Art Gallery of Nova Scotia http://www.agns.gov.ns.ca/

Wednesday July 12, 2006

The Susan McEacheron photography exhibit intrigued me. There seems to be a theme in my life these days of revisiting my generational expectations of a better world. I am catching up on reading Alice Walker’s more recent works. Anyway, the exhibit was very satisfying to me. From the late 80’s works on women and mothering to more recent gardening and those quadrants of group analysis, I was reading every work and taking time to really enjoy the works.

MDT liked the impressionists best. They were on loan from another Canadian museum. I liked seeing world art influences expressed from a regional perspective.

The first nation art was captivating as well. I saw it at the end of our visit, so I was a bit tired. Another visit, and I would go there first. The use of color was phenomenal.

A note on “first nation”: I wonder if native Canadians are so much more effective with the dominant culture, or if the dominant culture is more receptive to the native people. Whatever, the effect is that we see so much more of first nation influence here, and even the term “first nation” seems to us such a fine way of honoring and distinguishing the descendants of the people who were here first.

Having savored the art of the first, second and immigrant people, we went on to sample the food. In our case, we decided on Anatolia, a restaurant off of Spring Garden Road. What a wonderful menu of choices. We decided on the sampler appetizer. We were given 3 kinds of bread and a small platter of samples. We recognized the hummus and tazaki, and just enjoyed the other things whose names we do not yet know. There was something with roasted peppers, something with eggplants. This was served with a little bowl of pepperonici and kalamata olives. I tried to not eat all of the olives. Then came the main courses. MDT ordered the carnivores delight (not their appellation, mine). There was a ground lamb kabob (that I called lamburger) that was sooooooooo fine with the, dare I call it, ketchup. Ketchup should only be read here as a rough analogy, as this tomato based condiment was spiced to perfect compliment with this lamburger. There was a touch of hot/picante here, but it was not the star player. Ed, this was the perfect Turkish meatloaf with ketchup. For the rest of you, this was gourmet ground lamb with spices roasted over a charcoal fire and garnished with a tomato and spiced condiment. There were succulent lamb chops and kabobs of chicken, beef and lamb on a bed of basmati (anybody know the Turkish word for this rice?) au juice and onions. MDT just looked happy, and there were no leftovers.
I got the Turkish lamb pasta to further explore my world wide dumpling palate. (I am convinced that all cultures have a dumpling. I would like to try them all.) Tiny little dumplings full of lamb and spices were anointed with a garlic yogurt dressing on one side of the dish and a tomato sauce on the other. They were yummy. I liked the yogurt sauce best.

Amazingly, after dinner we were able to explore Pete’s Frutopia and pick up a few items we could not live without. Pete’s features a jazz pianist on Wednesday night. Maybe there are other nights of piano jazz, but I only know about Wednesday. I was delighted to find real Vidalla onions, as we were about out. Pete’s is your usual unusual upscale Whole Foods like grocery. These places make me believe that a person who doesn’t cook can still eat well provided they have enough money to buy the prepared foods. We watched people leave the store quite satisfied for over an hour before joining them.

John's Lunch

July 11, 2006

Our quest today was to take the ferry from Halifax to Dartmouth and eat at John’s Lunch. It was well worth the effort, though, like much of travel, it takes effort. However, our current plan is to visit John’s on a weekly basis. John’s sings their own praises on the menu and placemats, but they can be forgiven, as everything we read was true. We had the clams and scallops. Though this plate looks heavy on the fries, they are only a blanket keeping the rest of the clams and scallops warm. You can see that they are whole clams-not just the strips. They were fresh and well prepared (fried).

There are two passenger ferries that cross the river between the cities of Halifax and Dartmouth. They are part of the city transportation system and cost $2. John’s Lunch is just uphill from the Woodside ferry. Because the Woodside ferry takes a midday break, we took the Dartmouth ferry and the bus on the way over, and the Woodside ferry back. The river view was lovely and also well worth our efforts. Perhaps I’ll get the chance to photograph with my real camera at a later time. In the meantime, I have my less than satisfactory photos from the cell phone. I was initially charmed by the schooners (for the sailors among us, I beg your indulgence with my ignorance of what marine vessel with sails are called-schooners or slips all all the same to me) or whatever they were. Then I realized that they were tourist sailing ships. I still like the charm they bring to the river. Even the pirate ship.

