August 24, Black Kitten

You know it’s not a good sign when the employees at a Visitor Center struggle to give you information on what to do in their state. The good thing is the two things they informed me on were awesome.

The town of St. Michaels Maryland boasts it is one of Americas cutest towns and I would have to agree. I fell in love with this town and wanted to buy so much here. It also helps that its closest city, Easton was equally quant but larger in size. I cannot say the same thing about the town I went through earlier. Cambridge could be a cool historic place but needs some work and better marked roads. It wasn’t horrible but Easton is definitely where the action is.

Also in Easton is the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, or something like that. This very large, working harbor is such a gem. You can watch boats being made, see art, and play on the pier and try your luck at different types of fishing. Not to mention the different exhibits and great information on the history of the Bay. I was able to climb an old light house and watch some cool videos. I could have learned a lot too but wasn’t in the mood to retain information.

Leaving Easton I headed directly for Annapolis but unfortunately arrived too late. The last tour took place at 2:30pm and I had just missed the last trolley tour of the historic city. Knowing I would be back down this way I decided to leave and head to Baltimore. Baltimore seems like a GREAT city but not car friendly. Parking was crazy expensive and traffic insane. I decided flying into Baltimore would be the best way to explore the city as well as DC. I know I will get there someday soon and plans are already underway.

Leaving Baltimore I headed for a familiar home in Philadelphia. I was treated to homemade dinner, a cute movie and good old hanging out. The night ended with clothes, Gilmore Girls, and internet.

August 23, Malaria

I have seen the Norfolk Airport and it is very cute. I unfortunately had to see the airport because I dropped off my travel my buddy. I then drove the beautiful approach to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens but did not feel like walking around the grounds so I turned around.

After a stop in a church parking lot to figure out my attack for the day I drove through downtown Norfolk on my way to the Chesapeake Bridge Tunnel. The bridge was so fun to experience but expensive. I also should have stopped at the lookout but for some reason did not. Oh well.

Once on the other side I think I was given the entire contents of the welcome center. I made the decision to make four stops on my way to Assateague Island National Seashore. Attractions on route 13 was not marked well and I somehow missed all of my stops. They weren’t marked and the road went much quicker than I thought. Oh well.

Once at the Island I was rather frustrated. The mosquitoes made it almost unbearable. I reached the historic lighthouse and had to turn around for repellent. Then I had to run to the lookout due to bugs. If I stopped they would literally cover me. On the way back I swung my bag to protect my legs and waved my hand in front of my face for the entire way. I do not think my repellent, which I reapplied several times, did anything and it was deet. Thank goodness there is no malaria in the States.

After a quick change and stop at my second visitor center I made my way to the beach. Here I was able to relax bug free for hours. I caught up writing in my journal, people watched, took a walk, and just enjoyed the beach. Not to mention I did see some horses. I am still confused if they were the wild wild ones or the fire department wild ones.

After a walk on the beach it was time to “shower,” change, and organize the car. Then the mosquito’s started again. On a positive note. Someone left two very nice baseball gloves in the changing area and no one stole them. Yay good people, sad for the people who left the gloves.

I do not like driving at night. No I am not scared, and yes I can see fine at night. What I don’t like is that I miss stuff. Like scenic byways. Oh well. I should have looked at why I wanted to go the highlighted place on my map before driving there. I made it to Belrin, MD. I realized I did not need to repeat the National Park and didn’t have a good place to stay so I headed to Salisbury. I may have missed a lot from driving at night but something tells me I did not miss much in Maryland.

August 22, Adventurous Souls

Supposedly there were guys four wheeling in the woods all night but we luckily heard none of it. After a very helpful stop at the Hopewell Visitor Center in Virginia we were on our way. Why was it helpful? We learned that many of the historic plantations in Virginia have been closed to the public due to costs. This also helped us decide which of the two open plantations we would visit. The lady also informed us of the closest Cracker Barrel.

We chose to visit Shirley Plantation off of Route 5. Very much worth it. We had an amazing tour guide and it was a beautiful, beautiful set up. I highly recommend this location and tour. I was happy we arrived early to beat the crowd. Not to mention the entrance was perfect.

Leaving the plantation we headed to Williamsburg. We did not enter Colonial Williamsburg but we did do something every citizen of the United States should do, ate at Cracker Barrel and browsed the gift shop.

