on location: south ❖
dave bodle
SOUTHERN MANSIONS
Maymont, an example of Gilded Age opulence in Richmond, Va., boasts 33 rooms.
Plantations, cabins and other homes steeped in history enhance itineraries in the 11 Travel South states
T
he South’s mountain ranges, endless plains, abundant harbors and magnificent rivers can all tell stories of our nation’s history. However, if walls in the historic homes
could talk, what wonderful tales they might spin. From palatial plantations to humble cabins, so much of our culture can be Savoring a taste of Old England during Summer City Fest at Agecroft Hall in Richmond, Va.
seen and experienced. Each home is unique for its residents, its use and its place in our past.
VIRGINIA Virginia’s presidential homes or its James River Plantations may come to mind first, but just off I-95 in Richmond two special houses welcome groups. A visit to Agecroft Hall is a step into 15th century Europe. Built in England during the late 1600s, Agecroft was the home to the distinguished Langley and Dauntesey families. Upon falling into disrepair it was purchased at auction in 1925 by Richmonder Thomas C. Williams. He had it dismantled, crated, shipped across the Atlantic and reassembled in a Richmond neighborhood known as Windsor Farms. With authentic pieces from as early as 1485 to 1660, the Tudor estate brims with history. (agecrofthall.com) During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often termed America’s Gilded Age, vast fortunes were amassed. Maymont, its 100 acres and 25 outbuildings are a testimony to the wealth of James Dooley and his wife Sallie. The Dooleys’ gift of May26 April 2012
LeisureGroupTravel.com
Where every visit creates lasting memories Motorcoach travelers know that Pigeon Forge is the perfect place to make memories. Could be because there’s so much to see and do here … shopping, shows, Dollywood® or the majestic beauty of our Smoky Mountains. Or it could be that warm welcome they receive, kind of like visiting an old friend. Whatever the reason, they know that every visit creates memories that will last a lifetime.
PigeonForgeTours.com 1-800-285-7557
LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2012 27
on location: south ❖ mont to the City of Richmond is a tribute to their generosity.
The Franklin B. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Mu-
Watch for the 24th annual Maymont Flower & Garden Show, a
seum in Myrtle Beach serves residents and visitors of Horry
spectacular event held in early February at the Richmond Con-
and Georgetown counties. In 1924 textile mogul Eugene Can-
vention Center. (maymont.org)
non built a large wood-frame, oceanfront cottage in what is today Myrtle Beach. Twenty years later the house was sold to
WEST VIRGINIA
another textile titan, Colonel Elliot White Springs. By 1975 the
Today so much of West Virginia’s appeal is tied to its spec-
house was being surrounded by high-rise condominium build-
tacular mountains and outdoor recreation. Early settlers,
ings and the family traded the villa for a new home. Through
though, farmed a rich, fertile land and played an important role
generous donations and community effort, the home by 1997
in the Civil War.
had been moved to its present location and established as a
In Philippi you’ll find Adaland Mansion and Historic Barn. The barn was built in 1850 and the brick mansion followed in
wonderful art museum with expansive ocean views. (myrtlebeachartmuseum.org)
1870. The original owners farmed, and emancipated slaves
Just off I-95 in Yemassee sits the Frampton House, serv-
from the farm worked on the construction of the house. In June
ing as the Lowcountry Visitors Center and Museum. The house
of 1861 the first land battle of the Civil War was fought in
was part of the original King’s Grant to the Frampton family in
Philippi. (adaland.org)
the 1700s, but in 1865 the house was burned by General Sher-
Although the most famous battles of the Civil War took
man’s troops. Rebuilt in 1868 in today’s location, the house
place in other states, West Virginia experienced its share of
saw major renovations in 1930. In 1993 Wymann Boozer do-
tragedy. The Dr. Robert B. McNutt House was the only build-
nated the Frampton House for creation of the visitors center.
ing left standing in Princeton after the town was burned during
(southcarolinalowcountry.com)
the Civil War. It was used as headquarters for Lt. Col. Rutherford B. Hayes and Sgt. William McKinley, who both went on to become U.S. presidents. (pmccc.com/mcnutt_history.htm)
GEORGIA Few Southern states have cities matching the cosmopolitan sizzle of Atlanta, but we often forget that Georgia is also a win-
NORTH CAROLINA
dow to our past.
