Thing to Do
Created by happy local
Thu 08/10/06 (day 26)
New Journal Entry
Saturday July 15, 2006 we arrived in Madison. We met Fred and Janice at the Days Inn. We went to the American Legion. We met some real characters. They gave us free pizza and I sold 14 pins. Sunday George and I went to Milwaukee for the day. What a beautiful city. We went to a festival with lots of music and food. We walked to Lake Michigan and saw a wonderfu air show. The day was complete when George got pictures at the Mother Land (Miller Brewing) We ate dinner back at the hotel
July 17, and 18th Monday and Tuesday We left for Minnesota on Monday. We went to Frank Lloyd Wrights house Taliason. That was a treat. The furniture was so little as was Mr. Wright. Ceilings low too. I loved the lights. Mr Wright called tall men weeds..... Not my Goerge.... We stopped at a cheese factory and got cheese, and summer sausage. We had lunch in the car. Even that was fun. We thought we were going to Minneapolis, but ended up in Red Wing. What a charming place. We stayed. at the Beautiful ST James Hotel. It is right on the Mississippi. We found Kelly's bar and spent the evening there. I got turned on to Blue Moon Beer. You add an organge slice. Jim a great guy at the bar bought us t shirts and Got me a six pack of Blue Moon.We stayed another day in Red Wing we went tubing on the Cannon River. Our buts hit bottom, but it was so fun. We then went bowling. I got a strike my first time up. I beat George 104 to 103. We went to the Mr. Sippy for Drinks a great bar on the Mississippi. We went to the American Legion and met some more wonderful people. We had dinner at the Liberty a wonderful place downtown. Back to the wonderful room.
July 19th Wednesday We are in Mitchell South Dakota. Not much here but the Corn Palace. We got a room for $57.00 a night. That is good. I am doing laundry as I write this. Earlier in the day we went to the Spam museum. No samples
July 20 and 21st Thursday and Friday we are in Rapid City South Dakota. On the way we went to Wall Drug . Can you say tourist trap???? We saw Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse . Unbelieable.... Mount Rushmore needed "Proud to be an American" playing. Of course I cried. Crazy Horse was such a great surprise. Both monuments were created by men that gave their lives to their creations. We stayed at the Alex Johnson hotel. It was an old hotel with lots of charm. We went to the Firehouse brewing company both nights. A great spot were a firehouse was made into a brew pub. We were sitting there the first night and someone sprayed pepper spray. The fireman actually came... We had to evacuate. We went to the hotel bar that was an Irish Pub. On Friday we went to see The Bear park. It really was wonderful all kinds of wonderful animals. The best were the bears. There were over 200. They even had baby bears. So cute. We went to Dead Wood then On to Sturgus????? What is all the fuss about???? There is nothing there. God Help the Harley Riders...
July 22, 23rd and 24thSaturday Sunday and Monday We drove the Black Hills scenic byway. Route 14 to Cody. It was such a wonderful drive. We are in Yellowstone. Magical is the word. We drove in the park entrance and saw a grizzily bear. We stayed at the Mammoth Hotel at the Mammoth Springs. It was such a wonderful Hotel. You felt like you were in the 1920's . The bell hop took us in the room and opened the window. There was no air. It was perfect. The picture above the bed showed women in dresses and men ties touring the park. My favorite was one of them with their bikes at Mammoth Springs. We ate in the beautiful dinning room and had prime rib. We had the rest for lunch the next day. I love the picnics with George. I awoke on Sunday morning to see 24 elk by our window. The grass still had dew on it. On Sunday we toured all the springs and Old Faithful. We had a great picnic. It is amazing. The lake if so beautiful. George and I got out and put our toes in. On Monday George gave me a wonderful day ( just like all the others) we saw beautiful waterfalls. We also saw the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. There are no words to describe the water falls. and the canyons. We saw it from the bottom and the top. Another Picnic. Picture Rock is the best spot in the park. On on stop we saw an eagle with her babys. It was so unbelievable. Her mate kept flying by too. As we left we walked right by a doe that never moved. Our next stop we also saw an eagle an nest. We ended at the mamoth falls and they are truly a wonder.It is hard to imagine that they weren't man made. We ate in the dining room again that night I had a pork chop and George had salmon. While we were eating a mother elk brought her baby right in front of the window. We also saw lots of Buffalo while we were there. It was so hard to leave the next morning. Our herd of elk were outside the window.