Leaving lunch we drove over a bridge with a tunnel in the middle of it to get to Norfolk. We spent some time at another Visitor Center trying to find a place to stay. Who knew camping in the Virginia Coastal area would be so scarce and expensive. A decision was finally made so we headed to the Beach.

Unbeknown to me we were not actually in Virginia Beach. We were in the free parking free beach area of Norfolk. It was not the most beautiful beach and there were jellyfish BUT it had plenty of life guards. After an hour I got the jitters and was ready to leave. We then discussed/moaned about what to do but weather made the decision for us. We heard whistles and , “Out of the water, off the beach, thunder in the area.”

Not wanting to drive an hour total out of the way we passed on seeing Virginia Beach. Instead we drove around the sad, almost deserted, downtown of Newport News. Not much going on in this city, at all, so we drove to a shopping plaza in Hampton to kill some time.

The night ended with new friends, a jam session, movies, and fun conversations.

August 21, It’s hot in the tent

We put the tent away dryer then when we set it up and headed to the Natural Bridge. This may be the most bizarre place and mixture of attractions you get with one ticket. The Natural Bridge was really beautiful and serene. I am so happy to have seen it and been able to walk along its path. We did however feel it would be better if the price was lower and not all the attractions had to be visited. The small Indian Village was nice for people who have never experienced one and the natural sites were nice. The random toy museum, was museum and was factory tour were not only random but also had some creepy elements. I am glad to have seen them only to say I have been there. I understand trying to act upon the crowd the bridge draws in but I do not know if it really fit.

After our disbelief of randomness and the price we headed to Waffle House in Lexington, VA to give Tes another first time experience. After breakfast for lunch we walked around the absolutely gorgeous town of Lexington. We toured “Stonewall” Jackson’s home, saw some of the campus of the Virginia Military Academy and Washington and Lee, Victorian Homes, Antebellum Homes, and much more. We both loved this small beautiful town.

Leaving Lexington on U.S 60 we wound are way through the mountains to Richmond. Due to time we did a quick drive through stopping in a gorgeous park, driving through the artsy end as well as the partly cobblestoned downtown and restaurant district. Seems like a beautiful city.

The night ended with a swim in the campgrounds pool, view of the lake, and a few games on Tes’s iPhone. Not too shabby.

August 20, A Very Blue Ridge

In the fashion of true princesses we awoke late. Then it was back to road trip realty. Filled the car with gas, drove through the Biltmore Village and part of Asheville, then we were on the road once again.

Today’s adventure was beautiful, slow and windy. We entered the Blue Ridge Parkway in Marion, North Carolina and did not leave until six hour later near Galax, Virginia. If it were not for the recommendation of Micki’s dad we would have missed out in this amazing road and the Biltmore.

This Parkway is beautiful and long. There is almost nothing along the way unless you exit the Parkway to Route 221. We did stop at the only restaurant but did not get what they are known for which was a mistake. We missed an old mill but walked around a small settlement and a large gorgeous home. I am glad these homes are open to the public but I would rather be selfish, buy them myself and close it to the public. This old Victorian had an amazing view, barn, and location. Someday when I am ridiculously wealthy it will be mine. At least I can dream and until then it is in the good care of the National Parks Service.

Once on the main highways again it was time for decisions. Luckily I saw a billboard for the Natural Bridge. On a whim and memories of a friend from back in the day, we headed that way. After making a few calls for a campsite we ended at Cave Mountain Lake in the Jefferson National Forest. Tes is now a pro at setting up tents and this will give it a chance to dry out. We also got to talk to our neighbor which is always interesting.

August 19, Sir and Maam

After a very loud, restless, and at times scary night, we packed our wet tent into the car. I have never camped in such heavy rain. It was intense and exciting. However, when the lightening started I began to worry. All is well now and we survived. It was also fun to watch Tes put up a tent for the first time.

We began the day with a “hike” in the Smoky Mountains. Due to the weather we decided to not back track and due an elevation hike for fear there would be no visibility. Instead we had a nice 3mile walk in the woods and played on a fun log foot bridge.

After our walk and quick change we made our way out of the park and through some very interesting small towns. A small stop to put in air in the tires took place and then we were on our way to be princesses.

