Southern Lady July/August 2020

As I write this, our region and our world are in the midst of one of the greatest challenges we have faced in modern history. Sheltering at home in these uncertain times, I’ve taken solace in the most basic of comforts—mornings spent in solitude and prayer amid my garden; baking familiar favorites and trying the occasional new recipe; connecting with my kids and grandkids through the magic of technology. Perhaps you have done the same. One thing I know: nothing lasts forever. I hope that when this is all over, we’ll come away with hearts full of wisdom, strength, and renewed purpose. In the meantime, our July/August issue is brimming with moments of beauty and joy that embody the spirit of the South. On page 103, you’ll find a collection of…

WATERFRONT WONDERS I have never met a beach I didn’t love, and the South is blessed with some of the most gorgeous coastlines on earth. From the powdery sands of the Gulf Coast to the crashing surf along the Outer Banks and the shell-laden shores of Sanibel Island, each of them holds distinctive personality and one-of-a-kind appeal. While a coastal vacation may not be in the cards this summer, armchair travel has its rewards—you can almost feel the breeze and smell the salt air as you flip through our stunning photos of Beaufort, South Carolina (page 93), among the loveliest of Lowcountry gems. On page 23, we introduce you to Sanderling Resort, a luxuriously renewed waterside spot in Duck, North Carolina. Put it on your wish list for a getaway to…

WHAT INSPIRES YOU? WE’D LOVE TO SEE—TAG US IN YOUR PHOTOS! Get a glimpse of the beautiful images our social media friends have shared with us, capturing their own inspiration from the pages of Southern Lady. Top row: Delicate flavors of plum, fig, and thyme mingle in @mustloveherbs’ tarts, resembling lovely rose blossoms. Garden salads served in miniature terra-cotta pots stand out in @thevelvetboxwood’s tablescape, photographed by @jpelkeyphoto. The epitome of Southern charm, @adventuresingrace captures a stroll down Rainbow Row in Charleston. Middle row: A farmhouse sink, natural light, and freshly picked zinnias create a dreamy kitchen for @simplysoutherncottage. Cascading pink flowers on a white picket fence are a cheerful sight from @thepartywagon. Bottom row: Striped blue-and-white flatware and ruby flora give a patriotic feel to this setting by @sashanicholas. Cozy…

Making her way through colorful aisles of lisianthus, zinnias, and more, Natasha McCrary’s smile broadens as affectionate ‘Babydoll’ Southdown sheep nuzzle into her open arms. “I love everything about the farm, but the sheep are my favorite,” says Natasha, whose passion for nature, affinity for flowers, and entrepreneurial spirit sustain 1818 Farms in the tiny north Alabama town of Mooresville. When her family bought a rare breed of sheep in the early 2000s, Natasha’s new farming life unfurled, inspiring her to create therapeutic-grade bath and body products. She honors the sweet-faced fauna and other resident creatures by incorporating their likenesses into the 1818 Farms collection of pampering products and more. “What better way to share my love [for the animals] than by having them as our cover guys and cover girls…

Just outside the small seaside town of Duck, North Carolina, Sanderling Resort harbors a serene escape that emulates the slow, steady pace of the tide washing up on the 13 acres of secluded beachfront beyond its doors. With water in all directions and a balcony off of every room, you can relish sunrises over the Atlantic Ocean to the east followed by brilliant dusk displays across the tranquil Currituck Sound to the west. In between, contemporary extravagances ensconced in historic allure await, including a restored 1874 lifesaving station-turned-restaurant and a rare complete set of John James Audubon’s avian studies. “Sanderling Resort offers Southern charm with a modern sensibility,” says Wendy Murray, director of sales and marketing. “It’s the perfect place for people to leave their crazy lives at the bridge and…