America the Beautiful

...even in the rain.

Somewhere near Dillard, Georgia, May 31st, 2010

Happy Memorial Day!

The Golden Isle

Just returning from St. Simons Island, I realize the beaches of Georgia's Golden Isles are an acquired taste for many (think gray sand, murky water and a sulfury, stickiness to the air). But while the shore is a bit lacking, The Cloister resort on neighboring Sea Island has managed to transform swampy land into a first-class destination. Racking up every top-notch hotel honor to be had, The Cloister has become the shining star in Georgia's travel trade.


First built in 1928, the mediterranean-style hotel was recently reconstructed in 2006 to incorporate 21st centrury luxury with the original Addison Mizner design (as well as to satisfy modern-day hurricane codes).

Edward Coffin, founder of the Sea Island Company, was fascinated with "the gloom of live oaks, braided, woven and beautiful" on nearby Sapelo Island, which inspired him to buy Sea Island and commision a hotel. His hope was to encourage guests to stay on the island long enough to sell real estate along the five-mile stretch of beach.

Much of the hotel has been completely reimagined, like the award-winning spa.


Other details have been painstakingly rebuilt from the original structure, such as the famed Spanish Lounge with it's coffered ceilings.

Many current and future presidents have vacationed at the hotel, including Barbara and George Bush on their honeymoon in 1945.

Beacause the island is private, the best way to visit the Cloister is to book a room at the hotel.

Bon voyage.

Shelling Out

I am heading to the Georgia seashore this weekend with shells on the brain. As Labor Day signals the end of summer on the East Coast, I am suddenly feeling not-quite-ready for the season to be over.


Lettuce coral is the centerpiece for a table set by Hable Construction founders, Susan Hable Smith and Katherine Hable Sweeny. (Image from Southern Accents).



Michele Oka Doner's collection of shells and shell books in her Miami Beach Library (From At Home with Books).


Ornithological prints framed in ocean-motif decoupage (from Decor Fall/Winter '07).