Aug. 27, 2010 Annual Family Vacation - Starting at St. Louis

Friday afternoon we loaded up the Camry and headed out for our annual family vacation. We: Sue and Ed, my sister and brother-in-law, my Mom and me. Our vacation highlights were to be the Grand Ol' Opry in Nashville, Biltmore Estates in Asheville, NC, Savannah, Ga and Charleston, NC. More than 2000 miles in 10 days. It seemed to be a lot to attempt but we would make the most of it.

We got a head start by driving to St. Louis after Sue and Ed got off work. We got motel rooms and decided to take a little drive. I had never been to the Bass Pro Shop and as we spotted one just off the highway we headed over.


Maybe it wasn't up to the BassPro Shop in Springfield, Mo. but I was enchanted. Didn't buy anything but enjoyed it nonetheless.

Mom and the Grizzly at the BassPro Shop. We were off to a good start.

Aug. 28, 2010 St. Louis to Nashville, Tn

Leaving St. Louis we drove south along the western side of the Mississippi River. As it was getting toward lunch time we looked for a place to have a picnic. We happened onto Ft. Defiance Park near Cairo, Ill. I soon got excited when I realized that Ft. Defiance was at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Having just been to see 'Big River', the adaptation of Mark Twain's 'Huckleberry Finn' I immediately thought back to the part where Huck and Jim, on a raft heading south, were looking for just this part of the Mississippi River. They meant to leave the Mississippi River and move north along the Ohio River to get to a northern state where slavery was not allowed and thus to secure Jim's freedom.
That and so many more bits of history, especially concerning the Civil War, occured at this meeting of the two mighty rivers.

We got into Nashville in the afternoon and drove around for our own little 'tour'. But at 7PM we were at the War Memorial Auditorium downtown. Yep, despite my desire to see the Grand Ol' Opry at the Grand Ol' Opry next to the Opryland Hotel, or even the Ryman Auditorium which is the original site of the GOO, we were sidelined to the War Memorial Auditorium. The flood in May left it impossible to use the current GOO, and apparently the Ryman was being used for a previously scheduled show--we went to the WMA.

Suzy Bogguss and Ronnie Milsap were there as well as Little Jimmy Dickens, Jeannie Seely and Jack Green. We moved from the main floor, back row seats to front row seats in the balcony. Great seats. Good show. History in the making.

Aug. 29, 2010 Nashville, Tn

On Sunday we headed back to downtown Nashville. We found a Nashville City Tour and while we were waiting for the bus to appear we checked out the Nashville Hardrock Cafe.
We were taken around historic downtown Nashville, down Music Row, to see the Ryman Auditorium, the State Capitol, the Parthenon, and the Country Music Hall of Fame---among other things.

Along with the tour we were taken on a separate tour of the Ryman Auditorium. Short but sweet. We also got photos of the 4 of us appearing to be a musical group onstage at the Ryman.

At the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum we had an hour and a half to visit the 3 story building. It was currently featuring special exhibits of Tammy Wynette and a separate exhibit of Hank Williams, Jr.

Roy Rogers---significant as my first crush. . . .

And after the tour we headed up the street to the WildHorse Saloon. I had been there before and was eager to share what I believe is one of the most interesting spots in Nashville.

Here Mom snuggles up with one of the 'patrons'.

Sue cozying up to another 'patron'. Along with all the interesting figures, on barstools, posed sitting on the railings, standing by the restrooms, assisting to sell merchandise, they were also to be found in a small herd--upside down--on the ceiling of the 3 story building. We enjoyed the distinctive motif of the WildHorse Saloon but also very much enjoyed the grilled chicken sandwiches that not only included walnuts and grapes, but cooked apples.

In the evening we boarded the General Jackson Showboat. We enjoyed a cruise of about 4 hours up the Cumberland River while chowing down on a delightful meal of rosemary chicken, cornbread, potatoes and broccoli as well as salad and dessert. After dinner we were entertained by a wonderful group of young singers and musicians who gave a musical history of country music. They did an excellent job and easily rivaled the Grand Ol' Opry of the night before.

We noted that it rained a good portion of the cruise on the General Jackson but it was clear when we left the boat. Unbelievably that was the only rain we experienced, or almost experienced, on our entire trip.

Aug. 30, 2010 Picnic along the Way

On our annual family vacations we try to picnic for our lunches. This was a lovely little park about 20 miles northwest of Asheville.

Aug. 30, 2010 Asheville, NC Biltmore Estates

Biltmore Estates outside Asheville,NC is one of those places in America everyone should make time to see. It is the largest private home ever built in this country. George Vanderbilt finished the 250 room estate in 1895. Not only are the house and rooms unbelievable but the 8000 acres surrounding the home are serene, and awe-inspiring, with one of a kind gardens, wide open spaces, pastures, creeks, and flowers--all with the Blue Ridge Mts as a backdrop.

Aug. 31, 2010 Savannah, Ga

Our first stop coming into Savannah was at the Visitors Center. A large, old train station it makes a perfect Visitors Center. We were able to catch the last City Tour of the day a few minutes after we got there.
This is the same Visitors Center where I missed a step and landed flat out on the floor the next morning. Drat, no photo of that either.LOL!