Our secondary goal was to get haircuts, another quest. I found helpful women at a bookstore with a lovely rainbow flag. Wouldn’t you know it, they get their hair cut at whatever chain haircutter is cheapest, but they knew where their daughters got their hair cut. In comes the young ingénue of the the bookstore with a list of hip hairdressers. We were off, and so was most of our hair. Both of us feel much better with our very short summer Rving dos. I also got a good lesson on the pronunciation of Antigonish (Annie-ganish-rhymes with knish). Perhaps it is their version of Kissimmee or Micanopy. Anyway, since we plan to spend a week camped there; it is just as well I learn to pronounce it.

Wolfville and Windsor

Wolfville and Windsor

July 10, 2006

After a weekend of R&R, we took off for Wolfville, pronounced Woofle (we think). It was just a short drive and the scenery just kept getting better and better. Our first stop was at Le Fromagerie. We particularly liked the outdoor dining area and garden, but the cheese was quite good too. We are finding our favorite, cheese curds occasionally, and this Fromagerie also had quark, a soft spreadable cheese like cream cheese or farmer’s cheese.

Onward and upward to Cape Split. Cape Split reaches out into the Bay of Fundy. The haze cleared somewhat and we went photo snapping. There are so many geological influences here. We see old lava rock in these photos. Later in the day we saw gypsum, and clearly the glaciers and tides have worn down rock and made for quite fertile land in the valley.

A couple of houses caught our attention. This garden was stunning. I’d like to move next door and expand.





We found this red house in Canning. Love those hostas!

We had lunch at Al’s Homestyle in Canning. They make their own sausages-quite fine. We decided to take some with us. I liked the brats and Marcia liked the hot Italian.

Refortified, we were off to Windsor to visit with Howard Dill the grower of the world’s largest pumpkin. I had seen something on TV about Howard’s pumpkins. They hollow them out and use them for boats in a rowing race. In addition to this claim to fame, Howard enjoyed telling about his pumpkins being grown at Epcot. However, even more impressive was his near miss with Martha. Yes indeed, Martha had him scheduled for her first visit after prison, but the Canadian government squashed the plan. Charlie Brown fans, do you think the great pumpkin comes from here?

We really enjoyed meeting Windsor’s resident celebrity. He reminded me of Eloise Page.

Peggy's Cove and beyond

July 6, 2006

Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg

Two times today Marcia’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. One was when she saw the rocks at Peggy’s Cove. The lighthouse is good for about 10 minutes tops (for those of us who do not have a particular interest in lighthouses), but we found it simply decoration for the magnificent scenery. One can almost see the glaciers pushing and slicing and grinding these rocks to sculpted perfection. The winds and ocean finish the job of polishing to perfection.

The other highlight was that we got there in time to get a parking space near the lighthouse, enjoy our visit with just one parking lot full of people, and get out just as the tour busses and traffic made for too much congestion. As most of you know, we are not particularly early risers, so those who wish a really fine visit might want to be the first ones there and snap photos without people in them. I should mention that is was Friday. Perhaps midweek when a cruise ship is not in port would be ideal.

Next, we took the scenic route-there is not other choice when going to and from Peggy’s Cove. I snapped plenty of photos along the way-just one picture postcard view after another. We decided on the scenic route around St Margaret’s Bay, and were not disappointed. As a matter of fact, I think we will return. I believe this is most people’s idea of Nova Scotia. However, we had planned to have lunch in Lunenburg at the Magnolia Grille, so we needed to press on. We took 103, the expressway for several exits, made our way through Mahone Bay, now able to pass those picture postcard shots, and on to Lunenburg. Those little visitor’s centers (follow the “?” signs) are worth a stop for local maps and directions. They seem to hire Canada’s youth as either direction helpers or bagpipers or dancers, so it seems a good thing for both locals and tourists.