July 25th and 26thTuesday Wednesday we were in Boise Idaho. We stayed in the Owybee Plaza. The staff was so friendly. Beautiful room. Our first night we walked downtown and went to the Bardelay. It is the only distillary restaurant in the US. They make their own gin, rum and vodka. It was located in the Basque Block. George was in Heaven. He had been the to region in Spain and loved it. We went to another Basque bar named BarGernick and then we went to the Basque Center. I thought George was crazy but we went in. It turned out to be wonderful. Great people, and we got to see a real Basque play the accordian. It was beyond words. The girl that played the tamberine was the best ever. We drank cheap red wine with coke in it. Great at the time but a head ache later. We had a hot dog out of a wagon on the street and it was very good. We went to bed very late. The next day we went for breakfast and planned our day. We had breakfast at Goldy's Gourmet magazine #1 pick for breakfast in the US. It was wonderful. I had a breakfast burrito that was so big. George was ready to go to the river and rent bikes. The front desk clerks thought he was crazy........ Go fiqure.....Tahoe had a flat tire. George and the maintenance man changed it. We went to the tire dealer to get it fixed and had a great lunch at a little ice cream stand. We went to the Rose garden in the city then I talked George into going to the pool. It was 102 degrees that day.(yikes?) Wow was that a treat. We cooled off. We took a shower and went to Alive at Five downtown. Every Wednesday they have a band and beer in the square. Great evening kids were in the fountain and the band was a Jimmy Buffet type call "Jim Morrison and the Big Bamboo" They were fun. Of course I think we were the only Key Westers there. We had to go back to the same bars and see our friends from the night before. George and I split Lamb kabobs for dinner.
July 27thThursday we are in Bend Oregon. When we got there we went to the Desert museum. It was not very good. The animals were in very small spaces. The town though is great. What a beautiful spot. I could live here. It is small but very cosmopolitin. We went to the Deschutes brew pub and the beers were very strong. We had so much fun. I couldn't get George to leave. We walked accross the street the get Chinesse to eat at the hotel. George was a hoot.
July 28th, 29th and 30th Friday, Saturday and Sunday we are in Portland Oregon. We felt like Lewis and Clark. We had a beautiful drive First we saw the Deschutes River. We saw the Sisters mountains, Mount Hood, and Mount Andrew all snow capped. The drive along the Columbia river valley. The Scenic byway. We saw the Horse tail falls and the Beautiful Multnomh Falls. We went to the Vista House and had a great view. On to our beautiful Hotel in Vancouver Washington. It is a Red Lion the room is brand new and we are located on the Columbia River. Wow. First night we ate in the hotel dining room it is made to look like a ship. I loved it George not so much. Saturday Portland has a Saturday Market. It is right downtown and all the things are hand made. I love it. George was so good because I know it wasn't his bag. We ate lunch there We had Curry Chicken and Crab chowder. I had an elephant ear. We listens to two bands. They looked like they had just come off the farm. Next we went to the largest Brew Fest in the country. 72 Brewreys. We paid $50.00 for 36 tokens it was one token for a test and four tokens for four ounces. The Watermellon beer was my favorite. It is a brewrey out of San Francisco. It was fun. Last night we ate easy mac in the room we were too tired for anything else. Today was one of my best days yet. We went back to the Saturday market and got breakfast. I got a couple things then we walked to China Town. Not much there, but we went to the China Gardens. They were so pretty. Next we went to the Japanesse Gardens. That was my favorite. So many beautiful sites. So many colors of green. Lots of water and Koi. Next George took me to the Portland Rose Garden. The was one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen. So many rose bushes. We went to Joes Crab Shack for Dinner. Did I say Goerge is Wonderful?????
