Travel Archives - Inspired Southerner

Birmingham mother takes family on exotic adventures during quarantine

May 2, 2020 By Kara Kennedy

Inspired Southerner Quarantine Travels — Brittany Todd Miller and her daughter sip on tea in London

Parents have had to come up with more ways than ever before to entertain their children during these uncertain times. Many families have also taken this time to become closer by learning new things together. A Birmingham, Alabama mother recently took things to a higher level and amazed friends and family with her adventures called the ‘Quarantine Travel series.’

Inspired Southerner Quarantine Travels to Italy — The Miller family first themed dinner was in Italy

No traveling during COVID-19

Brittany Todd Miller, a children’s party planner, used her creative ideas to help her husband, four-year-old daughter and one-year-old son experience imaginary and real-life exotic places during Alabama’s safer at home order. The quarantine travels also helped the family take their minds off of what is going on in the world with the COVID-19 virus.

“The ideas came to me when I was making spaghetti for dinner one night and calling it Italian night,” said Brittany, owner of Parties By B. “So, I called my husband and told him that since flights now are so cheap, that I went ahead and purchased some tickets to Italy and that I hope he didn’t mind. Of course, he didn’t believe me, but it did spark the idea to pretend like we were visiting Italy while eating dinner that night.”

Dinner in Italy, India, Japan and Arendelle

By the time her husband got home that night, she had set the stage with props, for a pretend plane ride, complete with clouds, cafe lights and she made a gondola. After visiting Italy, the family embarked on many adventures around and out of this world including, India, Japan, Arendelle (the fictitious town in Disney’s Frozen, and chosen by Miller’s four-year-old daughter), Outer Space and England. The destinations were chosen based on what she was cooking for dinner and what decorations she had on hand. She also created some of the decorations with lots of hot glue and spray paint. Each themed dinner exhibited Miller’s attention to detail.

Big Ben, London’s Tube and High Tea

Her most recent dinner in London was complete with a replica of Big Ben and a ride on London’s Tube. Simply put it was amazing.

“During this time in our life, community and world I believe that it is important to keep my family happy and safe. I’ve always loved themed parties and I used this family home time as an opportunity to use my gifts and make some fun family memories,” added Brittany.

Brittany’s daughter caught on to the travel fun immediately and loved the adventures as much as she did. Prior to ‘visiting’ or taking the adventure, the family learned something about each country or destination by watching YouTube videos and Disney movies. In addition, Brittany taught her daughter about each destination through activities themed crafts and coloring activities.

She goes on to say that some of her family chores took a backseat during this time but the most important thing is that it was a learning experience for her children and other family members. You can follow more of Brittany’s creative party ideas on Instagram at Parties By B.

Alabama design firm wins national awards for Bicentennial PastPort

December 18, 2019 By Kara Kennedy

Inspired Southerner PASTPORT — Tatum Design’s creative work for the PastPort wins local, regional and national awards

Tatum Design ‘s work for the Alabama Bicentennial PastPort initiative has earned 39 creative awards at the local, regional and national levels. To date, the PastPort has won 34 ADDY Awards, including four Golds and 20 Silvers at the local level, a “Best of Show” and five Gold regional ADDY Awards, and three Golds and one Silver at the 2018 American Advertising Award’s National ADDY competition in Chicago.

Award-winning PastPort Initiative

The PastPort brand and identity was the “Grand Prize Winner” and “Best of Region – South” at the 2018 HOW/PRINT Regional Design Awards and was selected to be featured in the prestigious 2020 Graphis Design Annual. Posters designed for the initiative will also be honored in the 2020 Graphis Poster Annual. The PastPort APP, which was designed by Tatum and programmed by MotionMobs, was showcased at this year’s Google Flutter Conference.

Tatum Design — The Alabama PastPort tells unique stories about the history of the state.

Alabama Travel and Tourism

The Alabama Bicentennial Commission reached out to Tatum four years ago to help create a collateral piece that would encourage travel throughout the state leading up to Alabama’s 200th anniversary. However, Tatum envisioned something much bigger. As an Alabama-based design firm, they wanted to create a multi-faceted initiative that would set the tone for the entire statewide celebration and bring Alabama history to life like never before.

Tatum Design PastPort — Tatum Design led the PastPort creative and won 39 design awards

History in the Making

Tatum’s goal was to celebrate every county in the state, big and small, equally. Inspired by historical people, places and events, Tatum named the initiative and crafted an immersive brand that would allow people of all ages to personally connect with Alabama history and chronicle their adventures at stamp sites within every county as they explored the state. Tatum wanted the PastPort book to serve as an educational resource, travel guide and commemorative keepsake.

Alabama PastPort — Travelers learn about Alabama’s history with the PastPort

Collaborating with Alabama Bicentennial

Tatum designed custom artwork and wrote lively narratives for all 67 counties and each of the state’s seven geographical regions. The curation of subject matter was a collaborative process between Tatum Design and the Alabama Bicentennial Commission, as well as state archivists, historians and the Encyclopedia of Alabama. The research was a vital part of Tatum’s creative process, guiding the narratives and inspiring the custom artwork Tatum created for the PastPort book.

“We wanted to tell the full, unbridled story, not just the familiar historical accounts we all learned in school,” said Wendy Tatum, Co-owner and Creative Director of Tatum Desig n. For the larger counties where well-known events took place, we dug deeper to bring the lesser-known details to light. While researching the smaller, more rural counties, we were led on adventures that uncovered more pieces of the puzzle and confirmed that every square inch of Alabama is uniquely fascinating, and every county plays an important role in the larger story of our state.”

The Creative Process

Prior to the implementation of the PastPort initiative, Tatum tested its concept through extensive visioning exercises and helped attract sponsors by designing prototypes to demonstrate how all of the brand touchpoints would work together. From conception to launch, the project took 18 months to complete and required the tireless dedication of Tatum’s entire creative team.

Tatum Design Alabama PastPort — Travelers are encouraged to get their PastPort stamped when visiting Alabama attractions

“This was a project that was close to our hearts,” said Travis Tatum, Co-owner and Executive Creative Director of Tatum Design. “Our team is extremely collaborative by nature and by design. As Alabamians and as creatives, we felt a deep sense of responsibility to capture the true spirit of our people, our land and our history. We are truly honored to have led the creative efforts of this monumental initiative, and we are humbled by the overwhelming recognition our firm has received from so many prestigious design competitions.”

For more information about Tatum Design, visit www.tatumdesign.com.

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