The Magnolia Grille produced the second Christmas tree effect in Marcia with a seafood chowder and wonderful baguette. Chowder was filled with haddock, clams, lobster with just the right hit of thyme and onion. I went there for the fishcakes with rhubarb chutney and found them quite to my liking. Marcia eschews potato in fishcake, but I am fine with it. The rhubarb chutney was of enough interest to inspire a quest, but so far we haven’t found it. We did do the craft festival and discovered other tasty chutneys and jams-fulfilled Marcia’s quest for lemon marmalade. Apparently the local women sell canned goodies to support their museum. I later discovered that these, along with lots of fresh produce, bakery and deli goods, can be found at JoAnn’s Market in Mahone Bay.

After lunch, we headed out in pursuit of the LaHave Bakery. If we had only asked at the “?” (local information center symbol), we might have saved ourselves time and gas. Our map was not detailed enough to distinguish La Have proper from Upper La Have, West La Have, etc. We also didn’t have information on the (cable) ferry across the LaHave river that would have eliminated our drive through Bridgeport and been a unique experience in itself. Perhaps we will go that way again. We did get bread, and I bought a little rock vase at the Artisans Co-op downstairs from the bakery. It reminds me of the rocks at Peggy’s Cove, and “Ms Matha” needed something for her wild flower arrangements.

We found our way home with a bit more of unintended scenic tour and finally the faster expressway. About the expressways here… it’s interesting to see what effect less traffic has on highways. The 103 Expressway on the southern coast route basically is a two lane road that intermittently adds an extra lane to facilitate passing for each direction. Then it’s back to two lanes again with 70+ mph speeds. A most economical choice when one considers the amount of paving and intrusion into the natural space. Most drivers here are most courteous and considerate-a nice change. A stop by Wall-Mart, yes, they are here, outfitted us with a more detailed map book. Then we were glad to get home and open bottles of Moosehead for a relaxing sit under our awning-quality time with Stella.

July 8, 2006

We have a day off from driving and exploration. I am writing from the new screenhouse (pronounced hoose-rhymes with moose). The breeze is blowing through and the bugs cannot get in. We have arranged folding tables and chairs including our mega recliners. There is an external outlet on the Cronemobile, so I am also plugged in along with the Sirius. Would that the wireless reached here, but I am learning to compose here and send when we get down to the office. High temps were supposed to be around 85 F today then to the lowest 60s tonight. When we were setting up the screenhouse, it was warm enough to produce a bit of a sweat and make sun tea. However sitting here now, at 4pm Atlantic Daylight Savings Time, it occasionally feels like long sleeves might be in order.

New England-Phase I

New England-Phase I
June 21-23rd

We left home in June 21st headed for Atlanta. Hotlanta lived up to its name, but the days got cooler if cloudier and rainy as we headed north. By day we traveled through the Shenandoah Valley, over the Delaware and Hudson Rivers. Seems we got out just in time, as the place significantly flooded several days after we left.

June 23-26th

It was great fun for me to see the familiar places north of Boston again, and share them with Marcia. It is always wonderful to reconnect with old friends, Helen and Ed-remembering old memories and making new ones.

Our local guides provided us with grand tours of the area including Portsmouth and another old favorite, the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem. I hadn’t been to the PEM since they rebuilt it and brought over the Chinese house. http://www.pem.org/yinyutang/ What a treat. They always have a nice Asian art collection, and I always enjoy it.

I am still feeling the effects of withdrawal from my gardening habit, so the drive by tour of homes and gardens was a good substitute. Small stonewall gardens featured so many varieties of hosta, clematis and roses all happily enjoying the rain. Pink wild roses proliferate.

One driving tour between Portsmouth and Kittery involved a stop at a full serve gas station, nearly a forgotten convention in itself, but the icing on this cake was an attendant who spoke real downeast Maine. Not since living in China has intonation and absence of r’s bathed my ears. And the gas was only $2.76 a gallon unleaded “regula”. This ranks right up there with the Elvis and Pricilla gas stop in 40 Mule Team, Nevada.


