Did you know you can buy Spanish Moss from Amazon?

I clearly remember the first time we entered Savannah, turning onto 37th Street nearly three months ago. Huge oak trees canopied the street and random rays of sunlight squeezed past the Spanish moss, hanging apathetically off branches like the embodiment of sorrow. We drove slowly, transfixed by the beauty of the scene in front of us. Years from now, when I shut my eyes and think “Savannah”, Spanish moss awash in sunlight will be what I see.

Spanish moss doesn’t come from Spain. It’s indigenous to the Southeastern US, spreading from Florida to Maryland and out to Texas. There are a bunch of stories for why it’s named after the Spanish … here’s a particularly poetic one. But most likely, when the English came to the region with Florida already settled by the Spanish, they named this new kind of plant “Spanish beard”.

Spanish moss isn’t a moss, nor is it a parasite. It’s an airborne plant which takes its nutrients directly from the air. It’s actually a member of the same family as the pineapple, which is so bizarre it must be true. Spanish moss doesn’t harm the trees it rests on, predominately Live Oaks and Bald Cypresses, except by making them more wind-resistant which is dangerous during hurricanes.

One of the first things we were told after moving here is that we shouldn’t touch it, because of little bugs which live on it. Of course, this was shortly after we had fashioned a “hilarious” moss outfit for our dog, and wigs for ourselves. I’ve also read that jumping spiders inhabit the plant. So: hands off.

I’ve wondered how much the Spanish moss influences life in the South, if at all. It fits perfectly here, creating an atmosphere of mystery and eccentricity, and also beauty. I don’t know how many pictures of Spanish moss Juergen’s taken during our time in Savannah, but I would guess around a thousand. That’s not hyperbole, that’s my honest guess. Even a cursory glance through our archives will turn up a ton.

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Guide to Starting and Running a Thrift Store

Our guide during our recent day trip to Bluffton, South Carolina was Nancy, who owns and operates a store of miscellaneous eccentricities named … Eggs N Tricities. A large shop packed to the gills with weird, fun stuff, Juergen’s shutter finger was itching like crazy. Nancy also allowed us into her home, which was very similar in feel to her shop, and we got some great shots there, too.

If you’re in Bluffton, make sure and stop by her shop! Regardless of your tastes or interests, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find something you’ll like.

Eggs N Tricities
71 Calhoun St.
Bluffton, SC
843 757 3446
Location on our map

A look inside her house:

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Southern Cooking

About a half hour south of Savannah, in the small village of Townsend, is one of the area’s best-kept secrets: The Old School Diner, owned and operated by Chef Jerome. A couple friends invited Juergen and I to the restaurant, and we had an incredible time which won’t soon be forgotten.

When we pulled into the Old School’s driveway to find it covered in carpets, I suspected we were in for a treat. The wooden building was painted in bright red with farm tools hung on the outside walls, and we entered cautiously. If I hadn’t known in advance that this was a restaurant, nothing would have immediately tipped me off. It felt like we were invading someone’s home — photos were on the walls, comfortable furniture was strewn about, and there was nobody to be seen. As we ventured further inside, a young girl came around a corner to greet us and lead us to our table.

The dining area is big, with room to seat a lot of patrons. We ordered beer and took a look at the menu. There wasn’t much debate about what to order — I mean, with a special called The Wheelchair Platter, you don’t have much choice — you are going to get The Wheelchair Platter. I suppose the name comes from the mode of transportation you’re likely to need afterwards. When it was brought out, my veins seized up in fear and my stomach shuddered in ecstasy. Mountains of fried food — oysters, shrimp, chicken. Clam bakes and ribs. We were five hungry people, and although everything was delicious, we couldn’t finish it.

The evening really got going when Chef Jerome came out of the kitchen to greet us. He does all the cooking, and clearly enjoys meeting the people who’ve discovered his little place. The first thing he did was give us all big bear hugs. “You’re family here”. And he meant it! He took us on a tour around the restaurant, telling us about his life and work. We saw pictures of famous people who’ve eaten there, including Ben Affleck and Michael Oher (from the Blind Side). He showed us love letters he’s written to his wife over the years (complete with drawings) and into his kitchen and its wall-to-wall deep fryers. The staff clearly love him, and were just as friendly and welcoming as their boss.

I think we spent about an hour talking to Chef Jerome, and he even walked us out onto the carpeted driveway to say goodbye. “Don’t forget now! This is your home, and you are family when you’re here!” And as I gave him a final farewell hug, I didn’t doubt it. It was an incredible night, and the Old School Diner is truly a special place.

Official Website

Location on our Georgia map

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