Instead of paying 60 dollars each to tour the Biltmore Estate we decided to take advantage of a promotion the Inn was having and treat ourselves to the full Vanderbilt, Biltmore experience. With this we got a night in the new Inn in a mountain view room, use of the Inn shuttle equipped with very informative drivers, and entrance to the actual house.

Oh my goodness. In all my years of touring houses, mansions, and plantations I have never experienced a location such as this. I honestly do not think there is anything like it in the United States. There may be some comparable in Europe but nothing Tes nor I have seen. The gardens are all beautifully well kept, the self guided tour was sufficient, and the stables turned shops are great to see. Words cannot adequately describe this house. Although expensive one must go see it for themselves.

The only negative would be the price. 60 dollars is a little extreme for en entrance fee. You must then purchase the audio tour for another 15 dollars. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and helpful so I do not think the audio tour is a necessity. I understand upkeep and renovation fees are large but it still seems steep. There quote is something very strange about profit. With that being said, and my personal feelings about the money issue, if I were in Asheville again I would probably go back.

We then hopped aboard our personal Inn shuttle and headed to the Antler Village. This would be the shopping and dining area not located at the Estate House but on the property. The area was beautiful set up and we were able to enjoy very good live music. We went on a complimentary wine tour and took full advantage of the wine samplings and Biltmore food product sampling. If that were not enough we then headed to dinner.

At dinner we enjoyed a good dinner with some unique English appetizers thanks to Tes’s mom. Dinner was followed by ice-cream from the Creamery, some phone calls home and to friends, and then a fluffy bed. The entire history of this estate is unique and mind-blowing. Things were definitely different then.

August 18, Pigeons

Big thanks to Jill and Goodbye to Nashville. After a fun trip looking for I-40 we were on our way to Knoxville. Knoxville is not a bad city to look at but doesn’t really have much going on. It seems fun with character but after an hour we were ready to leave. Only the train got in our way. The best part of Knoxville were the cowboy boots rain boots I tried on and the fun store they were in.

After Knoxville we drove down a very commercial highway right into the town of Pigeon Forge. This place really reminded me of Branson Missouri and it was oober tourist honky tonk. Repeats of chain restaurants were prevalent on the street and any game you could think of. It may be great for kids but it wasn’t our cup of tea.

After Pigeon Forge we were very skeptical of Gatlinburg. We thought it would have some historic homes and be like Charleston, but we were mistaken. The eight mile artisan loop redeemed the town from my doubts and I wish I had more time to explore the local artists work. The downtown was still honky tonk but with a little more class and variety. Thanks goodness the Smoky Mountain National Park is nearby to get away from the congestion.

You have to have a real sense of adventure and love of the catered to tourist towns to enjoy this area. I could see how one could spend a week here between Dollywood, shows, gaming activities, the park, and the art loop. I however do not think I would recommend these places. They are just a little too touristy. Gatlinburg might also be better when it’s not raining and if you love to eat.

After some debating on what to do, stopping at the Visitor Center twice, driving through part of the beautiful park, and being told about the rain advisory, I assisted Tes to set up her first tent.

August 17, Bushwalla

Our first stop of the day was to the very large, Vanderbilt University. After a self guided tour and talking to a security guard it was time to head back to the car due to heat. At first I was not very impressed with the campus, thinking it looked too new and small. Once we realized we were only on the Education Campus it made much more sense and we found the beautiful old buildings I was expecting.

We then made at stop at the Visitor center to decide our next step. I chose the Country Music Hall of Fame and Tes went to a few galleries. I really enjoyed the Hall of Fame, made a friend, and learned a lot. Tes’s galleries weren’t that big but had a cool guitar made of crayon. We met up, put MORE money in the meter, walked the area known as lower Broadway, and headed to lunch. Who knew all these places were so small.

The flowers were nice, fried pickles awesome, and music very fun. Dessert was a bite of Blueberry Pie Fudge and Colt’s Bolts. The Colt Bolt was very yummy.

After lunch the rain began so instead of expensive mansions/plantations we headed to the Frist Center for the Visual Arts for some very cool exhibits. There was a hands on art corner for adults with over six different mediums of art you could play and experiment for. This was like the best kids corner for adults. I could have spent a long time in there. The other exhibits were Chihuly’s awesome glass pieces, Tokihiro Sato’s unique light ball photos, and Couture through the ages. This building was beautiful and there was a very informative friendly woman who gave us some good info.

