The Dollars And Sense of a Second Home

We recently hosted a high school graduation party for Alex at my sister Sheri and brother-in-law John's getaway place at Smith Lake in Warren County, Alabama. As is so typical of me, before the weekend was over, I was scheming and dreaming about building a place of our own along these same shores.

   

Ken's reaction? Sell that book you're writing and then we'll talk. While this wasn't an unenthusiastic response (although it might sound that way), this Sunday's Parade magazine offered even more practical commentary on the "dollar and sense" of such a purchase.

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THE Move

For a blogger extraordinaire, the last few months would have provided ample opportunity for content, content, content.

However, from my perspective, it seemed rather self-absorbed to write about every nuance of our move in numbing detail. Instead, I thought it would be more useful to encapsulate a few lessons learned from our recent familial excursion into a single narrative.

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Georgia's Peachy Keen for The Relocation Crowd

Georgia is gaining ground on Florida as a preferred relocation and retirement destination for snow birds and sun worshipers alike. At least, that is the conclusion to be drawn from the recently released United Van Lines' annual migration study.

Specifically in 2006, United statistics showed that for the first time ever more people moved out of Florida rather than into the Sunshine State. United, the nation's largest mover, finds that its results often mirror state and federal demographic statistics. The company has been evaluating this information for the past thirty years.

Why do so many folks have Georgia on their mind?

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A Show for NE Snowbirds

For those living in the Northeast but with dreams of moving to warmer climes, there is an upcoming travel show you won't want to miss.

From January 19-21 at the Hilton in Parsippany, New Jersey, Living Southern Style magazine will be hosting the Live South Real Estate Show, the largest resort and retirement real estate show in the country. Meet experts, attend seminars on topics from building your dream home to selecting the right location, and visit exhibitors from Delaware to Florida, South Carolina to Virginia and every state in between.

Just the Facts
The Live South Real Estate Show is from 5 - 8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Sunday. Attendance is $15 per person at the door, but is complimentary if you pre-register by calling 1.888.248.2989 or online at www.livesouthshows.com.

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And The Winner Is . . .

Southern Living released their annual Readers’ Choice Awards winners in the publication's January 2007 issue. Great escapes suggested by their readers and editors that are BRCT-focused and worthy of your consideration include (drum roll please): Continue Reading...

The Old & Improved Cloisters at Sea Island

GA: The Cloisters at Sea Island has been a haven for peaceful relaxation since it opened in 1928. Now, after a recently completed multi-million dollar renovation to the Mediterranean structure, the resort entices more than ever.

The 100-room main structure -- consisting of 64 rooms and 36 suites -- has been beautifully restored by architect Peter Capone and designer Pamela Hughes. Rooms feature views of the surrounding woodlands, marshfront and Black Banks River . Richly hued Turkish rugs and Irish tapestries sparkle alongside original features, like intricate moldings and colorful stained glass. 

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Tiny Baubles

AL: On a narrow side street across from the community football field in Crestline Village, an unassuming shop occupies a quaint yellow bungalow that fits quietly into its surroundings. But the of-the-moment, reasonably priced treasures to be found at Bags & Baubles are fantastic enough to qualify this store for shout-out-loud, rock star status.

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Is Small Town USA The New Retirement Destination?

An article in Monday's Wall Street Journal by Kelly Green states what we at Back Roads, Charming Towns already know is a growing trend.

No, not that brown is the new black, but that small towns are the new retirement destinations. While golf courses, mountain terrains and shorelines continue to lure many in their retirement years, small town America is a preferred location for an increasing number of us.

What is it about these communities that makes them so appealing?

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Dancing To The Beat of A Different Drummer

NC: The rhythmic patterns are the first sounds you hear. The twirling and swaying are the first things you see. The palpitating energy is the only thing you feel. Asheville’s legendary Drum Circle (shown at right. Photography offered by BRCTraveller Alex Grodner) is an experience not to be missed if you happen to be in Western North Carolina on any given Friday night when the weather is warm and the spirit is willing.

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363 Days Ago

MS: 363 days ago, a region of quaint hamlets were overcome by powerful waters, tearing at the delicate web of humanity. 

363 days ago, a chain of events put in motion by the spontaneity of nature and perpetuated by the inefficiencies of man broke the hearts of a nation.

363 days later, we have witnessed the worst and the best of the human spirit, as people have come together to rebuild lives and communities that were traumatized to their cores.

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One Morning in Blue Ridge

                    
As offered by BRCTraveller Ginny Herman

GA:  "I took this photo around 8.30 am coming down from my cabin towards town, going past all the rhododendrons, hemlock trees and creeks. I turned the corner and WOW. It was a wonderful experience that set the mood for the entire day for me."

Give Me An A

CT, NY, VA & AL: The fashion gurus tell us that monograms are back "in."

For a girl raised in the South, it was never really out of fashion. For me, there are few things in life that don't look better with a little personalized pizazz! A gold filigreed monogram ring. Bath towels. Guest robes. A sofa slipcover. Engraved glasses and silver platters.  

 

 



Small-town shops in Connecticut (Personal Best Monogram Shoppe), New York, Virginia (The Monogram Shop) and Alabama (Oodles of Ribbon) are offering ideas and choices for anyone who wants to add monogrammed accents to their home, their life, their style.

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The Antique Professionals' Source: Asheville's Brunk Auctions

NC: Stirling and I went to a recent house sale in our town of Basking Ridge, a community with its fair share of antique lovers. Our purchases were fun -- Stirling's first antique piece of furniture (a pine dresser for a future home), silver serving pieces, and an exquisite Japanese bone china tea set. But it was meeting the sale's organizer, Carolyn Remmey, and the tidbit that she shared that were the best deal of the day. Continue Reading...

127 Sale Yields Endless Treasures

TN: Antique European watering cans, flower pails, wagon wheels and saddles may not be what you
would expect to find for sale along a small-town stretch of highway in central Tennessee. But then the Highway 127 Corridor Sale is unlike most any event you could possible imagine.

Billed as the “World’s Longest Yard Sale,” this 450-mile extravaganza stretches from Kentucky to Alabama, meandering through Tennessee and Georgia along the way. Now in its 19th year, the sale has earned a reputation as a truly unique experience and bargain-hunters' paradise.

Don Daniels, who runs the aforementioned booth (pictured at right) packed with these treasures and more from England, Holland, and France as well as points throughout the United States, has been participating in the 127 Corridor Sale since its inception, and has been named a "shoppers' favorite"  vendor for several years.

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Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

In their July/August issue, AAA World explores the topic of sisterly excursions in "Getting Away With 'the Girls" a growing tourist trend. 

My own recent girlfriend getaway was with my sister Sheri and friend Helen to visit Stirling, who is in college in Asheville, North Carolina. We stayed at the Biltmore Inn on the grounds of the magnificent Biltmore Estates. Even though the trip was in mid-January and snow flurries had apparently followed us from New Jersey, it was still a terrific bonding, chicks-only experience.

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