From the coast to the mountains the historic homes of North
Located on the Georgia College campus in Milledgeville,
Carolina reveal much about our culture and spirit. Two in par-
the Old Governor’s Mansion was completed in 1839.
ticular play to our creativity.
As the residence of Georgia’s chief executives from 1839-
Affiliated with Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, the
1868, the National Historic Landmark showcases the
Reynolda House Museum of American Art is the restored
antebellum, Civil War and Reconstruction eras. Slavery, the
19th century country home of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Com-
difficulty of the social order and gender positions all shaped
pany founder. In addition to works by Mary Cassatt, Fredric
the history of the building. On Nov. 22, 1864, Gen. William
Church, Jacob Lawrence and Georgia O’Keeffe, the museum
T. Sherman claimed the mansion during his March to the
features changing exhibits. (reynoldahouse.org)
Sea. (gcsu.edu/mansion)
The memory and literary insights of author Carl Sandburg
The Isaiah Davenport House in Savannah portrays an
are on display at Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site,
appealing story of the American Dream both then and now.
located in Connemare (near Asheville and Henderson). The
The tale begins with a young New England carpenter
National Park Service is the steward of this first historic site to
achieving success in his adopted city. A demonstration of
honor an American poet. Sandburg, an Illinois native, moved
his building skills, Davenport’s fine home, noted “for the
there in 1945. More than one third of his works were penned in
simplicity of the exterior and the charm of the interior,”
this peaceful, 262-acre farm setting. (nps.gov/carl)
housed his family and the enslaved people that worked for him. In the mid-19th century the house passed out of the
SOUTH CAROLINA
Davenports’ hands and became a dilapidated tenement by
With Charleston’s colorful Rainbow Battery, the magnifi-
the mid-20th century. The work of seven Savannah women
cent rice plantations and the Upstate homes from the colonial
coming together in 1955 saved the house and led to the
era, South Carolina is a treasure chest of history. South Car-
founding of the Historic Savannah Foundation. (davenport-
olinians, an ingenious people, have put many of those great
housemuseum.org)
homes to work. 28 April 2012
LeisureGroupTravel.com
The art of COUNTRY, BLUES and ROCK ’N’ ROLL .
Blues in Helena-West Helena
Entertainers Hall of Fame, Pine Bluff
Go on tour around The Natural State – cruise the Rock ’N’ Roll Highway to visit the places where legends were made, explore the musical birthplaces of the Delta, and pay respect to the greats in the Entertainers Hall of Fame. 'Ğƚ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟ ŽŶ Ăƚ
ArkansasGroupTravel.com or call 1-800-872-1259
un i q u e vi s it s
DeGray Lake Resor t State Park
888-AT-PARKS • ArkansasSt at eParks.com
Johnny Cash Music Festival, Jonesboro
Make the high point of Arkansas WKH KLJKOLJKW RI WKHLU WRXU 7UDYHO WKH 0RXQW 0DJD]LQH 6FHQLF %\ZD\ WR 0RXQW 0DJD]LQH 6WDWH 3DUN :LWK XQVXUSDVVHG YLHZV IURP DWRS WKH KLJKHVW SRLQW LQ $UNDQVDV WKLV SDUN RIIHUV \RXU WRXU JURXSV XQIRUJHWWDEOH H[SHULHQFHV *UDFLQJ WKH PRXQWDLQ¡V VRXWK EOXII WKH SDUN¡V UHVRUW PRXQWDLQ ORGJH LV WKH SHUIHFW HQG WR D GD\ RQ WKH URDG &DOO IRU VSHFLDO JURXS UDWHV
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b2 March 3 – September 16, 2012
The St. Louis Cardinals
“Play Ball� will feature decades of memorabilia from one of our country’s most storied franchises, the St. Louis Cardinals. This exhibition will feature over 100 items such as the World Series trophies from 2006 and 2011 and championship rings. For A Limited Time Only! t +VMZ +VMZ o 8PSME 4FSJFT 5SPQIZ t +VMZ 4FQUFNCFS o 8PSME 4FSJFT 3JOH t "VHVTU 4FQUFNCFS o 4UBO .VTJBMT OFXMZ SFTUPSFE VOJGPSN +PJO VT BT XF SFnFDU PO UIF KPZ UIF IFBSUBDIF BOE UIF GVO UIBU DPNFT XJUI being a baseball fan.
