Shrimp boats have always fascinated me.  Growing up on  the Gulf Coast of Texas they were an ordinary site.  One of the things I love most about my life in Coastal Georgia is seeing these boats again.  There is something comforting about watching them as they head out in the mornings, ready for a busy day at sea.

I heard about Capt. Gabby Charters last winter and instantly knew I wanted to see the boat and write about it.  The boat is named after Herbert Walker, a.k.a., Captain Gabby, a beloved resident of Sapelo Island who passed away about ten years ago.  The new owners, Charlie Young, Cindy Dennard and Robbie Bufkin, decided to keep the name in honor of the Captain.

The Capt. Gabby is normally docked in Darien, Georgia, but in July it has been at home in Brunswick, just behind Southeast Adventures off of Highway 17.  I contacted Cindy and arranged to meet her and go on board.

This boat has been completely renovated and refurbished by its owners making it ready for sunset cruises or multi-day treks through area waterways.

It is equipped with sleeping berths for six.  There’s a galley kitchen where food can be prepared, either for you or by you.

The top deck offers “the best view in Georgia”, according to those who have experienced a trip on the boat.

Love to kayak?  You’re in luck.  The Capt. Gabby will take you and five others to any destination in local waterways, kayaks in tow.  I’m seriously considering this for Skylar and me next summer.

For a unique experience, consider booking a sunset cruise with friends, gather up all of your cocktail paraphernalia and toast the end of the day in a way you’ll never forget.

Capt. Gabby Charters is now at the top of my bucket list!

To plan your cruise aboard the Capt. Gabby contact captgabby@gmail.com or 912-270-5383.  To read more go here:  http://www.captgabby.com 

Melissa | people | 08 12th, 2013 | 5 Comments »

I posted about Phil Morrison and his jazz trio a couple of weeks ago. Today I’m sharing a wonderful video put together by Joe Wills featuring the official song of Brunswick and the Golden Isles, written by Phil…..Enjoy!  “Take Me To The Coast Of Georgia”!

Melissa | people, Simple Sundays | 08 11th, 2013 | 3 Comments »

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’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 »

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 »

When I met Phil Morrison I sensed an inner peace not often found during first meetings.  Phil is a very accomplished jazz musician whose talent is known throughout Coastal Georgia as he plays with his trio.

There’s more to this man than meets the eye.  Phil is an oustanding musician but he is also a true humanitarian.  He believes that music can indeed heal the world.  In 2008 Phil’s group, World Jazz Ensemble, appeared in concert with the Coastal Symphony of Georgia in their “Music of America” program.  The audience that evening was treated to a presentation of five songs written by Phil and orchestrated by his partner, Keith Williams.  Of great interest to me, the famous Chinese musician, Xiao Hui Ma, (pronounced Shaow-Way) performed on her “Erhu”, an instrument you may have heard her play in the wonderful movie, “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”, a personal favorite of mine.  Dressed in a traditional Chinese costume,  Xiao Hui Ma, delighted her captive audience.  The entire performance was something different, captivating and likely to be repeated in the not too distant future.

You see, Phil believes that music is the one common denominator among all people of the world.  He believes that music can reunite the world and heal the many troubles and challenges we all face in our hectic lifestyles.  By joining with artists from all around the globe, Phil sees the possibility of truly reconnecting all of the people of all countries.   I hope to stand in the audience and applaud an unforgettable performance by artist’s who may not speak the same language, but who definitely play the Universal language of music.

Keith Williams, pianist and arranger, has worked with Phil and his trio for years.  He now resides in San Francisco.  Phil and Keith have toured China, Japan and other Asian countries performing their mellow jazz, putting this genre of music on the map where little of it had been heard before.  In 2008 they were honored to have one of their songs selected as the  official song for the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympic Games and Shanghai Expo 2010!  Listen to an interview about their time at the Olympic Games here:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KsF7CpxdGo

Phil’s music has been performed by The Coastal Symphony Orchestra as well as  the Honduras Symphony Orchestra.  His song of tribute for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was performed at the National Memorial Unveiling in Washington D.C.  He also wrote and performed “He Was The King” with the great Nat King Cole’s brother, Freddy Cole.

Phil’s song “Helo From Ipanema”, actually written about the iconic “Girl From Ipanema” so well known from the Antonio Carlos Jobim classic, received a seal of approval from the girl herself.  Here’s a version combining the two songs, performed by Keith Williams and his lovely wife, soloist, Kaori Yamada.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uziQkQyYKPM

Currently the Phil Morrison Trio performs on Sea Island, Wednesday and Saturday evenings, for members and their guests at the Southern Tide Restaurant, part of the fabulous beach club.  You’ll be treated to original pieces as well as old favorites from artists such as Cole Porter, Nat King Cole and other great jazz artists.

I was thrilled to hear the recording of Phil’s “Take Me To The Coast Of Georgia” which was chosen as the Official Song for Brunswick and the Golden Isles.  Treat yourself to a listen here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CC1E3gzxRd0.