On the restaurant front, Andaman, the Thai restaurant in the Tannery in Newburyport is quite good. We enjoyed lunch there and did not imbibe, but there appeared to be a respectable wine list. Beautiful green (as in eco friendly) building. The Panang always does it for me-how can you go wrong with peanuts, coconut milk and hot peppers. The shrimp were perfectly cooked and tasty, and I even thought the bamboo shoots might be fresh. Probably not, but they were the best I have tasted in this hemisphere.

Friendly Toast in Portsmouth is the polar opposite of our peaceful relaxing Thai lunch-perhaps best described as an interactive lunch. The food was good and abundant, but the kitsch ambiance is mostly the point. . Plenty of visual entertainment. We surmise that you cannot be employed there unless you are tattooed. The very aged and worn talking leopard was a tad scary for me, but one little girl of about 6 just loved it.

I enjoyed the huevos rancheros, lemonade, and reading the menu, but the onion rings were a bit too bready for me. Blue Cheese burger with a big slice of red onion met Marcia’s approval with a smile. Good fries, but Ed and I agree that the hash browns are just as good if not better.

However, the best meals are to be had in the kitchen and dining room of a friend’s home. Ours was the lobster dinner we collaborated on. Helen says Dave’s on the Salisbury side of the Merrimack is a consistently good supplier, and if our lobsters are typical, we are with Dave. Great corn from the veggie stand in Newbury where Buffy the Buffalo and his/her llama colleges graze. Ed has new skills in the production of creamed corn. Only Grandma made it better, but that would involve bacon drippings.

New England-Phase II-Portland
June26-28th

We had an easy and uneventful drive from Salisbury Beach to just south of Portland, Maine, and got set up in the campground just as the rains came. Though the rains were not so thrilling, the 66 degree temps were quite a treat for Floridians in late June. We donned our Marmots and proceeded to shop our hearts out at the LL Bean outlet downtown, and followed this with a lively romp through Wild Oats grocery store-our idea of a fine rainy day.

For our next overcast and rainy day, we did LLBeans and enjoyed a lobster roll lunch with excellent Maine potato French fries doused with vinegar at Cindy’s.

June 29-30

The low point of the trip thus far was the overnight at Paul Bunyan’s campground in Bangor, Maine. Paul Bunyan’s mud bog would be more accurate. Lucky we have Rhonda Roomba onboard.

Canada on Canada Day
July 1st

Though we were prepared with papers for everyone and nearly everything, the perky Canadian border guard with hiccoughs just asked us a few questions and waved us through. It probably would not be a surprise to her that we do not intend to spend the winter here.

Off we went on the Trans Canada. We saw lovely views through rain and overcast skies.

Our campground was well worth our efforts. Perched on a hill overlooking the St John River, the views were fantastic, including an inspiring sunset. Helpful fellow campers directed us to a nearby store where we could stock up on Moosehead Beer. We hadn’t stocked up on alcohol or fresh fruit and veggies, not knowing what would be of interest to the border patrol and subject to ultimate confiscation. No fresh veggies to be found in the only little market we found, but we had plenty of food supplies to make a yummy hot dinner of chicken and udon with onion and ginger—lots of ginger! .

The Canada Day celebrations were, by my standards, quite tame compared with the 4th of July, and this is a good thing. Stella felt there were way too many fireworks and took up residence under the table beside our feet. Everyone seemed to enjoy the ride on the tractor wagon. There were flags all over the place-on cars, trucks, campers, mailboxes and T-shirts. I even wore white pants and a red polo shirt (thinking perhaps it wouldn’t hurt at the border crossing). Locals say there was way too little snow this winter and now too much rain. Intermittent rain storms through the night made for interrupted sleep but calmer by morning. We still like the temps. It was in the high 50’s when we woke up this morning, raining of course.


On to Nova Scotia
July 2nd

More forests and rivers scenery through the rain and wind as we made our way down to the New Brunswick-Nova Scotia border. Highways are very good through New Brunswick and traffic was certainly sparse… remarkably sparse to tell the truth. Just a lot fewer people and cars ups in these parts. Very few semi-trailers as well. We arrived in Amherst N.S to a sparsely populated campground-always a bad sign. The rain stopped just in time for us to set up the RV, but rain might have been preferable to the horde of mosquitoes like I haven’t seen since camping in the Everglades in July. As the day progressed, we got 35mph winds. Too bad for the mosquitoes.

