Thomasville Rose Festival

Under the threat of rain, lightning and tornadoes I kept my resolve to drive the 65-plus miles to Thomasville, GA for their Rose Festival.  Since I left very early (7am), I hoped that by the time I reached my destination the worst part of the weather would have passed.  I decided to drive a bit further south of Thomasville to Pebble Hill Plantation to catch the early morning light on the beautiful grounds there.  I was 30 minutes early for the opening at 10am and, unfortunately, it was still raining.  Undaunted, I paid my admission, parked my car and walked the grounds--camera AND umbrella in hand. 

By 11:30 the weather was finally clearing. I had gotten lost walking around (the place IS ginormous--3,000 acres in total, of which only 77 are open to the public), I had most of the shots I wanted, took a few more for good measure, then headed back to the car. I realized I was famished so enjoyed my brown bag lunch a bit early, and proceeded to my original destination of downtown Thomasville.

If I had to choose to live in Southwest Georgia again, I would most definitely choose to live in Thomasville.  There is an air of elegance and sophistication there that I have not experienced elsewhere in this region. The area was originally chock full of plantation homes similar to Pebble Hill and the affluence--though not quite as grand--is still very apparent.  From the fabulous downtown shops and cafes, to the charming details in the street lamps, clocks and benches that line the streets, it is like a little oasis of cosmopolitan in the middle of corn fields and pecan groves.  As I told the owner of Gecko Gardens Nursery, Thomasville 'has got it goin on!'  He asked me not to tell my northern friends about their well-kept secret!

One of two must-have photographs for my book was of the Lapham Patterson House (above, upper right).  The circa 1885 Queen Anne style home is one of the first winter cottages built in Thomasville, this one by Chicago shoe manufacturer, Charles W. Lapham.  Although no longer open for tours, the 19-room home was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975 because of the numerous unique qualities such as hot and cold running water, gas lighting and built-in closets. 

Ask anybody in Thomasville to direct you to 'the big tree' and they will know exactly what you are looking for and exactly where it is.  At first I thought I would not be able to capture its enormity in the widest setting on my lens, but there was enough area behind the tree to allow me to fit it all in. I got my second must-have photograph, and the sign by the tree says it all...almost.   If you do the calculations, 329 years prior to this tree being dedicated by The National Arborist Association means the little sapling was around well before the signing of the Constitution!  Pretty amazing, I think!

At this point in the day it was after 3pm, more storms were threatening and I was exhausted after walking miles and miles around Pebble Hill and Thomasville, so I decided to pack it in and head home.  A great trip and a great day!