August was a busy month of celebrations, milestones, and travels to small Southern towns around Places In The Home.
Our son’s graduation from Louisiana State University, commencement ceremony and subsequent celebration(s) made for a busy first part of the month.
When Dave the Builder suggested a regroup and recovery getaway for two, I could not make reservations fast enough.
I’ve come to enjoy and appreciate the not too far but far enough away from home travels to small Southern towns.
These travel gems brimming with history, old houses, antiques and townsfolk who invite you to take in and be a part of the local flavor make a great weekend getaway destination perfect for recharging one’s battery.
St. John’s Episcopal Church – Washington, Louisiana
Our long and winding road travels placed us center stage among the small Southern towns of Washington, Scott and Lafayette, Louisiana.
I learned a long time ago not to categorize our close to home jaunts as a non-vacation.
Trust me, these just roll with the flow discovery excursions can pass a good time and pass for a real vacation.
Washington, Louisiana is as sleepy as it is Southern- a small town full of history from steamboat days gone by.
Narrow streets shaded by mature oaks, magnolia trees, historical architecture, quintessential Southern homes ranging from the wow to the weathered, and an old high school full to the gills with antiques and vintage goodies seasons the local flavor.
Beauty does not always strike a pristine pose. This abandoned abode on a shaded street in a small Southern town piqued my interest, struck an architectural chord and became the subject of a subjective experience.
You know you love antiquing when the indoor temperature almost matches the oppressive outdoor temperature ( 95+ degrees).
Note to self: antiquing in old buildings, warehouses, outdoors and in old high schools is an activity best enjoyed in the fall.
On this particular Louisiana summer Saturday, the Old Antique School Mall was full of hot air and hot finds priced fairly and in shop or home ready condition.
I didn’t have a clue what I was looking for, but something told me I would know it when, and if, I saw it.
Our visit to the school was timed just right for a super sale.
I have been working on a kitchen gallery wall, and no respectable kitchen gallery wall is complete without the all important touch of copper.
I couldn’t resist the lidded copper pan and mold.
Grand total: $10 for both.
That ladies and gentlemen is a copper bargain of the very best kind.
The method to my retail madness is simple- pop into shops, boutiques, markets and retail outlets not available in the retail deficient corner of the world I call home.
The Haul:
A familiar sign became a beacon of biscuits and cornbread in the South Louisiana night.
It was a biscuit and cornbread kind of evening.
I planned our next trip to Southern life fantastic on the drive home.
November can’t get here soon enough.
