I could not leave out the post I wrote on Hazel’s Cafe.  What a treasure trove of Black History, such an important part of our area!  Enjoy going back to a simpler time….go back to Hazel’s.

The address is 1166 Demere Road, the place is Hazel’s Cafe.  Once situated in the thriving African American “South End” section of St. Simons Island.  Hazel’s Cafe now sits as a reminder of what once was.  The facade is faded, the windows a bit cloudy with age, but oh, if these walls could only talk…..there would be stories to tell!

Hazel Floyd and her husband, Thomas, opened the cafe in the late 1940’s.  Thomas served in World War II and settled on the island with his wife after returning from battle.

The rest is history.  I spent an hour with owner, Fred Marris who bought the property, including Hazel’s home next door to the cafe, in 1994.  His plans for the property did not come to fruition, but he is dedicated to keeping both buildings preserved.

Inside Hazel’s Cafe it feels as though you are entering into another time.  The original cash register sits on a stand by the front door, it’s drawer open as though waiting for the cashier to complete a transaction and close it.

The original bar still stands with a vintage “Budweiser” sign thay lights up when plugged in.

Photographs portraying the history of St. Simons Island, Sea Island and Brunswick are carefully hung on the walls and the old piano, once played for patrons enjoyment remains toward the back of the cafe.

Hazel and Thomas Floyd ran the cafe until 1978.  The final health department inspection still hangs on the kitchen wall.

Fred shared stories about the cafe with me including the fact that Hazel would go crabbing all day when the season was in full swing.  She would then come back to the cafe, pick through her catch and create fresh deviled crab for the special that night.  She caught a 100+ at a time, my mouth watered at the thought of how delicious they must have been.  The remains of the outdoor smoker sits shrouded in weeds, a reminder of barbecue and other meats served at the cafe.

The memories linger, the history lives on.  Long time residents remember when South End was a bustling place with Wilma’s Dinner Theater located just across the street from Hazel’s Cafe and the neighborhood was a place to gather, share great food and entertainment.

Melissa | people | 08 8th, 2013 | No Comments »

I’ve written several posts about Sea Island.  I loved visiting Broadfield and wanted to share that again.  With cooler weather coming soon it’s time to think about weekends away, hunting season and Thanksgiving.  What a perfect place to stay!

If you travel south a bit to the Woodbine exit off of I-95 and meander through the countryside, you’ll come to Broadfield.  This wonderful Sea Island sporting club is the ultimate retreat for small groups who enjoy hunting, fishing and complete relaxation in a setting that can only be called rustic elegance.

Built by Bill Jones III, Broadfield is a tribute to the Old South, it’s traditions and grace.  The main house is an exact replica of a turn of the century hunting lodge with rich wood paneling and intricate pecky cypress wood ceilings that are elegantly vaulted and impeccably detailed.  The professional kitchen is ready to provide the finest in Southern or European dining at the lodgers request.

The 6,000 acre preserve is stocked with wildlife.  Deer, pheasant, quail and long beard wild turkeys are raised and fed a farm grown, organic diet.  Bow hunting season runs from September 15th – January 15th.  Quail and pheasant season takes place from the first of October through the end of March.  There are deer blinds placed throughout the preserve as well as a 40 foot tower for the avid hunter.  A rifle and shooting range is situated in an open field for practice.   Continental pheasant shoots can be scheduled as well as hunts using the age old art of falconry led by John Kent and Chris Kennedy, both master falconers.  This method of hunting provides a non scripted, natural atmosphere in which to enjoy an authentic outdoor experience.

Lee Barber, manager of the preserve, is from a long line of wildlife enthusiasts who have made Broadfield what it is today. His grandfather first oversaw this property for the Jones family beginning in 1928.  Lee plants the gardens in which the animals find radishes, sugar beets, oats, wheat, winter peas and clover.  He sees to the overall management of Broadfield, making sure the eco-system is kept in balance for the finest game hunting to be found in this part of the country.  There is also a well stocked fishing pond if that is your sport of choice.

Broadfield can accomodate 12 guests.  The charming guesthouse, located behind the main residence, is outfitted with all of the modern amenities, yet designed so perfectly you feel like you are in another time, somewhere before the great depression when gentleman donned their tweed suits and caps, shot guns swung over their shoulders, as they made their way through the fields and pine tree forests in search of wild game.