July 31, August 1st,2nd, and 3rd Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday. We are in Port Angeles Washington. Monday we drove from Vancouver to Port Angeles. We drove along the Puget sound. We ate lunch at the funnest restaurant. It was call Fat Smitty's. It was owned by a Japanese lady and her GI husband. The biggest and the best hamburger. George and I split one and we were still full. We arrived in Port Angeles and checked into another Red Lion. It is beautiful. George loaded me in the car and said he wanted me to see the Olympic Mountains. The drive up was very pretty 1300 feet up. We we started at the bottom the temperature was 63. We arrived at the top. It is called Hurricane Ridge. The sight was amazing. Glaciers, many many shades of green ,snow caps. I told George the only thing that could make it more perfect was to see a deer. I looked over and one was looking at me over the wall. She jumped over followed by her two baby's. She came right up to us. She started to walk away and we followed. I can't put into words the next sites. Mystical ....magical.........We saw a small buck with velvet horns. He grazed and we walked right by him. I felt something to my right and two doe walked right past me. I looked to my left and saw a glacier so close I could almost touch it. The steam was rising and turning into clouds as we watched. A little farther ahead there was actually snow I could touch. I looked down and there was a quail on her nest. It was story book perfect. We got in the car and the temperature had dipped to 43. Tuesday we took a ferry to Seattle. It is a beautiful city. We went to the Pike Street Market. We went the Pike street fish market and watched them throw the fish. If someone buys seafood they through it across the counter. It is very comical. They had rows and rows of flowers. The bouquets were so big you couldn't put your hands around them. They were $5.00. It was killing me not to buy them. George got a hair cut at the market. That was funny too. We ate Cherry's and a white nectarine. We also bought Russian pastries. We took a tour of Seattle on an open double Decker bus. We got a hot dog on the dock and headed back on the fairy. Today we took the fairy to Victoria Canada. That is a very beautiful upscale city. We went to Butchart Gardens. It covers 55 acres. We spent 31/2 hours walking through one of the most amazing places I have every been. It started as a limestone quarry. Mrs Butchart starting planting flowers in the pit after her husband had made millions selling cement. With her money she hired wonderful landscapers. With her wonderful eye for color and design she created master pieces. UNBELIEVABLE.... George was so patient and let me take so many photos. He is still wonderful. We then took a tour of the city. Amazing. We went through the college and saw hundreds of rabbits. Yes I was in heaven. Ten years ago a student was raising rabbits in his room. They told him to get rid of them. He did. He let them loose on the campus. Now they are protected. I know Kerm would call them rodents...... We saw a man jump off a cliff and para sail. Beautiful houses. The harbor is my kind of place. Sea planes, yachts, water taxis, always something happening. There were all kinds of street performers. We ate lunch at the Hudson Bay( now called Bay) the oldest department store in the US. It was just like the Chintz room at Lazarus. Lady's in there hats, and beautifully dressed. Men with white shirts. George suggested eating there because as he said we may never see that type of thing again. We had roast beef, potatoes, vegetable, drink and homemade pie for $7.99 Canadian. (us exchange now $1.05) Thursday we went to Olympic National park again. On the way we stopped at a bakery. George opted for a breakfast sandwich. Not me I went for two pastries. One was a big cinimon elephant ear. We ate that one. The other was a blackberry pastrie we ate later. Probally the best pastry I ever ate. We got to the park and decided to do a hike. Of course I had sandals on. What and idiot I am. The sign said the hike would take 1 1/2 hours with moderate inclines at the end. What is moderate??? It was beautiful the forest was on the edge of the Washington State rain forest. We saw hugh trees. Most of them were over 100 years old. Some were even 150 years old. We hike for a while and reached " the incline" Of course I knew there was a waterfall at the end. Or should I say " a pot at the end of the Rainbow." We actually went over two bridges that were not really bridges but a single log. I did fine there. I did fine getting up. I guess I never looked down. Coming down was another story. I was going from hysterical to laughing. There were no railings. If you went you were gone. George was so patient the whole time. Walking in front of me. We got to solid ground and I was sooooo happy. We went to Creasant Lake. A very deep lake in fact they havent' found bottom in some places. George got out our chairs and his banjo. He played for me along the lake it was wonderful. Next we went to a wild animal park. We got two loaves of bread to feed the animals( deer, elk, buffalo, illamas, bear) Yes buffalo have long tongues. We went to dinner at 3 Crabs. It is supposed to be a rated seafood restaurant. We had crab cakes. They were good, but not great. Another fine mess I got us into. It was my choice. We went to a local bar and heard a great country band. I sold 8 pins!!!!