Dinner was at taco Mamacita and it was very good. I think it was the most interesting nontraditional menu I have seen at a Mexican Restaurant. They will make what you ask for even if it is not on the menu which is cool, but why not just put it on the menu? After dinner Jill headed home and we headed to 3rd and Lindlsey.

While at 3rd and Lindlsey we got to experience three very different musicians/ entertainers. The last guy, Bushwalla, was by far the most entertaining and funny. Not a bad night, but also very strange. No one in this bar really spoke. It was silent except for one other table occasionally talking, even between sets. It was also dead, or what at least appeared to me as dead. That was sad to see. I guess most people were downtown for some good ole boy country.

Nashville has by far been the most expensive city I have been to on this trip. Which is strange. Cover charges, parking fee’s, and entrance costs to attractions is what I am basing this on. For that and he traffic I do not think it would be a city I would choose to live in. Who knows. I do know I do not find skinny feminine boys attractive. Give me a big manly man over this emo, hipster stuff going on. There seems to be a lot of it in Nashville. Overall a fun unique city really focused on music.

August 16, Yellow Taillights mean it’s an export

Instead of starting the day early and going to Lincoln’s Birthplace I thought it was best to enjoy the morning with my friend than head to Bowling Green, Kentucky. Home of the National Corvette museum, not operated by Chevrolet, and their Corvette Assembly Line.

The Hall of Fame was just beautiful. Classy, informative and so unique. I loved seeing the license plates lining one room as well as the corvette collage made of pictures from people with their cars. It’s fun to think that’s the car I grew up driving. Now I want another one. Not great for road tripping but nice to look at.

The unexpected time change gave me a few extra hours before my friends flight landed so I was able to take the Assembly Line Tour. This was soooo cooool. Strict rules but just so cool to see. I learned LOTS about how to tell corvettes apart as well as the amazing custom options you can have. Like buikding your own engine in Michigan, then watching it being put together on the line before you pick it up.

I had just missed Brad Paisley picking up his two new Vettes. I feel bad for him. Which means I feel bad for any famous person. He can’t even pick up his new car without having to pose or a few pictures. I was curious as to why there were tour buses in the enclosed parking area.

I then left the tour two minutes early in order to get on the road to Nashville. If it were not for some CRAZY traffic (over a half hour for five miles), and a cell dead zone, it would have been much easier. My friend arrived safely and did not panic at my lateness so all was good.

We then headed to hang our place for the night at my band leaders house. If not for more crazy traffic that would have been quicker too. Once there and introductions complete we headed to Café Coco. Very hipster and great food. Good choice.

After meeting a small dog named Vinyl it was time for planning and bed. YAY friends.

August 14, Statriotic Bourbonalism

I was able to sleep in a little while my friend was at a Conference. I spent the morning with her father learning about Farm Auditing, a little bit of Military Life, fishing and family. While all of this was going on we got to go fishing twice, and I almost went frog giggen, almost. Our fishing trips were at a store and his uncles fish pond, but it was fishing none the less. After we arrived back home and names were given to the new family members it was time to play.

Micki and I headed to our last Bourbon Distillery on the KY Bourbon Trail, Jim Beam. After a very warm stop for lunch at Wallace Station again, we made it just in time for the last tasting of the day. While waiting we walked around, took some pictures and played in an old fire truck. We then decided we did not need to taste more Bourbon even if it was Jim Beam top shelf. Instead we ate a mini mocha blizzard. That’s more our style than bourbon.

Once in Louisville the sky started to change and wow did it storm and pour. After almost non visible driving we pulled over to watch it rain. Got a little wet, wanted to play in puddles, and made it to our friends house as the storm was stopping. After seeing the best Louisville bathroom ever we headed downtown for some dinner.

I have never seen such a large Spaghetti Warehouse. The hour wait was not too bad, but I didn’t love my weird cheese dinner. This place was a table chop shop and good at it. We then drove down the always fun Bardstown Dr. and it is much bigger than I thought. Dessert was at this very fun fruity yogurt place called Cefiore. Sitting on a bench with friends, people watching, and listening to The Twelve Days of Alaska was a great way to end the night. Well, besides the drive home where I learned that if you hyphenate two boys name in the South you get a girl’s name.