One of the locations we especially paid attention to on the Tour was for the restaurant 'Lady and Sons' which is Paula Deen's place. Put a big check mark next to that on any lists of things to see and do in Savannah. We voted it BEST MEAL OF OUR VACATION.

We all had the buffet. Good choice. Lots of choices. Barbecued chicken, barbecue ribs, black eyed peas, biscuits, salads, sweet potatoes, creamed corn, green beans with new potatoes, pot roast, mac and cheese, etc, etc, etc, and dessert on top of all that---WOW!

Nothing was safe around me. And everything was exquisite. Any wonder we followed up in Paula Deen's Store where among other things we got a Paula Deen cookbook (autographed) as well as a magazine that was a compendium of the best recipes of 2010?

Sept. 1, 2010 Goodbye to Savannah

The Waving Girl statue - one of the last sights before leaving Savannah

There are so many beautiful homes and squares and parks in Historic Savannah. This is the Mercer house. Featured so prominently in the book 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil' it was a must see for me.

In the final hours of visit to Savannah we took a second City Tour of Savannah, but this time we were able to get on and off the trolley. In that manner, though we were still plagued by a shortage of time, we were able to see a couple of special sights in a bit more depth.

One place I was especially inspired to visit was the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. It rivaled many of the cathedrals I so much enjoyed when visiting Europe.

Ceiling and main altar of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

Only a portion of the exterior of the Cathedral -- so beautiful.

So many architecturally awesome churchs in both Savannah and Charleston!! This is only the steeple of the Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah.

And this is the most famous statue which is associated with the book and movie of 'Midnight in the Garden'. Simply lovely.

Sept. 1, 2010 Welcome to Charleston, SC

Late afternoon we finally got to Charleston and checked into our wonderful rooms in the Anchorage Inn---a converted cotton warehouse a block from the waterfront. Wonderful hotel, wonderful staff, Wonderful, Wonderful!
It was understandably voted our FAVORITE PLACE TO STAY ON OUR VACATION!
But we did arrive with our appetites once again making themselves known and after a bit of a trek we found ourselves at the Noisy Oyster on E. Bay St.

Mom got a Jamaican Shrimp salad with candied pecans and shredded coconut, avacado and a dressing of raspberry vinigrette. I had a similar salad but with chicken--each enough to feed a family of four easily.

Then it was time for dessert. Mom and I split the coconut custard creme cake and Sue and Eddie shared the 5 layered chocolate cake. How did we ever walk back to the hotel without help?!

Sept. 2, 2010 Charleston, SC

This fountain was less than a block from the Anchorage Inn on Vendue Range where we stayed in Charleston. The weather was perfect and the kids and adults alike were enjoying getting wet.

Just past the fountain was the waterfront itself with a wonderful little pier for enjoying the waters of the Cooper River more closely. There was always a lovely breeze and intriguing views from here.

What trip is complete without a little shopping? This is the far east end of The Market which has been in existance for over 200 years. It is 4 blocks of mostly day vendors and a few small individual shops and was very busy when we were there despite it being 'off season'.

This building, called Market Hall, is at the far western end of The Market. It is the home of the Daughters of the Confederacy chapter and houses a Civil War museum.

Sept. 2, 2010 More Charleston, SC

One of the many and so varied tombstones in this churchyard. This architecturally gorgeous building was the Circular Congregational Church,circa 1892. We had to explore its yard before heading on off for supper.

This is the steeple of the St. Philips Episcopal Church (circa 1712) as seen from the Circular Congregational Church's back yard.

I have to rate this as one of the best meals I have eaten! An entire slab of the best ribs and the best barbecue sauce in memory!

Sue and Mom enjoying Sticky Fingers's Ribs

Sept 3, 2010 Charleston

It is not easy to see but this is Rainbow Row in Charleston. I don't know how many homes are involved but they are painted in a 'rainbow' of colors that cannot be changed without official permission.

This is the mansion Sue and Eddie are hoping to have one day---after winning about 20 hefty lottery prizes!

Sue and Mom doing their 'Forest Gump on the bench' imitations. Battery Park is a beaufiful park right on the waterfront.

One of our last sights of Charleston-the bridge between Mt. Pleasant and Charleston. Stunning. Sign and heavy sigh. But we vow to return. We all loved Charleston!

Sept 3, 2010 Charleston and Middleton Plantation

After leaving Charleston, not an easy thing to do---it is so gorgeous and so unusual, especially for native Iowans, we headed to Middleton Plantation about 20 miles NW of Charleston. First started in 1675 it has survived the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and so much more. These swans were cruising the waters of the Reflection Pool a short time after this photo.

The Butterfly Lakes with a further view of the Ashley River were spectatular.

This view of the spring house was just a bit of the lovely scenery to be seen and photographed.

Lunch was at the Middleton Plantation Restaurant. I had the quail which is pictured - quite good, -but tastes a lot like chicken. Go figure.

Dessert though, was homemade Pecan Pie!! The very best any of us had ever eaten--gone before we could even get a photo apparently. It was voted BEST DESSERT OF OUR VACATION!

June here is one of the working horses on the Plantation. She has a working partner, other than the stable hand, and her name is May. Gentle giants.

Unnamed, but not to be forgotten, water buffalo. Also used frequently on the Plantation I was curious to find out they were also prized for their ability to produce milk for the household. Water buffalo milk, we were told, is easier to digest than our much more familiar cow's milk.