At the bottom of Phil’s business card you will read:  “Striving to be of Service to Humanity by Promoting International Harmony through Music!  Music from the heart….Phil Morrison, healing through music, one note at a time.

 Phil Morrison – 912-399-3351 – philtrio@gmail.com – http://philtrio.blogspot.com

Melissa | people | 07 30th, 2013 | 5 Comments »

When I posted about Island Natural Market last week I featured a photograph displaying Georgia Olive Farms Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  I knew of the company since Chef Dave Snyder mentioned it to me in a conversation several months ago.  Seeing the actual product on a shelf,  in a store,  piqued my curiosity.  I contacted the company, asking their permission to feature this fine product on my blog and received a hearty “Yes” as an answer.

I am so impressed with what this company is doing.  Not only am I interested in better health, I am interested in products and produce that are locally grown.  It’s a “growing” trend that benefits us all.  Moving away from processed, high fat foods toward a healthier “Mediterranean” diet has proven to be the ticket to better health.

These grapes are grown in the Lakeland, Georgia area by a group of farmers who are concerned with providing an unimported olive oil.  The process is not an easy one.  With the help of  mechanical “pickers” fashioned from a blueberry harvester, the olives are carefully gathered then sped to a site in Texas for pressing.  The whole process has to take place within 24 hours so the olives do not begin to ferment.  The time and care involved produces an extra virgin olive oil that is slightly peppery with a clear, fruity finish.

Sam & Jason Shaw

Since 99% of the olive oil we use in the United States is imported and probably two years old by the time it reaches our kitchen, the possibility of having fresh, extra virgin olive oil from locally grown olive trees is very exciting.  Olive oil has been found to play a large role in the health of the body.  It can encourage a higher metabolism, help with issues involved in cardiovascular health, cancer and obesity prevention as well as many other uses.

The production of Georgia Olive Farms oil has been referred to as the new “gold rush”.  This oil combines a blend of  Koroneiki, Arbosana, and Arbequina olives.  The finished product is light, delicious and ready to be drizzled over fresh vegetables or used for dipping a delicious artisan bread, and, of course, I’m thinking PESTO!

Jason Shaw, one of the founders of the cooperative, comes from a long line of farmers.  He spent a semester in Italy learning about making olive oil and came back determined to grow olive trees on his family farm.  The rest is history.  What began as a sort of experiment three years ago has certainly paid off with over 200 acres involved in production at this point and a product that is receiving national acclaim.  Read more about Georgia Olive Farms here:  http://georgiaolivefarms.com.

Chef’s throughout our area are using and singing the praises of Georgia Olive Farms Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  I’m sure you’ll recognize this famous local chef!  Here’s to you Chef Dave for introducing me to yet another great local product!  And since this is made in the U.S.A. you can order it from anywhere in the country and the company will gladly ship to you.

Georgia Olive Farms Growers – P.O. Box 245 – Lakeland, Georgia 31635 –

229-483-3505

Melissa | people | 07 18th, 2013 | No Comments »

Coastal Georgia offers visitors and residents alike a rich history that is centuries old.  St. Simons Island, once an island of cotton plantations and lumber industry, holds particular interest as so much of the history is available to see.  When you visit Christ Church and wander through the cemetery there that holds the remains of famous islanders you’ll see such names as Gould, King, Spalding and Jones among many others.

I am particularly drawn to to the King family and their Retreat Plantation, once a thriving part of the local cotton industry.  Anna King inherited Retreat in 1827.  She ran the plantation with a firm business hand, seeing after the running of the vast property while her husband, Thomas Butler King, a member of Congress, travelled for both political and social reasons.  Anna also saw to it that her slaves were treated fairly and even educated.

Perhaps one of the most famous stories to come from Retreat Plantation is that of Neptune Small.  Small, a plantation slave, accompanied “Lordy” King to battle during the Civil War.  He recovered his master’s body, after the young man was killed in the Battle of Fredericksburg, returning it for burial in the Christ Church cemetery.  Instead of staying on St. Simons, Neptune insisted on returning  to battle to care for R. Cuyler King, Lordy’s brother.  After the war, Neptune was freed and given a tract of land on the Retreat Property that is now Neptune Park.  Pamela Bauer Mueller’s award winning book “Neptune’s Honor” tells the story so well.  Her book is available at most local bookstores or through Amazon here:  http://www.amazon.com

www.puttinonthegrits.com

Also of special note is the slave hospital, whose ruins still stand in memory of the two women who served as nurses there.

The stately Avenue of the Oaks, planted more than 160 years ago, now provides the entrance to “The Lodge”, a Sea Island Company property.  History remains in the form of ruins and stories amidst the beauty of The Lodge and the world class golf course that now covers what once was.