August 4th through 10thFriday we left for Lincoln City for the Week. We stopped for lunch on Friday and I left my purse in the restaurant. I discovered it an hour later. George had to drive all the way back on 101 to get it. He didn't even yell. I was so upset. We got to Lincoln City and unpacked. The condo is right on the ocean. The Oregon Coast is so beautiful. We headed to the grocery store. We were so glad to eat at home. We had pork. Saturday we went to a Sand Castle contest on the beach. It was so fun. Lots of familys. We also saw people crabbing. Saturday night we had turkey at home. Sunday we went to get a kite. We went to Mo's for lunch. It is famous out here and you always wait in line. I had clam chowder and fried clams. George had clam chowder and a fish sandwich. The cold slaw comes with shrimp on it. Walked sat on the beach in our chairs. We came back to the beach at the condo to fly my kite. Of course the wind was hurricane force ( not really) Steaks at home for dinner. Monday we went to went golfing at an Indian Golf Course. No Indians though. George made dinner it was the best of the trip. Shrimp, garlic, squash, onion and rice. Tuesday we went for a beautiful drive along the coast. It is called the Perpetua Scenic Area. We saw sea lions, seal, light houses and unbelievable views. We came home and I fed the sea gulls off the balcony again. They are so funny and really big out here. Thursday was a day of a lifetime. George got up and said lets go whale watching. He didn't have to ask twice. We went to Depoe Bay. They have a whale watching center. We walked in and they said there were whales right outside the window. I went crazy. We were told that we could get a boat to take us out at the marina. We went and were told they were done for the day. A girl overheard us and said she would take us out. She said she had zodiak. Her name was Kerry and she is working on a PHD in Marine Biology. She is writing her thesis on gray whales. She took us out with her daughter. We got to see two whales. One is named Eagle Eye . He is just two years old. A gray whale is 35 to 45 feet and weigh 30 to 40 tons. We got to see one whale fluke(show his tail) they feed in 20 feet of water and they feed for 6 months straight when they are in Oregon. They eat a ton of mysids a day( tiny shrimp) Their throat is the size of a grapefruit. I have a new love Whales.......... On the way back we saw a sea lion right by the boat. A complete trip. We went on to Yaquina Head and saw a wonderful lighthouse, tidepools, and more sea lions. Wonderful day. Home to feed the gulls and watch a perfect sunset. Thursday we were lazy. We did laundry and flew the kite. Wow was that fun. George fixed steaks for dinner.
August 11th and 12th We left Lincoln City for Eureka California. We were going through Depoe Bay and I yelled for George to stop the car. There were two whales in the bay right in front of us. They were swimming together and put on quite a show. I could have stayed there all day. We left to continue down the Oregon Coast. I can't say enough about the sites. Beautiful ocean, cliffs, wide sandy beaches, huge waves........ We arrived in California and I saw an ad for a drive through tree. I asked George if he would do it and he said sure. We did it and it was so fun. A farm family cut a hole in their 200 year old redwood and the rest is history. It is so hard to believe a tree is that big and that old. We continued on to Eureka and we checked in to our hotel. We went downtown to the Lost Coast Brewery. I had tangerine wheat. It was so good. George started with an ale and went to an IP. We met some wonderful people and talked to them all evening. Goerge was corned by two German men but enjoyed it. We ate burgers in the room that night. Saturday we got up and headed to Avenue of the Giants. The forest was beautiful and so special. To know that there were trees there that were over 1000 years old is beyond belief. It was so quite there you could almost feel the trees comunicating. They are huge and so straight. We came back to Eureka and drove down by the water front to the marina. It was so relaxing. They have a beautiful statue to honor the fishermen that have died at sea. We also saw sea lions. We ate dinner at the Samoa Cook House. It was a smoke house in a lumber camp. They still cook the meals and serve them family style. It was a real step back in time. We took a drive through the town that night. It is beautiful.