On loan from St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame & Museum 1SFTJEFOU $MJOUPO "WFOVF t -JUUMF 3PDL "SLBOTBT t t DMJOUPOQSFTJEFOUJBMDFOUFS PSH
on location: south ❖ KENTUCKY
the Civil War. As a courier, he was captured in November 1863,
With the Civil War Sesquicentennial being commemorated
and upon suspicion of espionage and failure to divulge informa-
through 2015, it’s a good time to ponder Kentucky’s place in
tion, the Union Army executed him after a captivity of only seven
that history. Although a Southern state that accepted slavery,
days. He died on his 21st birthday. Davis’ story, a rallying point for
Kentucky refused to secede from the Union. Curiously, the
the Southern cause in the closing days of the Confederacy, is re-
presidents of both the USA and Confederacy were born in Ken-
vealed at the Sam Davis Home in Smyrna. Southern clergy
tucky, less than 100 miles apart.
often spoke of him in Christ-like terms. (samdavishome.org)
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park in Hodgenville focuses on Lincoln’s early childhood from his 1809
ARKANSAS
birth and portrays our 16th president’s humble beginnings. Sit-
There are hundreds of ways to explore the beauty of
uated on 116 acres of Thomas Lincoln’s Sinking Spring Farm,
Arkansas. Part of that scenic attractiveness is the wealth of
the birthplace features an early 19th century Kentucky cabin
magnificent Victorian-era homes.
symbolizing the one in which Lincoln was born. The cabin is
The Victorian era, which corresponds with the reign of
enshrined within the Memorial Building, the first building to
Queen Victoria in England from 1837 to 1901, was noted for its
honor Abraham Lincoln. Events surrounding Lincoln’s time in
attention to high morals and modesty—with a few exceptions.
Kentucky helped mold his formative years. A land dispute
The prominent apple green-and-cream structure in Fort Smith,
forced the family to move north when Lincoln was seven years
Miss Laura’s, was a bordello in its earlier days. Originally built
old. (nps.gov/abli)
as the luxurious Riverfront Hotel just before the 1900s, the
Jefferson Davis Monument State Historic Site in Fairview
city’s premier bawdyhouse now serves as the town’s Visitor
is a Kentucky state park preserving the 1808 birthplace of the
Center. Completely restored, Miss Laura’s is the only former
president of the Confederate States of America. The birthplace
house of prostitution listed on the National Register of Historic
home is no longer, but in 1924 construction of a magnificent
Places. (fortsmith.org)
monument was completed. At the age of 3 young Jefferson and
On a more genteel note, the entire town of Eureka Springs
his family moved to a Mississippi plantation, but by age 7 he
is on the National Register of Historic Places as the Eureka
was attending schools back in Kentucky. Born just a year and
Springs Historic District. The city has steep winding streets filled
100 miles apart, Lincoln and Davis both strived to preserve the
with Victorian-style cottages and manors. Built in Carthage in
Union. However, after South Carolina’s secession the latter felt
1891, the Queen Anne Mansion was dismantled, moved to
compelled to resign from the U.S. House of Representatives
Eureka Springs and reconstructed 100 years later. German and
and return to his Mississippi home. Soon after he was named
Italian artisans carved classic Victorian oak and cherry fireplace
president of the CSA. (kentuckytourism.com)
mantels as well as pocket doors. With more than $400,000 of antique furnishings, it is considered an elegant place for wed-
TENNESSEE
dings and receptions. (thequeenannemansion.com)
Although many travelers are familiar with Elvis Presley’s Graceland and Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, some are discovering Tennessee’s less heralded historic homes.