August 13. Do you know why Friday the 13th is unlucky?

Today was filled with Bourbon. Lots of Kentucky Bourbon. I now only need one more distillery stamp in order to complete my Kentucky Bourbon Passport. When did these passport things become popular? National Parks, Nebraska, and Kentucky have them. Our Bourbon tour began only after a quick stop at My Old Kentucky Home. The actual home that inspired the state song written by someone not from Kentucky. We passes on the tour in order to have a day filled with bourbon before Micki needed to be back

First was Heaven Hill which surprised us due to its location. This is where the Bourbon Trail Center is and it had a GREAT tasting. Not that Bourbon tastes great, it was just set up very cool. The tour guide was informative too. After the over hour long tour we decided in order to finish all the distillers on our passport we would have to skip out of some tours. After a few the smell was getting to me so I was very okay with that.

Our next distillery was right down the road at Makers Mark. Upon pulling into the driveway saw what looked to be a tour of 30 people or more. Not wanting to be in such a large group we headed to the gift shop, saw where you can dip your own bottle and walked around to a very antique fire truck in a barn. Once in the car I gave a three accent “tour” based on the brochure as we played chicken with a tractor and mail jeep on a one lane road.

Our next stop was the gorgeous Spanish style architecture compound of Four Roses. After a very scientific bourbon video it was time to get some food. This place was beautiful and random and would make a good wedding spot. It was also Japanese owned which was strange. Heaven Hill was the only family owned and Makers Mark was the newest.

We dined in the town of Lawrenceburg at Heavens To Betsy. We had very delicious sandwiches and brownie. It was some very good food on stomachs very much needing food. Not much going on in the town except this and a few nice Victorian style homes.

Our last distillery of the day was none other than Wild Turkey. One of two out of 20 distilleries in KY I have heard of. After a very exciting ride on a bourbon barrel rocking turkey we headed in for our last tastings of the day. The tasting was as delicious as a bourbon tasting can be and the place had a unique feel to it. Wild Turkey was the Good Ole Boy’s of distilleries in KY. It had a rustic, country farm feel to it and I liked that. It’s also interesting to note that at most of these tastings you get to sample the expensive stuff, and minus Woodford the tours are free.

After some internet time and dinner on my own I headed back downtown to see Shrek Ever After in theaters for TWO DOLLARS. I loved this movie theater. The eight theater movie theater has movies that are just dropped from main theaters for $1.50 during the day, $2.00 at night and $0.75 on Monday. I would consider living in Lexington just for this.

August 12, Blue Monday on Thursday

What is better than watching Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and then going to one of the locations? That is how we started the day. Although I have never seen the show I thought it was the perfect way to start the day. Although I was slightly disappointed with the Hot Brown sandwich I was very happy to have eaten there and tried it. I also had my first Ale-8-One “A late one,” which was very yummy. I will definitely go back, but I’ll be ordering something else.

Now besides watching Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and then going to one of the locations, what is the best thing to do in the United States? That’s eat two lunches, and that’s exactly what we did. We only split the sandwich knowing we had reservations at The Glitz. The most fabulously girly restaurant I have ever been to in the basement of the most expensive antique store I have ever been to. Irish Acres Antique Store was almost just as girly as the restaurant and so fun. Just another reason I need to be very wealthy. Not to mention it was in the town of Nonesuch and the bathroom was beautiful.

Since we could not afford any antiques or need Christmas decorations we headed to a cute pink store and antique places in Versailles. No luck on the antiques but I was able to try, and love, an original Blue Monday. Yummy.

My friend lives between Versailles and Midway so it was now time to see Midway. Midway is this very small quant town of restaurants and shops. It reminded me of a smaller West Hartford with a train track going through it. Although the people were not stereotypical southern friendly, the stores were expensive, and we couldn’t find a postcard, I liked it.

While my friend observed a specialist at work I enjoyed the Ashland Park and Henry Clay Estates in downtown Lexington. Although I did not get to read any I did catch up on some journal writing and enjoyed the beautiful estates. A little later I was able to catch up on seeing Micki’s Alaska pictures and got to know a neighborhood in Lexington.

