Time to check out of the Springhill Suites, next stop "Bishopville, SC"
I guess it's my turn to drive. Don't worry mom, I got this!
Welcome to Bishopville. Where in the world is Bishopville and why would anyone want to go to this small town located between Columbia and Fayetteville, South Carolina? Get ready to be amazed!
Wow! would you believe that this is a photo of trees and shrubs that have been pruned, trimmed and shaped by one extraordinary man. As my friends would say, "Who does that".
Meet Mr. Pearl Fryar, a 72 year old self-made artist of nature. Yes, that's what I said, he has never taken one class to learn this tremendous trade, it is simply a God given Gift and he is using it well and sharing it with the world.
Mr. Fryar not only turn trees into art, he also takes junk and turns it into art and places it in his garden. It is amazing to listen to him tell the story of how he has learned to train the trees to grow the way he wants them to and create something special.
Throughout the garden you are inspired by the words, Love, Peace and Goodwill. He has one piece that says, "Hate Hurts" and he took the time to explain to us that people who hate are unhappy and miserable and his words of wisdom was to surround yourself with positive people and be happy.
Here we are, Erika, Dominique, Mr. Pearl Fryar, and me standing in his garden, taking in his wisdom and inspiration, you could just feel the "Joy Rising" within everyone who listened to his guided tour. This has been the highlight of the day, needless to say. Mr. Fryar has a degree in Math & Chemistry and received it 50 years ago. He started his garden at age 40 (No, it's never to late to begin anew). Before leaving, he asked if he could give us a hug and of course we were happy to hug this very talented man. You can look at him and see how physically fit he is, however, I was amazed at how hard his chest is, solid as a rock. He moves around with ease, makes you want to get in shape so you can be as active as he is at age 72.
Just me, styling and profiling in the Topiary Garden
Water fountains are all throughout this magnificent place which adds to it's beauty.
Dominique having fun underneath a topiary arch. Such a gorgeous place on earth.
Crossing the South Carolina/North Carolina boarder!
North Carolina come on and raise up!!!!! 2 states down, several to go...
Pulling into Raleigh, NC, for a nightly pit stop. Can you believe it is called, "City of Oaks" because it has a lot of Oak Trees, really Raleigh, really?????
Staying at the Residence Inn tonight. Always good to stay at a place that offers a hot breakfast, evening treats, and a cool room with comfortable beds.
Stopped by the Verdi Chocolitier, specializing in dark chocolate for a quick tour. It's closed on Tuesday but the nice owners of the place where inside working and took the time to let us in to see how and where the goodness is made. We got a free sample of dark chocolate....um, um good
It's not always good to ask the folks at the hotel where you should go to eat. I've come to understand that good food to one person is not good food to another. Well, what can I say about "The Pit - Authentic Barbeque". We went to their website to see what they had to offer before venturing out and here's the two things that stood out 1) The best BBQ east of the Smoky Mountains and 2) The best fried chicken in Raleigh. For those of you who have enjoyed BBQ Babyback Ribs & Fried Chicken at the Morris Home would have been as disappointed as we were. The only good thing about this meal is that we didn't finish eating it, no need to waste good calories on bad food. If you are ever in Raleigh, don't bother stopping at this joint. No Indeed!
Here's what we left at the restaurant. This was just a donation, how do you explain to the restaurant manager that you really didn't like any of their food. We just let it go and moved on. I knew we should have went to a restaurant that served salads!
Beautiful view of Downtown Raleigh!
Last stop of the day was the North Carolina Farmers Market. A huge lot full of natural grown foods and flowers all from the state of North Carolina. Although, disappointed with the food, and lack of things to do, Raleigh gave us some beautiful views and relaxation. Check back tomorrow to see what city the Morris Family will take on next....
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