Chef Jordan, who trained at Sea Island, oversees all things culinary at Broadfield.  He has created organic gardens that produce all of the vegetables he prepares.  There is a smokehouse where bacon is cured, salmon is smoked as well as other meats, including venison that is brought fresh from the hunt for preparation.  A hen house was in the works during my visit that will provide fresh eggs as well as separate housing for quail and their eggs in the coming months.  There are hives for beekeeping with local honey being offered to guests and soon to be marketed under the Broadfield label.  Cooking instruction is available if anyone prefers to stay behind in the kitchen with Chef Jordan while others take part in the hunt.  Sounds like the perfect couples weekend to me.  The men can hunt and the ladies can learn some great tips from this talented young chef!

Contact Sea Island for more information on Broadfield: www.seaisland.com.  As Lee described his experience as manager of this beautiful retreat, his love of the land and his work shone through his words.  He describes the place as more than a shooting preserve, he sees it as an education in the operation of a plantation.  You’ll truly feel as though you have stepped back in time when you visit Broadfield.  Memberships are available through Sea Island as well as guest reservations.  You can spend a day or you can spend a week with transportation to and from Sea Island provided as desired.  Experience the magic of this lovely retreat.  This could be just the perfect spot for your private family Thanksgiving gathering!

 The Permanent Tourist is accepting advertisers/sponsors.  This is a unique way to share your business or service with others.  Contact me for further information:  melissa@thepermanenttourist.com

Melissa | Out&About | 08 7th, 2013 | 1 Comment »

I love Gracie and I know you’ll enjoy seeing her again or for the first time as well.  She’s still sporting her sunglasses and loving life on St. Simons Island!

Meet Gracie!  This is one post you’re going to love!  Gracie is the beloved Golden Retriever of retired veterinarian, Dr. Bill Disque and his lovely wife, Gayle.  But Gracie isn’t just your ordinary dog, no way.  Gracie is the ultimate diva in the dog world.  Bill and Gayle realized a couple of years ago that Gracie likes to wear sunglasses.  Yes, sunglasses.

In fact, Gracie gets quite upset if she is expected to travel in the car without a pair of sunglasses from her collection that have been outfitted with a band to keep them on her head.

This is the sweetest dog.  She greeted me at the front door of the Disque residence with one of her “babies” in her mouth and she refused to let it go as she ushered me into the living area.  She is personality plus, greatly loved, spoiled and appreciated by her proud owners!  Dr. Disque shared with me the fact that he has cared for the pets of over three generations of animal lovers in the Coastal Georgia area.  Lucky Gracie is living a well deserved good life with the two people she loves most.

Let me know about your special pet.  They just may be featured on an upcoming blog!

Melissa | Out&About | 08 6th, 2013 | No Comments »

As happens in most places, even the smallest of towns, change happens.  It is the flow of life, the energy that fills the spaces.  Change is, for the most part, a good thing.

origins unknown

I read once that the difference between the human species, as opposed to other animals, is that we are not content to be one with life.  We strive to make things happen, to achieve and be in constant motion.  Our minds are filled with chatter, endless thoughts and commotion.  I don’t know the origins of the illustration above, but when you look at it and read the various functions of the mind, you’ll see what I mean!

When I moved to St. Simons Island in 2009 I began to hear about the Tree Spirits that Keith Jennings sculpted into the trunks of various live oaks that grow here.  Each spirit is said to immortalize the countless lives lost at sea on great ships that were once built from these mighty oak trees.  The sadness, the grief and expressions of loss somehow blend with the gnarly wood, drooping limbs and ghostly Spanish moss that drips from them.

I never took the time to find any of these spirits.  The tendency to become involved in day to day life, not stopping to enjoy and absorb one’s surroundings is something I have to plead guilty too.

Mr. T mentioned the spirits to me several weeks ago and thought they would be a great subject for a post on my blog.  I usually stop and listen to him, wise person that he is.  I began to do some research, to pinpoint on a map where each tree stands.

