Travels with Tam

St Simon’s Island is Full of Authentic Southern History and Charm

June 5, 2018 By Tam Warner 6 Comments

I loved my recent visit to St Simon’s Island and enjoyed the authentic southern history and charm of the place! It truly is like stepping back in time because the island does not allow buildings over four stories, so there are no big name hotels (the Supreme Court ruled that the island could keep their zoning regulations!). No big chain restaurants. Everything is small, authentic, one of a kind. It is very hard to find places like that anymore! Welcome to St Simon’s!

Captain Fendig’s Lighthouse Trolleys and Tours is the best company on the island to get the real scoop and stories. Cap is island born and bred, and he makes sure his tour guides are the real deal.

There is only one place to get your St Simon’s history and stories….Lighthouse Trolleys and Tours!

The Bloody Marsh Battle Site

The end of Spain’s designs on Georgia came on July 7, 1742, when British troops ambushed the Spanish and ended Spanish claims on the colony forever. James Oglethorpe colonized Georgia for Great Britain, but there were many disputes over the Georgia and Florida borders between Spain and Britain. The fight found the Spanish taking cover in the forest….but the outnumbered British caught them by coming across the marsh (swamp) and over 200 Spaniards died. (Want more info? Click on https://www.goldenisles.com/listing/bloody-marsh-battle-site/210/) Cap Fendig took us to the site, and like a true history buff, he had one question for us: what if the Spanish had won? My bet is that everyone would be speaking Spanish on St Simon’s, and probably the whole Eastern seaboard!

The Marker at the Bloody Marsh National Park.

St Simon’s Island Lighthouse

There are only five remaining lighthouses in Georgia, and you guessed it, St Simon’s is one of them. It is still in operation, assisting traffic entering St Simon’s Sound. The historic site is beautiful, it houses a fascinating museum, gift shop and yes, you can climb the 129 steps to the top of the lighthouse! For more information go to www.saintsimonslighthouse.org.

The Lighthouse Keeper’s house, now a museum

An incredible piece made by an unknown during the Civil War. The head of Nora August, a contraband slave, is carved from Ivory…it really is an amazing piece. (But no more ivory! We are losing our elephants!)

Christ’s Church, Frederica

The church was built in 1820 and destroyed by Union soldiers during the Civil War. It is the 3rd oldest Episcopalian Church in the USA. The cemetery was the most fascinating part of the tour…Cap Fendig had a Union Soldier waiting for us at the entrance to the grounds, and the family histories of those buried there were riveting. Many famous Georgians have been laid to rest at Christ Church, including southern novelist Eugenia Price, who wrote the St Simons Trilogy.

After being destroyed in the Civil War Christ Church was rebuilt by Anson Phelps Dodge in 1886. The grounds are spectacular.

The stained glass in memorial to Anson Phelps Dodge.

There is something so peaceful about older cemeteries.

There is a sense of Southern timelessness at Christ Church.

Those buried here live on in the history of Christ Church.

Behind Harry, our Union Soldier, is the stone memorial of Lordy King.

One of the most interesting stories is that of Lordy King and Neptune Small. The King family owned Retreat Plantation on St Simon’s Island, and each child of the family had a companion slave with whom to grow up. Henry Lord Page King, called Lordy, had a slave, Neptune, who was only five months younger. They grew up together and all of the children and their companion slaves were taught to read and write by Anna Mathilda Page King, Lordy’s mother. It was not uncommon for slaves to accompany their owners to war, and Neptune went with Lordy when Civil War broke out. Lordy was shot and killed during the Battle of Fredericksburg, VA, in 1862, and Neptune found his body on the battlefield. He enlisted help from the officers to make a simple pine box to carry Lordy’s body, and in Richmond Neptune bought a casket and started home. The story says that Lordy’s siblings met Neptune in Savannah and they buried Lordy in a temporary grave because Union soldiers had taken St Simon’s Island for their headquarters. Neptune then went with Tip King, the youngest brother, when he went to the war, and stayed with him until the surrender. Neptune was free, but he chose to return to Savannah to disinter Lordy and take him home to be buried at Christ Church on St Simons, with his family. The King family gifted a small piece of land on their plantation to Neptune, and he took the name “Small”, apparently because he was a smallish man. He built his house, married, and raised his children there, working for the King family until he died. He was buried in the Retreat Plantation slave graveyard. Now, I am not a person to idealize the antebellum or war time South, and I’m not fond of the display of the Stars and Bars unless it is in a historical context, but I did find the story touching, that a slave who could have been free would have taken his companion home for burial. It speaks to a love or fondness for Lordy on the part of Neptune Small.

