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Impressions – Fresh and Fabulous!

Are you tired of the same old BBQ, Mexican, and fast food? Hankerin’ for something to excite your tastebuds? Then don’t walk — RUN — to Impressions Catering & Take Out in Alpine, Texas.

Everything is made fresh in-house — from house-cured corned beef and pastrami down to the mayonnaise and dressing for their [...]

Stella! Restaurant, New Orleans, LA – a Review

Entrance to Stella!

Stella! is an casually elegant and intimate restaurant tucked away in the Hotel Provincial (read hotel review) in the heart of the French Quarter. Touting “exciting, Global-Modern cuisine influenced by world flavors” as well as the executive chef Scot Boswell’s Louisiana roots, the menu is a delightful adventure for just about any palette.

Entering Stella! from the hotel’s carriage-way, you are immediately embraced by their newly renovated and elegant rooms – surprisingly quiet for being in just one block off of Decatur Street.

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The Hotel Provincial, New Orleans, LA – a Review

Hotel Provincial

Okay, I admit it – I was drawn to the Hotel Provincial for 3 reasons: 1) great summer rates through Hotels.com; 2) right in the middle of the French Quarter; and 3) it is believed to be HAUNTED! I took a deep breath, made my reservation, and even asked for Building #5, which is considered the most haunted part of the hotel.

What the heck was I thinking?!? I lay awake the previous night wondering what I had got myself into – purposely booking into a haunted hotel in which I was going to stay by myself! Well, I was committed (or committable – you decide for yourself), so I forged ahead.

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A Tour of Washington, Georgia

Fitzpatrick Hotel Entrance

A friend recently treated me to a delightful 2+ hour tour of the historic town of Washington, Georgia. Guided by Jo Randall of Miss Fanny’s Tours, I learned much and enjoyed every minute!

The first place we visited was the Fitzpatrick Hotel. Built in 1899, the hotel is currently under renovation and is open only on weekends for lodging guests. The owners are bringing back the charm of the original hotel. Soon to move into one of the storefront spaces of the hotel is the “Talk of the Town” restaurant and gift shop (a delightful place to eat known for its homemade desserts and hand-dipped Blue Bell ice cream).

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Travelin’ in Eatonton and Greensboro, GA

My friend Sarah gave me the cook’s tour of her favorite spots in the Eatonton and Greensboro, Georgia, area. I thought I would share a list of the lovely galleries, shops, restaurants and other spots we visited.

Greensboro, GA

Art of Oconee – a wonderful gallery exclusively featuring award-winning local artists. Painting, photography, jewelry, turned wood, among other media. 1010 Parkside Commons, Suite 105, Greensboro, GA 30642 Ph: 706-749-1950

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Pick Your Own at Bill Shaw’s Garden in Buckhead, GA

As you drive down shady Parks Mill Road, you begin to see crepe myrtles lining one side of the road. Then appears a driveway with small signs announcing fresh blueberries, blackberries, tomatoes, peppers, okra…and you have arrived at Bill Shaw’s Pick Your Own garden.

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Buttermilk Pie at The Yesterday Café – Oh My!

My friend Sarah treated me to lunch at The Yesterday Café in Greensboro, Georgia. And what a treat it was!

As you walk in the door, the bright homey atmosphere of the café makes you feel comfortable right away. Add to that the friendly, informative staff and attentive service, and you would think you would have a winner here. (Not to mention the great conversation with the staff about the local haunted homes and buildings!)

But, wait! There’s more!

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The Wizard of Oz Under the Stars

Last night I was treated to a delightful summer evening of live music and a movie!

My friends Penny and Gregg took me to a North Carolina Symphony concert. What made this concert such a treat was a couple of things:

  • It was outside at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre under a beautiful summer evening sky.
  • The symphony performed live the music for the movie The Wizard of Oz - as the movie was playing!

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Exceptional Seafood at the Bonefish Grill – a Review

Last night I had dinner at the Bonefish Grill in Raleigh, NC, with 2 friends, Penny and Chris.

We called ahead as we were leaving my friend’s house to determine the length of the wait. The hostess put us on a list for a table just a little over 30 minutes from when we called. We arrived and were actually taken to our table almost 10 minutes early! The fact that it was a Tuesday night no doubt made for the short wait time.

The decor was subtle and rich. Even though the furnishings were dark, the restaurant was full of light from the expertly designed indirect lighting.

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The Meaning of the Thumbs-up Hand Gesture Around the World

Hand gestures mean different things in different countries. What is considered a cool sign may be a grave insult in another country. This article takes a look at one of the most common signs: the thumbs-up sign. Hopefully with this information, you can demonstrate proper travel etiquette wherever you may be!

The thumbs-up sign consists of a closed fist held with the thumb extended upward. The most common interpretation of this gesture is as a sign of approval (there is even a metaphor in English: “The proposal was given a thumbs-up.”), but there are some countries where it may be an insult or where it will not be understood.

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