August 13th and 14th Sunday and Monday Sunday we are in Sonoma County. We went to a farmers market and Goerge asked the lady were we could get winery info. She said I can help. She proceded to write down winerys we should go to. She told us she was a grape grower. Her first winery was Rodney Strong. That is one of my favorite a guest at my B&B got me my first bottle. I told her the story and she said that the wine maker was right down the way. She took Goerge and I down and we got to meet him. Goerge took my picture. While I was talking wine. George spotted a banjo player and his group. We went and got real Mexican food from a real Mexican and sat down to listen. The next thing I knew George got his banjo, and was chatting with the man. It was so fun to watch George. Our first winery was Rodney Strong. I was impressed. The wines were good and the winery beautiful. Our next winery had our favorite wine. It is a red. When the owner of the winery tasted the wine he said it was good enough to die for so they named it Poisin. Our nest winery had the cutest lady and George struck up a conversation with her. She told him the way to get to San Francisco. We went to 6 winerys in all and ended up at Korbel Champaign. When we got to Sebestial we went for a beer, and I sold $60.00 in pins. We met some great people too. We ate out of the car that night. Monday we went to San Francisco. We took the ferry. That was so nice. San Francisco was everything I hoped it would be. We rode on a cable car twice. and we laughed both times. The last time I got to ring the bell yes it was great. We started at Pier 39. It has beautiful shops and beautiful views. At one spot on the pier they have a reserve for California Sea Lions ( I know Bob ( my California Nephew) you are thinking why would they protect them???) I loved it. George indulgled me and let me stay a long time. I could have stayed longer. After we left pier 39 we went to China town. We had lunch there and it was so good. George order ed duck for an appetizer and it was really different. China town felt like real China. We went to Fishermans Wharf next. There were lots of fish...... and lots of excitement. We took the ferry back a dusk and the view of San Francisco was breathtaking.
August 15 and 16 Tuesday and Wednesday. We traveled to Big Sur. The drive was everything the travel brochures said. It amazes me dailey the beauty we see, and even more amazing is how George has put this trip together. It has truly been a trip of a lifetime. We travel down 101 to Montery and then we cut over to US 1. The road are a marvel too. To think of the engineers and the workman and the conditions they had to work in. Along Big Sur you travel on big cliffs, and they the next minute you are seaside. Derek I really can 't believe you don't live here. We ate lunch right along the ocean. We went to three State parks and saw wonders. I have never seen a waterfall the drops to the ocean. We hiked up cliffs, and were told the visability was 25 miles. Summer Place was filmed here ( Troy Donahue) along with countless other movies. We were 30 miles from San Simeon and I told George "I just saw a whale" He pulled over and there was another couple there. He said " There are 40 or 50 whales out there with there babies." We were told we would see whales in California, but we did. I know I have used the word magical before, but that is what it was. George and I just stood there in awe. We didn't want to leave. actually they were along the coast for the next 10 miles. It turns out there were humpbacks. They stay close to shore to avoid their enemy the Orcas. We got to the hotel and that was unbelievable. George's son's girlfriend Denise's parents told George about this wonderful spot. They have four large fireplaces on the beach with chairs around them. Dogs are allowed so I was in heaven. We checked in and our room had a fireplace, and we had an ocean view. We put on warm clothes and headed to the beach. We met wonderful people, and dogs. We stayed there until 11:00P.M. George had gotten sandwiches from the restaurant and they were so good. We lit the fireplace and it was so beautiful. The next morning we went for breakfast. I had French toast that was made for a Croisant dipped in Baileys, honey and other tasty things. George had eggs and bacon. What am I going to do with him. We headed to the Hurst Castle. It was very beautiful, but not very cozy. We went the beach to see the elephant seals in the afternoon. They don't move much...... Hate to leave Big Sur.
August 17 and 18 Off to Viva Las Vegas. For lunch we had Road Kill. We ate at the Road Kill Cafe on Historic Route 66. The chicken that couldn't get off the road. It couldn't have been any funnier. All menu items had to do with Road Kill. Route 66 is like stepping back in time. Tahoe started to bump and we discovered we had a flat tire. George had to change a tire in the Majave Desert. We were 50 west of Las Vegas and no one even slowed down. He did it so easily. We arrived in Vegas. We stayed in the Monte Carlo. The minute we got the car parked George was off to get half price tickets for the night. He never wears down. He came back with tickets for the Platters, Drifters, and Coasters. They were "WONDERFUL." It was one of those concerts where you couldn't sit still. Like the performers said, "You can understand the words" We didn't gamble much. We went to a breakfast buffet on Friday. George had to go get the tire fixed so I headed to the pool. College kids were there drinking at 10 in the morning. I know I never did that. George came back and we spent a couple more hours there. It is hard to get him to slow down. That night we walked to the Ciline Concert. We stopped off ,and ate at PF Changs. It was so good. We then went to the Bilogio and watched the water fountain show. We got to Ceasars Palace and went to the building they had constructed just for her show. She was wonderful. The production was one of a kind. She game us two hours of her heart and her voice. She is truly a marvel. George says it is the best concert he has seen. He has seen alot more than me. We went for drinks afterward in a bar that had the band on the barge. The barge moved and it was fun to watch the people walk by and see it move.
