Tennessee
18th Anniversary
October 20, 2012
State of Tennessee
City of Pigeon Forge
Mountain Valley Chapel
Day One
We left Seattle and our boys and took a red eye flight to Nashville, Tennessee. We landed about 8 AM and immediately headed for a Waffle House. Once Julie had her grits and Eric had some waffles, we were ready to see Tennessee. Our first destination was The Hermitage, historic Home of Andrew Jackson, 7th President of the US. We enjoyed exploring the grounds of the plantation on a beautiful sunny fall day as well as touring the mansion and seeing all of the original furnishings from the 1840s. Then we jaunted over to Jackson, TN, home of Casey Jones, that diligent train engineer who died in 1900 trying to get the mail delivered on time. Upon our final arrival in Memphis, we checked into the historic Peabody Hotel and strolled down Beale Street where blues music found it's voice. B.B. King's served us a dinner of true southern food coupled with some excellent live music, complete with harmonica and amazing vocals.
Day Two
We walked to the National Civil Rights Museum located at the site where Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot in 1968. Back at the Peabody, we were able to catch the famous entrance of the ducks from the Penthouse elevator, down the red carpet, and into the lobby fountain. Then it was Julie's walk down memory lane visiting many places where she built memories over the 10 years that she lived in Memphis from age 8-18. We started with one of her childhood homes where she met her friend, Nancy Marcus, who was in our first wedding and is still a friend today. From there we followed her walking route to Snowden Elementary where she and Nancy spent their 4th grade year. On to White Station High where the manager in the school office was in the graduating class just ahead of Julie. it was fun to learn about some of the familiar classmates and to walk some of the old halls. After another drive past a house she lived in, we were hungry and feasted at Corky's, best ribs around! Mouthwateringly good! Our last stops on memory lane were the first ballet studio Julie danced in with Tennessee Ballet (named Ballet South at the time) and Lindenwood Church where Julie worshiped and was baptized. When we arrived back at the Peabody, we visited the Lansky Bros. Shop, clothiers to the King (that means Elvis in these parts). Eric got at stylish pink dress shirt to go with Julie's dress for our evening out. But before the gussying up could begin, we had to scoot out to the tour of the Gibson guitar factory where we witnessed the crafting of some amazing instruments. Made us want to strum a few chords, if we only knew how. Looking as dapper as we could get, we had a long dinner at Texas de Brasilia, a Brasilian steakhouse, followed by a walk to the historic Orpheum Theater where Julie had performed during her time with the ballet company. We were thoroughly entertained by the Broadway tour of Catch Me If You Can. We were not even distracted by the tornado sirens or the thunder ranging outside during the show. However, being on foot only several blocks from the hotel proved moist after the show was over. a very generous woman gave Julie a plastic poncho as we prepared to make a break for it in the torrential rain. We didn't melt, and we did dry out. A fun ending to a full and adventuresome day.
Day Three
We hit the road the road early on our way to Shiloh National Military Park where we were educated about the Civil War battle that occurred 150 ago this past April. The movie, Fiery Trial, produced by the Park Service was very well done. We continued through Tennessee to Lynchburg, home of the world's most popular whiskey brand, Jack Daniels. It was a fascinating process to see and smell! we saw how they make their own charcoal for distilling, the cave spring where they get the iron-free water, and the still where they separate the mash from the alcohol complete with a computer mission control-type room full of monitors. We smelled the fumes in the 40,000 gallon fermentation vats, and the 140 proof alcohol dripping for 6 days through the charcoal to be poured into the barrels for "maturing." Note to self, alcohol distilling produces a black mold that covers trees and other structures near the process . . . It's a great tipoff to look for if you think your neighbors might be working some moonshine! we last saw a barrel house that holds a million gallons each, and there are 70 such buildings in Moore County. Big business. Not big drinkers of the stuff ourselves, it was a fascinating company to see, real skills passed down through family generations. After that, we headed to Chattanooga for our lodging for the night. Pardon me boys, is that the Chattanooga Choo Choo? Track 29? why yes! We stayed in a train car parked at the historic train station that has been transformed into hotel rooms. Extra points if you know from which movie the song "Chattanooga Choo Choo" is featured. (Hint: the answer is in one of our earlier anniversary trips.) It was an exciting place to stay. We only wished we had been chugging.
Day Four
After a leisurely start, no real train schedule to keep, we grabbed some Moon Pies, still made in Chattanooga, and began traveling north stopping in Dayton, TN site of the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial. What a circus that trial was! Although a victory for creation teaching in the schools at the time, evolution has since reigned in public education classrooms. As we drive these long highways and byways, we are enjoying another audiobook loan from the Knisses, Agatha Christie's Hallowe'en Party. It is fun to discuss our running theories of the case as we go along. Upon entering Great Smokey Mountains National Park, we followed the Little River Road stopping at overlooks, enjoying the crunching of the fallen leaves and the crisp air, and seeing the brightly colored trees. After a stop at the visitor's center, we continued to our hotel in Pigeon Forge, The Inn at Christmas Place. Surrounded by themed everything in this town, this hotel boasted Christmas year-round! Our room even had a Christmas tree in the corner. We admit, it was festive but a little odd for October. Corky's ribs were in our future again for dinner, couldn't resist, and then a short drive to Gatlinburg which was full of fun places to walk about. We paused at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery and Tasting Room. They had 8 different favors of Moonshine, and we learned about White Lightening. Stout stuff!
