Some Like It Hot Video & Blog

In its December issue, Southern Living magazine spotlights two North Carolina eateries for their talent in making one of my favorite indulgences - banana pudding.  Gary’s Bar-B-Q in China Grove and Clara Marie’s Authentic Southern Bakery, located at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market, are both featured for their mastery of this Southern specialty. 

I’ve been meaning to plan a trip to Greensboro.  Did you know that Greensboro is the home of Replacements Ltd.?  For those of you unfamiliar with them, they are the largest selection of old & new dinnerware, china and crystal.  Replacements Ltd is a great place to visit online if you are looking for collectibles or if your china or crystal pattern has been retired, and you need a replacement piece.

Greensboro is also  a furniture shopper’s dream come true.  You can visit Boyles Furniture, Thomasville and Drexel Heritage all in one day.

If history is your thing, you could tour the city’s historic sites including Guilford College, Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, the Greensboro Historical Museum, the Blandwood Mansion and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. 

Last but certainly not least, NASCAR fans can visit the museum that honors the seven-time Winston Cup Champion Richard Petty at the Richard Petty Museum. 

But back to where I started, banana pudding…send me your favorite recipes while I do some web surfing on its history.  I’m pretty darn sure, like all things wonderful in my life, it started in the South.

Until Next Time…

One of the activities I love most when I travel is visiting toy stores, especially this time of year.  No, I’m not talking about the big box stores, although they certainly serve a good purpose.  I’m talking about those great hole-in-the-wall, mom and pop stores where customer service is everything and where one-of-a-kind gifts for kids of all ages can be found.  Places like Once Upon a Time in Biltmore Village.  I love this place!  They have toys, they have books, they have gift items and, if you go upstairs to William and Grace you can find “timeless fashions for girls and boys ages newborn to 12.”    In fact, I recommend you have someone take the kids over to Claying Around while you are shopping for all those Christmas goodies.  At Claying Around the kids and adults can try their hand at the potter's wheel, paint their own pottery and even paint their own glassware.  Good, dirty fun – everyone will love it!  After all that shopping and creating, everyone will enjoy some food.  Pick one of the handful of restaurants in the Village and you are sure to find something good.  Restaurants include, The Corner Kitchen, Hot Shot Café, Kismet Café, La Paz, Chelsea’s and The Village Tea Room. 

But don’t take my word for it, I’m hoping you will send me your thoughts on some of the best Toy Stores in the South. 

Until next time…