August 19 Saturday. We left Vegas and saw the Hoover Damn. There was lots of security. We went to the Grand Canyon next. That is a marvel. So many beautiful colors. The canyon changes by the minute as the sun and the clouds move. We spent the night in Flagstaff Arizona. That is a really nice city. We went to a fun bar called Attitudes. It was all decorated like a ski lodge. It was right next to the train tracks. Each time a train came they gave $2.00 shots. It was the best bar ever. The people were so friendly there. George sat by a young Air force pilot that flew F16's his girlfriend was Jean, and she invited George and I to their wedding ( they aren't engaged yet) Goerge met another man that owns a Battery's Plus Franchise. There was so much good conversation that night. I wish we could have stayed another night there.
August 21st and 22nd. Sunday and Monday We are in Santa Fe New Mexico. We arrived just as the Indians were tearing down there once a year art Show. It is probally better. Santa Fe is a delightfall place and a surprise. It is second only to New York City in Art and the Ballet. I couldn't believe it when we were told. We started Monday with lunch at Dave's. It was recommended by my book and I had the best hamburger I ever had George had hot tomales. He spent our lunch crying. I kept laughing at him, but it was so cute. We left Dave's and went to the Georgia O'Keefe museum. What a tough bird she was. She was one of the first successfull female artists and she really "crossed some bounds". We left the museum and went to the St Francis Cathedral. It was built in 1883. So much beauty there. They have a statue of the Virgin that dates to the 1600's They actually dress her. The day we were there she had on an Indian costume. Our next stop was the Miraculous Stairway" of Loretto Chapel (built in 1873) in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This very elegant and graceful spiral staircase is called the "miraculous stairway" because it was a miracle of 19th century engineering - it has no central support. Apparently the chapel was completed without any stairway access to the choir loft. Ladders wouldn't do because the chapel was built to serve a girl's school, and modesty was a concern. The Sisters of Loretto decided to dedicate a novena (devotional) to St Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. On the 9th and last day of the novena, a man with a tool box appeared from out of the blue on a donkey, and built the miraculous staircase. Legend has it that it was built by St Joseph himself, who vanished just as mysteriously after the staircase was built, receiving no payment. We walked in the gallerys the rest of the afternoon. The art is unbelievable. Goerge got a wonderful piece made with handmade and handpainted tile. It has realistic sea life. For dinner it was Maria's my best Mexican ever. The Margaritas were made with agave tequilla. They sell more top self tequella than any other restaurant in the US. I had a combo with ribs. Goerge's dish was made in corn cobs. Mine was better...... At least George didn't cry through dinner.... Back to the hotel to sit in the spa by the fireplace.. This is so rough.
August 23 and 24 Tuesday and Wednesday We arrive in Ocklahoma city. We had a wonderful dinner and went back to the hotel to relax. We got up and went to the Oklahoma Stockyards. These were the same stockyards that my Father used to come to when he was buying cattle. We went to the biggest country store, and George got me a cowboy hat. I wore it to the Cowboy Museum. That was very interesting and had wonderful works of art. We went to lunch at a reataurant that was close. They seated us in a little room. I looked around and the restaurant was all little rooms......I said "George this was a brothel.. I was right. It had been a brothel in the 1930's and 40's. Each room had a little switch the ladies could push if they were in trouble. A man was caught there by his wife and she shot him.. Now they claim she haunts the place and there are sightings of her in the wee hours. The service staff could sense my excitement and talked to us in detail and let me poke around. Food was good too!!!! Next we went to the National Banjo museum. That was a treat. The insturments were works of art. George got to talk the one of the best banjo players in the country. Next we went to Bricktown. That is what they call this wonderful spot in the downtown. They have dug out to the basements of all these wonderful old building and built a canal system. They also have many new buildings too. You ride in a boat around the whole area. Our first stop was Toby Keith's I love this Bar. What fun....you sit in the back of pick up trucks. His original tour bus is coming through the wall. We left there and went to a bar that is built in the baseball stadium. That was fun too. I have never been so impressed by a city. I would go back there anytime. We went back to the hotel and callasped.
