I soak my beans (navy or great northern) during the day and put them in the crock pot at night so they can cook all night. I let them cool some in the morning and then put them in the frig to reheat for dinner.
I plop in celery, tons of chopped onions, diced or shredded carrots at the beginning along with either ham, bacon or jowls. I also add garlic and some dried red chili for a little kick. Later I'll dump in rotel tomatoes.
Mine are not your typical "southern" beans but we like them with a little more flavor.