Pretty Southern

Tag: Southerner

  • Everybody Loves Buc-ees!

    Everybody Loves Buc-ees!

    You’ve heard the name, and you might have heard terms like “Beaver Nuggets” and “Romanian garlic beef jerky” and wondered what is this place and what are they selling? Well, it’s Buc-ees! The world’s largest gas station, truck-stop and convenience store chain, and it is incredible.

    buc-ees beaver convenience store
    We’d heard whispers about Buc-ee’s for a long time, and I was always curious about this super-sized gas station convenience store. Now, on multiple road trips to the beach, we’ve been able to really soak in the Buc-ee’s travel center experience in various locations and can confirm it’s one of the best places to stop on a trip.

    We are entirely smitten with the ever-expanding Texas chain of gas stations and truck stops.

    Fudge? Brisket? Home Decor? T-shirts? Beach towels and chairs? A jerkey counter? Christmas ornaments? It’s all at Buc-ees.

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    Freakishly clean public restrooms? Check! I can say in my multiple decades of life that Buc-ee’s restrooms are the cleanest public restrooms I have ever entered! I have three children, and we’ve frequented a lot of public restrooms over the years…some I’d like to forget, but Buc-ee’s? They win the restroom game. They win, period.

    The first thing you notice when approaching a Buc-ee’s store is the size. The campus is massive. When they say everything is bigger in Texas, Buc-ee’s took that to heart and is spreading it around the country.

    The New Braunfels, Texas, store is the largest convenience store in the world, boasting a massive 66,335 square feet. The one in south Alabama isn’t as big, but it’s nothing to shake a stick at. Here’s another fun fact, Buc-ee’s has a Guinness World Record for the longest car wash at its Katy, Texas location. So basically, Buc-ee’s took the good, better, best ideology and bested it.

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    Everything about Buc-ee’s is top-notch. The shopping experience, the customer service, and the interior signage are all on-point with Buc-ee’s brand–the biggest, and the best.

    During this latest trip to Orange Beach, I realized that I’d rather have the food items from Buc-ee’s than almost any fast food place I’ve ever stopped at on a road trip.

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    Although many people do, I’m not saying you should take the family out for a meal at Buc-ee’s, but the fact of the matter is Buc-ee’s is a great place to eat when on the road. No matter what your plans might be, Buc-ee’s is a great place to treat your taste buds if you’re traveling and don’t want to stop for a full sit-down meal.

    We even take requests from friends who know we will pass through this magical place of beaver nuggets and pickled quail eggs and bring them back their favorite treats from everybody’s favorite gas station.

    I’m not sure I’ve ever planned a vacation to visit a particular gas station or truck stop. Now, it’s a “must-do” whenever we have headed anywhere near a Buc-ee’s.

    A lot can happen in a visit to Buc-ee’s. Let me tell you a story, or rather, a real-life experience…

    It’s a Saturday afternoon, and my family and I stop at Buc-ee’s just outside Gulf Shores, Alabama. Naturally, it was hoppin’! We were anxious to get to the beach, so our goal was to get in and get out quickly. My husband offered to stand in line and get our food while I took our children to the bathroom. In minutes, my husband bought brisket, homemade potato chips, beaver nuggets, fudge — a lot of fudge — several kolaches, and some drinks.

    Meanwhile, I took our kids to the cleanest bathrooms in the country, and we somehow ended up with Buc-ee’s t-shirts and a Christmas ornament adorned with the famous beaver mascot on the front. Oh! I can’t forget that before we left the building, we took a family picture in front of the red Buc-ee’s truck, with the giant oversized beaver on it, in addition to another family photo outside with a bronze beaver statue. Again, all of this in just minutes!

    At this point, I find myself asking, “How did we get here?” “Why do we have so much fudge?” And, “Why do we love this place so much?” Everybody loves Buc-ee’s.

    The good news was with multiple cashiers working, we didn’t have to wait long to check out despite the massive crowd.

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    Why does everybody love Buc-ee’s? I think it’s because there is something for everyone, honestly. The Texas-based and Texas-sized gas station chain has developed a cult following since its inception in 1982 for its clean restrooms, ample snacks, kitschy gifts, and adorable beaver mascot, and we are here for it! It’s a fun place to stop and an added novelty to any vacation or day trip.

