Looking for a quiet get-a-way in town? Unbelievable is this hidden gem, The Villa at 15 Taylor Circle, Lexington.

It’s tucked away off the beaten path. For almost 2 decades. owners Rebecca and her son Cody Hawkins have transformed the historic property into plush and exotic gardens, historic buildings, architecture and sculpture. You feel as if you’ve stepped into an Italian fantasy a mere stone’s throw from downtown.

Last weekend The Villa held an invitation only event featuring items for sale such as Jo Mayer’s vintage goods, Joyce Carter’s designer handmade wreaths, Benjamin Yarborough’s charcuterie boards made from native hardwoods and handmade soaps, candles and a variety of jewelry.

The original proprietor, Charlie Taylor, a Lexington senator, 1929-1932, owned a granite rock quarry. He built his own bungalow and grounds. In 1929, he used blue granite, our state stone, to build the Carriage House nestled in his flourishing gardens. His deep front porch “porte cochère” was typical of the period.

Blue granite is the same stone he donated for the Lake Murray Dam entrance.

The Villa is the bungalow surrounded by blue granite buildings, Mountain Laurel Bay magnolias and hemlocks.

The previous owners were commercial photographers at Sherwood Studios at 15 Taylor Circle. Over the years, hundreds of bridal portraits were made there.

To plan a visit to The Villa, contact them at Rebeccahawkins63@icloud.com

Thanks to Christy Cox and Anne Bull.

DID YOU EAT Mexican fare or sip a Margarita or a Corona Wednesday on Cinco de Mayo day? Cinco de Mayo is celebrated with parades, battle re-enactments, mariachi music and fireworks.

For many years Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the US inaccurately promoted it as Mexican Independence Day. Cinco de Mayo is a day to celebrate freedom and liberty although it is not a national holiday in Mexico. It is a school and official holiday in the State of Puebla where the battle took place.

The US has about 54,000 Mexican restaurants and we spend about $2.9 billion on margaritas a year.

The most popular traditional dish in Mexico for Cinco de Mayo is mole poblano, a rich sauce made from chocolate and chilies.

COMING UP Sunday is Mother’s Day when we honor all mothers with love and pride. It is the biggest card and telephone day as everyone reaches out to express gratitude. Restaurants are filled with reservations so Mom doesn’t cook on her day. Families make it a day of celebration and remembrance.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden offers Mother’s Day Brunch To Go. Curbside pickup 4 – 7 pm May 7. Treat Mom to a scrumptious brunch and surprise her with a handpicked plant from Riverbanks Botanical Garden. The family feast includes chicken cannelloni, quiche, salads, sides, dessert and a bottle of prosecco. Your purchase provides vital support to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

MANY OF US contributed through Midlands Gives Tuesday with a donation to favorite nonprofits sponsored by Central Carolina Community Foundation.

SHEPHERD’S CENTER of Lexington will be back with Adventures in Learning Sept. 23 – Oct. 28. Brochures will be mailed in August. For details, email chair@sclex.org or shepherd@lexumcsc.com .

MANY WILL COME tonight, May 6, for the Tams concert, 6:30 pm, Icehouse Amphitheater. The Wine Walk is Saturday 6-10 pm, also at the Icehouse Amphitheater.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Carolyn Campbell, Linda Kirszenbaum, Bailey Black, Kaidyn Glover, Turner Owen, Rick Dawkins, Dorothy Leaphart, Will Rodgers, Richard Hobson, Dee Lide, Myra Strock, Caroline Haggard, Beth Caddell, Agnes Corley, Chandler Rebottaro, Jordan Meetze, Pastor Pat Riddle, Jocelyn Summerall, John Joseph Goodman, Mike Brittingham, Ted Howard, Adam Barnes, Kelley Blashka, Juliette Pepper, Shaun Wessinger, Gavin Gaskins and Lauren Taylor.

DORIS WALKER’S 94th birthday is May 7. The family plans a dutch treat lunch at Lizard’s Thicket on US1 near the Barnyard Flea Market, Saturday, May 8 at 2 pm. To join them, contact Vicki Dooley at 803-359-4777 and cell 803-360-6811.

Riverbanks Press, publisher of Jerry Bellune’s new “Your Life’s Great Purpose” available at Amazon.com, sponsors Daisy Harman’s column.