There Goes Connie

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Most Popular Posts and Favorite Articles from 2017

By: CCPearsoncomment

Happy New Year, Everyone!

I’ve been looking back over my 104 blog posts from 2017 and thought you might enjoy revisiting some of the most popular ones. Here are the six that received more than 1000 viewers. The first one on this list was seen by 3470 people — a record for me, but not surprising considering the subject. Click on each line to read the post.

  1. Jo Ann Gunner, the Pie Lady at Big Bob Gibson’s in Decatur, AL
  2. Mr. Loy Greenhill, long-time principal of Crestline Elementary in Hartselle, AL.
  3. Steven and Sarah Jenkins, owners of Crenshaw Guest House B & B in Auburn, AL.
  4. Owner Tyler Jones and Chef Bill Harden at The RailYard and Whisk’D in Decatur, AL.
  5. Our Son Matt’s 40th Birthday
  6. 2017 World Food Championships in Orange Beach, AL

Also, in 2017, I had 54 articles published outside my blog about destinations we visited and enjoyed. I’m pretty proud of that fact, considering that it occurred WHILE life was happening at a fast and furious pace — major surgery, selling our home/packing/moving/starting construction on a new house, welcoming a new grandchild, etc.

Places we saw this year were primarily in the Southeast with the notable exceptions of Alaska and Port Townsend, Washington. Here are 10 main places we visited during the year and at least one article about each one. Just click on the links to read them.

  1. Auburn, AL, “Loveliest Village on the Plains.” We were there for Steve’s 45th veterinary school reunion and for a football game showcasing our beloved Auburn Tigers. Here is an article about the Hotel at Auburn University published in Trip101.com.
  2. Cincinnati, Ohio. “Four Ingredients for a Memorial Weekend in Cincinnati” in ShortWeeks-LongWeekends.com.
  3. Shaker Village near Harrodsburg, KY. “Abundant History in the Heart of Kentucky – Harrodsburg/Mercer County” in ShortWeeks-LongWeekends.com.
  4. Lexington, KY. “Lexington KY: Horses, History and Hot Browns” in MilesGeek.com.
  5. Charleston, SC. “Slightly North of Broad – S.N.O.B. – Excellent Charleston Restaurant Without a Hint of Arrogance” in MilesGeek.com.
  6. Alaska – Anchorage, Denali National Park and a cruise from Whittier to Vancouver. “Hotel Captain Cook in the Heart of Anchorage, Alaska” in Trip101.com.
  7. Port Townsend, WA (a couple of hours and a ferry ride from Seattle). “Old Consulate Inn and Port Townsend WA: A Perfect Match” in MilesGeek.com.
  8. Maggie Valley and Waynesville, N.C. “Frogs Leap Public House: Upscale Farm to Fork in North Carolina” in TheYums.com.
  9. Orange Beach, AL for the 2017 World Food Championships. “World Food Championships Bring Food Fight to Orange Beach” in EdibleLowerAlabama.com.
  10. LaGrange, GA. I just returned in mid-December, so I haven’t had my articles published yet, but here’s the blog post that appeared on Christmas Day. “Hills and Dales Estate in LaGrange GA: All Dressed Up for Christmas“

Now 2018 is here, and my travel schedule is quickly filling up. I can’t wait to share many more destinations with you in the coming months.

 

Old Consulate Inn, Port Townsend, WA – Let Me Tempt You to Try a B & B

By: CCPearsoncomment

First, let me confess that I know there are times when you just want simplicity, uniformity, normalcy and predictability. I get that. I really do. During our recent packing/moving/legal-paper-signing days, Steve and I stayed in a hotel for two nights. Yes, gasp, in CHAIN hotels. In both cases, we were dog-tired and just needed a comfortable, anonymous, place to stay. We were in no shape to be social. We just needed a good night’s sleep.

But, that was the exception. Generally, when we travel, we are there for the EXPERIENCE.  We WANT to find unexpected pleasures, and we WANT to meet the locals. We enjoy the quirks and the perks of bed and breakfast inns. In our opinion, we’d rather just stay home if we’re not going to learn, see, taste and feel something new. Does that make sense?  You are certainly welcome to voice your own opinion on the subject and your reasons for differing.  One I can think of right off the bat would be handicap accessibility. Most B & B’s don’t have elevators, and their architecture doesn’t lend itself to wheelchairs, etc. I understand that completely. But, if you are physically able, I urge you to be a curious, adventure collector. And, B & B’s can be a great place to try that mentality.

Are you going to be in the Seattle area in the future? Maybe a few days before or after an Alaskan cruise? The rest of the blog post will be very photo-heavy as I introduce you to a wonderful inn we found a ferry ride away from Seattle — Old Consulate Inn.  You can read some of the details in my articles for Trip101.com and MilesGeek.com, but here are more photos that might tempt you even further.

First let’s look at the views on the outside.

Entrance gate to Old Consulate Inn in Port Townsend, WA.

So many great places to sit and soak up the view.

The clock tower in the county courthouse across the street from the inn.

A view of Puget Sound from the wraparound porch.

More beautiful flowers.

A meticulously-landscaped yard.

Gazebo in the side yard with great views of the water.

Now, take a look at the rooms inside.

The front entry parlor inside the front door.

Notice the period wallpaper and furniture in this guest room.

A fun surprise on the front door.

An honor I didn’t expect but found to be true. 🙂

Another fun surprise hanging on our doorknob before bedtime every night.

Fresh fudge in a small basket attached to the guest room doorknob.

And, the star of the show??  BREAKFAST!!!

Innkeeper Cindy Madsen is also the breakfast chef who plans and prepares the scrumptious 3-course breakfasts served at 9:00 a.m. every morning.

A menu of the next morning’s breakfast.

Innkeeper Nathan Barnett, lover of history and the fine arts.

Grilled oranges with a sherry cake.

Eggs Benedict, a typical Sunday morning breakfast.

Lots of china, crystal and silver.

Fresh fruit with homemade muffins.

Egg blossoms with sausage.

Cherries Romania with pecans.

Check the inn’s website or book your stay on Booking.com.

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