Blog Post

Our stay at the reportedly haunted Bellevue Hotel in Philly

The French Renaissance-style Bellevue Hotel, as seen from the top. The balconies flank the domed dining room where we looked out at the city. (Courtesy of Hyatt) On a recent trip to Philadelphia, my first visit, my friend and I stayed in the historic Bellevue Hotel. I knew nothing about it when I chose it;… Continue reading Our stay at the reportedly haunted Bellevue Hotel in Philly

(ODD)yssey, Blog Post

This stunning, world’s largest building in Philly will make your jaw drop

Detail of City Hall (Photo by Kelly Kazek) I took a recent weekend trip to the city of Philadelphia, the sixth largest in the nation, with my old high school pal, Suzanne. We decided we needed a break and, as a history lover, I’ve always wanted to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where… Continue reading This stunning, world’s largest building in Philly will make your jaw drop

Blog Post

A visit to Laurel, Miss., where the show ‘Home Town’ is filmed

I meant to share some photos of my trip to Laurel, Miss., before now but it has been a busy year – I have seven books coming out in 2023! Of course, some are gift books and reprints of columns for It’s a Southern Thing, but there is still lots of work involved. Click here… Continue reading A visit to Laurel, Miss., where the show ‘Home Town’ is filmed

Southern Thing Columns

Were you ever told to ‘quit being ugly?’ The Southern Handbook is the book you need

Look what's new in the It's a Southern Thing store! My latest book, Southern Handbook: How to Quit Being Ugly and Act Like Somebody, is here. It's a companion to 2022's bestseller, Southern Thesaurus: For When You're Plumb Out of Things to Say. These two beautifully illustrated, hardcover books are your Guides to Southern Life.… Continue reading Were you ever told to ‘quit being ugly?’ The Southern Handbook is the book you need