Stay tuned for more fascinating stories and blogs about St Simon’s Island and the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort where I stayed in historical and casual splendor! Casual luxury is my favorite kind!

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Making the most of travel to Ireland!

June 3, 2018 By Tam Warner 16 Comments

visit to Ireland, visit Ireland, Ireland, visit northern ireland, northern ireland — Dublin

Make the most of your visit to Ireland! Everyone should visit Ireland, especially me! I am one of many Americans who have Irish roots, and I would love to pay a visit to the land of my ancestors. Do you have Irish roots?

Did you know that Ireland is the size of Indiana? In the mid to late 19th century, the Irish immigrant numbers were huge in America, and my ancestor, Philip LaHart, was one of them. Philip was born in Killenaule, Tipperary, Ireland in 1845, and immigrated to America in1862, a few years after the “Refugee Crisis of the 19th Century”, the Potato Famine. Like the 1.5 million immigrants from Ireland between 1845-1855, he came to make a better life for himself, and succeeded. He was my second great grandfather, which isn’t very far back when you think about it! I very much want to visit Ireland and see where he came from.

Take a look at these top tips for enjoying your Ireland adventures.

In case you didn’t know already, Ireland is actually made up of two countries. Northern Ireland is a part of the UK, while the Republic of Ireland is a wholly independent country and one that will stay a part of the European Union after Brexit. With two different currencies, different accents and even different cultures – you should experience both during your visit. The history of Northern Ireland is a turbulent one, and one worth study. Weather-wise, both countries are the same in that they feature a sometimes cold and wet climate. Ireland.com says to visit during the summer to enjoy the warmest, driest weather.

Travel by car

With so much glorious countryside to explore, I’m told a rental car is the best idea. While you can take trains and other forms of public transport, you’ll find it much easier to drive – even if you are on the other side of the road! This 5-day south coast itinerary is a good way to explore towns and cities like Cork, Wexford and Waterford as well as some picturesque stops en route. If you want to camp during your visit, you’ll find some great spots to enjoy the outdoors, offering you the chance to see Ireland at its best.

Enjoy popular tours and attractions

A visit to Ireland can be made even better by taking in some of its most popular tours and attractions. If you love the Game of Thrones, you’ll love this awesome Game of Thrones tour. I know I will! Meanwhile, the delights of Dublin include the world-famous Guinness Factory, and you can find out exactly what Ed Sheeran was singing about in Galway. There really is a lot to fit in during your time. Personally, I think I need to spend a month at least.

Ireland has a long and fascinating history from castles to abbeys and more, you can discover incredible historical sites in Ireland and Northern Ireland. I also want to see Hore’s Abbey in Tipperary, and the Rock of Cashel in Cashel, Tipperary. Giant’s Causeway is known as a breathtaking spot, so make sure you add it to your list of things to see. If you know your Irish geneaology, there will be even more for you to see.

A visit to Ireland offers so many rich experiences, perfect to satisfy your wanderlust. Whether you’re planning to visit Europe for the summer or you want to tick Ireland off your bucket list, you won’t be disappointed with your adventures. Let’s start planning an Irish getaway and find out what makes this part of the world such a special place to visit. I’m ready to go! I wonder if I will meet Jon Snow?

Be sure to let me know all about your visit, and I will do the same.

How to Stay Fit While Traveling!

June 1, 2018 By Tam Warner 24 Comments

Trying to stay fit while traveling is a major challenge! Don’t I know? On fabulous trips with delicious food, it is easy to miss workouts!

Of course, if you’re traveling somewhere like New Zealand and staying in a place like Absoloot Value Accommodation Queenstown you’re going to be surrounded by active people that flock to New Zealand in order to experience the great outdoors and live a very active lifestyle.

