Romance and the Rails in Lavonia, GA

By Laurie Bower Epps

Being a Georgia peach, I'm naturally drawn across the border to my state of birth. I've loved trains since I was a young girl, and I've shared this love with my daughter Ellen. Working sales helped me discover this little town of Lavonia, that's literally sprung up around the railroad tracks. Since love is a journey, I thought the perfect location for my daughter and her beau's valentines portraits was this town that's captured my heart.

We're All Mad at the Abbeville Opera House

By Laurie Bower Epps

Fall is so full of beautiful fall leaves and chances to go outside, this particular entry was on the virtual cutting room floor. My youngest's favorite book is Alice in Wonderland and this past summer, I read it aloud to her. As a salesperson during the week, I fell in love with the quaint little town of Abbeville, SC. When going to see clients in nearby Greenwood, I made it a point to take the route through Abbeville even though there are other routes a bit more direct. 

I did start doing some research on the town of Abbeville, and the most visited place in town is the Abbeville Opera House. With a few clicks of the mouse, I discovered my daughter's favorite book would grace the stage in early November. So I purchased tickets online, and we set out on our mommy & daughter date on a crisp fall morning.

Christmas in Historic Pendleton, SC

On Pendleton Square, Christmas 2016

By Laurie Bower Epps

There are so many nearby historical towns near me that it was hard to pick just one that'd be Christmas blog. Pendleton is a mere twenty minutes away from my house, so it was a good place to start. If you're a regular follower, you may remember my blog of Woodburn Plantation, and if you make it through the entire historical tour, it's the last stop. We got a late start, as well as, there was a craft fair on Pendleton Square, so we only made it to 3 of the 5 locations.

My Fashion

Black T-Shirt w/lace neckline 
& Boyfriend Jeans
~ Lane Bryant

Black Jasper Necklace & Earrings
~Magma Creations

Nike Cross Training Shoes
~Kohl's

Sitton House Circa 1859

Bulloch Hall

Dad greeted us with a smile & history book

By Laurie Bower Epps

My family got together this past Thanksgiving at my brother's home in Atlanta, GA for the first time in about three years. However, my father has become quite elderly, and at 89 years young, I paid special attention to spend time with him. Dad wanted to go to my hometown of Roswell, GA and for spectacular results. This has got to be the best kickoff to my holiday seasons blog, and was even more than I had first envisioned. With over 70 photos to choose from, I definitely had some hard choices to make.

Our NC Mountain Adventure

Country Road near Linville Cavern

By Laurie Bower Epps

For my daughter's 20th birthday, I asked what she wanted, and she told me, "Mom, take me on one of your adventures." Unable to resist, I gave her three options and being a geology major, a jaunt to the mountains was somehow, perfect. 

This outing, I chose specifically due to my childhood memories from this region near Marion, NC. Come get lost with my sweet girls and I. The pictures are truly spectacular. Unfortunately, not too far away, wildfires are ravaging the hillsides covered in woodland areas. For now, these areas are fairly safe, but that could change with the worst of the damage a mere 30 miles or so away. Respectfully, I ask that you pray for the residents of Lake Lure, NC and the firefighters trying to contain the blaze.

Hagood Mill

By Laurie Bower Epps

Something about an old mill just evokes for me fall images of golden, burnt sienna, and rich sangria red leaves framing it off in the distance. My dear friend and I set off with our young daughters on an adventure into the past. 

Hoping to avoid their "fall festival" so to miss the crowds and additional cost, we set out on a beautiful autumn day with our picnic basket and cooler in tow. However, we got it perfectly wrong, but with magnificent results. Not only was there a storytelling competition going on, there were also plenty of arts and crafts to keep the kids busy.

Central Historical Society

By Laurie Epps

With fall activities in full swing, it's been even more essential that I stick close to home. But as a salesperson that travels throughout the southeast, I can't help but notice that there's a number of towns that seem to have sprung up around the railroad. I love trains. As a child, my favorite picture book was The Little Engine That Could. This love was passed along to my daughter Ellen, to whom this blog is dedicated in honor of her 20th birthday.