Pick One Or the Other

"Charleston is already a top travel destination, but it could be even better if it paid more attention to increasing its number of African-American visitors.

Can't have both.

Turn Full Circle

Remember No Irish Need Apply?

Works both ways:

It is hardly the way to win over tourists, but this Irish cafe doesn't seem to care.

Peter's Place, a pretty eatery in County Kerry, has placed a notice in its window banning 'loud American's from entering.

The cafe lists the undesirables it would prefer not to receive in its establishment, including bus and coach tours and rowdy tourists from across the Pond.

Life At Silver Springs

What life was like for a veteran employee of Florida's most famous pre-Disney tourist attraction.

Although I have pleasant memories of Silver Springs, and my exposure to Ross Allen's reptile show lighted my own interest in snakes, I have to admit a personal preference for the rival Rainbow Springs (both Rainbow and Silver Springs are now part of the Florida State Parks system).

If you're an old Florida native, you can visit this website to see the old tourist attractions of your youth, most now close for many years.

Status Report: Frying Pan Shoals Light Tower

The transition from a deserted navigation aid to a tourist destination.

It even has a Facebook page.

Meanwhile, Up In Mayberry...

...things go on as they always have, with a bit of sadness to mark the passing of George Lindsey and Andy Griffith.

It's a pretty part of the state of NC, not far from the state line with Virginia, and fall is the best time to go there.

Orton Will Be Transformed, Better...

...but you'll likely never be able to see it in its transformed state.

Orton Plantation, once a tourist attraction on the west bank of the Cape Fear River near Wilmington, North Carolina, is undergoing extensive renovations under its new owner, who wishes to bring back the longleaf pine forest and rice cultivation of 200 years ago.

He doesn't desire to bring back the tourists, however, so if you haven't been to Orton already, you're not likely to be invited now.

Orton Plantation House.

Let's Build Us A Castle!

Arkansas could certainly use one.

Joking aside, it's an interesting idea, and would be fun to visit.

"It May Never Be Opened Again."

Earlier this year Sara and I stayed in Southport, North Carolina for a few days' vacation, while there we visited beautiful Orton Plantation, along the banks of the Cape Fear River. We spent a wonderful morning wandering the gardens, which have been open to the public.

Now, Orton Plantation has been sold to a new owner and is closing for renovation/restoration, with no firm date as to when it will re-open, if ever.

Here's a photo I took of part of the Orton gardens during that vacation trip:



I hope that the gardens will one day be open again. It's a beautiful place, and I'd like the chance to see it again sometime.