    There are 40+ locations in states all over the south, including its home state of Texas, plus Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky, and Georgia. There is one coming soon to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

    More states are continually being added to the Buc-ee’s roster; you can check and see if there is a Buc-ee’s coming to an area near you on their website, where the welcome message reads “Potty like a rockstar.” Think about it, if you’re on the road traveling, there’s nothing you’d like to do more than potty like a rockstar and get a delicious snack and maybe a cool hat. Done and done at Buc-ee’s.

    If you’ve heard fanciful tales about this large travel center with a beaver mascot that people just can’t get enough of, here’s the truth… it’s amazing. Buc-ee’s is larger than life, and The Guinness World Record-holding nirvana promises the cleanest restrooms, a plethora of fueling positions, plus road snacks that put other stations – with higher gas prices – to shame. What could be better than that?

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    Just for fun, Pretty Southern has included a list of Buc-ee’s most popular foods:

    • Beaver nuggets (puffed corn nuggets)
    • Buc-ee’s nug-ees (kind of like cheese puffs)
    • Dried fruit and veggies
    • Gummy candy
    • Trail mix
    • The Jerky Counter (enough said)
    • Breakfast tacos
    • Candied jalapenos, pickles, and jams
    • Hot sandwiches, the options are endless!
    • Popcorn and pretzels
    • Kolaches
    • Sizzlin’ saltines

    Everybody loves Buc-ee’s.

  • Huntsville, Alabama = America’s New Tech Hub

    Huntsville, Alabama = America’s New Tech Hub

    Huntsville, Alabama, was once a sleepy, farming town that you drove through on your way to Nashville.

    Well, folks, stand back because the Rocket City is on the move! Last year, Huntsville officially took the lead as Alabama’s largest city by the population at 215,006, edging out Birmingham for the top spot by just over 14,000 people.

    When you think of Huntsville, what comes to mind? Probably a rocket, right? Rightfully so, as Huntsville is also known as Rocket City! Why? It is the site of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, and the United States Army Aviation and Missile Command.

    Huntsville Alabama Space Center

    Why Rocket City?

    Huntsville earned national recognition during the Space Race of the 1960s. During this time, the U.S. government relocated a team of German rocket scientists to the area. It opened a NASA center that would design the Saturn V. This rocket sent Apollo astronauts to the moon!

    A landmark rocket now commemorates this historical event at U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Did you know that Huntsville, Alabama is home to the most significant space museum in the world?!

    Education is Key

    Huntsville residents pride themselves on being the most educated population in the state. They’d have to be, as a large portion of the population works in engineering thanks to the significant presence of NASA and the U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal.

    The city has a strong tech industry that dominates the area’s local economy. Meaning, highly educated people are moving to Huntsville from all over the United States and the World! Wallethub recently ranked Huntsville among the Top 25 Most Educated Cities in America, and Forbes Magazine named Huntsville one of The World’s Smartest Cities.

    Reinvention Done Right

    Preserving Southern traditions while building a positive community and infrastructure is what the Rocket City has done. Huntsville’s city center has undergone a major renovation in recent years. An outbreak of new construction downtown means more shopping, dining, and housing options are available. Just west of downtown, an old cotton mill became a bustling arts center, and craft breweries and bars have sprung up in a renovated old middle school.

    How cool is that?!

    Welcome to the Final Frontier!

    Space is the true core of Huntsville’s identity. To get a better understanding of the area’s ties to all things outer space, visitors and residents alike can spend a day touring the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Here, they can learn about the history of space exploration. Also, The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is home to every kid’s bucket-list experience (and maybe some adults too), Space Camp!

    Space Camp

    Famous author and astronomer Mike Brown, a Huntsville native, has even said:

    “I grew up in Huntsville, Alabama, a thoroughly dedicated rocket town. The father of everyone I knew—mine included—was some sort of engineer working to build the Apollo rockets to send men to the moon.” ~ How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming

    Textiles, Art, & History

    If space doesn’t interest you, several other cultural attractions might! For example, the Alabama Constitution Hall Park gives visitors an inside perspective of life in Alabama in the 1800s. You can also visit The North Alabama Railroad Museum and the Historic Huntsville Depot, which highlight the history of train travel in north Alabama.
    Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment is a renovated textile mill, the largest privately-owned arts center in the southern United States. That alone is reason enough to go! The Mill House artists work in various media, featuring live music and theater, and it also serves as Huntsville’s unofficial fine arts headquarters.