After lunch we braved a trip to the car for exploring in hopes of finding some fresh veggies at a supermarket. Little did we know that Nova Scotia observes the Sabbath by mandating grocery stores to close. Apparently this sans supermarket Sabbath is being challenged in some cities, but Amherst was not one of them.

We did find the N.S Visitors Center very helpful. Bad news about the C@P (Canadian Internet access points). There is about one for every major city, some cost $2 and some are free. There are computers in libraries. Here’s the thing. We rely on the Internet to find things like libraries. Back to old skills. There was an available Internet access at the Visitors Center. It will be our email check for the next three days.

July 3rd-Tidal Bore

We headed out for a daytrip to Maitland via the scenic Glooscap route. Enroute, we saw lots of farms and forests. We passed the Anne Murray center in her hometown of Springfield, along with the fossil museum (which we hope to return to). We noted that Five Islands has a campground with a view of the Minas Basin that is kick butt. Looks like a great place to camp and watch the tides roll in.

However, time passed and the tide was going to roll in before we could get to Maitland so we pushed on to Truro for their view of the tidal bore. We did the Pallisier restaurant On the banks of the Salmon River for dinner and were pleased. The haddock special was fresh and tasty-good fish chowder, loved the beets even if they were canned, but the peas were just that-canned. Since we just bought fresh sugar snaps, we knew there was better to be had. The apple crisp, however was quite fine.

The tidal bore might be a bore to some. It was a tiny little white crest this day, but we were quite mesmerized watching the effect of high tide on this river. The plan is to see the same effect in several sites as we travel. We understand the moon has it’s effect on the bore, as it has premium effect on the tide, and would like to see it unfold here or in Maitland.

Stella also had a good time rolling on the grass.

4th of July in PEI

Call us ex-pats, but we really enjoy the 4th of July in another country. No fireworks and few flags. Today, some were left over from Canada Day, but no one was cavorting around with them. Just back to work for most Canadians and very sane for us. Many stores were still closed and unavailable to us for yet another day. We planned another day trip over to Prince Edward Island to check out campgrounds and such for later use. Weather was still not with us but at least the rain was turning to intermittent showers and less wind.

We started our day with a stop at the Visitors Center just over the Confederation Bridge in PEI. I figured they would have wireless internet, and sure enough, the Canadian government was gracious enough to give us an hour online. I typed as fast as I could to catch up on email. I noted that if I composed beforehand and copied and pasted into my Bellsouth account, I could send and still have time to search or post to the website online. Good plan.

We did most of the blue heron loop around the main island of PEI. Our objective was to scout out a campground for sometime in August. Wireless Internet was the main criteria, but I hoped for high ground, as the evening walk with Stella is a mosquito fest here, and perhaps open and breezy campsites would be the best solution. We believe we have found both in the Marco Polo Campground in Cavendish. Lonely Planet has directed us to a few nice seafood restaurants nearby, so I am game to try them-perhaps spend a week there sometime in August.

None of the Anne of Green Gables stuff interests us, but PEI mussels and lobster is right up our alley. Maybe we will find other things to suit us as well.

We did find the Gouda Cheese Lady, and we are quite glad we did. So much cheese and so little time, so we took a variety of small cuts back to the Cronemobile with us. I sense a rarebit in our future after Marcia started describing the use of this wonderful gouda.

The $45 exit fee to get off the island was quite a shock to Marcia. I think we probably paid about that much in tolls coming through Maine. We are thinking about taking the ferry from Caribou, NS to PEI next trip (with RV). Shorter trip, but as the ferry company points out, the gas ($4.29-$4.49 per Gal) and vehicle use cost will probably be more than the staggering $77 for the RV and $57 for the car round trip.