Day Five
Wedding Day! We rose early for the wedding at the Mountain Valley Chapel located in the hills outside Pigeon Forge. Dressed to the nines, we tightened the knot with a lovely ceremony officiated by Rev. Gerald in the small chapel overlooking the vibrantly colored Smokey Mountain hillsides. It is good to be reminded of what we are committed to and the importance of covenant vows. We will have plenty of photos as the photographer that was included in the wedding package posed us all over the property. Hope we smiled purty! Back as tourists we traveled to Chestnut Hill where we rounded the bend and came upon an enormous factory making BEANS! The Bush's Visitor Center (and Museum) had a light-hearted way of showing off their family business and the history of their company. We stayed to dine in the cafe that boasted of the bean of the day as well as pinto bean pie, sincerely tasty. (Think pecan pie with beans mixed in.) We completed the 1,150 mile road trip back to Nashville checking into the historic and incredibly beautiful, Hermitage Hotel with a room view overlooking the state capital plaza. No trip to Nashville is complete without a night at The Grand Ole Opry! For those of you keeping track, this was our second live radio show production to visit in anniversary fashion. Here are a few of the acts who performed that night: J.T. Hodges, Sarah Darling, Quebe Sisters, and Mac Powell. It was a rousing night of country fun! We concluded the night with a stroll down Broadway which was full of country singers aiming to make it big singing in the one of the many country bars.
Day Six
Our final day was the Lord's Day, and we worshiped with Parish Presbyterian Church in Franklin, TN under pastor George Grant. His message was a powerful reminder from Paul about true contentment. After visiting with the hospitable folks at the church for a bit, we scooted out for a quick bite back in Nashville before catching a glimpse of the Parthenon. Yes! Right here in Tennessee. No need to go to Athens. (Would have been nice to know THAT two years ago before we made the long journey to Greece!) There is a concrete replica in a city park surrounded by the Vanderbilt campus. This one, unlike it's original, still sports the vibrant color paint and impressive full bodied sculptures along the roofline. Now for the silliest and final stop before leaving the great state of Tennessee, Cooter's Place. All you former fans of the show Dukes of Hazard know who Cooter was and will join us in a giggle that there is a free museum tribute to such characters. Our grand tour of the state in the strengthening of our bond together was wonderful.
October 20, 2012
State of Tennessee
City of Pigeon Forge
Mountain Valley Chapel
Day One
We left Seattle and our boys and took a red eye flight to Nashville, Tennessee. We landed about 8 AM and immediately headed for a Waffle House. Once Julie had her grits and Eric had some waffles, we were ready to see Tennessee. Our first destination was The Hermitage, historic Home of Andrew Jackson, 7th President of the US. We enjoyed exploring the grounds of the plantation on a beautiful sunny fall day as well as touring the mansion and seeing all of the original furnishings from the 1840s. Then we jaunted over to Jackson, TN, home of Casey Jones, that diligent train engineer who died in 1900 trying to get the mail delivered on time. Upon our final arrival in Memphis, we checked into the historic Peabody Hotel and strolled down Beale Street where blues music found it's voice. B.B. King's served us a dinner of true southern food coupled with some excellent live music, complete with harmonica and amazing vocals.
Day Two
We walked to the National Civil Rights Museum located at the site where Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot in 1968. Back at the Peabody, we were able to catch the famous entrance of the ducks from the Penthouse elevator, down the red carpet, and into the lobby fountain. Then it was Julie's walk down memory lane visiting many places where she built memories over the 10 years that she lived in Memphis from age 8-18. We started with one of her childhood homes where she met her friend, Nancy Marcus, who was in our first wedding and is still a friend today. From there we followed her walking route to Snowden Elementary where she and Nancy spent their 4th grade year. On to White Station High where the manager in the school office was in the graduating class just ahead of Julie. it was fun to learn about some of the familiar classmates and to walk some of the old halls. After another drive past a house she lived in, we were hungry and feasted at Corky's, best ribs around! Mouthwateringly good! Our last stops on memory lane were the first ballet studio Julie danced in with Tennessee Ballet (named Ballet South at the time) and Lindenwood Church where Julie worshiped and was baptized. When we arrived back at the Peabody, we visited the Lansky Bros. Shop, clothiers to the King (that means Elvis in these parts). Eric got at stylish pink dress shirt to go with Julie's dress for our evening out. But before the gussying up could begin, we had to scoot out to the tour of the Gibson guitar factory where we witnessed the crafting of some amazing instruments. Made us want to strum a few chords, if we only knew how. Looking as dapper as we could get, we had a long dinner at Texas de Brasilia, a Brasilian steakhouse, followed by a walk to the historic Orpheum Theater where Julie had performed during her time with the ballet company. We were thoroughly entertained by the Broadway tour of Catch Me If You Can. We were not even distracted by the tornado sirens or the thunder ranging outside during the show. However, being on foot only several blocks from the hotel proved moist after the show was over. a very generous woman gave Julie a plastic poncho as we prepared to make a break for it in the torrential rain. We didn't melt, and we did dry out. A fun ending to a full and adventuresome day.