August 25 and 26 Thursday and Friday. We are in Memphis. I love it here. We checked in and headed Bealle Street. We rode on a trolly. Why did all the cities get rid of this wonderful mode of transportation. The first thing that grabs you on Bealle Street is the Neon. Some of the signs are so old and unique. Our first stop was BB Kings. We heard a great band. We made a few more stops including O'Briens. We laughed so much that night. We had a great late night dinner. We headed back late that night. We got up and had a great breakfast. George let me go to the pool. Yea! downtime. Where does this man get his energy????? That afternoon we went on a Duck Tour. We were very bad and blew or duck horns all the way through town. ( this is fun Key West should have this) We went past a restaurant that they told us had the best Chicken in the US (according to People magizine and Frommers) We knew that was our dinner destination. It was so funky and cheap. That was a good thing. The chicken was so good here is the recipe
GUS'S FRIED CHICKEN
"This is a dead man's recipe," Gus Vanderbilt of Gus's Fried Chicken, in Memphis, informed us when we asked him how he made his most famous dish. "I ain't telling." In the end, we had to work it out for ourselves. It may not be Gus's, exactly, but it's close.
1 (3 1/2-lb.) chicken, rinsed and cut into 8 pieces
1 quart buttermilk
3 cups flour
2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. cayenne
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Peanut oil
Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in a nonreactive pan. Pour buttermilk over chicken, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or as long as overnight.
Combine flour, paprika, cayenne, 2 tsp. salt, and 1 tsp. pepper in a large plastic bag and shake to mix thoroughly. Shake chicken pieces one at a time with seasoned flour in bag until well coated.
Pour peanut oil into a large cast-iron skillet to a depth of 3/4-inch. Heat oil over medium-high heat until very hot but not smoking.
Add chicken, largest pieces first, skin side down. (Work in batches if your skillet won't hold all pieces at the same time.) Reduce heat to medium and cook, turning once, until chicken is golden brown and crispy, 12-15 minutes per side. Drain chicken on paper towels and season to taste with salt and pepper.
"This is a dead man's recipe," Gus Vanderbilt of Gus's Fried Chicken, in Memphis, informed us when we asked him how he made his most famous dish. "I ain't telling." In the end, we had to work it out for ourselves. It may not be Gus's, exactly, but it's close.
1 (3 1/2-lb.) chicken, rinsed and cut into 8 pieces
1 quart buttermilk
3 cups flour
2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. cayenne
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Peanut oil
Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in a nonreactive pan. Pour buttermilk over chicken, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or as long as overnight.
Combine flour, paprika, cayenne, 2 tsp. salt, and 1 tsp. pepper in a large plastic bag and shake to mix thoroughly. Shake chicken pieces one at a time with seasoned flour in bag until well coated.
Pour peanut oil into a large cast-iron skillet to a depth of 3/4-inch. Heat oil over medium-high heat until very hot but not smoking.
Add chicken, largest pieces first, skin side down. (Work in batches if your skillet won't hold all pieces at the same time.) Reduce heat to medium and cook, turning once, until chicken is golden brown and crispy, 12-15 minutes per side. Drain chicken on paper towels and season to taste with salt and pepper.
After dinner George suggested we walk past a movie set we had seen earlier in the day. This is the movie of course we have to see it after we watched filming
My Blueberry Nights
Racehel Weisz (Constantine, The Mummy, About A Boy) filmed parts of her upcoming movie, My Blueberry Nights, in Memphis, TN last week and over the weekend. My Blueberry Nights will be director Wong Kar-wai's first English film and will star Norah Jones supported by Natalie Portman, Jude Law, Rachel Weisz, Ed Harris, and Kevin Spacey.
Here's the film synopsis:
Here's the film synopsis:
Based on a short film that Wong shot in Hong Kong, this sees a shopkeeper fall for a mysterious female client who eats blueberry pies. Jones stars as a young woman who travels across America to find the true meaning of love, encountering offbeat characters along the way.
After watching the shoot we went back to Bealle street for some more Blues. I saw my first guitar being played by a tongue. Heaven forbid. The guitar music is world class. We rode the trolley home and had drinks at the Marriott. They were $10.00 I almost choked on mine. More for drinks than dinner. Go fiqure. I loved Memphis. It is clean, safe, and charming.