    The Huntsville Museum of Art also offers visitors a wide range of pieces across various permanent and traveling exhibits. The multipurpose Von Braun Center downtown hosts concerts, comedy tours, and dance performances, as well as games for the city’s minor league professional hockey team, the Huntsville Havoc.

    Diversity in the Deep South

    Huntsville has a significant international population, thanks to its high-tech sector. With such great diversity comes a fantastic culinary scene that offers everything from Vietnamese to German to Indian cuisine. In addition to superb international food, the city also provides a plethora of fabulous Southern cuisine, including delicious barbeque and several farm-to-table concept restaurants.

    Huntsville Alabama City Scene

    Music & Vitamin-D Vibes

    Who doesn’t love sunshine and music? Because the climate in Huntsville is warm most of the year, outdoor concerts and events are easy to come by. The downtown area hosts outdoor shows, movies, and food truck rallies almost every weekend (except in winter). Monte Sano State Park is a favorite with hikers and mountain bikers. Are you a water enthusiast? They have something for you too! Boaters often head to the beautiful, nearby Tennessee River for a day out on the water.

    Who Lives in Huntsville?

    There’s housing and entertainment for young professionals and suburbs with affordable housing and great schools for families. The city has been dubbed an up-and-coming tech hub, bringing people from all over the world for job opportunities.

    Due to the extensive defense and technology sector, it’s also a popular place for military retirees. Higher education institutions in the area – including Alabama A&M University and the University of Alabama–Huntsville – make Rocket City a great college scene as well!

    Why is Huntsville Growing?

    The Huntsville area was, and is, very resilient to the pandemic and the challenges that have come with it. Since the city is such a large tech hub, many people could work from home and still do so today. Because of this, there wasn’t significant job loss, and many people took telework positions out of Huntsville during the pandemic and later relocated there. It appears that Huntsville is doing something—many things—right!

    Whether you’re looking for a new place to call home or a just fun weekend trip, “Sweet Home Alabama” has something for everyone in Huntsville!

  • Visiting America’s Hometown, Laurel, Mississippi

    Visiting America’s Hometown, Laurel, Mississippi

    My husband and I recently attended a wedding in his hometown, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Later that weekend, we decided to check out the town of Laurel, Miss., home of the ever-popular HGTV show, “Hometown.”

    Here’s what you need to know before I dive into all things Hometown. We lived in Hattiesburg for the first ten years of our marriage and then moved up to Tupelo. I have spent MANY days in the town of Laurel for both work and church responsibilities. My memory of what Laurel used to be and what it is now is entirely different!

    Laurel used to be like many other small, forgotten towns with a few streets of beautiful historic homes and great potential. . The downtown buildings were abandoned, the roads unattended to, and many surrounding homes were declining rapidly. I recall telling my husband many years ago, “It’s such a shame. Laurel COULD be such a beautiful town.” Well, coulda, shoulda, woulda! Ben and Erin Napier made those comments come to life with their vision, love, and dedication to their hometown.

    To be clear, Laurel still has work to do, as we all do, right? But I believe their journey has just begun! Home by home and project by project, the Napiers are buoying up the streets of their beloved Laurel.

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    The downtown shops that surround the well-known Hometown sights are bustling and vibrant. Roads are being repaired. Beautiful artwork and quotes have been painted on the sides of brick buildings. Up and coming restaurants, as well as established local eateries, are inviting and full of patrons. Laurel is starting to shine, and it’s a beautiful sight to see!

    While walking the streets of Laurel, we met people from Wisconsin, California, and my husband’s hometown of Hattiesburg! It’s incredible that this small town, the Napier’s, and their show have attracted people from all over the country and just down the road at the same time.