ALABAMA To the pleasure of many travelers this is the “Year of Ala-
The James K. Polk Ancestral Home in downtown Colum-
bama Food.” Although groups are similar to armies and move
bia is the only surviving home of the 11th U.S. president (outside
on their stomachs, you will need to take a break from the table
the White House, of course). Built in 1816, it displays original
and explore an historic home. We’ll have you back for dinner.
belongings of President and Mrs. Polk. The Polk family moved
On July 4, 1881 the Tuskegee Normal School was estab-
from North Carolina to Tennessee when James was 10. Polk
lished by the State of Alabama to educate newly freed slaves.
was focused on politics his whole life and began his career in
At the age of 26, Booker T. Washington became the first princi-
1823 in the Tennessee House of Representatives. In 1844 the
pal of the newly formed school. His home, The Oaks, was built
Democrats were having difficulty nominating a candidate and fi-
in 1899 using bricks made by students. At the time it was the
nally nominated Polk on the ninth ballot. He narrowly defeated
only residence in the county with running water and electricity.
Henry Clay. During his term the United States extended its ter-
Today the home (with original furnishings) is part of Tuskegee
ritory from the Atlantic to the Pacific. (jameskpolk.com)
Institute National Historic Site, located on the campus of
Called the “Boyhood Hero of the Confederacy,” Sam Davis
Tuskegee University. The National Park Service site also in-
served in various combat roles in the Confederate Army during
cludes the George Washington Carver Museum. (nps.gov/tuin)
32 April 2012
LeisureGroupTravel.com
Play Well With Others
On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, just east of New Orleans, you’ll find a Tour Operator’s dream. A place of natural beauty, boasting 62 miles of coastline graced by centuries-old live oaks. Add the excitement of 11 casino resorts and you’ve got a real winner! Go to www.gulfcoast.org for all the information you need to plan your next tour, including sample itineraries, step-on guides, and tour friendly restaurants and lodging properties. Let our sales staff take care of everything, so you can play!
Play Your Way!
Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.gulfcoast.org
Call: Janet Harrington, Manager Leisure Sales Group Travel at 888-467-4853 (Ext. 228) Email: janeth@gulfcoast.org
Biloxi Historic Tours/Biloxi Tour Train Contact: Carla Beaugez Phone: 228-374-8687 Email: info@biloxitourtrain.com
Salute and Lookout Steakhouse Contact: Rob Stinson Phone: 228-343-1755 Email: RRS1@cableone.net
Margaritaville Casino & Restaurant Biloxi South Beach Biloxi Hotel & Suites Contact: Sherry Queen Contact: Talia Simms Phone: 228-388-2627 Email: taliacsimms@gmail.com Email: squeen@sbbiloxihotel.com
Welcome to Biloxi. Celebrating 51 years, we invite all aboard for this genuine adventure through Biloxi’s cultural history! The original Biloxi tour is like no other and guests love it! Relive our colorful past and learn of our spirit as only Carla can share them. Come for history, for the fun, or just to enjoy the ride!
Whatever you need, you’ll find at Salute and Lookout Steakhouse. Busloads of hungry tourists can dine on the same cuisine as Mississippi’s locals. Whether your mouth waters for authentic Chicken Parmesan from Salute or Lookout’s Shrimp & Grits you can all sit down together to an affordable meal served by the Gulf Coast’s finest staff.
Margaritaville Casino & Restaurant Biloxi is scheduled to open Summer 2012. The resort will have a 26,000 sq. ft. casino, a signature Margaritaville restaurant, a buffet uniquely themed and a multi-purpose events center. The marina will have complete facilities for 12 vessels and tie-up space for an additional 30-40 boats.
Welcome to Biloxi’s only beachfront hotel located on the sandy shores of the Gulf Coast. Close to Casino Row and popular Biloxi attractions, South Beach Biloxi Hotel & Suites is a one-of-a-kind, ultra luxury, allsuite hotel. Expect the best in guest suite amenities, the best in scenic views, and personalized service beyond your imagination.
Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum Contact: Robin K. David Phone: 228-435-6320 Email: schooner@maritimemuseum.org
Four Points by Sheraton Biloxi Contact: Fallon McClain Phone: 228-546-3111 Website: www.fourpointsbiloxi.com
Silver Slipper Casino Contact: Aissa Wiggins Phone: 1-866-SLIPPER Email: a.wiggins@silverslipper-ms.com
Edgewater Mall
Take a step back in time! Sail the twomasted Biloxi Oyster Schooners! Full-day, Half-day, 2.5-hour charters and Walk-on sails. Pier complex is available for special events, reunions and weddings. Visit our museum located at Edgewater Mall, Biloxi for one of a kind artifacts.
