“Serenbe began as a concern about what was going to happen in our backyard – we were trying to protect the countryside we loved so much from sprawl – little did I know this was going to become a national model. If we would all take care of our own backyard, we could make a huge difference.”
The 1,000 acre community just south of Atlanta known as Serenbe is quite a marvel. It’s an unexpected experience walking around the organic farmland, new eco friendly homes, acclaimed restaurants, boutique shops, horse stables and a restored inn. But as founder Steve Nygren told us, “Some of the richness of life is in the 90 degree turn. When you make a shift into unknown waters, it’s frightening, but the beauty of that journey is there are no expectations.”
Photo credit: Snowshoe Mountain Resort
Odds are, you’ve already rallied a group and booked your flights for a big skiing trip out West. It’s what any frequent skier living in the South would do. But with all the snow storms we’ve had lately, it’s a great time to take advantage of a few options we Southerners have within driving distance.
Though the runs aren’t nearly as long and a frequent heaping of fresh, natural powder is rarer, the Appalachians can hold their own and make for a doable option for a spontaneous weekend trip when the snow does fall. So don’t rule out the Southeast. Call a few friends, rent a cabin and hit any of these slopes for some worthwhile skiing or snowboarding.
Walking down Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg, it’s hard not to step where George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry once passed. One of the best times of the year to take this time-honored stroll is during the historic area’s Grand Illumination on December 5.
Based on the colonial tradition of placing lighted candles in the windows of homes and public buildings at Christmas, the Grand Illumination heralds the start of the holiday season at the former Virginia capital.
In 1987, Col. Littleton founded his company on the premise that even if a store had the best to offer, what people really wanted were unique, personalized items. He set out to create products that would become priceless heirlooms to be passed down to the next generation and never sold at a yard sale. “Everything we sell has a heart” the Colonel often says.
Part social gathering place, part traditional barbershop, part Colonial American tavern and part clothing outfitter, Freemans has built a nice rounded experience for the urban woodsman living in New York. For the rest of us, the rustic, well-dressed look offered by Freemans Sporting Club (F.S.C.) is now available on their website.