The prices for groceries were higher than we expected as well. Even figuring in the exchange rate, things seem to be costly here. Perhaps we will get a large check from the government when we submit our tax forms at the end of the trip.
Halifax

July 5, 2006

We have arrived at our home away from home for the next month, and took some time to settle in and do housekeeping, and snuggle with Stella. We are thinking of getting a screen house at Canadian Tire-they are advertising them on the only channel we get here, and considering the mosquitoes, it might be a good idea to have an outside room.

Key West and Beyond...

Under construction

Home Again

Kay and I just got back last week from an Olivia cruise. We had a great time and want to do Europe now. How have we coped with no room steward, fabulous food and plenty of time to relax on the veranda after a full day???? The first two days home were spent doing all the laundry from the week away. The dog was pouting that her friend who stayed with her and frisbeed her on demand was replaced by me who couldn't explain that I was dizzy and busy. When can I get back on the boat again.... maybe soon.

Mexico, Guatemala & Belize

Kohunlich, Mexico


We were in Costa Maya, Mexico for a very short time and went to the ruins at Kohunlich. This ceremonial center was occupied between 300-1200 C.E. Most of the site is still unexplored, and many structures remain covered by vegetation and is best known for it's Pyramid of the Masks built before 500 C.E.

The building has a giant staircase flanked by six huge heads modeled in stucco. Each mask is over 8 feet tall. Each face is slightly different and there is no known identification of them. Some theories say they represent Gods, other that they are faces of ruling members of Kohunlich.

Completely surrounded by the lush foliage of the tropical jungle these ruins are frequented by all manner of tropical wildlife and exotic birds including Quetzals.

Quirigua, Guatemala

Quirigua Ruins tour was a 4 hr jaunt through the countryside. The bus driver was a maniac and it was good to get out and walk a bit. Our tour guide was a wonderful woman archeologist who had worked the ruins herself and was able to fill us with loads of information. The ruins of Quirigua contain some outstanding and impressive series of carved stelae and sculpted calendars that tell a fascinating story of Quirigua's relationship with nearby Copan. The information they contain are an essential source for the study of Mayan civilization. Nine stelae are arranged around the central plaza, accompanied by altars carved into zoomorphic shapes. The largest of these, Stela E, is about 25 ft tall.

Guatemala was really the most interesting with their farms growing all sorts of fruit, rubber trees and cattle ranches of every size. The people there are engaging and happy. I would like to go back there sometime to stay a bit longer.

Alta Hun, Belize
I got some nice pix in Belize of the Alta Hun site (Kay is the small speck at the right of the temple)Alta Hun was really the most spectacular of the ruins that we saw because of the size and the expansiveness of the site with all these huge temples and walls crammed onto the property. Belize also has huge poverty away from the port, Belize City. We did see a lot of armed guards once we left the tourist city gates but we never felt scared. It was important to see these things to keep some perspective on world poverty. Keeps one thankful.

Kay's on this one lower right

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A wonderful sunset arrived as we were leaving and heading out to sea for our return to FLL.

We can report that we had great weather the whole time with calm seas up until the return to FLL. Things were a little rocky with 5 ft seas and rain the whole day at sea on the way back. It was nice to wake up Sunday at port, although we were still rocking around with our scrambled equilibrium. It took the two days of laundry work to clear our heads.

Key West

We did have a great time. Kay got to snorkel in Key West like she has wanted to for a long time. Lily Tomlin entertained us that night. What a hoot! She did some of her great stuff and just seemed to be in chat mode with the audience… like we were all old friends. Everyone loved her and waited to bid her goodbye as she rode off in her golf cart down Mallory Pier. We promptly pushed off and headed out to sea. We headed for bed. Tired old farts have to sleep.

On Our Way Out to Sea

Off on a cruise to the Western Carribian and wanted to get there early to explore "FLL" before we left and to see Kay's brother. Dunnellon to Ft Lauderdale is about a 5 hr trip through varied environments very different from N Central Fl. It changes from the hills or "ridges" we are used to to flater plains and more waterways and canals. The only hills you will see are the sanitary fill stations that dwarf any you might see near home.

Dinner was very elegant and tasty at Black Orchid Cafe out on the beach. We chose the special, sautéed fresh snapper filet with tomato, scallions, garlic white wine sauce. Our portions were huge and very tasty. Our companions were tempted by the beef and potatoes which looked delicious as well.


