grace grits and gardening

ramblings from an arkansas farm girl

Visiting Heber Springs, Arkansas

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visiting heber springs arkansas

A couple of weeks ago I spent some time in Heber Springs, Arkansas. It was my first visit to this charming town in the central part of the state. Not sure how that’s even possible.

When I visit a new place, especially if I’m traveling alone, I explore. I search for the library and I seek out the old historic cemetery because to me, cemeteries are a way to connect to the town. I walk the downtown area to see the architecture. Heber Springs gets a big checkmark for having a courthouse in the middle of the town square. Yay!

Walking is the best way to discover a place. Driving through, you miss all the things.

Y’all, Jitterbug Coffee House was fantastic!

Heber Springs, Ar

After getting my green tea fix, I searched for the lake.Continue Reading

when I think of Alabama…

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When I think of Alabama

When I think of Alabama, I think of Carlene, my mom’s college roommate, and her son Gary, and how we visited them a long, long time ago, and while I want to say it was summer it couldn’t have been because of the clothes we wore. Those memories are preserved forever by faded polaroid pictures. I thought their house was amazing mainly because it was two-story.  We took turns riding up and down the street in their neighborhood in Gary’s go-cart which was a new experience for my sister and me. Big wheels keep on turning…

When I think of Alabama, I think of Roll Tide and Bear Bryant and his houndstooth fedora that classed up the sidelines every Saturday and college football for years. He was born in Arkansas, you know.

I think of Harper Lee and Monroeville and Scout and Atticus and Boo and Dill and the tree that held gifts.

I think of Hank Williams.

And Alabama Shakes, my new fav.

gulf coast

I think of the trip we made that summer, Continue Reading

Capital Hotel, Little Rock.

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Capital Hotel, Little Rock. Perfection.

If you have an opportunity to stay overnight at the Capital Hotel in Little Rock, thank your lucky stars and do not hesitate for even a half second. This is a no dilly-dallying around decision. The Capital Hotel, called Little Rock’s front porch, oozes classic southern charm from your first step onto the sidewalk out front until the moment your head melts into the Chaz Stevens pillowcase that will surely carry you to dreamland.

No detail is left unattended.

Built in 1872, the hotel has seen all sorts of greatness. You can bet political careers were made inside the oak paneled bar. And many a bride and groom have walked beneath the soaring stained glass ceiling of the lobby. Throughout history, the Capital Hotel has hosted an assortment of VIPs, including President Ulysses S. Grant.

John and I are just regular folk, yet during the weekend of my Little Rock book signing, we sure experienced the luxury VIP treatment. What a special place. Continue Reading

Food. Farm. Garden. Life.

THANKS FOR READING!