This week we're pretending to jet off to the Isle of Capri, off the coast of Naples, Italy. In addition to the fabulous food, wine and views, Capri's colors are completely breathtaking. They will serve as the inspiration for our summer collection, but in the meantime, we'll enjoy a little visual vacation to this beautiful place. Ciao! [gallery type="square" ids="825,826,827,828,829,830,831,832,839,835,834,836,837,838,840,833,841,842,844,843,845"]
Our Journey to Palos Verdes, California
It is no secret that we're big fans of the West Coast. It is a huge part of my family's heritage. Both Joan and my great-grandmother Elsie lived there most of their lives, my mother grew up there and my sister and I spent almost every childhood vacation there. Jonathan and I first visited California together three years into our relationship in 2006, and we've been back at least once a year every year since then with the exception of 2007, the year we got married (and were pretty broke). I'm fortunate he loves it as much as I do and can understand my need to reconnect with my roots.
Of all the places we love in Southern California (there are many), Palos Verdes is near the top of the list. My family lived there from 1960 to 1973, and although I no longer have relatives there, a sense of peace comes over me when I'm high up on those cliffs. There are only a few places in the world that have that effect on me. It's an incredible, awe-inspiring feeling.
Our last trip to California was in late October 2012. During that vacation, we walked along the beach from Hermosa Beach to PV, which is about 11 miles. It was quite an exhausting hike, but it seemed like something we were supposed to do. At the end of it, our minds felt very clear and open. The next day, while I was sitting on our hotel balcony facing Palos Verdes and the Pacific Ocean, the idea for Gerald and Joan came to me. At the time I didn't think much of it, but when I look back at the notes I made that day, it's clear that our story began where four generations of my family walked before me.
How's that for a cool feeling?
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Old Fayette County
Come along with us as we explore Fayette County, Tennessee and some of its cities -- Rossville, Moscow, La Grange and Grand Junction. The area is filled with historic buildings and homes, many of which predate the Civil War. The cities are tiny -- more like villages -- and seem to be frozen in time. [gallery columns="4" type="rectangular" ids="623,624,622,621,612,611,613,618,610,620,614,616,615,617,609,608,607,619"]
Of the towns, Rossville offered the most -- The Rusty Propeller, a really fun antique store filled with primitive Americana goodness and the Wolf River Cafe. Sadly, it was only 10:30 a.m. when we arrived in Rossville, so we didn't have lunch there. Instead, we walked around the three-block downtown area, and saw each of the beautiful old homes up close.
Next up was Moscow, a town with one antique store, Miss Ann's Antique Treasures, as well as some really neat old buildings with lots of potential. Unfortunately, all were empty and rather sad looking.
From there, we drove to La Grange. This charming village is the home of Retro, a cute consignment and antiques store. When we walked into Retro, no one was in the store (although the door was open -- very creepy!), but fortunately the owner popped out of the Town Office (located next door), just as we were leaving. He told us the building was originally his grandfather's, and he had always wanted to turn it into a store. It was so charming and even had a potbelly stove in the center of the room!
There were several other quaint stores in La Grange, but none of them appeared to be open. We later discovered that Cogbill's was open. We'll definitely check it out next time.
After we left La Grange, we headed to the Ghost River boardwalk. The area served as the inspiration for the local Ghost River Brewing Company. You can see where they got the idea for their logo! The Ghost River was so peaceful and beautiful but also a bit eerie.
Grand Junction, the next town, continued that slightly creepy pattern. It was quite literally a ghost town -- the buildings and signs were all in place, but everything was boarded up and abandoned.
As we headed back toward Shelby County and the twenty-first century, we talked about the potential of Fayette County and how cool it is that so much of its prewar architecture is still intact. We loved that so many families had restored the lovely homes and that several businesses were thriving. It was very inspiring for two people who love the past like we do!
Old Towne Orange
One of our favorite cities in Southern California is Old Towne Orange. It has the best old-timey feel to it. If you visit the city's website, you'll quickly see this isn't a coincidence -- More than 1,300 homes and businesses in the historic district were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
Although the district is the largest in California, it's only a square mile, so you can explore its quaint qualities by taking a walk in the California sunshine. While you're meandering, be sure to take in the 50-plus architectural styles that span from 1888 to 1940. It's like taking a trip through time.
You're almost guaranteed to find at least one antique or vintage treasure on your journey, as there are a number of cute shops to explore. You should also stop for lunch at The Filling Station, an old gas station-turned-restaurant that now serves some incredible food and delicious pies. And of course the vintage sepia photographs and gas station relics are right up our alley!
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