At the entrance to the new Village Oaks subdivision off of Kings Way on St. Simons I struck gold….or at least what felt like it to me.  We took last Friday afternoon to track the trees as they appear on a map I accessed through Mr. Jenning’s facebook page that is devoted to these beautiful carvings.  We drove from one end of the island back toward the village and around the area with no success.  Mr. T. suggested I drive to Village Oaks to take a look since he recalled having seen one of the trees there.

As we pulled up to the entrance my eye was immediately drawn to the tree that stands just to the right of the entrance.  “It’s there….it’s there!”  I felt like a four year old first seeing something I had only dreamed of.  There on the trunk of the tree was carved the most amazing face, detailed in its sadness, it’s mouth opened in a sort of gasp.  I felt shivers run up and down my spine as I stood there, focusing my camera to take the first shot, capturing this spirit to share with my readers.

I looked down the way and there was a second spirit carved into a massive live oak.  I made my way down to the tree, avoiding workmen and construction that busily surrounded me.   Once again I saw the emotion, the fear and sorrow that Keith Jennings created in this tree.  I realized how special it is that the trees are being preserved, worked into the landscape of a neighborhood that could just as easily have cut them down.

I thought this would be the last tree I would see when Mr. T. directed my gaze further down the street to a third tree.  “Three????  Yipee!”, I drove our SUV down the way to the third and final tree I was to discover that afternoon.  Snapping pictures, zooming in on the face to make sure all of the detail would be visible, I decided that these three spirits would do for the time being.

Each of these trees with their carved spirits represent a part of the island’s history.  I’m still on the lookout for the remaining trees Keith Jennings carved, but I’m pretty sure I’ll have to venture out on my bike to find them.  Driving on a busy street is not the way.  And that seems appropriate to me.  Slowing down, taking it easy and really exploring and discovering all this area has to offer is so important.

I’m living on island time and loving every minute of it.  Yes, the busy world goes on around me, but it is my choice as to how I relate to it.  I choose peace, quiet and the Southern grace that echoes through the ancient live oaks.  Even those untouched by a sculptors hands have their own spirit, each has a story to tell.

goldenisles.com

Melissa | Out&About | 08 5th, 2013 | 2 Comments »

I’m celebrating six months of blogging this week!  The time has passed so quickly and I have loved every minute of it.  The people I have met, the doors that have opened and the experiences that have enriched my life during these months are truly amazing.  This week, I’m reposting several of my most popular blogs!  I hope you’ll enjoy re-reading them or reading for the first time if you’re just finding The Permanent Tourist!  I’ll be announcing special giveaways over the next couple of weeks as I have a subscription drive going with a goal of 1,000 subscribers by the end of August!  Subscribing is FREE and you’ll always start your day with an interesting read!  In the meantime, I’m busy meeting interesting people, visiting amazing places and learning something new each and every day!  Thanks to all of my readers and followers for your support!

I think Peggy Everett was one of my favorite interviews and posts!  Enjoy her artwork and her zest for life as you read about “A Woman For All Times”.

There are times in our lives when we meet someone with amazing talent.  When I met with Peggy Everett last week I immediately knew I was in for a treat.  Peggy is not only one of the most talented artists I have ever met, she is a genuine person.  I immediately felt a kindred spirit when I saw her book collection….I know it’s wrong to covet, but anyone who loves fine books would find it difficult not too!

The passion Peggy has for painting is evident on every canvas hanging in her home/studio.

She captures the essence of a horse, it’s coat glowing with a light that has haunting irridescence.  Peggy’s attention to detail is masterful.

Her knowledge and use of the “Plein Air” method of painting particularly attracted my attention.  “Plein Air” is the French term for painting outdoors.  This method became wildly popular during the French Impressionist period when artists like Monet and Renoir painted outdoors, bringing the light of nature into their famous works.

If someone asked me to describe Peggy Everett I would have to say that she is a Renaissance Woman.  Her interests go beyond painting and artwork to cooking, horseback riding, travelling, golf, bridge and fine wines…oh, and that book collection….I could sit for hours, literally, devouring each one!  She constantly feeds her natural curiosity and zest for living.  She is, to put it simply, ageless.

Peggy offers instruction to private students as well as to groups.  You can find out more about these classes on her website:  http://www.peggyeverett.com/index.html.  You’ll also be able to view more of her fabulous paintings on the site.

