I enjoy discovering new places and seeing new things, whether across the country or in my own ‘back yard’.  Recently, I set out to find some historic churches in my area.  After mapping out some locations, my journey began.

I had to travel down dirt/sand roads, but the churches were worth the effort.

I found the Chapel at Burnt Fort in Camden County, where I live.  It was restored several years ago.

Several miles away, in Brantley County, Georgia, I got to see two Primitive churches:

Pilgrims’ Rest Baptist

and High Bluff Baptist

For the full article about my journey, check it out here.

Just off a lazy two lane road, at the end of an unpaved sandy path, you’ll find a tucked-away treasure.

The Chapel at Burnt Fort, Georgia, was originally built in the late 1800s.  It was used until the mid 1940s, when low attendance forced the doors closed.  The building collapsed in the 1960s, but a decade later,  local residents (including some descendants of the original settlers of the area) restored the church to its former glory.  The property also houses the only one-room school house left in Camden County, Georgia

There is also a cemetery, with marked graves dating back to the 1850s, and numerous unmarked graves as well.

This beautiful chapel is definitely off the beaten path, but completely worth the drive.  I love visiting new places and finding unexpected surprises, so it was a great day.  If you’re ever in beautiful southeast Georgia, be sure to see it for yourself.  You won’t be disappointed.

I spent some time on St Simons Island, Georgia today.  I love “the island” and plan to return again soon.  In addition to numerous shops and restaurants, there is beautiful ocean-front park featuring a lighthouse.

There are several miles of shoreline, including both rocky and sandy beaches.

There are so many ways to create a perfect day on the island:  bicycling, strolling along the sidewalks enjoying the shopping and dining options, fishing off the pier, or just relaxing on a bench taking in the sights and sounds of the ocean.

St Simons Island is a peaceful oasis offering something for everyone.  

Daytona Beach, Florida, is known for beautiful beaches and stock-car racing. The area also offers numerous shopping options, museums and amazing restaurants. Check out my new article about Daytona Beach to plan your next beach adventure.

Branson, Missouri has no shortage of one-of-a-kind stores and attractions, but one stands out from the rest:  Dick’s 5 and 10.  I got to spend some time looking around, and was amazed by their inventory.  They had lots of things I needed, and a bunch more that I didn’t know I needed until I saw them.

Be sure and check them out when you’re in Branson.  To read more about the store, click here.

In Daytona Beach, the roar of the beach is rivaled by the roar of the engines.  Daytona International Speedway is home to numerous races each year, including NASCAR’s Coke 400 and Daytona 500.  In front of the building is the “Walk of Fame” which honors those NASCAR drivers who have won at the 500.

You can see tributes to racing legends, such as Dale Earnhardt Sr.

When there is no event, the speedway offers a track tour.  It’s amazing to see first-hand the steepness of the track’s banks; seeing it on television doesn’t do it justice.  If you listen close enough, you can almost hear the most famous words in motor sports:  “Gentlemen, start your engines”, and the second most famous words:  “Boogity, boogity, boogity:  let’s go racing boys”.

Another highlight of the tour is a tour of a garage area:

After the track tour, you get to watch a short film highlighting racing heroes.  As you are leaving, you get to see the car that won the previous Daytona 500, which was Dale Jr. when we were there.

It’s a great experience;  if you want more information, click here.