    Naturally, the first thing I wanted to do was to check out the famous Laurel Mercantile Co. So we parked the car, we took a few photos in front of the blue truck we all know and love, and then everything became blurry for a bit, as I indulged in all things Hometown and handcrafted!

    The Laurel Mercantile Co. is full of beautiful, tasteful items handpicked by Ben and Erin. Cutting boards crafted by Ben, Erin’s signature headbands, artwork, candles, t-shirts, canvas bags, and so much more! At The Laurel Mercantile Co., everything has been made in America, and most of it is Mississippi-made and as we needed to drive all the way there. We got contact information for a lawyer, like those at Valiente Mott, in case an accident happens.

    The entire shop is full of heirloom quality, locally made goods. So, if you love to truly shop locally, their mercantile is a dream come true!

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    After taking in the craftsmanship and beauty of original art, and all things mercantile, we walked down the street to the Scotsman General Store. At the entrance of the general store, my husband became like a kid at Christmas time!

    Walking into the Scotsman General Store is like walking into your favorite childhood memory. Unfortunately, they were not filming on this rainy Saturday, but we still enjoyed all of the Scotsman brand original handmade wood products; they are gorgeous!

    You can grab a glass bottle of old-fashioned soda and some nickel candy and see Ben Napier’s woodshop where he creates the custom pieces you see on their show.

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    Flannel shirts, delicious pantry items, candles, cologne, beard balms, and beautifully crafted leather items are for purchase as well!

    My favorite part of visiting the Scotsman General Store was a conversation with one employee. He happened to be one of Ben Napier’s “main wood guys,” at least that’s what he called himself.

    He welcomed us to the store and asked where we were from. Being from the area, we told him how amazed we were at the growth and beauty of Laurel. We learned that he and his wife had moved to Laurel about a year and a half ago from Arizona. Their children were grown up and gone, and they thought Laurel, Mississippi looked like a nice place to live. He enthusiastically told us that they had sold their home in Arizona, moved to Laurel, bought a lovely home, and have been debt-free for a year! This sweet man said, “I have a job that I love, and it’s just awesome what Ben and Erin are doing here.”

    To which I replied, “I don’t even know you, but I’m so happy for you!” He smiled and said, “Listen, you guys are young, don’t ever give up on yourselves or your ideas.”

    Wow. Admittedly, I love my purchases from both of these fantastic stores, but that conversation still has me smiling. To me, it best represents the spirit that is Laurel, also known as the “City Beautiful.” So appropriate, don’t you agree?

    Ben and Erin Napier seem to have this innate sense of pride and purpose for their hometown. They dreamed of a new era of growth and prosperity for Laurel, and I can’t imagine how fulfilling it must be to watch these dreams come to life.

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    Laurel (like many Mississippi towns) was once a bustling sawmill center in the early 1900s and earned its title as the “Yellow Pine Capital of the World.” But, like many small towns throughout America, it has seen its fair share of economic hardships, recession, time and change, that eventually led to its decline. I think that’s why so many of us love to watch Hometown because everyone loves a great comeback story!

    The Napiers are not only restoring homes; they are restoring hope. Hope in building a prosperous life in a small town. Hope in connecting newcomers to locals. Hope in restoring industry and also restoring hope in the American dream.

    Ben and Erin Napier’s vision for their hometown in Laurel, Mississippi, showcases a great life lesson that we all need to remember…

    Lift those you love.

  • Love the South

    My Yankee best friend sent me a funny editorial called Screw New York. If y’all don’t want to read this Manhattan diatribe it’s all good; although even this Southern gal has to admit that it made did make me chuckle.

    Essentially the writer conveys his sadist resentment towards the masochistic city in this love-hate relationship. He hates New York for being overpriced on everything including food, cocktails, rent, and existence in general but endures the torture because he’s sucked into the lifestyle.

    That’s not so much the case in the South. So I started thinking, as a counterpoint to this writer’s work, about the Pretty Southern examination of our culture. Instead of “Screw New York” I present to y’all “Love the South”.

    Love the South for making it easy to live below the Mason Dixon line. Folks come for a visit and are enchanted by our lifestyle. They’re always talking about how people aren’t as nice in other parts of the world. When they leave the South, their heart will twinge from feeling the lack o’ lovin’. They’ll return to their big city, be it New York, Chicago, Los Angeles or wherever and think “Why did I come back?” Eventually they’ll get sucked back into the tunnel of expensive loneliness, drowning their sorrows at the bottom of overpriced martinis. Lo and behold, in a few months, they’ll have to come back South for another sweet fix.