August 11, Dark Dark, like Dark

Once my friend felt better we left the possibly self proclaimed horse capital of the world and headed to downtown Lexington to look at some horses. Nope, not real ones, the painted kind. The horse parade has come to Lexington once more after a ten year absence.

After picking up our tour guide and trying to interrogate him we walked around the “city” in the heat looking at the very pretty horses. My favorite was the ocean themed one. Pictured above with my friend. We also stumbled upon this fun costume store where we all played for awhile with masks and other fun finds. Such a random unknown treasure. We then went to Thoroughbred park, took some pictures, and had a very yummy burger at Sawyers.

Our next stop would have been the Kentucky Horse Park however we felt the price to be a bit much for the day. Instead we headed to The Woodford Reserve Bourbon Distillery. When in KY.

This tour was GREAT! My friends who have been before learned new stuff and we got to see some unique activity, like the barrel rolling and bottling process. Although not the biggest fan of Bourbon it was great to see such a unique, historic, and informative National Landmark. Not to mention the free Bourbon Balls and shot plas plus the option to custom select a barrel for only $10,000.

We then headed back to the house to do some good ole KY porch sitting and watch the rain. Next was my favorite pizza followed by a Snickers birthday cake made by my friend for who grandpa, who is s cute. The cake was amazing and I think she could go into business.

We ended the night by seeing a castle, the town on Versailles (where parts of the movie Elizabeth Town was shot), and star gazing at the meteor shower till the wee hours of the morning. Beautiful.

August 8,9,10: Kittens

Sunday started with lunch at a new restaurant. I love trying new things. Now I was told it’s a chain, but I have never seen a Beef O’Bradys before and was happy to have tried it. I then had some good hang out time with my friend, her family and boyfriend. Followed by a very yummy dinner cooked by her father and story time with her mother. Which I always love.

Monday my friend had to work so her dad got to play tour guide. I have been to this very small town three or four times now but somehow we were able to see things I have never seen before. I loved the local grocery store and lumber yard. Randomly in both places the men I met had a connection to CT. Small world. I wish both places the best because I love local stuff.

I am not sure how but in the 2 ½ years I was gone the high school was able to do a massive expansion. I didn’t even recognize the school. It looks amazing and double the size! After being in high school again with the former principal we thought t was time to drink. Just kidding. We headed to the winery because we wanted to, not because we needed to.

The Smith-Berry winery is set up on this beautiful farm and offers some great summer activities. Besides the tour and tasting you can picnic, watch concerts and more. They have a very nice set up on the farm and the two families have a great KY history. The wine is very yummy as well. Their most popular is a blackberry wine that has no taste of alcohol but packs a punch.

While waiting for my friend I learned more about her dads work at Cedar Lakes after his retirement from the school system. I am glad KY has a place like this and such dedicated warm employees.

I was able to see part of Cedar Lakes firsthand the next night when we attended the ribbon cutting ceremony of three new residential homes. The president, board of directors, politicians, families, and volunteers all make these homes special and I am happy to have witnessed the event.

We ate dinner at a Chinese buffet, played with my fishing rod, had a few more good laughs, and it was time to say goodbye to my good friends, the animals, and the farm.

The evening wasn’t over for me. I left one farm to drive back roads to another. The Old Frankfort Pike seemed gorgeous at night with its narrow tree and stone lined road. I could not wait to see it in the day time.

I then surprised my friend’s mother by arriving to their beautiful farm house without my friend. The rest of the night was spent catching up with my friend and being silly like usually. I like this part of Kentucky.

August 7th. What do Santa Claus and President Lincoln have in common?

After driving along the time change line and getting confused I drove through the town of Santa Claus. I think it was too early to drive through Santa so I headed to the boy hood home of Lincoln. Here is where he said he grew up so there is a humongous National Park here. There is also one in KY where he was born, IL where he worked as a lawyer, and of course DC. Who knew?

This park was beautiful and had a lot going on. Movie, reenactment area, cell phone tour, 12 stone tour, and beautiful rock wall mural things. What are those called? The 12 stone walk had stones from 12 influential parts of his life brought to that location. It was a little strange but a neat way to use the land. The reenactment area would be good for someone who did not know how settlers or pioneers lived but for me not necessary.

