

Looking Back at my 2018 Travels and Recommendations

01/07/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3 More Highlights to Enjoy in Columbia, Tennessee

10/01/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

Last Monday I shared a post about Blythewood Inn, a wonderful B & B in Columbia, TN.

I’m writing today’s post in plenty of time for you to make your plans to visit Columbia, TN (a.k.a. “Muletown”) this coming Friday night, October 5th, for its monthly First Friday event. Go early to take advantage of the Polk Home and Rippavilla or plan another day soon when the atmosphere will be more relaxed.

Columbia is “Muletown” and here is its queen.

The James K. Polk Home, at 301 W. 7th Street, is historically significant to our knowledge and understanding of the lives and contributions of Presidents of the United States. James K Polk was a short, workaholic who only served one term, but more than 800,000 square miles were added to our territory during those four years. Several buildings who were owned by his family are located on the block, and visitors are treated to a video, a museum, a gift shop and an escorted, narrated tour.

2. Historic Courthouse Square — Take time to find the great murals scattered around town. They are a lot of fun, several adding to the town’s nickname of “Muletown.” Parking is free. If you can’t find a spot right on the square, there are a couple of lots a block away.

Independent bookstores are rare finds in today’s world. Duck River Books has rare books, first editions, walls adorned with autographs of important literary figures, and fun gift items. It is certainly worth a visit.

Square Market Cafe is one of the great eating choices on the square. I loved sitting in one of the outdoor tables, eating freshly prepared food and watching the world go by. After a nice stroll, it was fun to find Hattie Jane’s Creamery and devour one of its cool, sweet treats. You can also choose from a Mexican place, Southern Tre Steakhouse and Puckett’s. There is even a pie shop where you can stop and enjoy a slice on the spot or take one home for supper.

A great time to take in the vibe of Columbia is on First Fridays. You’ll find plenty of live musicians and other vendors, plus most of the stores happily extend their opening hours.

3. Rippavilla Plantation in very nearby Spring Hill was significant in Civil War history. I highly recommend a tour to learn what role it played in that horrible conflict between Americans. Special events are held on the grounds throughout the year, so be sure to check their website. While you’re there, save time to peruse the Gift Shop, too. The GPS address is 5700 Main Street in Spring Hill.

For a fuller article about Columbia, TN, check out the story published last week in the Senior Scene Magazine published by the Athens News-Courier. Here’s the link. My story is on pages 24-25.

Blythewood Inn: Luxury Antebellum Lodging in Columbia, Tennessee

09/24/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

Do you have a special occasion coming up? An anniversary? A birthday? A much-needed time to get away and spoil yourself a little? Do you have a night or two for an outing but don’t want to drive a long distance? North Alabama and Middle Tennessee folks, I have a beautiful recommendation for you.

Blythewood Inn was constructed as a private home between 1857 and 1859. The French Colonial style residence served several prominent families well before being transformed into a bank for a number of years. Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Vire saw tremendous potential in the structure and bought it in 1994. After massive renovation and preservation work, Blythewood served as the center for Dr. Vire’s medical practice through 2007. The structure was vacant for several years, all while Mrs. Vire kept the idea of a bed and breakfast growing in her mind. Again, the building underwent renovations to get it “up to code,” then finally about a year ago, Mrs. Vire (Dinah) and her business partners finally opened as a B & B. Partner Wayne Swope is the genius behind the selection of furnishings, colors and decor, while Dinah and her daughter Gretchen (a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, renowned culinary institution) create wonderful breakfasts for the guests. In addition, they offer dinners and other food and catering type services for area clients.

A framed drawing of Blythewood from years ago.

Steve and I spent a wonderful night in the Magnolia Suite upstairs recently. We loved the fact that the soaring ceilings, fireplaces, floors, staircase, and most of the architectural details are still intact WHILE modern conveniences are available such as highspeed internet, air conditioning, steaming hot showers, luxurious bedding, Smart TV and soft, thirsty towels. I especially appreciated the variety of seating in our room, the abundance of electrical outlets (important for recharging devices/cameras, etc.) and the well-placed night lights. After all, you don’t want to stumble in the dark when you’re in an unfamiliar place. While basking in all the creature comforts, it is fun to imagine the stories of people who occupied those very rooms 160 years ago.

Magnolia Suite bedroom.

Magnolia Suite parlor.

View from the staircase.

If you can negotiate the stairs, then the Magnolia is wonderful, but, if not, there are rooms downstairs as well. The Mulberry Suite, in particular, is fully equipped to be wheelchair accessible, complete with a roll-in shower. Some room configurations work well for families or groups of friends traveling together. See the website for more details on the 8 rooms at Blythewood.

Bathroom with roll-in shower.

Blythewood Inn has a large outdoor space that is popular for parties, wedding receptions and gatherings of all kinds and an industrial kitchen equipped to prepare full meals for large groups.

Speaking of the kitchen, breakfast at Blythewood Inn is an occasion all its own. The morning we were there breakfast started with fresh fruit topped with an edible pansy, coffee and juice. That was followed by Eggs Benedict, roasted potatoes and a croissant with homemade peach jam. For a sweet treat, we had warm strawberry bread, also homemade. We were served in the front parlor with tables for 2 or 4 guests and is also a great space for family dinners.

Front parlor at Blythewood

First course at breakfast.

Eggs Benedict.

The larger dining room is used when the house is brimming with guests. It features a Zuber wall mural that was painted in France on paper, cut into strips, shipped to Columbia and installed in the room in 1900.

Large dining room with Zuber wall mural.

Blythewood Inn at 109 Blythewood Drive is only 45 minutes from downtown Nashville. I strongly suggest that you plan a night or more at Blythewood when you are heading to Nashville for a concert, for shopping or for a sports event. You’ll enjoy being out of the crazy traffic. And, by the way, even if you stay for several nights in a row, each morning the breakfast menu will be different, AND it will be served on a different set of china.

Make a note that the town of Columbia will host an Open House the weekend of December 7 and 8 to benefit the Historic Atheneum, an important structure that housed a girls’ school in the 1830’s. On those days, brunch, lunch and high tea will be served at Blythewood. Tickets for brunch or lunch are $25, and high tea is $15. Brunch will be served at 9:00 a.m., lunch at 11:00 and 1:00, and high tea will be at 3:00. Grab a friend and make your plans. Reservations MUST be made in advance.

Columbia hosts First Fridays in the nearby Historic Downtown, just two blocks from the President James K. Polk Home and Museum. There you will find interesting shops, four restaurants, a pie shop and an ice cream parlor. What could be better? If you have time, a visit to Rippavilla Plantation in Spring Hill is a great place to learn about the Civil War battles that took place in the area. As it happened, Rippavilla was pivotal to the action.

Rippavilla Plantation in Spring Hill, TN

Plan a getaway to Columbia. It’s just right off I-65, but you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped WAY back in time.

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