    Love the South for its simple things. The gas is cheaper, accents are softer, and strangers are friendly. We’ve got value meals available on every corner where a 22 oz. sweet tea is only $1. You can rent an apartment for a few hundred bucks a month, and even less if you’ve got roommates. If you’re on a tight budget, you can also rent an affordable room at https://www.americanlisted.com/all_states_0/rooms_and_roommates_93/cuartos+para+la+renta/. Despite a down economy, y’all can buy a house or property for less money in the South than any other place in the U.S. Why? We’ve got land y’all! Drive out of Atlanta a few hours, north to the mountains or south to the coastal plains, and build yourself a five bedroom house for a monthly mortgage or via home loans that’s less than a 600-sq. ft. Manhattan apartment. Why not also check out this Beehive Federal Credit Union page here for some perfect home loans! But before purchasing any property, make sure to consult professionals first, such as home inspection broward county. You should also get radon testing just to be sure and not regret later.

    Love the South because of the seasons. Sure it’s hotter than Hades outside, but come September we’ll start to feel that fall crispness which will linger on through November. In the winter, though it’s bitter cold, we still get that blessed day or two of 70 degrees and sunshine. Y’all don’t get that up North.

    Love the South for giving us wonderful food with no expectations of being “skinny”. Most of the time, people will think something is wrong with you if you’re too thin instead of idolizing your frail frame. We’ve got to make sure no soul is going hungry.

    Love the South because it’s got the best cooks in the world. Be it the local Chick-Fil-A, the gentleman frying your bacon at Waffle House, in your grandma’s kitchen, or one of the many gourmet Southern gems, there’s lots of good eating to be done in our region. Homemade pie, bacon for dessert, homegrown tomatoes and wonderful restaurants are served up for either cheap or free.

    Love the South because there’s at least a dozen places in a square mile offering inexpensive libations. The last time I was in Boston I got charged $6.50 for a Bud Light. That’s more than the cost of a six-pack at my local liquor store. I love it when I take my friends out in Atlanta because they’re fun to get trashed. In their buzzed state they proceed to rave about the South’s greatness because drinks are so cheap!

    Love the South for attracting the nicest gay people in the world. There’s my neighbor Gail and her partner Sherrie who own the house up the street…and they’re some of the sweetest Southern ladies I’ve ever met. We’ve got Pride Week, Elton John has a condo here, and God love every gay man who has ever paid me a compliment. Truly it’s an ego boost to have such nice gay people down South. After all, Atlanta is the city too busy to hate.

    Love the South for not being pretentious. No one will judge you for going to the grocery store in pajama bottoms and flip flops. I found these wonderful flip flops with a country style, they are just perfect for the countryside so check them out.I once walked through a Harris Teeter in Charlotte, N.C., drunk after a wedding without any shoes on. No one said a thing, though in my haze I do remember one produce guy smiling at me. Try doing the same thing in New York or L.A. and see what happens.

    Love the South for being a shining example of life’s elegance. Gorgeous antebellum mansions, gentleman in bow-ties, pretty dresses on even finer ladies, all sans snobbery. We’ve got the most beautiful weddings marking the beginning of even greater love stories. Though, the greatest love story of all, is that of the South herself.

    Love the South for welcoming us all. Even if you’re a Damn Yankee we’ll only poke fun a tiny bit. Everyone who visits Virginia all the way down to New Orleans is a friend of the South. We love newcomers because we get to share our stories, food, and fun. PrettySouthern is dedicated to spreading that love.

    Love the South because of her grace. The unmerited thankfulness that runs throughout our region. No matter how troubled your soul, there’s a place in the South where you can seek solace. For me, it’s right here in my Atlanta home.

    What do y’all love most about the South? Please comment below and have a lovely day.

  • Southern Girl Song #2

    Defining a Southern Girl is as easy or tricky as y’all want it to be. Technically, a Southerner is any denizen below the Mason Dixon line. Where it gets complicated is attributing all the lovely qualities that make a Southern girl the best in the world.