It was time to go see Santa. However, he was not there. This was the town named Santa Claus, legally. EVERYTHING is named after the Christmas theme. Streets, shopping plaza’s, grocery stores, stores and more. Here there is a free museum, a yummy smelling Christmas shop, a few other shops, the Holiday World theme park, Candy Castle, and the all important Post Office.

I checked out the museum, sent some things from the post office, and passed on a frozen hot chocolate from the Candy Castle. I am partial to frozen hot chocolate from New York. Did you know that if you want a certain post mark on your mail you need to ask? You could send something from the Lincoln Post Office or from Santa Claus but unless you ask it will be post marked from the processing plant in a city sometimes far away.

After visiting this very special town I headed to the Marengo Caves. It was crazy busy here but decided to take both tours in order to see all of the cave. Minus the crawling tour. This cave was cool, literally, but I had a very annoying tour. I tried to tune the people out but it was just a rude group of people. Oh well, that sometimes happens.

It did help me realize that I would like to get paid for observing and drawing conclusions from watching people. How can I do that? I think I would be good at it.

Also, I really like the East Coast and National Parks System. Things on the East are just done so much bigger, and to me more extravagant. Maybe that’s why New York is so special. Also, the NPS has a great organized professional system set up.

After the caves I went to the town of Corydon Indiana. This was the location of the States first capital. Which I did not know until I arrived there. There visitor center and old buildings should really stay open past five on Saturdays. They missed out on helping me and three other families that pulled up around 5:20.

Having to make do without the Visitor Center I used my second best decision making tool and called home. I had my father give the cell phone to my mother so she could call her friend from KY who lives in CT. However she was not home. Another friend was called, the husband reached, and it was he who drove to catch my mother’s friend at a red light to get the name of a restaurant name. Great team effort and help from another state. THANKS ALL!

Finally getting the name of the restaurant it took a good thirty minutes to find the Overlook Restaurant. After a phone call to them, struggling with the GPS, turning around many times, and asking for directions I made the beautiful drive out. However, it was now prime dinner time and there was a thirty minute wait. If I was not alone I would have waited but wanted to get driving to my friends house in KY. At least I got to see the place and the beautiful view.

After more traffic, driving through Louisville, and taking a back way to La Grange, KY I made it to my friends work. It was great to see my friend at work. I had dinner and a yummy mocha chip flurry then went to her house to see her family.

It was great to see the family while waiting for my friend to finish work. We watched some funny TV and when my friend came home the movie entitled “Clash of the Titans.” Another great day on the trip.

I forgot how much I loved my friends farm in Campbellsburg, KY.

Why would a dry county sell alcohol in restaurants but not stores. Wouldn’t you want people to drink at home not in public than drive?

I know why Popeye lives in a can. August 6

Okay so I do not know why he lives in a can but I am sure the woman working at his museum could have told me why.

I left St. Louis after saying goodbye to all and headed to Red Bud, Illinois, a town I have wanted to visit for many years. A usually quick trip from St. Louis was delayed by construction, an incinerated 18 wheeler, pumping gas, getting a Dr. Pepper for a man who could not walk, and then the GPS being special.

Once in Red Bud I saw the best electronic billboard at a bank, my friends gorgeous house, and more importantly her family. I then received a tour of the very cute own, much bigger than I had previously thought, and we headed to a smorgasbord to eat. Next the excitement began.

My friend, her mother, and Grammy, took me on a tour of Chester, IL, the home of Popeye. Here there is a museum with crazy amounts of memorabilia (in an important building), murals, and of course… the statues. Now why in Chester IL you ask? Well I asked that as well. The writer is from here as well as the inspiration for the main characters. They are real people. After my awesome tour it was time to head to the home of another super hero.

The one, the only, Superman. Although I did not get to see him in his home besides the statue I did go to his “museum.” The museum was really the largest collection of memorabilia not so much of a museum. Although it could have been set up more professionally it was fun to see and informative amidst all the madness. In case you did not know his home is in Metropolis, duh. This is a special town. Superman stuff, Thor’s Gym, a country music memorial place and something else random that I did not got to.

With the help of my father I decided not to drive three hours to try and see albino squirrels. I instead drove three hours to go see Santa Claus.

There is no Wal-Mart in Santa Claus so I stayed in the surprisingly large town of Jasper Indiana.

