Charms — by Guest Mom Debra Mitchell
A fun surprise a few weeks ago: my daughter Kaija (10), niece Sophie (10), and I went to Little Rock, Arkansas to visit family that includes their girl cousins. The surprise part was that I had no idea how beautiful and interesting it is there! My sister, Dixie, moved there recently and her family has loved it, but since I have never been to The South, the stereotypes (want them or not), were really all I had to go on. What was hard for me to understand was why had I never heard how incredibly lush and lovely it is there?! The charms of the South definitely outweigh any negatives.
Charm #1: We loved seeing the neat little town of Hot Springs, there must be at least 10 actual Bath Houses in a row. Most of them are under renovation, but what a trip it was to go inside and see how they operate. Do you know that people in the 1800’s would travel across the world to go to those healing baths. Syphilis was a big reason they would go — can you imagine?!
Charm #2: If you ever happen to be in this neck of the woods make sure you go to the best amusement park I have ever been to — besides Disneyland. It is called Magic Springs. A good variety f fun rides. Lots of shade. Short lines. Good food. All of the girls had a great day, and so did the parents!
Charm #3: Of course we went to Graceland — a highlight for me since I love Elvis! Wow. To see those incredible costumes up close — he really had unique and fantastic personal style — although the home décor made me giggle. (Come on Elvis, The Jungle Room, what were you thinking?) My niece Sophie was cute, she made sure to pack her “Elvis Pants” a fantastic pair of silver lamé stretch pants, and then when the camera came out she transformed into a 10 year old version of Girl Elvis with the wiggle hips and snear. I think we may all be joining the Elvis Fan Club now!
But the best charm of all was seeing those cousins after being apart for a whole year! The 5 girls were glued to the hip the whole week, reconnected again. The joy of summer! What fun, unexpected surprises have you had this summer?
Labels: guest mom
posted by Gabrielle of Design Mom at Wednesday, August 22, 2007
8 Comments:
ooooh- we went to Little Rock and Memphis this summer too! I live in Michigan but happen to LOVE the character of the South! My favorite thing was watching the Ducks at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis march down the red carpet to ride the elevator! So CUTE and charming!
We too went to the Peabody, but were not fortunate enough to see the march of the ducks- Darn, we will have to plan another trip!
thanks for the great comments about the south...i live in va, butr still the {lush, green} south :) growing up, i thought i was a city girl, and moved north. but once i started my own family, i soon realized all of the "charms" {as you put them} of home :)
Hi Growingropers- a real Southern Girl! Another charm I didn't even mention was how I was drawn in by the gentle accents, and even the strong ones just fascinate me!
I definitely think the South has it's "charms". We lived in KY, but right on the border of OH/KY, and you can tell a big difference in just how people treat you! Those Southerners sure know how to lay on that charm! Oh, and yes the lush green scenery is magnificent, that I miss!!! (But no thanks on the humidity, I'll stick to the CA summers!)
Loved your blog about the south. We have family in Texas and the south really deserves its "southern charm" label. Three things I noticed about the south--things move at a slower pace than where I live, people seem to want to help and make you feel at home with no thought of getting anything in return and southerners are extremely patriotic. No wonder southerners are so loyal to their home states.
Yes, Christina- I totally agree- I was blown away at how green at this time of year- Every rose has a thorn I guess:)
Hey Westcoastgirl,
SO loyal- and it does make a lot of sense to me after paying a visit! I should have gone long ago:)
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