Living Beautifully in the Red Hills

The concept represented by this portmanteau combining “stay” and “vacation” has been embraced by people everywhere as a way to explore your own area, to slow down and relax, and to go on holiday without the hassle of traveling.

I’ve also heard it called “nearcation”, “holistay”, “daycation”, and even “microtourism” ~ so clever! But no matter what you call it, I highly recommend it.

The other day... I took a "photosafari" around the historic district here in Thomasville.

Something magical happens when you start looking at the world through a lens. You see details you've never noticed before, like carved wood finials, or a colorful mailbox.

I started seeing the colors on the houses and architectural details through the kaleidoscope of iconic colors created by Annie Sloan for her Chalk Paint line.

BUT, how about if we try to recapture some of the magic of childhood summers? What would that look like? What would it feel like? And I'm talking of childhood summers before the advent of the internet and streaming TV.

This year, I've made a game plan in order to get the most out of the season. I've already started it, and it's got me looking forward to the coming months despite this south Georgia heat!

...And I adore this life, set by minds and hearts within our own true, beloved shop, which opened "on the bricks" in the heart of downtown Thomasville on June 1, 2018.

Okay, so you already knew that we've been open in Thomasville for 8 years, and that we had a tiny little shop for less than a year in Tallahassee before that.

But, did you know this?

As Hannah and I have moved displays around, giving each shelf a spring cleaning and reassembling collections in their new spots, I've reminisced about the collections and why and how they found their way to us (or we found our way to them)!

There's truly a story behind each one and how it revolves around that English/Southern/French theme.

I see a Laura Hillenbrand - style book like Seabiscuit (don't forget the movie!) in the making, don't you?

I must say that I was thrilled, as I'd picked Golden Tempo to win! After watching his background story, I just knew. I had a feeling. And every once in a while, you just have to go with your gut!

And getting to celebrate that win in the historic barn at Greenwood, here in the Red Hills region, was special!

Being unplugged all day and the effect it had on our experience was honestly life-changing. Every single one of the 40,000 patrons was fully present and, as I mentioned above, courteous and friendly. We all actually TALKED to each other ~ even relied on each other.

Even if you are not a golf fan, I highly recommend putting the Masters on your bucket list for the whole patron experience!

Something I see a lot of in English homes is this process: the reuse and reimagining of pieces of furniture, cherishing and honoring the past while also giving them a future.

This particular piece first lived in our bedroom and held sweaters and other items of clothing. Now it holds games and knick-knacks and anchors the wall between two windows below our one TV.

It's March, and the famous "in like a lion and out like a lamb" weather is in full swing. Another phrase associated with this month "March madness" or "mad as a March hare." As you know, we are hare-obsessed here at The Hare & The Hart. Pretty evident, as it (along with our surname) is part of the name of our shop!

I just love pieces with a story, don't you?

I truly believe in trusting your gut and buying something you love WHEN you see it.You can figure out how to fit it in later. I've learned that lesson the hard way a couple of times.

Spring has sprung around here, even though "official" spring isn't for a few weeks. How do I know?

Well, here in south Georgia, we get three early signs...

I didn't think we could top 2025, but so far 2026 seems to be giving her older sister a run for her money!

As we march our way into next month (see what I did there?), I am reflecting on all we've done so far this year.