When you travel in unfamiliar environments you don’t have consistent access to the gym equipment you’re used to. Many resorts do have workout facilities, but they aren’t always the best. With that in mind, here are three top tips on how to stay fit while you are traveling.

stay fit while traveling, new zealand, workout, stay fit — Some things are easy to take along, like the TRX Bands!

On Demand Fitness Classes

Les Mills now offers an on-demand digital platform containing the world’s most popular gym classes such as Body Pump, Body Balance and Body Combat. This relatively low-cost subscription model (around $10 per month) means you have access to online classes anywhere in the world, presuming you have an internet connection… you can even save them offline, on your phone, to watch them anywhere you can think of; even in the jungle or a remote desert island.

Swim

Swimming is one of the best ways to keep in shape as it’s a great cardiovascular sport plus it works every major muscle group in your body. This is always my go to exercise when I am near the ocean. Diving or snorkeling is an amazing workout and encompasses fun and learning with exercise. You can explore a whole new world beneath the water! Also, if you can afford to pay a little extra for a hotel with a pool then you can have a fantastic workout at no extra cost, in the comfort and convenience of your hotel. Going somewhere cold? Check for hotels with indoor pool facilities!

Take Some Equipment With You

Clearly, you won’t want to be taking weights on your flight but there are plenty of small and lightweight pieces of equipment that you can take along. For instance, you could take some TRX bands, resistance bands, which are particularly effective at working your upper body, and a skip rope. Skipping is how boxers train because it provides a fantastic all over cardiovascular workout. Then, there is always the option to go for a nice long walk and explore the area. I’ve been known to take a yoga mat along on trips!

Hey, there are many ways to keep fit while traveling, and just because you don’t have a gym doesn’t mean you can’t continue to exercise and stay in shape while you’re traveling the world. Keep exploring, my friends!

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5 Types Of Trips To Spark Your Wanderlust This Summer!

May 11, 2018 By Tam Warner 17 Comments

wanderlust, big city, country, cultural explosion, bliss, types of trips, trips to take this summer — Photo by Oliver Sjostrom

Here are 5 Types of Trips to spark your wanderlust this summer! When you know that you want to travel, you start to get excited about where you’re going to go, but you don’t always know exactly what you want to do. It’s a big world, with so much to see and do, so how are you supposed to choose? You know that you can’t do it all at once, Instead, you need to focus on just one idea at a time. If your budget permits and you’ve got the time, you can always add on more stops, right? So, what will it be? Let’s look at the options!

City Lights

First of all, you’ve always got the option of jetting off on a weekend away to a big city. If you’re someone who loves to explore, take in the beauty of a new location, and just enjoy being somewhere completely different than what you’re used to, then it’s safe to say that being in a city will definitely work. Who doesn’t love the excitement of the big city lights?

Country Life

Sometimes, you just want to be able to enjoy a slower pace and ensure that you can get away from your busy schedule for a while. And that’s where the country comes in. Whether it’s heading out to somewhere local or going off to the French countryside where you can see fields for miles and can wake up with the birds, you know the country is always relaxing.

Sailing Away

From the country to the coast, another option is to hit the seas. And if you can get a yacht charter and hop around from island to island, what more could you want? If you know you want incredible weather, a slow pace of life, and to take in a range of different locations on sunny, lazy days, take a yacht charter this summer!

4. Cultural Explosion

Or maybe you want to escape the ordinary and head somewhere completely different? When you know that you want to push your comfort zone, a cultural explosion is exactly what you need. And I do not mean heading off to a different European city. Oh no, you’re going to want to hop over to Bali or visit Sri Lanka or Thailand or Africa, and really take in a different way of life.

Unadulterated Bliss

And finally, there’s also the option of going for what most of us will call our guilty pleasures – the secluded getaway. Because lying on a beach or being pampered in a spa resort really is one of the most relaxing and de-stressing travel experiences around!

So…what are YOU going to do???

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10 Places You Can Go Bat-Shit Crazy in Texas Hill Country!