August 27th and 28th Saturday and Sunday. Off to Nashville. We checked into our hotel and headed to Gruhn Guitars the world's most famous vintage instrument store. George looked a banjos then a beautiful little insturment caught his eye and his ears. It is a mandolin banjo. Yes he adopted it. That night we headed to the Grand Ole Opery. We saw Little Jimmy Dickens, the lead singer for Alabama, Vince Gill, Laurie Morgon, Pam Tillis and others. The evening was two hours of the best country entertainment ever. We headed downtown after the concert. Looked for good country music, but couldn't find any that night. There was a great Blues Band playing in Printer's alley, but of course I had to say let's look for country. I should have kept my mouth shut. Sunday we went to the Hermitage. Andrew Jackson's home. It was a perfect afternoon and I loved the house. The wall coverings and furniture were elegant but warm and inviting. The grounds beautiful. We were hungry, and I looked in my tour book for a reccomendation for a restaurant. It said you have to go to Monells. I called and they were closing at 4:00. The owner said in his best southern accent. We will wait for you. We walked in the door and I was hugged and welcomed by the owner. The food was served family style. We had three salads, fried chicken, pot roast, wax potatoes, breakfast casserole, mashed potatoes and a torte for dessert. They are known for their bread bisquits and their peach jam. The recipe is a large can of peaches, (restaurant size) one cup vanilla, two cups white sugar, and two cups brown sugar. You cook it on low until it is thick. It was to kill for. After dinner the owner brought over a jar of jam, and four muffins for us. We talked to him at length and found out he fell in love with the property and bought it by maxing his four gold master cards for the down payment. It worked he now has five restaurants. George went out front to pay and he said it was on him. Even better....... Back downtown to find some country music and we did.
Monday We ended our trip by driving back to Bowleys Quarters. Susie and Billy were so gracias to let me stay there. What a beautiful and warm home. The Bay is just as I thought it would be. Crabbers were out that morning getting Billy's catch The girls were wonderful. Bailey is a one of a kind lab. George and I picked the girls up at school in his model T. The rumble seat never had cuter ,or more precious cargo. That night we went to Bridget's for dinner with three more beautiful girls. Bridget's house has all the charm I knew it would. I didn't know Cathy, but I somehow see her in all of her family and it is such a good thing. I know I would have liked her. Of course I am prejudice and think they have Pop Pop's personality. The next morning we went to breakfast with George. I got to see his projects and he does have talent. I didn't get to meet his kids, next time I hope I will. George hid me from his favorite bars. I think he is secretly dating one of the bar maids. Tuesday afternoon George took me to Washington so I could spend the night with Derek. I bought his car. He was paying $400.00 per month to park it. He lives right downtown in a wonderful apartment. He walks to his law office. That night he took me for dinner and he paid. Finally........
In closing. I had the most wonderful trip of my life. I hope everyone tries to see this beautiful country. I hope they have a wonderful traveling companion like I did. George has patience like I have never seen. He indulged me when I wanted to watch whales, pick flowers, play with dogs, or see gardens. I must have asked him to pull over one hundred times and he never said a word.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart George.
Summer of 2006 Sea to shining sea trip. 45 days and 19 states.
A
happy local (View happy local's trips)
WE started in Madison Wisconsin. We went to the American Legion with Fred and Janice and had a great evening with some real characters. We went to Milwaukee on Sunday to a wonderful festival and air show. George took many pictures of the Mother Land Miller Brewing.
Posted 2 years ago.
Report Abusejeri e (View jeri e's trips)
OMG we are planning almost an identical trip in March, except we are going to start in Chicago, and go south from Rapid City. Just so yo know, the only time that Sturgis is exciting is the first week in August during the rally, and any other time it is just a normal little hick town haha. then when we get to Nashville, we will head north back to Chicago. I enjoyed reading your journal to get hints of things for us to do.
Posted 1 year ago.
Report AbuseVicky (View Vicky's trips)
Susie, I enjoyed reading your journal. My sister and I are road tripping the first week in August from Chicago up into the upper peninsula, thanx to your insights on Milwaukee it will be a must see on our tour. Thanx. We are Floridians and thought it would be fun to see what the yankees do in the summer, we know what heaps of them like to do in the winter!
Posted 1 year ago.
Report AbusePlanned Activities
Thu 07/20/06 (day 5) - Rapid City
Fri 07/21/06 (day 6) - Rapid City
Thing to Do
Tue 08/08/06 (day 24) - Lincoln City
Thing to Do
Unscheduled - Lincoln City
Thing to Do
Thing to Do