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.