When You Wish Upon The South

image courtesy of Sweet Iced Tea Pictures

I had the wonderful priviledge of a weeklong vacation at Disney World in Orlando, Florida last week (thanks for being such a good sport, husband, when I acted like a child in awe of all the magic and for riding “It’s a Small World” ride, even though the song is still stuck in your head), and while I truly believe it’s the most magical place on earth, as its name suggests, I spent my week on the lookout for tastes of our beloved Southern states.

image of Sweet Iced Tea pictures

Even though Walt was a Californian, he and his Imagineers clearly have a love for the South. Once I started looking, the South was everywhere. From a sip at the New Orleans booth at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival, to the Liberty Belle Riverboat taking us to Tom Sawyer Island to explore, to the Song of the South prominently featured on Splash Mountain. Not to mention the beautiful Port Orleans Resort.

at Disney with our beloved in-laws

beautiful palms in Orlando, Florida - image of Sweet Iced Tea photos

But the part I’m most excited about is the new movie (plenty promoted in and around the park, of course) The Princess and the Frog. It takes place in our beloved South! In the Bayous of Louisiana and is based on the classic fairy tale of the princess and the frog prince. Randy Newman and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band are on the soundtrack. Look for it next month!

Anyone want to go see it with me?

Road Trip: Walkin’ in Memphis

Memphis holds a special place in my heart. I lived my high school years in Memphis, and moved back there after college for a year as a young, single girl, so there are memories embedded everywhere for me.

Now I have our second annual Sweet Iced Tea roadtrip to add to those memories! While we don’t want to give away too much about this city that’s the home of rock ‘n’ roll, blues, and the best bbq in America, we do want to mention this stopover, and look ahead to some of the exciting features we’ll be highlighting in May. So stay tuned for more!

And a special thanks to my sweet in-laws who hosted us while we were there. The food was yummy, the beds were comfy, and the company was wonderful. Love y’all, ILs!

Wide Open Spaces

Beautiful photo from Wide Open Spaces

I love love love (!) Emily from Wide Open Spaces. Earlier this week, she posted on a recent visit to North Carolina. We’ve already expressed our love for the state here, so we’re just always trying to keep you Sweet Iced Tea readers informed about other bloggers in the world lovin’ on our beloved South.

Road Trip: Oxford, The Grove

So the first stop on our main event (well, after we finally got off the exit and found a parking space–all part of the experience!) trip to Oxford, Mississippi was The Grove.

A  picturesque park in the middle of campus, this heart of Ole Miss is tailgating headquarters during football season.

Thousands of tailgaters bring their tents, “refreshments,” and friends out rain or shine and party until the game starts. And plenty of others keep on going through the game, bringing elaborate televison and sound systems to make sure to watch the game.

If you’re going to spend time in Oxford, the Grove is an absolute must. You’ll never see anything like it. Make sure you wear your Sunday best. You’ll see many more prim dresses and gentlemen in ties than you will t-shirts and hoodies. All part of the Southern charm!

 

Road Trip: Oxford, Mississippi Photos

Oxford: Square Books

All pictures from www.sweeticedtea.wordpress.com. 

Road Trip: Oxford Square

Possibly my favorite part of Oxford jaunt was the charming square. Locals call this “The Center of the Universe.” And of course, there’s no surprise that anyplace with the most Southern shops would draw two Southern girls (who love to shop)!

There were so many places to visit here in the center of downtown, but among our favorites were Square Books, Lily Pad, and Amelia.

Do y’all have any favorite places in Oxford?

The Four Coursemen

The ever creative city of Athens, Georgia has yet another feather in its cap with the world unveiling of the Four Coursemen.  Food and Wine Magazine featured this “underground,” Athens supper club in their November issue.  Now, I must admit I am very excited about the future of this group, but I am also a bit anxious. Will I ever find an open weekend, with an open seat?  Here is what happens with the Four Coursemen, they send out an email letting everyone know when their website will accept reservations for the next dinner.  From here you must go to the website at the specified date and time, and sign up via the “eat with us” link on the website.  It is basically a first come, first serve approach. Seats fill up almost instantaneously.  Sounds thrilling, doesn’t it?

I first heard of these private dining events from an article in Garden and Gun magazine (the south’s best publication, aside from SweetIcedTea.net), and have craved one of their dining experiences ever since. 

Make sure to check out the Garden and Gun article, pick up Food and Wine magazine and read our post about supper clubs. 

Perhaps one day we will be lucky enough to enjoy a seat at their table. Can anyone put in a good word for me? Happy Dining!

All pictures from Foodandwine.com photographer Rinne Allen.

Happy Halloween!

 

Happy Halloween! Don’t you just love this old building? We found it along our fall Road Trip in Chattanooga. It even had broken windows to add to the effect.

Road Trip:Pardon me, boy, is that the Chattanooga Choo-Choo? Pictures Part 2

All pictures are from www.sweeticedtea.wordpress.com

Road Trip:Pardon me, boy, is that the Chattanooga Choo-Choo? Pictures Part 1