April 26, 2018 By Tam Warner 7 Comments

ann richards congress avenue bridge, Austin, bat shit crazy, bat shit crazy in Texas, mexican free tailed bat — Mexican Free Tailed Bats in Austin! Photo by Dan Pancamo

Are you aware there are 10 places where you can go bat-shit crazy in the Lone Star State? Particularly in the Hill Country! Yep, the state of Texas is batty about bats! Texans love watching bats emerge in the evenings and they will travel to do it. Most particularly, Texas is crazy about the Mexican Free-tailed Bat who migrates to many parts of the state beginning in March every year. These cool bats spend their winters in Mexico and summers in Texas. Sounds kind of nice, don’t you think? So, why does Texas, or anyone for that matter, care about bat populations, you want to know? Well, the answer is quite simple: bats are a very necessary part of our ecosystem. Throughout history people have viewed bats in a negative fashion, but the fact is that they are a positive force in nature and in farming, for many reasons. They eat a lot of our most detested and bothersome insects such as mosquitoes, they pollinate many plant and tree species, and even their guano (waste) can be mined and used as a very valuable fertilizer. Farmers, especially those in Texas, encourage bats to forage on their lands nightly. Mexican Free-Tailed Bats love eating moths, and moths love to eat corn, cotton, pecans and sorghum from the fields. Did you know that moths can lay 1,000 eggs? Imagine the tons of moths eaten by bats, lowering the number of these pests eating crops. Studies have found that bats save millions of dollars in pesticide costs for farmers all over the United States, and that is good for humans and the economy as well. Texas Hill Country is a bat mecca! [Read more…] about 10 Places You Can Go Bat-Shit Crazy in Texas Hill Country!

Why I Love The Westin Los Cabos Resort Villas & Spa!

April 18, 2018 By Tam Warner 12 Comments

westin los cabos, westin villas resort and spa, los cabos, baja, mexico — This was my view while being escorted to my villa. Wow! I love the architecture!

Why I love the The Westin Los Cabos Resort Villas & Spa? What is NOT to love? My thanks to Los Cabos Tourism and the Westin for hosting me on this amazing property!

westin los cabos, westin villas resort and spa, los cabos, — The cool lobby.

The information says it is “renewed”, but it certainly looks brand new! I couldn’t believe it when the car pulled up to drop me off. The lobby is open air with gorgeous stonework, and the staff could not be any friendlier or helpful! Every single staff member treated me like a queen. The buildings are gorgeous, and blend in with the mountain desert behind it. Every small detail was in place, and the buildings were just stunning. The Westin is environmentally friendly as well, check out their commitment to helping our oceans and our planet.

My villa was amazing. Amazing! The view was just incredible, and my balcony had a hot tub on it! A lovely bottle of wine and sweets welcomed me to the 2 bedroom villa with full kitchen. I never wanted to leave the balcony which overlooked the pools and the ocean. I had just come off a liveaboard dive boat, and nothing is ever clean or dry on a boat. The villa had a washer and dryer, and it was wonderful to pile all of my clothes into the washer and then go off to explore.

I was so hungry, and my restaurant selection was large. There are four restaurants, a swim up bar, and a market. I chose the beachfront restaurant, Coralline. It was gloriously peaceful, shaded, with the sound of pounding waves. They had excellent french fries! You don’t get french fries on a dive boat, and I was feeling deprived, so it was the first thing I ordered! Yum!

Breakfast buffet is served at Cocina Casera, also overlooking the ocean. The breakfast was delicious, and the restaurant has themed buffets every night. Yum! I had a quick sandwich at La Cantina Sports Bar and it was also excellent. I shopped at the Mercadito (market) for soda and snacks. The only restaurant I did not get to was El Ciruelo, the hilltop restaurant with incredible views of the sunset. It looked lovely, but time just ran out. I couldn’t force myself to get out of the infinity pool or off the beach to make reservations! Next time!

The pool area is right on the beach, and there is a pool for adults, and one for children. I love the separation. When you have children or grandchildren you love being with them and hearing their noise and splashing, but when you want some quiet adult time, it is lovely to have a tranquil spot. The pool is heated to just the right temperature, and is long enough to get some exercise. Loved it!

The hotel has everything you could imagine in a resort. Tennis, golf, Kids Club, baby sitting, a soothing spa where I had an incredibly pampered massage… It is just amazing. If you are headed to Cabo, I recommend the Westin Villas Resort and Spa Los Cabos with all my heart. I hope to go back for a longer stay and take my family!

PIN IT!

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