Travel Archives - Inspired Southerner

Photographer finds solace in shooting the rural South

October 20, 2019 By Rebekah Ledbetter

Pearson Creek Farm in the rural South. — Sean enjoys shooting the rural South.

Photographer Sean Essex was born in Lapeer, Michigan, but grew up in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Essex loves to hike and camp which led him to begin to take photos of what he found interesting on his adventures. He also loves shooting the rural South, and one of his favorite places is Pearson Creek Farms.

Shooting nature in the rural South — Sean doesn’t use any digital editing programs.

Photographing Nature

He began to share them with friends and family, and the compliments he received inspired him to pursue photography further.

Sean is unique in the photography world, as he does not use any form of digital image editing. He believes that it is a sign of a truly talented photographer to be able to take an amazing photograph that does not need editing. That’s what he wants to achieve every time he picks up his camera.

Corn field in the rural South — Sean likes to show the rural South in its raw form.

Rural Living

Sean’s work can best be described as simple, warm and nostalgic. With a focus on rural-living and the surrounding landscapes, he strives to capture moments that reconnect us with our modest beginnings and evoke a sense of belonging.

“I resonate with the people and places and want to share their character and lifestyle through my photography,” Sean says.

Sean Essex Inspired Southerner — Sean strives to connect us with our modest beginnings.

Capturing the Image

Like any great photographer, he is always looking for a great photo. He looks for something intriguing, inspirational, or beautiful, then photographs it from various angles. He also likes to envision what the shot might look like at different times of day, and if he believes he can get that better shot, he returns.

Photographing the rural South — Sean believes the rural South exudes character which makes it easier to take great photos.

Pearson Creek Farms

Although he is not from the South, he has family here and makes the trip to the South a few times a year. On these trips, he not only visits family but also comes to shoot. As he believes, the rural South exudes character, which makes it easier to take great photographs.

One location he loves to shoot is Pearson Creek Farms, a working farm in Bells, Tennessee. The farm has been in the Pearson family for hundreds of years and Essex is humbled to be a part of their family. “I try to portray the hospitality, comfort and warmth that comes over me when on the farm.”

Dream Photoshoot

When asked what his dream shoot would be he answered rural Alaska. “I hear Kodiak Island is gorgeous and I imagine the landscapes and structures on the island would make fantastic photos.”

Cheaha State Park is a fun day trip for the whole family

September 6, 2019 By Rebekah Ledbetter

Planning a day trip that the whole family will enjoy can be difficult. Especially now that school is back in session, but just 25 minutes off I-20’s exit 188 is Cheaha State Park.

Inspired Southerner Cheaha — Mt. Cheaha is Alabama’s highest peak. Photo by Cheaha State Park

Alabama’s highest peak

In the heart of the Talladega National Forest, stands Alabama’s highest peak, Mt. Cheaha. The mountain is 2,413 feet above sea level making it the highest point in Alabama. Anyone who visits or hikes to Mt. Cheaha will experience breathtaking views. Cheaha gets its name from the Creek Indian work chaha which means high place.

Our state parks are one of Alabama’s greatest assets and they offer fun for everyone in the family. Cheaha State Park’s best feature is a boardwalk to one of the most beautiful overlooks in the state of Alabama. The boardwalk is handicap accessible. There are also stairs throughout the park that lead to the trails and which run alongside the boardwalk. The stairs are for the trailblazer of the family or those who want a challenge.

The boardwalk

At the end of the boardwalk is wheelchair accessible and there you will find a breathtaking view.

Inspired Southerner Cheaha State Park — Mt. Cheaha State Park has breathtaking views

The adjacent hiking trails lead to Bald Rock, which is in front of the boardwalk.

Another popular and recognizable feature of the park is the tower.

Inspired Southerner Tower at Cheaha — Tower at Cheaha State Park

The tower

In front of the tower is a plaque which designates it as the tallest point in Alabama!

Be sure to take a few quarters for the viewfinder, and climb the stairs to the top of the tower for yet another incredible view! If you remembered to bring a few quarters up be sure to use that viewfinder to your advantage!

Bigfoot

Across from the tower, you will find Bigfoot. Bigfoot’s purpose at Cheaha is to be the mascot of the 7 Leave No Trace principles. You will find Bigfoot along the trail as a reminder to be just like Bigfoot and ‘leave no trace’.

Cheaha State Park has made plenty of improvements to the park, including renovations to the restaurant and the addition of the pool. Just across from the Welcome Center and Gift Shop is the Walt Farr Native American Relic Museum. There you will find an amazing collection of arrowheads, spearheads, and other Native American Treasures.

In addition, Cheaha offers excellent sites for camping and has a hotel for overnight stays. For more information on these amenities, and for the park itself, be sure to check out their website here.