Work or play, stay the way you like at the all new Four Points by Sheraton, Biloxi Beach Boulevard. Relax in one of 195 stylish rooms featuring beautiful gulf views and “four comfort” beds. From our Terrace you can relax by our saltwater pool overlooking the Gulf, or enjoy GT’s Restaurant & Bar. Four Points has you covered.
30,000 sq. ft. of non-stop gaming action with exciting new promotions and the best Southern Hospitality on the Gulf Coast! Group packages available: 1-866-Slipper, 228-469-2712 or a.wiggins@silverslipperms.com. Website: www.silverslipper-ms. com.
Great stores. Great style. Great all-weather shopping. It’s all in the largest enclosed mall on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. You’ll find us on the beach and you’ll find everything you love!
Contact: Michelle Rogers Phone: 228-388-3424 Email: mrogers@edgewatermall.com
on location: south ❖ In 1820 Alabama became the nation’s 22nd state, and in Tus-
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: For a sampling of great Southern festivals, see the article at http://leisuregrouptravel.com/?p=26866.
Robert Snow in 1962. (wpnet.org/waverley_mansion.htm)
cumbia a simple home was built and became known as Ivy
Prior to the Civil War, when “cotton was king,” Natchez
Green. Just east of the main home is the annex that became
boasted more millionaires per capita than New York City. Today
Helen Keller’s birthplace. Later it became her residence along
many of their palatial mansions are open for tours. Lyman
with teacher Anne Sullivan, “The Miracle Worker.” The moving
Harding, a Massachusetts transplant, acquired considerable
story tells how a child living in darkness overcame blindness and
wealth in Natchez and had a young cabinetmaker, Levi Weeks,
deafness. Helen Keller went on to become an extraordinary
design and build a plantation home. Auburn Museum & His-
woman, bringing courage and inspiration to millions. Decorated
toric Home, the first built in Natchez utilizing an actual archi-
with much of the family’s original furniture, the home and mu-
tectural plan and a model for buildings that followed, features
seum display mementos, books and gifts accumulated during
an entirely unsupported spiral staircase. (auburnmuseum.org)
Keller’s lifetime of travel and lectures. (helenkellerbirthplace.org)
MISSISSIPPI
LOUISIANA Louisiana portrays fullness for life in its food, music, culture
Mississippi’s collection of historic homes is impressive.
and recreation. The constant thread, though, is the state’s
From antebellum mansions and the home of a Nobel Prize
incredible history as viewed though its antebellum plantations.
winner to the simple birthplace of “The King of Rock n’ Roll,” Mississippi’s famous houses graciously welcome visitors.
On the Great River Road near Vacherie, Oak Alley Plantation’s magnificent, quarter-mile mile passageway formed by 300-
Located between West Point and Columbus, Waverley Man-
year-old live oaks exemplifies what many picture as the “Old
sion is considered one of America’s astonishing homes. Visitors
South.” The site for the plantation had its beginnings in the early
with an architectural interest marvel at its self-supporting, curved
1700s when a French or Spanish settler planted the oaks that
staircases and octagonal cupola. The mid-19th century grandeur
would become the alley. The real history begins in 1836 when
of Waverley sat in ruins for years until purchased by Mr. and Mrs.
Valcour Aime sold the plantation to J. T. Roman, his brother-inlaw and dear friend. Construction on the home began in 1837; its elegance reflected the epitome of Creole society. Following the Civil War and Reconstruction, the family was forced to sell. Hard times continued and eventually the property was boarded. In 1925 Andrew and Josephine Stewart, the last resident owners, purchased the plantation. Recognizing its significance, Mrs. Stewart established a non-profit foundation to keep the legacy alive after her death. (oakalleyplantation.com) Laura: A Creole Plantation, a short drive form Oak Alley, shares a similar story of Creole culture. A sugar farming complex, Laura Plantation at one time encompassed more than 12,000 acres. It had its beginnings when Guillaume Duparc, a French naval veteran petitioned Thomas Jefferson for land. It was granted and in return Jefferson received Duparc’s loyalty to the new United States. Construction of the home began in 1804. From the 1820s to the 1840s Laura Plantation saw unprecedented profits due to the high demand for sugar and cotton. The Civil War and its aftermath saw the demise of Laura Plantation. (lauraplantation.com) LGT
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