Peggy’s paintings of horses and dogs are spectacular.  She captures the essence of the animal in a way that brings life to the canvas.

She was raised in Atlanta, Georgia and began her instruction in painting at the age of 15.  She studied with the Shatoff’s, well-known portrait artists.  She also sold her first painting at the age of 15, a true phenom from the very beginning.  Peggy went on to build her career as an artist of note as she studied abstract painting in New York City.  Most recently she studied at the Academy of Fine Art in Florence, Italy.  She continues to grow and stretch her boundaries in a way that provides her artist’s eye with inspiration and fresh ideas.

Peggy works in both oil and acrylic.  She enjoys working with private clients to paint commissioned works that portray everything from their beloved dogs and horses to children and grandchildren.

This is the part of my work that feeds my soul.  Getting to meet a stimulating person like Peggy Everett and experience her essence is invaluable.  This is a woman I could easily call “friend”.  I left my meeting with Peggy itching to get my paintbrushes and tubes of paint out of storage and fill the empty canvasses that lay in boxes in our garage.   But I think I may need some private instruction as well.   She is an inspiration!

Melissa | people | 08 5th, 2013 | No Comments »

Dream with me on this lovely Sunday morning…….floating down the Seine in France, feeling the gentle breezes as you enjoy the day.  Listen to this wonderful piece by David Lanz, “Leaves on The Seine”

Let all of your cares float away and have a restful, peaceful day!

Melissa | Out&About | 08 4th, 2013 | No Comments »

I normally post about people, places and things in the Coastal Georgia area.  Today, I’m sharing the work of my dear friend and art teacher, Elayne Dubin.  Elayne is a talented “River Girl” who lives in Alachua County, Florida.  She and her wonderful husband, Russ, have been friends of mine for well over a decade.  I’ve always envied their lifestyle a bit…..living in a beautiful “cracker” style home they designed and had built for themselves on a wooded piece of property along the banks of the Santa Fe River.  They live an organic life that translates into Elayne’s paintings of the area.  When I saw a video Elayne posted that features her work last week I knew I had to share it with my readers.  Click on the link below, sit back and enjoy!

https://picasaweb.google.com/greenheron26/ExportedVideos?authkey=Gv1sRgCPeip6rxrfbRBQ&feat=email#slideshow/5905362834261677234

Elayne teaches from her place on the river, inspiring her students to express themselves on canvas, just as she did me!  For contact information please e-mail me:melissa@thepermanenttourist.com.

Melissa | people | 08 3rd, 2013 | No Comments »

Coastal Georgia has one of the most diversified group of artists and artisans of place I have lived.  This is the perfect environment in which to receive inspiration from ones muse.  Whether the medium is painting, writing, sculpting, pottery, weaving or any of the various types of creative expression, artists thrive here.

The Glynn Art Association is at the hub of it all.  Housed in a building at the center of The Village on St. Simons, you’ll find work by many local artists.  I’ll be featuring several of them over the next few months so that you can become acquainted with them, their stories and their work.  This is a non-profit group supported by donations from members and serves as the communities center for VISUAL ARTS.

No matter what your age, there is something for you at the center.  Classes are offered throughout the year for young and old alike that promote the creative expression of students.

On Wednesday afternoon a class gathers to paint with local artist, Ken Wallin, who I featured in a post several months ago.  Ken paints with students, critiquing their work and helping them as needed.  It is an uplifting experience for all involved and one I’m thinking of participating in.

At the front of the building are two glass walled rooms that have displays of work that is for sale by members of the Association.  Lovely woven items, jewelry, pottery, glassware and many other items perfect for gift giving or collecting.

Of special interest is the Association’s outreach program.  Among the groups involved in this program is the Glynn County Stroke Support Group and the Safe Harbor home for children.  Through classes stroke survivors and their caregivers as well as children who have been abused or abandoned can express their feelings through artwork.  What a wonderful form of therapy for anyone in need of self expression!

For information about the Glynn Art Association and the many ways it enriches the community as well as a schedule of upcoming shows go here:  http://glynnart.org/.  Sharing and caring through art is a powerful way to promote the culture and health of Coastal Georgia.

Melissa | Out&About | 08 1st, 2013 | No Comments »