Plan your visit to Kentucky’s Horse Park, America’s only equine theme park

July 15, 2019 By Kara Kennedy

Inspired Southerner Kentucky Horse Park — Kentucky Horse Park’s memorial to Secretariat

If you’re traveling to Lexington, Kentucky anytime soon, you’ll want to put the Kentucky Horse Park on your must-see list. The 1,200-acre park is located off of Hwy, 1973 and I-75 in the heart of Lexington, and is the only known horse theme park in America. The park is a working horse farm, educational park and equine competition facility. Incidentally, the drive to the park is breathtaking and filled with horse farms with rolling hills and grazing horses.

Memorial to Man o’ War A Most Famous Racehorse

We visited the park last week and thoroughly enjoyed learning about the history of horses and horseracing. Once you enter the gates to make your way to the Visitor’s Center, you’ll see beautiful grounds and moments dedicated to Kentucky’s horse industry. To the left is the statue and grave of Man o’ War considered one of the most famous racehorses in America. Known as Big Red, he was sold to his owner, Samuel Riddle, for $5,000 and went on to win 20 out of 21 races. His owner didn’t race him in the Kentucky Derby, if he had, some believe he would have won the Triple Crown. Man o’ War did sire War Admiral who was a Triple Crown winner.

History of Horses

It’s at the Visitor’s Center is where you will buy your ticket for the day. You also will find the gift shop and the International Museum of the Horse. The International Museum of the Horse depicts the history and importance of horses and the impact they have made on human civilization. There are three additional museums at the Horse Park; the Saddlebred that gives the history of the American made horse and has a 2400 volume research library, the Al-Marah Arabian Horse Museum and the Wheeler Museum which displays equestrian memorabilia.

The Kentucky Horse Park

If you choose to forgo the museums then you must catch some of the horse events. There’s a horse-drawn trolley, The Hall of Champions, where you can meet Kentucky Derby winners, a Draft Horse demonstration, Parade of Breeds and Groom & Shine for kids in the Big Barn. The former Kentucky Derby winners are a must-see!

Hall of Champions

During our visit, we saw Funny Cide, the 2003 Kentucky Derby winner, Western Dreamer, who won the 1997 U.S. Pacing Triple Crown and Point Given who won four races in a row including the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes at the Hall of Champions.

After the show, visitors are allowed to pet the horses.

Parade of Breeds

Another fun and educational event at the Horse Park is the Parade of Breeds. This event included the American Saddlebred, an Arabian, the Gypsy Vanner, the Tennessee Walking Horse, the American Faso Pino, the Friesian and the Hanovarian breeds. After the performance, you will get to pet the horses. We found that the horses thoroughly enjoy meeting and greeting visitors.

Big Barn Draft Horses

If you want to learn horse care, you’re in luck! The Draft Horse demonstration, you will learn about show prep, harnessing and breed history. You also will get to meet and greet the horses at this event.

Kid’s Barn

Here your children will learn which tools are used to groom and care for horses. They will then get to groom the horses themselves.

Inspired Southerner Inspired Southerner — Western Dreamer won the 1997 U.S. Pacing Triple Crown

Horseback and Pony Rides

In addition to the horse events, there are horseback and pony rides at the park. Riders must be seven years old and four feet tall to ride the horses. Pony rides are for children two through 12 and who are under 90 pounds. The horseback rides are 30-minutes long and on a guided trail ride.

If you’re looking for other things to do at the park, there also is a summer camp series for children and Horse Country Farm tours. The park also hosts several special events throughout the year.

However, to take in all that the Horse Park has to offer, you should plan to visit for two days. Currently, the park offers free next day entry with a paid receipt from the day before. To plan your visit and for pricing information visit www.kyhorsepark.com

Alabama’s Cherokee Rock Village is a scenic mecca for hikers

July 1, 2019 By Rebekah Ledbetter

Inspired Southerner, Cherokee Rock Village — Cherokee Rock Village offer amazing views to hikers and campers

Just an hour and a half north of Birmingham, Alabama off I-59 lies a getaway with amazing views for anyone who enjoys getting outdoors. Cherokee Rock Village offers a scenic mecca for hikers and campers alike. It is a park you need to add to your list this year.

Little Rock City

Atop Lookout Mountain, Cherokee Rock Village is home to unique sandstone formations. Known to the locals as “Little Rock City”, it’s perfect for hikers and climbers of all skill levels.

For just $6 per car (more for passenger vehicles and overnighters), you get an all-access pass to the trail. If you follow the drive down to the lot you’ll be at the beginning on one of the park’s trails. Cherokee Rock Village has over 14 miles worth of trails for you to hike!

The trailhead is at an easy access point beside the parking lot. Be sure to have your map in hand and you’re ready to take off. Additionally, apps such as Alltrails have maps that are accessible through your phone! If you follow the trail to the left, you’ll almost immediately find the rock formation that will give you this amazing view.

Amazing Views

Most of the rocks are easy to climb and almost stair-like. Most noteworthy, the last major rock formation does require a bit of climbing, but it’s not hard, especially if you have a friend to lend a hand. Once you get to the top, you will have plenty of room to walk around or just sit to take in the amazing view From the top you will see Weiss Lake, a 50.19 square mile Lake known nationally for it’s Bass and Crappie fishing!