Melissa | people | 07 17th, 2013 | 3 Comments »

One of the things I love about doing my blog is that I get to choose the subject I write about on any given day.  I always dread reading that yet another person wandered out onto the sand bars just off the coast of either St. Simons Island or Jekyll Island, never to return.  Unfortunately, that headline stood out on the front page of this morning’s copy of The Brunswick News.  More people are saved by local emergency crews than perish, but that one person that does not make it might have lived had they been aware of the dangers in area waters.  This is not just ocean water I’m talking about, but the many rivers and lakes we all enjoy.

It may interest readers to note that every six hours we experience a ten foot rise and fall of waters off our coast.  As the tide changes strong rip currents develop between the shore and sand bars.  Only the strongest swimmers can handle these currents and even that is not always the case.  I am reminded of how dangerous the ocean can be when I read of another life lost.  The power of water to pull you into the depths and prevent you from being able to break away is never to be underestimated.  But Sunday’s tragedy did not involve high tide.  It involved a person who was not a good swimmer venturing out onto a sand bar and going into the water just beyond the bar.  It was low tide, but the deep water, for an inexperienced swimmer, meant the end of a young life.  The two teens who accompanied the victim were saved.

Glynn County Police Chief, Matt Doering, was recently featured in an article in The Brunswick News  regarding  his concern over the dangerous currents around the sand bars.  He advocates putting signs at all 35 beach entrances on St. Simons Island showing the sand bars at both high and low tide.  He is also calling for a structure to be built on the beach that would house emergency kayaks and other equipment for rescuing swimmers. Monies for this project would be provided from police seizures of criminal contraband.

Dale Provenzano, County Commissioner representing St. Simons Island, also expressed concern over the situation.  Mr. Provenzano is working on a plan that would increase water safety throughout the island, not just the beaches.  I will be featuring a post on Mr. Provenzano and his plan in the near future.  Bottom line, he feels that people must be educated so they know the potential danger and realize the need to be a strong swimmer before entering any waterway.

As our area grows and more people visit Coastal Georgia or move here as residents the issue of water safety grows.  Please be informed about the dangers involved with changing tides and if you have not taken a certified course in swimming, do so.  You can find out more about courses offered through our local YMCA here: http://www.ymcaofcoastalga.org/ymca/golden-isles/golden-isles-family-ymca or at St. Simons Health & Fitness Club here:  http://stsimonshealthclub.clubhouseonline-e3.com

Melissa | people | 07 16th, 2013 | 2 Comments »

A mutual friend introduced me to June Hall McCash.  Having seen her beautiful books about Jekyll Island, the famous Jekyll Island Club Hotel and its members, I jumped at the chance to meet this lovely lady!

Writing is June’s way of life.  When I asked her what else she enjoys, she mentioned time with her family, studying history and spending time at her home on Jekyll Island, but writing always tops her list.

She wrote her first story at the age of six and the rest is, shall we say,  history.  When June and her late husband, Bart, discovered Jekyll Island in 1983 they knew they had found their second home.  Both of them shared a love of the South and careers as educators at the college level in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.  When they settled on Jekyll they began to explore the history of the area.  At that time one could actually see the register of the original Jekyll Club Hotel listing its elite members.  June refers to the Club as a Southern haven for America’s millionaires that, thankfully, has been saved.  The records are no longer open for public viewing but the stories and the history still stir the interest of visitors and residents alike.

Her first book, The Jekyll Island Club, was published in 1989.  Three more books on the famous establishment and its history have followed, including her most recent work she co-authored with her son, Brendan Martin, which celebrates the twenty-fifth anniversary of the restored Jekyll Island Club Hotel.    June continues her writing of both non-fiction and historical fiction.   Her first novel, “Almost to Eden” received Georgia Author of the Year for a First Novel by the Georgia Writers Association in 2011.  “Plum Orchard” followed being awarded “Georgia Author of the Year” in 2012.  June is now working on a new novel, “Boys of Shiloh”, another fictional work that is set in the Civil War era and reveals the realities of war to young readers.

We discussed all of her various literary accomplishments and one, in particular, that I did not know about until our meeting.  “A Titanic Love Story:  Ida & Isidor Straus”, is now on my list of books to read.  June wrote this factual novel about the Straus’, the only “first class” couple who chose to die together on the Titanic.  Owners of the famous retail store that began in New York City, Macy’s, the Straus’ we on that ill fated voyage.  As Ida Straus made ready to board a lifeboat she realized her husband could not accompany her as the men were allowing women and children to be rescued first.  Their forty year marriage, based on a deep love and partnership, led her to make the decision to stay by his side.  As we all know, many of the passengers and crew did not make it off the Titanic.  The Straus’ spent their final hours in each others arms as the great ship met its end.  To hear about this fascinating book listen here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Npv6mNpuPbM

June and I agreed that we could have talked for days.  With our love of the written word and history we have many subjects to address when we meet again.  For now, June is with her family in Tennessee, but Jekyll will draw her back when fall arrives and we will have stories to share.

Melissa | people | 07 10th, 2013 | 2 Comments »