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Dear Friend,

I am so ready for fall. There's something about flipping the calendar to September that leaves me anticipating cooler days. Maybe it's because I know that by mid-September, I'll feel more energetic and my daily evening walks will be more refreshing.

While your first thoughts of fall color might focus on leaves, the variety of our region's autumn experiences is unbelievable. So when it was suggested to me that we ask Senior Writer Gary Ford and Senior Photographer Mark Sandlin to tour the Lowcountry with author Pat Conroy, I knew fall would be the perfect season to do this. Every time I visit that region during this time of year, I'm struck anew by the place. There is something about the light, about the marsh grass changing from green to gold, about the traditions, and about the locals' passion for their land that makes me realize just how beautiful fall is across the entire South. I know you will agree with that statement when you read this fine piece, which starts on page 82.

Another thing I enjoy about this month's issue is our annual Southern Home Awards presentation. Scattered from Monteagle, Tennessee, to Washington, D.C., and Waterford, Virginia, and then south to the South Carolina coast, these special houses reflect the true style of today's South, as interpreted by the owners and outstanding architects and residential designers who produced them. Turn to page 102 to see all the creative touches these houses possess. They are, I believe, more than worthy of being named Southern Living Southern Home Awards winners.

Yes, fall may not be in the air quite yet, but it is very much on my mind. I predict it will soon be on yours too.

Best regards,

John Alex Floyd Jr

P.S. Time is running out; this is your last chance to give us your opinions on the best things about the South for our Readers' Choice Awards. See page 43 for more information, and visit southernliving.com/features to fill out the survey online.

John Alex Floyd, Jr., Editor

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Sep 2004
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