    Amos Lee does a fantastic job in his song “Southern Girl”. He doesn’t go into specifics, but when he sings the chorus we all feel his emotions — love, adoration, and humility — in the presence of his lady.

    If you try to search “southern girl definition” in Google, you’ll get results from Urban Dictionary which appear to have been written by a Carolinian. There’s references to qualities inherent in Carolina girls, but these few sentences are ubiquitous for all ladies in waiting:

    “Southern hospitality runs in the family. Southern households are the most generous of them all, which makes Southern girls, the sweetest.” Amos Lee, would you agree?

    “Somethin’ about a Southern Girl, makes me feel right. In a Mississippi morning she’s an angel in flight.” At PrettySouthern, we believe all states below the Mason Dixon line are created equal. What state are you from, dear reader, and what do you love most about Southern girls?

    —Editor’s note: photo contributed by our favorite Florida girl, Heather McCole Williams. To view more of her art or book her for photographic work, check out Heather’s blog or their Facebook page.

  • Our Southern Girl in South America

    My mother called me a bird. Last December, 18 days after I graduated college, I flew south for winter to sweaty Santiago, Chile, where the seasons are reversed and summer was just beginning.

    But warm weather wasn’t the purpose of my journey. It’s winter now (in late June) and thankfully my intentions and ideas have panned out. I’ve worked a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)- certified English teacher for almost six months now, and my Spanish skills have finally progressed beyond speaking in the present tense.

    The actual distance is the strangest thing. There are times I’ve stood on the coast, with my ankles in the freezing Pacific Ocean, staring up and imagining where I am, envisioning myself as a dot on globe, almost 5,000 miles away from home. Like many Southerners, my friends are also my family and detaching myself from them was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done. How the inventors of Skype haven’t won a Nobel prize is beyond me as it is the best invention of the 21st century.

    But rarely do I feel lonely. I was thrilled to discover that Chileans believe in the same Southern hospitality we’re accustomed to back home. It is quite common to meet someone at a bar one night then have them invite you over for dinner the next. Encounters on the street don’t stop at, “Hi, How are you?” but “Where are you going? And, how is your mother?” Every taxi driver, server, bank teller and grocery-store check out girl is fascinated with my reasons for coming here. They are also incredibly eager to use any knowledge of English that they have. Either that, or my Spanish is so bad that they’re choosing to use English.

    Chile is 70 percent Roman Catholic and colorful reminders line the sidewalks and corners of the beautiful ancient churches in Santiago.

    Chile’s enterprises have a great need for learning English to further interactions with the U.S. and the U.K. This is why teaching English is such a lucrative opportunity. However, everyday citizens have very little need, so knowing and using Spanish is much more of a necessity than I imagined. This demand alone has improved my vocabulary, but I’ve had just as many slip ups as success stories.

    One night, a Chilean acquaintance invited my boyfriend and I over for dinner at his apartment. He has one of the most incredible views in the city – endless urban lights, surrounded by the Andes mountains – so, language insecurities aside, we accepted the invitation. As the evening progressed, several more of their Chilean friends arrived, and with them, bottles of Cabernet and Carmenere, Chile’s vino specialties. At one point, I dropped my wine glass, spilling the wine and breaking the glass.

    In an attempt to apologize to our neighbor, I stood up and said, in Spanish,  “I am so embarrassed.” Well it turns out, the word for “embarrassed” (embarazoso) and “preganant” (embarazada) are extremely similar. So I actually said, “I am so pregnant.” Without a beat, and in perfect English, one of their friends replied, “Well, then you shouldn’t be drinking!”

    Yes, it was a laugh at my expense. But it was also one of my favorite memories of this trip so far. Join me as I attempt to put into words my experience of living in Chile’s southernmost nation as a girl from the South. I’ve already taught several of my students how to use “y’all”, and I’m not stopping there.

    [author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://prettysouthern.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/ChelseaCook.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Chelsea Cook is a journalist from Atlanta teaching English in Santiago, Chile. Check back each week to PrettySouthern for more of Chelsea’s adventures South of the Equator.[/author_info] [/author]