If you follow the trail and your map, you’ll be able to find a hidden cave that is hidden inside the sandstone formations.

Another sight to look out for at Cherokee Rock Village is the natural stone arch, formed from the erosion of the sandstone. It’s also a geocaching spot! Click here for more information!

Adventurous trailblazers can grab a map and follow the Diamond Trail, which is 7.1 miles long with an elevation of over 1000 feet. This trail is open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. This elevation is why we call the Cherokee Rock Park a scenic mecca for hikers.

Secure Climbing Access

Furthermore, climbers also can find that some climbing routes have permanent anchors bolted into the rock, for easy and secure climbing access. So as long as you have your map, some good shoes, and bottled water, you will be set to explore all that Cherokee Rock Village has to offer.

Park Amenities

If you’re only staying for a day or overnight, the park offers amenities for campers and hikers. They include restrooms that double as storm shelters, showers, a picnic area, a camping area, a playground, a handicap accessible deck overlooking the mountain, and a designated camping area.

Cherokee Rock Village is a part of the Cherokee County Public Parks and Recreation system. For more info or to make reservations check out their website here.

Escape to this tiny home eco-retreat on 85 acres in North Central Alabama

May 12, 2019 By Kara Kennedy

Case Rock Cabin Inspired Southerner — Glenn and Rachel Evans built their sustainable tiny home on 85 acres on their farm.

Nestled in the woods on the banks of the Locust Fork River north of Birmingham, Alabama, Glenn and Rachel Evans have put their love of the environment and sustainability into everyday practice with their Case Rock Cabin a modern tiny home they built earlier this year as an eco-retreat on their farm in Blount County.

Glenn and Rachel built their tiny home as an eco-retreat on the back-side of their 85-acre farm, a mile and a quarter off of the nearest paved road. The cabin is only accessible by an ATV or four-wheel drive vehicle. Glenn, an electrical engineer, built it himself by hauling materials on top of a Polaris down steep terrain.

“We designed the home together,” said Rachel Evans, an artist and an Alabama teacher who home schools her children. “We wanted the project to be an example and a teachable moment for our children about environmental sustainability.”

Tiny home design

The home was designed with a modern, industrial aesthetic look and feel. It was built out of reclaimed and recycled materials with solar panels, a back-up generator, a water tank, a wood heater and a composting toilet.

Going off-grid

After they built it, Rachel and Glenn listed their tiny-home retreat on AirBnB. It’s an off-grid experience for those who want to get away from it all and unplug. When you arrive at this eco-retreat you will park your car, the hosts will check you in and you will then be driven to the cabin by UTV. Once you’re dropped off, it will be up to you to figure out how to get back and forth to your car or the main house. If the hosts are available, they will give you a ride to your car. The hosts also will schedule a checkout and pick up time for you at the end of your stay.

The perfect place to unplug

It has no wifi or TV and cell phone reception is spotty. But don’t fret, there is radio communication in case of an emergency. You’ll also have access to a blue-tooth speaker to play your tunes or podcasts. Once you arrive, you’ll be taught how to use the cabin’s electrical system, water system, and composting toilet. For back-up, there are YouTube videos available to show you as well. One special note is that there is no refrigerator so you’ll have to bring a cooler and ice, or you can purchase ice on site.

A dog friendly retreat

Bring your dog to Case Rock! Glenn and Rachel even provide pet bowls, old towels and pooper scooper bags; all you have to do is bring your dog’s crate, toys and food.

Case Rock sleeps six and has a composting toilet

The cabin sleeps six with two bedrooms, three beds and one bath. It’s stocked with breakfast foods including fresh eggs from Case Rock’s chickens. There is a one burner propane stove, an Instant Pot and gas grill for cooking; however, there is no oven. Shower outside in a shower heated by a propane instant hot water heater. For cooler days and nights there is a wood stove inside and for warmer days there are DC attic fans.

Guests staying at Case Rock also can bring their boats or tubes to use on Locust Fork River. There is only biking and hiking on the trails around the cabin. Guests are not allowed to drive or use motorized vehicles on these trails.

CaseRock Inspired Southerner — Guests can try their hand at fly fishing on the river.

Enjoy fly fishing or the white water rapids on the river

The river is relatively is located at the upper eastern end of the Warrior River Basin. The river is one of three major tributaries of the Black Warrior River that stretches across Blount, Etowah and Marshall counties. The area is very scenic and popular because of its white water and the area is great for hiking. Canoers and kayakers from all over the Southeast flock to the area during the spring and summer to try out the river’s world-class rapids. As far as Case Rock’s availability, Rachel and Glenn say it’s booked all of May and most of June.

Book now on AirBnB

“There are projects ongoing at our farm and we complete them together as a family,” said Rachel. “We love animals, traveling and camping. We meet so many interesting people when we travel. Case Rock is a way for us to combine everything we love about our farm and share it with the world in hopes of teaching people about the environment, sustainability and how to “unplug,” if only for a moment.”

You can follow the story of Case Rock Cabin on Instagram @caserockcabin or book your stay on AirBnB.