Southern Inspired

Broad Street, Charleston, South Carolina
Photo: Charleston CVB

It is a true testament to Southern hospitality that this reluctant Northern transplant, inextricably wed to her somber Yankee black and broad Yankee A’s, grew to love the South. I spent a couple of my formative years in South Carolina, attending Heathwood Hall, a private Episcopal school full of seersucker and paisley and Roman Numerals and the nicest people on earth. Reading South of Broad, Pat Conroy’s latest novel, has me waxing nostalgic for those bygone days of Friday night football games and trips to the state fair and getaways to Charleston and Huntington Beach.

Hastings Racecourse, Vancouver

Embracing my adopted Southern roots, my honey and I headed off for Opening Day at the horse races. I love the thrill of hearing The Call to the Post, seeing the horses burst forth from the starting gate, and turning in a winning ticket! And drinking mint juleps all the while…

I know little about the intricate play of pedigree and privilege that pervades Southern Society like the Spanish moss on oak trees. But I know much about the luxuries The South affords to those who allow themselves to be seduced by its genteel charm. Luxuries like Mint Juleps for starters!