Take a huge Greek style mansion, an interior designer with a pro-southern artistic flair, a renowned artist and you get a beautiful B&B in Newnan, Georgia called The Old Garden Inn.

The exterior is so majestic you know you are in for a treat upon entering. As you enter, a dining table for 8 is on your left and a sitting area with floral chairs, sofa and matching drapes is to your right. This area was used as a dance studio in earlier days, so you can imagine the size of the entryway. Three ceiling fans and air conditioner cool the area where guests gather. Live plants all around brought back thoughts of New Orleans to me. All the rooms were huge with 12-foot ceilings. Just before ascending the grand staircase is an area where refreshments in the refrigerator are kept for guests. These include, iced tea, Pepsi, Diet Coke, Sprite, raspberry tea, ice, candy for the kids, and a cappucino machine.

Our room upstairs had color TV (120 channels!), a wonderful king size bed, refrigerator, overhead fan, air conditioner, overstuffed chairs, thick tapestry rug and huge 8-foot windows. The private bath had a 6-foot pedestal tub, bubble baths and lots of thick towels.

We spent much of the day talking with Patty & Ron about their television shows, cookbook and the soon-to-be-launched domain - "All About The South". Some of our time was spent talking as we relaxed on the enormous front porch in rocking chairs. Above the porch, but still under the roof, was a balcony from the second floor. A great place to relax and read a book!

Out back was a waterfall in the landscaped yard and a cottage that was every bit as charming as the main house. There are 5 guest rooms in the main house, all beautifully decorated.

The next morning, Ron prepared a great breakfast with a fruit dish with strawberries, bananas, blueberries with whipped cream and raspberry sauce and yogurt. This was followed by omelets, bacon and homemade bread with orange juice, coffee and tea.

Patty arrived from the latest broadcast of her TV show just in time to send us on our way back to Sumter. Be sure to visit the Old Garden Inn Website and be sure to keep an eye out for All About The South!