Because it is the season of gift giving, I am extending some of my favorite things to y’all.
Favorite beaches
Gulf of Mexico
Padre Island National Seashore/Texas
Great place at night to put your beach chair just partially in the water, have the surf lap at your toes, and contemplate the thousands of stars in the sky.
Venice Beach/Florida
Where else can you find shark’s teeth along the water, and wait for the sleeping homeless to vacate the beach benches?
Atlantic Ocean
Cape Hatteras National Seashore/ The Outer Banks - North Carolina
Some of the greatest sand dunes in the world, and a place to forget civilization is close by
Favorite Mountain Ranges
The Blue Ridge/Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia
So much scenery you need extra time while traversing it just to stop and enjoy it.
Guadalupe Mountains/Texas
In the corner of West Texas, near the New Mexico border it is a study of contrasting nature. Hike McKitterick Canyon in the fall where the color of the changing leaves just radiate.
Favorite restaurants
Zydeco Grill and Compadres/Englewood FL
Who thought the best of N’Awlins and Guadalajara could be transported so effortlessly to the beach community of Englewood? Yum yum!
The Pilot House/Wilmington NC
On the banks of the Cape Fear River, she is reminiscent of gracious Southern living without the overpowering bouquet of moonlight and magnolias. The food is traditional with innovation as its major ingredient. Their baked oysters tucked in with collard greens, country ham, bleu cheese and pecans….oh Lordy!
Gadsby’s Tavern/Alexandria VA
The genteel atmosphere of gleaming candlelight, soft 18th century music, superb service and delicious fare make this a must do on any Northern Virginia or Washington DC itinerary. The fact that it was a favorite of George Washington’s only adds to its colonial charm.
