Wednesday, May 27, 2009

A Small Town House and Garden Tour

I'd like to thank our gracious hostess Susan at A Southern Daydreamer, for taking the time to host our "Outdoor Wednesdays."

Yesterday I drove to a little town called Crystal Springs, Mississippi, which is about an hour's drive southeast of Vicksburg. It was my first visit to Crystal Springs, and I really didn't know what to expect, which always makes my exploring more fun.

The thing that impressed me most were the beautiful old houses lining the streets leading to the downtown business district. They reminded me of houses you see on post cards or calendars ... not really what you think of as elaborate or grand ... but oh, so pretty and "homey" looking. There were picket fences and flower gardens, swings and benches, arbors and trellises, and gazing balls and bottle trees. Everywhere I looked there was something beckoning me to "come sit a spell."

Like this pretty yellow house with its side-yard garden (you can click on the pictures to enlarge them, if you'd like) ...


And backyard flower gardens reminiscent of our grandmothers' gardens ...


This house was built in 1859 ...

I love these colorful bottle trees ...



This beautiful transparent gazing ball was in a rose garden on a side street ...

Isn't it beautiful!
It looks like a giant bubble resting on the roses ...

I love this old-fashioned looking arbor welcoming guests up the steps, and the two colorful Japanese Maples ...

Isn't that a pretty door on this little house,
and I love the old bench on the porch ...

My camera couldn't capture the peaceful, nostalgic aura surrounding these old houses and yards, but I felt it. And you can, too ... in small towns all across America. All you have to do is look for it.

18 comments:

Stacey said...

I know the feeling well. I understand why you feel so drawn to those homes. You found some exceptionally pretty little cottages to visit. Thanks for taking us along.

Anonymous said...

I just love driving by or walking by these kinds of homes. They just bring up feelings of comfort and coziness don't they? Thanks for sharing.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Love Bears All Things said...

Loved sharing your visit to this quaint town. I love strolling through one of our Southern towns like that.
Mama Bear

August Rose said...

I don't know if you have ever been to Eufaula Alabama; but the houses their we're saved from burning during the Civil War. It is a beautiful place and I tell my husband it is one of the places you know you would like to live.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Janie, I loved your tour. I particularly love that house built in 1859. Crystal Springs is charming, and you captured that for us beautifully on your tour. Small town America is what made our country so special. Thanks for sharing the specialness in these pictures. Oh, and I LOVE the bottle tree!

Hoping your day is wonderful!

Happy Outdoor Wednesday...


XO,

Sheila :-)

The Quintessential Magpie said...

And the gazing ball is so pretty, too! It does look just like a giant bubble! :-)

Unknown said...

Hi Janie,
This is such a pretty little town! I enjoyed your photo tour!

Sue said...

Hi Janie,
I have really enjoyed this tour with you, these homes and gardens are so beautiful. I clicked on them and really got a very good close-up view. Your photography is outstanding!! I too enjoy going to quaint little towns and seeing these old homes that have been well taken care of, though once in a while I see some that have not and my heart just breaks. Thank you for sharing.
Sue

StitchinByTheLake said...

I want that yellow house! I wonder if they'd just let me move it here to the lake. :) blessings, marlene

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

Happy Outdoor Wednesday Janie! Oh my goodness...what a beautiful day you picked for your drive...and such beautiful houses! I am drawn to similar ones! Thanks for sharing your photos.~ Susan

Christi @ A Southern Life said...

What great pictures. I love small towns. You are right there is just something about old homes in a small town. Thanks for sharing.

Tonja said...

I love the houses. Wouldn't you love to see inside of them? I bet they are all full of character...and each a little different. I feel like I could be 'at home' in any of them.

How Southern are those bottle trees? So funny...I wonder if any other places in the country have those?

Brenda Pruitt said...

I so enjoy home and garden tours in my neck of the woods. I like to see what others in my locale can grow, so I know what I can grow also. And how they decorate their yards. So much fun!
Brenda

Barbara said...

My goodness Janie there are so many lovely and historic places near your home. Crystal Springs is wonderful. One day I hope to get over to your neck of the woods and see this for my self.

Happy Outdoor Wednesday.

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

These homes are so pretty, Janie. The gardens, too. Thanks so much for sharing.

Picket said...

Hey girl...just looking at these beautiful homes is like medicine for my soul...I loved this tour girl..places like this just make you smile from ear to ear and let out a big ol sigh....I miss the simpler times of life....I could live in any of those beautiful homes and just be in heaven!
Thanks so much for coming by and checking on my sweetie....it is getting better with each day...still hard....but better...take care dear friend and have a great week!

Anonymous said...

Morning Janie! I must go in search of a clear gazing ball!! I have 2 opaque ones but love the "bubble" effect!! I'd move into the charcoal grey home with the adorable gingerbread trim! You always have such beautiful homes to gaze at!! I should start going around town looking for some too! I know there must be lots given our town's age!!! (I'll add that to the need to do list!!lol) Hope all is well with you! Sincerely, Jeannette (BTW cherries I love and just finished a pound; wish the price would come down!!lol)

CurtissAnn said...

I thoroughly enjoyed the tour of the beautiful old homes. Reminds me of my hometown in NC. Loved seeing the gardens, inspiring. Thanks for sharing.