Tag Archives: The South

Pink, purple, and blue flowers with green leaves.

6 Things I Learned in March and April 2019

Things I Learned, , , , ,

It’s finally feeling like spring here– in my body and out in the world.

So taking inspiration from Modern Mrs. Darcy, here’s a list of things I learned in the last two months.  

1. I have to kick FOMO to the curb. Yeah, JOMO has been part of the social vernacular for a while, but I’ve only truly started to work on becoming a fan of the Joy of Missing Out recently. I don’t have the spoons to do everything I need to do, let alone want to do, so why not pick a few things and celebrate those?

2. Knoxville has a welcoming LGBTQ+ community. That’s not to say it’s thriving like Toronto or NYC, but it’s doing just fine, thank you very much, — especially in certain parts of town; I wish I’d had more time to explore.

Be sure to check out Wild Love Bakehouse. The cafe miel is delicious, and the pastries are flakey, but the gay friendly atmosphere is what I love best about the place. My boyfriend and I went for breakfast and ended up staying for hours because we made new friends.

3. Old Bay tastes amazing on cheddar popcorn. And a lot of other things. According to this meme on their official Instagram, I’m very Maryland, especially for a Canadian. How about you?

4. We forget more of what we read, than we think we do [The Atlantic]. Keep of a book of books, or “Bob” to help you remember. Says Pamela Paul, “Bob offers immediate access to where I’ve been, psychologically and geographically, at any given moment in my life… Each entry conjures a memory that may have otherwise gotten lost or blurred with time.”

5. Always put verbs in to do lists to make your list more motivating and less overwhelming. I learned this from a podcast Sarah Von Bargen was on, and I wish I could remember which one it was. She also says to measure progress on your to do list, not just how fast tasks are completed.

6. If I’m having a rough self esteem day, it helps to listen to music that pumps me up and lifts my spirits. Drop-dead Knockout by Sinclair is my absolute favourite lately. They’re a queer artist from upstate New York who opened for Kacey Musgraves on select dates of her Oh What a World tour, and I had the pleasure of meeting Sinclair in Knoxville. One of the highlights of my trip, for sure!


Listen to Drop-Dead Knockout by Sinclair here.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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What have you learned this spring?

5 Southern Towns to Get Excited About This Summer

Travel,

The only thing hotter than a southern summer is this list of must-visit cities and towns below the Mason-Dixon Line. Chosen for attractions like museums and shops, natural beauty, and proximity to bustling big cities, you’ll be tempted to add these destinations to your summer road trip itinerary.

1. Natchitoches, LA. Louisiana’s oldest town is the perfect blend of old South, Creole and Cajun. Shop at Kaffie-Frederick, Inc. (the oldest general store in Louisiana), feed alligators at Bayou Pierre Alligator Park and visit three historic plantation sites in the Cane River Heritage Area. Also be sure to try Natchitoches meat pie, a regional dish from northern Louisiana.

2. St. Michaels, MD. Southern Living’s description of this seaside town is what sold me: St. Michaels “contains one of the largest collections of restored 18th-century buildings in Maryland. Elegant and earthy, St. Michaels knows how to party like a gentleman and a sailor—all at the same time”. Visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, take part in the town’s culture of boating and fishing, and top off your visit with a seafood dinner and drinks at one of many local restaurants and bars.

3. Oxford, MS. Named after the British university city of the same name, Oxford, MS is home to University of Mississippi (“Ole Miss”). As one of USA Today’s top 6 American college towns, there’s lots to do and see: Tour historic Rowan Oak, home of William Faulkner, shop at indie favourite Square Books or stroll through Confederate Cemetery. Finish your visit with a delicious dinner at one of many locally owned restaurants in “The Square”.

4. Tybee Island, GA. Renowned for its gorgeous beaches and its proximity to sweet Savannah, Georgia, Tybee Island is a destination in its own right. Swim, sunbathe or picnic on 5 miles of uninterrupted public beach, see dolphins in their natural habitat and peruse local galleries and shops. Also be sure to check out the picturesque Tybee Island Light Station. First used (in its current black and white striped incarnation) in 1916, it is one of just a handful of 18th-century lighthouses still in operation in North America.

5. Tupelo, MS isn’t just Elvis Presley’s birthplace; it’s also home to live music events, over 100 restaurants from down home cookin’ to fine dining, and the Tupelo Auto Museum. Kids and adults alike will love coming face to face with exotic animals from around the world at Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo.

What southern towns are on your must-see list?

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