One unique feature of our hotel was it's embrace of digital technology. We checked in, chose our room, unlocked our door, and checked out on the Hilton app on my phone. Very cool!
After a nice breakfast, we headed east to a little town called Bishopville (SC) where Pearl's Topiary Garden is the main attraction. Pearl Fryar just wanted to win the Yard of the Month prize awarded by a local garden club. After he took a short Topiary lesson at a local nursery, he set out (about 1988) to transform his property into a living sculpture garden that ultimately became a tourist destination, and an international sensation.
His garden now contains over 400 individual plants that are complemented by his " junk" art sculptures placed throughout the garden.
We were the only visitors this morning that was on the cool side, and cloudy. The solitude made the visit more interesting and very intimate. The birds were twittering and singing away.
A small restroom building was tucked into the side of the property and emblazoned with a plaque that noted that it was built with the support of the county and the Coca Cola Company.
As we were leaving Pearl's home, we noticed that a few houses down the street seemed to have lots of topiary as well. We drove further up the street to see that that was the case. I imagine that Pearl Fryar shared his skills with his neighbors.
It started to rain heavily shortly after leaving Bishopville, and continued for most of today's drive to Townsend, TN, just outside Smoky Mountain National Park. By the time we reached North Carolina, we were watching
dogwoods, pawlonia, redbud, and magnolias all in bloom, and set in the pastels of newly leafing hardwoods of all shades of green. As we neared the Smokies, clouds hung low over the hills. At one point, Google announced a slowdown ahead and recommended an
alternate route. So, we left the Interstate, and followed along a gorgeous narrow, winding, 2 lane road bordered by wildflowers and assorted rundown homes. By the time we crossed into Tennessee, it stopped raining, and the sun peeked out for the first time today.
Photos are here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/kCNdXr9Tmv1gNQLY9
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