Kay's brother works at Fish and raved about the atmosphere and menu so much that we wanted to take our friends there the night before we left on the cruise. Appetizers are extensive and all sounded delicious. We enjoyed a shared combo of calamari, diver's scallops and a devine crab cake. The main menu is a combination of familiar but interesting comfort food and simply grilled fresh fish with four choices for a prepared sauce. We all tried something different but generally agreed that the Tomato, Onion, Orange, Lemon & Lime accented with Citron Vodka Sauce with grouper was the best of the four dishes-- and all of them were great including the Cioppino. Take a look at the menu at http://www.fish-fl.com/menu.htm

Dinner completed we bid farewell to Kay's brother with great thanks for a wonderful dinner and we were off the the hotel for the pre-cruise party.

The Season for Savannah

Tybee Island Time for Christmas seemed to be a great idea this year. We found River’s End RV park to be perfectly placed away from Savannah out on Tybee Island. The trip there takes you through a series of small towns and salt marshes out to the tip of the island where the Savannah River enters the Atlantic. The Tybee lighthouse is the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia. In 1773, the 100-ft lighthouse tower was erected to aid ship traffic along the eastern seaboard and especially the vulnerable Savannah River. Tybee Island, it’s forts and it’s lighthouse have been the guardians of the Savannah River since 1736.

The sunsets on Tybee are really spectacular as they concentrate colors and textures with the changing light. The salt marshes offer viewing opportunities for great senic walks, water birds and wildlife.


Savannah is one of the oldest cities in America -- a site of many famous Revolutionary & Civil War Battles and an key hub of commercial trade. Take a Historic Savannah Carriage Tour--this is the best way to see all the major highlights or historic Savannah has to offer. Tour guides are well versed in the city history and personalities, Tours are usually about an hour long. Hundreds of interesting sites to see including more than twenty city squares, monuments, parks, historic homes, churches & forts and the largest national historic landmark district can keep you busy and intrigued.
Founded by General James Oglethorpe in 1733, Georgia's colonial capital now encompasses six historic neighborhoods with buildings nestled under giant live oaks hung with Spanish moss. General James Edward Oglethorpe came here to protect Savannah from invasion by the Spanish in Florida. Kay’s ancestors served Savannah well.

Savannah Cotton Exchange--Built in 1887, this building was the center of commercial activity when Savannah was the world's foremost cotton port. Cotton prices world-wide were set in the halls of the exchange.

Savannah Yummmmm!

The Lady and Sons
Paula Deen does know how to cook! Located at 102 West Congress Street, the Lady and Sons restaurant is just one block east of City Market in the heart of historic Savannah. Southern Buffet or Menu—there is genuine Southern cuisine found here from fried green tomatoes and fried chicken to shrimp and grits and pecan pie. Biscuits and hoecake wander about on platters to accompany any dish or desire. Butter and seasoning bacon flow here. The buffet is a really great deal, too. But be prepared to wait your turn, as it is first come first served and the line forms early and persists through lunch and dinner.

Cafe at City Market
We had lunch here after our carriage tour. Meals are served in delightful American bistro atmosphere. Lunch menu offers soup, sandwiches, unique pizzas or interesting appetizers. If the weather is nice, you candine outside and watch the world go by. Reservations are suggested for dinner, especially on the weekends.

The Crab Shack
Low Country Cuisine a must. Being a coastal city, Savannah specializes in all sorts of treats from the sea. The best part about the atmosphere at the Crab Shack is walking through the huge canopy of live oak trees with the view of the marsh. The Low Country Boil, a mixture of shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes, is easily the best and most popular. Everything is steamed or boiled and accompanied by lemon wedges, melted butter and cocktail sauce. You can mix and match and your server will be glad to guide your dinner development. "Dining in the rough" is accommodated by a hole in the center of the table for shell and trash disposal and your own individual roll of paper towels is always at the ready right next to the spicy sauces. Fingers are welcome here to peel the shrimp, but the sausage, corn and potatoes give you a seafood break. The beer is always ice cold here.