Vermont loved my car and I loved Vermont. This is the first state people asked to take pictures with my car. How exciting! With any luck, I’ll be famous! My first day in Vermont, I did the most touristy thing possible. I visited Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream. The second day I did a zipline/obstacle adventure. At the very end you have to jump off the platform. Everyone knows I am extremely afraid of heights, so I got a video! Yes I jumped! Don’t mind the murder conversation in the background. After that I treated myself to lunch at the Von Trapp Family Lodge. Let’s be honest, I am the girl who watched The Sound of Music every weekend my sophomore year of college. So jump or no jump I would have eaten at the Lodge! Here's a video of me jumping since no one would believe this. Yes it takes me almost two minutes! Just click on the photo.
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Not only does New York City have a lot to offer the entire state does too. My time in New York was always filled with activities. First I participated in some Peace, Love and Music at Woodstock with so much all natural stuff you could detox just walking through the town. Then I expanded my knowledge at Hyde Park – the Vanderbilt Manson, FDR’s home and library, and ValKill (Eleanor Roosevelt’s home.) During my visit to Hyde Park I finally found a good sushi place to satisfy my craving. Last but not least, I visited Old Rhineback Aerodrome. Where I spread my wings and flew in old fashion style! I made a stop over the board. I figured I’d better call my bank and let them know I left the country – they laughed! It wasn’t a mean ha ha. It was an, “oh I’m just going to pop over to Canada how cool is that” giggle. And I have to say it was really cool. I wasn’t originally going to bring my passport because I didn’t think I would need it until my second half of the trip, but I’m glad I did. Everyone said Niagara Falls is better on the Canadian side and that is not a lie. I even got a few good pictures with rainbows. Now getting back in to the US, is another story. When your car says “Baked Across America” on it, you need to be prepared for extra questioning. And where are your dogs? I see you have a picture of two dogs on your car, where are they now? They were only doing their job, but I can definitely laugh about it now.
No, I didn’t go to Pittsburgh or Philly, but I did go to Erie, PA! It’s an interesting town – there is definitely a good and shady side to it. I was in the shady side! With that being said Erie has some very nice walking trails and tons and tons of winery’s very close by. Wine in bottles, wine in barrels, no wining from this girl. The tastings are so inexpensive too. Two or three dolls for 6 samples. I did have the best pizza of my life here at Virgil’s. It is a true gem and only $1.50 a slice. I have no idea why you would be in Erie, PA but take my word for it and go to Virgil’s. Virgil's - http://sharethesquares.com/ Oh my goodness it is already September and I'm in New York writing about Tennessee. I've been to Nashville and Memphis a few times, both great places. This time I decided to switch it up and visit the Smoky Mountains...spending more money on my love for Dolly. Well not just Dolly, roller coaster rides too! I picked the perfect times to go. All the kids were back in school, so I never had to wait in a single line. I walked up to a ride and jumped right on. Went back around and did it again! Sure their aren't as many rides as Cedar Point, but Dollywood definitely has some great roller coasters. Also if you go to the park after three they let you reuse your ticket the next day. I basically got 1 and 1/2 days for the price of one. I did go to a few shows and expanded my Dolly knowledge. The Dixie Stampede was highly recommended and I completely agree. The horse tricks alone are amazing. If you check out the picture of the buffalo below you can see one is rolling around on the ground. So cute, a real crowd pleaser. I didn't just do Dolly stuff. I did 11 shots of Moonshine (twice!) , ate fried chicken, tried chicken and dumplings. Southern fried chicken and butter cake are absolutely to die for. BUT! The Smoky Mountains are the true gem. There are trails to drive with stops to hike at. The stops allow you to see waterfalls, great look outs, old homes and churches from people who first settled the land. And if you are lucky or unlucky, depending on how you look at it, you might see some bears and bear cubs.
I would have to say West Virginia is probably the most beautiful state I've driven through so far. The drive is mountainous, green, and absolutely breath taking! I only planned for a three day visit and I really wish I would have planned for longer. I had a minor scare when I first arrived because there was a flash flood warning! Check out how high the water got by my cabin! After that, all went swimmingly! Sort of... I ended up getting a flat tire. Luckily it was at a Wal-Mart! I checked out a glass blowing manufacture. They had a garden with cool glass art, chickens and ducks. An odd combination, but fun to see. I had the best burger I've ever had at Fat Patty's and I visited the New River Gorge. My gps would not lead me to the visitor center so I arrived after it closed (insert sad face.) I did drive over the bridge but you will not find this heights fearin' lady walking over that bridge any time soon check out the height comparison below!
This is my home for the next few weeks or months. If I'm not staying with someone it is KOA all the way! No luxury, no bathroom just a bed and A/C. The A/C is really all that matters for the dogs. What else do you do in Kentucky besides drink bourbon and ride horses? A ton! Louisville has a bunch of great museums. You can buy a ticket and get into 6 museums for the day. I went to the Louisville Slugger Museum and the Frazier History Museum. I also ate where Guy ate and wasn't disappointed. And of course I rode horses and drank bourbon! Of course I'm three states behind! It always starts with not having internet access, but then I get distracted by all the fun activities keeping me busy. I stayed in Bloomington, IN. "Go Hoosiers!" I love, love, love college towns. Probably because I love, love, love school. If it didn't cost a lot of $$$$ and I didn't have to take test I'd go back in a heartbeat. I always feel in my element, inspired, creative, determined and focused around college towns. ....And I almost always have epiphanies because my mind is clearer and laser focused. This time was no different. I didn't see any famous sites instead I hung out with the locals. I stayed with an old coworker and it gave us some time to catch up. I went to fourth street which has a ton of great ethnic restaurants. My go to curry, yum! I visited Nashville...Nashville, IN. It's a cute town filled with unique shops great for moseying around. I stalked up on local fruits and veggies at the farmers market. The best place I went to was Lake Monroe. It is gorgeous, like a scene from a movie. You have to hike approximately one to two miles, part of the way with a skeptical pug in your arms. The water was bath water warm, there were flat rocks to sit on in and out of the water. There was someone playing a guitar and people dancing with an added bonus of a meter shower! I am still kicking myself for not bringing my camera because I didn't want it to get wet. Well at least I'll always have the memories!
This is completely crazy to me. Each day I feel like my mind grows from new experiences and my heart over flows with love from everyone’s generosity. Since I have no need to watch the time all the days sort of blend together and I rarely know what time or day it is. It’s awesome! Not always having internet…awesome! Enjoying the sun everyday…amazing! Truly the only thing that could make this better is if I got to see my mom’s face every day like when I am at home! My mom = awesome! Six states down 20 more to go on the eastern side.
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Once the travel bug bites there is no known antidote, and I know that I shall be happily infected until the end of my life” Archives
March 2019
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