Question, why are there so many hotels in the middle of nowhere? They’re actually known companies as well.

I saw a man filling the bed of his truck with Natty Lite and his license plate was RIP. That was fun.

I heard my first ever Mormon Church advertisement on the radio.

I never new some gas stations had a lower price if you pay in cash. It was even marked at the pump.

Two lane highways with no lights are fun!

Freaks and Geeks. August 1-5. Recap of a few days.

Although a few days have passed that does not mean the fun has. Also, I may have been too harsh on Missouri, or maybe not. I think I just forgot how much I actually like St. Louis. It has some great areas and fun activities. It has also helped me realize more about where I want to live. Which is one goal of the trip. Not a big goal, but none the less, a goal.

Now where did I leave off? After a really nice few days in St. Louis seeing my friend from high school and seven friends from University I headed to my old college town of Fulton, Missouri. I refer to it as the mullet capital of the world so I am sad to report in my few days there I did not see any mullets.

I did see my little sis from my sorority, Chi Omega, two advisors from Chi Omega, my favorite professor, and that may be it. I missed out on seeing a few other people, and that may be my fault for not planning well. On the upside I did meet a few new people.

It was nice to see the old town, drive around, eat some fried pickles, and see the changes. The best part was seeing people of course.

After the quick trip it was time to head back to St. Louis for a Cardinals Game. It’s a good thing I can handle the heat because it was a hot one. I cannot wait to live in a place where I can follow sports again and go to more games. Thanks to a promotional thing the Cardinals had Emily was able to get free tickets. It was a fun night and a night of firsts. My first time in the new stadium (although I am still not sure why they needed one), first time in the Metro in St. Louis, and first time, in a long time, I saw fireworks at a baseball game.

Today, the fifth, was another good day of seeing more people, more of St. Louis, and catching up with friends lives. I also learned about Groupons and their amazing system to help city dwellers. Thanks to a form of Groupon I had an amazing Brazilian dinner with Emily and then an Elvis Gooey Butter Cake with Sarah and Meg. Now it is time for the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Sorry no pics.

The First of August

I would like to say I woke up and participated in a triathlon but that would be a lie. I stayed sleeping while Emily won 10th overall in her very first triathlon. Very impressive and props to her.

Once alive I headed out to meet another friend from school. Although she is in med school in Kansas City she luckily had to be in St. Louis. She picked me up and I finally got to meet her dog after years. We then had a beautiful brunch at Wildflower followed by some gelato. I also ate my very first eggs Benedict and quite enjoyed it. Of course it was nice to see her and catch up.

Later in the afternoon I played my first game of scrabble in years with Emily and her mom then headed out to meet another friend from school for dinner.

I am not sure how in my three years in the university in MO I never went to the town of St. Charles. It is so freaking cute and very Victoria. I had forgotten the thing to do in small towns was drive up and down the main street . I also looked past the fact that everything closes at 8 on Sundays because I love cobblestone man streets. After a typical Missouri meal we found a place open for dessert. Those who know me know I do not like beer, however for some reason I could not pass up the opportunity to have a sampler of their own brews. The setup was the best part and the beer wasn’t atrocious.

I love being back in the United States and able to catch up with people as well as communicate more freely. Although weirded out by the amount of iPhones that exist and peoples addiction to them I think I will be okay here.

Captains Log. Day 55. Log number 2068956201479. Last Day in July.

I awoke to a lovely surprise of seeing my friends parents from West Hartford randomly in St. Louis. We then headed to the Tower Grove Framers Market to sample the yummyness. This was a very small cute market and nothing like Soulard. A good contrast and nice to see this type of market in the mid west.

Next the family headed to Budweiser and my friend and I to the apartment. After a nice nap while my friend worked it was time to get ready.

We then went to a delicious dinner on the Hill at Gin Tony and went to see the bocci bar Milo’s. Dinner had some very good conversations and it was nice to catch up. Thanks Cohen-Shikora’s! Very nice night and it wasn’t over yet.

A little later I went to meet friends from college that I have not seen in years. We met at a cute restaurant and then headed to Bar Louis in my favorite part of St. Louis, the Central West End. It was great to see the girls from school and briefly catch up. Everyone seems to be doing very well and happy, and that makes me happy. Good times in St. Louis and there are more.