Day Three
We hit the road the road early on our way to Shiloh National Military Park where we were educated about the Civil War battle that occurred 150 ago this past April. The movie, Fiery Trial, produced by the Park Service was very well done. We continued through Tennessee to Lynchburg, home of the world's most popular whiskey brand, Jack Daniels. It was a fascinating process to see and smell! we saw how they make their own charcoal for distilling, the cave spring where they get the iron-free water, and the still where they separate the mash from the alcohol complete with a computer mission control-type room full of monitors. We smelled the fumes in the 40,000 gallon fermentation vats, and the 140 proof alcohol dripping for 6 days through the charcoal to be poured into the barrels for "maturing." Note to self, alcohol distilling produces a black mold that covers trees and other structures near the process . . . It's a great tipoff to look for if you think your neighbors might be working some moonshine! we last saw a barrel house that holds a million gallons each, and there are 70 such buildings in Moore County. Big business. Not big drinkers of the stuff ourselves, it was a fascinating company to see, real skills passed down through family generations. After that, we headed to Chattanooga for our lodging for the night. Pardon me boys, is that the Chattanooga Choo Choo? Track 29? why yes! We stayed in a train car parked at the historic train station that has been transformed into hotel rooms. Extra points if you know from which movie the song "Chattanooga Choo Choo" is featured. (Hint: the answer is in one of our earlier anniversary trips.) It was an exciting place to stay. We only wished we had been chugging.
Day Four
After a leisurely start, no real train schedule to keep, we grabbed some Moon Pies, still made in Chattanooga, and began traveling north stopping in Dayton, TN site of the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial. What a circus that trial was! Although a victory for creation teaching in the schools at the time, evolution has since reigned in public education classrooms. As we drive these long highways and byways, we are enjoying another audiobook loan from the Knisses, Agatha Christie's Hallowe'en Party. It is fun to discuss our running theories of the case as we go along. Upon entering Great Smokey Mountains National Park, we followed the Little River Road stopping at overlooks, enjoying the crunching of the fallen leaves and the crisp air, and seeing the brightly colored trees. After a stop at the visitor's center, we continued to our hotel in Pigeon Forge, The Inn at Christmas Place. Surrounded by themed everything in this town, this hotel boasted Christmas year-round! Our room even had a Christmas tree in the corner. We admit, it was festive but a little odd for October. Corky's ribs were in our future again for dinner, couldn't resist, and then a short drive to Gatlinburg which was full of fun places to walk about. We paused at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery and Tasting Room. They had 8 different favors of Moonshine, and we learned about White Lightening. Stout stuff!
Day Five
Wedding Day! We rose early for the wedding at the Mountain Valley Chapel located in the hills outside Pigeon Forge. Dressed to the nines, we tightened the knot with a lovely ceremony officiated by Rev. Gerald in the small chapel overlooking the vibrantly colored Smokey Mountain hillsides. It is good to be reminded of what we are committed to and the importance of covenant vows. We will have plenty of photos as the photographer that was included in the wedding package posed us all over the property. Hope we smiled purty! Back as tourists we traveled to Chestnut Hill where we rounded the bend and came upon an enormous factory making BEANS! The Bush's Visitor Center (and Museum) had a light-hearted way of showing off their family business and the history of their company. We stayed to dine in the cafe that boasted of the bean of the day as well as pinto bean pie, sincerely tasty. (Think pecan pie with beans mixed in.) We completed the 1,150 mile road trip back to Nashville checking into the historic and incredibly beautiful, Hermitage Hotel with a room view overlooking the state capital plaza. No trip to Nashville is complete without a night at The Grand Ole Opry! For those of you keeping track, this was our second live radio show production to visit in anniversary fashion. Here are a few of the acts who performed that night: J.T. Hodges, Sarah Darling, Quebe Sisters, and Mac Powell. It was a rousing night of country fun! We concluded the night with a stroll down Broadway which was full of country singers aiming to make it big singing in the one of the many country bars.
Day Six
Our final day was the Lord's Day, and we worshiped with Parish Presbyterian Church in Franklin, TN under pastor George Grant. His message was a powerful reminder from Paul about true contentment. After visiting with the hospitable folks at the church for a bit, we scooted out for a quick bite back in Nashville before catching a glimpse of the Parthenon. Yes! Right here in Tennessee. No need to go to Athens. (Would have been nice to know THAT two years ago before we made the long journey to Greece!) There is a concrete replica in a city park surrounded by the Vanderbilt campus. This one, unlike it's original, still sports the vibrant color paint and impressive full bodied sculptures along the roofline. Now for the silliest and final stop before leaving the great state of Tennessee, Cooter's Place. All you former fans of the show Dukes of Hazard know who Cooter was and will join us in a giggle that there is a free museum tribute to such characters. Our grand tour of the state in the strengthening of our bond together was wonderful.