Uptown Acorn Travels {Ocean Springs/BSL}

 This weekend, J and I set out for yet another one-tank trip. This time we headed out east to Ocean Springs, MS on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. A trip out east is never complete without a lunch from Half Shell Oyster House located in Gulfport, MS. You must try the voodoo shrimp- scrumptious fried Gulf shrimp with a homemade sweet and spicy Voodoo sauce served on Gambino’s French bread. It is my very favorite dish on the menu.

Satiated, we then headed to Ocean Springs, MS.

A quaint, cottage Main Street community nestled amongst centuries-old live oaks on the scenic shore of Coastal Mississippi, Ocean Springs boasts a rich history, artistic flair, lush landscape and small town appeal. Colorful and sophisticated, the community is known for its arts and festivals.

A trip to Ocean Springs is made even more complete by a visit to our favorite Hillyer House.

Hillyer House is a nationally recognized award-winning gallery featured in Southern Living magazine. Established in 1970 by the Hillyer-Reed family, Paige Riley collects brilliant works of art from over 300 local and national artists.

Works of art by our favorite coastal artists, Jean McKee are featured at Hillyer House.

And no stop on the Gulf Coast is ever complete without a peek at the offerings at Gulf Coast Home located on Ulman Street in Bay St. Louis. One of the owners, Wendy was in shop and is one of the friendliest shop owners in the business. The shop is well-appointed with a great selections of home decor and accessories for the modern home. Yes! J and I purchased something, which I'll share with you this week. Hint! Hint! I adore Palm Orleans.

I have been loving these short weekend jaunts. There are so many fun places located just a short drive away.

Gulf Coast, y'all!

The Weekend That Was {March 18-19}

Since I was involved with Science Olympiad last week (our team placed 1st for the 3rd consecutive year), J & I did not get to travel for my birthday weekend. But we certainly made up for it this weekend.

We ventured to the Mississippi Gulf Coast for some fun and retail therapy. The weather this weekend was absolutely Chamber of Commerce perfection.

First stop: Bay St. Louis

We dined at The Blind Tiger. With a view of the Bay, this spot is always a great destination for fresh seafood and scrumptious burgers.

I suggest a lil retail therapy at Bay Life Gifts. The quaint shop is filled to the brim with coastal-inspired accessories and original artwork by Tehle. 

Second stop: Ocean Springs

Here, we rushed to my favorite destination, Hillyer House. J & I scored yet another original art piece by Jean McKee (more on our purchase later).

Poppy's next to Hillyer House is another fun shop filled with exciting goods. Poppy's is a wonderful shop filled with gifts, local art, and gourmet food items

We stopped and had a couple libations at The Office. It was a beautiful day to people watch, one of my favorite pastimes.

Third stop: The White House

This is our third time staying at The White House in Biloxi. We adore the hotel. The White House Hotel is a historical boutique hotel with a beachfront location. J & I ventured to the bar for happy hour, ate a few appetizers, and several martinis later we crashed. The rooms are well-appointed and comfortable.

Fourth stop: Premium Outlets, Gulfport

A trip to the Gulf Coast is never complete without stopping at J. Crew, LaCoste, Polo, and Banana Republic. A lil retail therapy is always a welcome treat.

It was a great weekend of fun and relaxation. If only the weekends could last longer.

                           March 18-19, y'all!

All About the {Southern} Bird

I know. I know. The post could go in a number of directions, but I am referring to my love of Southern Coastal birds such as herons, cranes, and pelicans. On our recent jaunt to Ocean Springs, we stopped into Hillyer House, one of the loveliest shops on the coast.

I am such a fan of Southern artist Jean McKee that I rarely leave without adding one to my collection. For some reason, this one of an orange-haired heron really spoke to me. I love the colors used especially the pop of orange. The vertical shape is also different than the square-shaped ones I already own.

I added it to the top of the secretary in the parlor and rearranged the trophies I have up there. I am really digging the POP of orange.

When we visited in March, I picked up this darling bird oil also. I do not think that I ever managed to share it with you.

I placed this one on the wall along the lower landing of the staircase. A collection of curiosity-filled trophy cups sit on a demilune table.

J & I love to shop at Hillyer House when we are in Ocean Springs. It is a must-see destination if you are in the area. The staff could not be more friendlier.

More on Hillyer House HERE.

More on Jean McKee HERE.

Countdown.... FOUR!

Southern Birds, y'all!

The Weekend That Was {May 19-22}

The school year is coming to an end this week, and I am so excited.

On Thursday, J's mom and sister arrived from Indiana. On Friday afternoon, we headed for Biloxi, MS to soak in some salty air. We stayed at the White House, a glorious, recently renovated hotel overlooking the Gulf.

The White House Hotel is a historical boutique hotel with a beachfront location. Keesler Air Force Base is just one-half mile away and the casinos and new baseball stadium are only one mile. Enjoy a meal at our restaurant, Cora's, open for Lunch and Dinner; where 40 wines and 16 draft beers are featured on tap. Relax in our over sized lobby or rooftop terrace overlooking the landscaped front lawn, designed for large outdoor weddings and parties, also home to our luxurious pool and hot tub that overlook the beach.

You can read more about the White House HERE. I do suggest you try it out when on the coast. There is an elegance to the hotel that one does not often find on the Mississippi Coast.

Drinks in Cora's Lounge were a must! Friday Happy Hours are always a great way to unwind.

On Saturday morning, we headed to Ocean Springs to hit some of our favorite shops. Hillyer House is always a fave of mine and J's. We never leave without something and an obligatory photo with the signature mermaid. Hillyer House features many local artists in a classy setting. Jean McKee is a favorite, and we have already collected 6 of her original works of art.

We dined and had cocktails at Maison de Lu. It is always a good choice.

In the late afternoon, we headed back to New Orleans where we dined at Houston's on St. Charles Avenue. We love listening to the live jazz while sipping our libations.

When we entered Houston's, one of my readers came to introduce herself to me. Her daughter suggested that she follow my blog, and she has been a fan for a while. Lynn is from Prairieville, LA and also a teacher at a private school. I even found out she is related to mutual friends of our family from Thibodaux. She also teaches a friend's son. Small World! I adore when readers come up to me. Don't ever be shy.

Jeff's family flew back to Indiana earlier today. It was a great visit with good weather.

It is my last Sunday to anticipate school for the year. I could not be more excited.

The Weekend That Was, y'all!

Friday Flashback....Early Spring Flowers, My Atlanta Home circa 2007

One of the things I miss most of my Atlanta home was the huge, lush landscaped yard. Well manicured and abundant with flowers, trees, shrubs, and grasses, my Atlanta yard was well perched high upon a hill ready for passer-byers to witness her in her springtime glory.

Take a look back with me as I remember the beautiful early springtime blooms and plants of an Atlanta Spring circa 2007:

Happy Spring Planting, y’all!