Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Next up Texas
I know this is a little in advance, but our last stop in our quest for BBQ is Texas. we'll be going Oct 22-26. join us won't you?
Sunday, August 16, 2009
back home now...
...but i am not done with our story.
Blogger likes to load the pictures backwards so this is mammoth caves backwards
this is from the end of our New Entrance tour
This is Bill and me in the frozen niagra section of mammoth caves; one of the few areas with stalactites and stalagmites.
This is Bill and me after the 500 step decline into the new entrance. This entrance was made by a few sticks of dynamite in the 1920s.
This is the historical entrance that has been used going back hundreds of years. After our hike down to the green river and our hike back up towards the visitors center the cool air rushing out on this entrance was awesome.
This is the deer that wanted to join us on our hike to the green river. it freaked us city folk out that he was so close to our trail. we also saw a snake but he wasn't as cool or as easy to photograph.
Blogger likes to load the pictures backwards so this is mammoth caves backwards
this is from the end of our New Entrance tour
This is Bill and me in the frozen niagra section of mammoth caves; one of the few areas with stalactites and stalagmites.
This is Bill and me after the 500 step decline into the new entrance. This entrance was made by a few sticks of dynamite in the 1920s.
This is the historical entrance that has been used going back hundreds of years. After our hike down to the green river and our hike back up towards the visitors center the cool air rushing out on this entrance was awesome.
This is the deer that wanted to join us on our hike to the green river. it freaked us city folk out that he was so close to our trail. we also saw a snake but he wasn't as cool or as easy to photograph.Friday, August 14, 2009
caves!
we went to mammoth caves today. it was awesome!! hopefully we'll have pics to share. see you soon.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
our dog snores...
...loudly! Like so loudly Bill tried to blame the snoring on me and I on him.... crazy dog.
Sorry for not posting but i know there are like 2 people reading this so you probably don't mind.
Let's see last time Bill left things off in Memphis after our first evening. The next day we got up and took Winnie on a walk along the river. we then got a bite to eat at a sushi/ pizza place. That afternoon we took a tour of sun studios. Well worth it. We drove by Graceland, but didn't visit. on top of it not being my cup of tea it was Elvis week and just totally nuts. That evening we visited with Kara and Dave and at BBQ at a place called Corky's. I had some spaghetti and then shared Bills order of meat. That evening we walked along Beale street and stopped by the Peabody hotel.
The next morning we walked along south main to the Civil Rights Museum. It is well worth the trip and if you go don't miss the 30 min documentary at the beginning. The museum is in the location of the hotel that Martin Luther King Jr was shot at. Also, if you do go don't miss going across the street when they have an exhibit about finding the shooter.
We packed up the car and got on the road to Nashville after that. On our way out of town, we stopped at a place called Tom's BBQ, which was featured on Diners Drive-In's and Dives. We had excellent sandwiches and said good bye to the BBQ part of our trip.
We got into Nashville yesterday around 5pm. We took a nice walk to their Centennial Park where there is a recreation of the Parthenon. By the time we were done Winnie was pooped. We are staying a a Lowes here across the street from Vanderbilt University. We had a nice dinner at a place called Mambu.
Today we got up and went to Andrew Jackson's home, The Hermitage. We saw the resting place of Andrew Jackson and had a nice tour of the home and grounds. In the afternoon, we walked around the down town area. We ate dinner at a local brewery where Winnie was allowed on the patio with us.
Tomorrow we will be on the road to Louisville and stopping at the mammoth caves national park.
More pictures later.
Sorry for not posting but i know there are like 2 people reading this so you probably don't mind.
Let's see last time Bill left things off in Memphis after our first evening. The next day we got up and took Winnie on a walk along the river. we then got a bite to eat at a sushi/ pizza place. That afternoon we took a tour of sun studios. Well worth it. We drove by Graceland, but didn't visit. on top of it not being my cup of tea it was Elvis week and just totally nuts. That evening we visited with Kara and Dave and at BBQ at a place called Corky's. I had some spaghetti and then shared Bills order of meat. That evening we walked along Beale street and stopped by the Peabody hotel.
The next morning we walked along south main to the Civil Rights Museum. It is well worth the trip and if you go don't miss the 30 min documentary at the beginning. The museum is in the location of the hotel that Martin Luther King Jr was shot at. Also, if you do go don't miss going across the street when they have an exhibit about finding the shooter.
We packed up the car and got on the road to Nashville after that. On our way out of town, we stopped at a place called Tom's BBQ, which was featured on Diners Drive-In's and Dives. We had excellent sandwiches and said good bye to the BBQ part of our trip.
We got into Nashville yesterday around 5pm. We took a nice walk to their Centennial Park where there is a recreation of the Parthenon. By the time we were done Winnie was pooped. We are staying a a Lowes here across the street from Vanderbilt University. We had a nice dinner at a place called Mambu.
Today we got up and went to Andrew Jackson's home, The Hermitage. We saw the resting place of Andrew Jackson and had a nice tour of the home and grounds. In the afternoon, we walked around the down town area. We ate dinner at a local brewery where Winnie was allowed on the patio with us.
Tomorrow we will be on the road to Louisville and stopping at the mammoth caves national park.
More pictures later.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Memphis part one
“...it keeps getting better...i dunno if we just happen to like the style of bbq more as move east, but damn, the meals are getting tastier. the ribs in particular are getting smoked perfectly with less wet sauce and more dry rub. one particular surprise is that i'm not getting tired of eating grilled meats. you think i would a little, but there's enough variation that inevitably at meal time, we start the hunt again for more.
tonight we hit up "central bbq" as per the recommendation of sarah's aunt kara. apparently it is her favorite, and now it is one of ours. like most of these smokehouses, the place wasn't much to look at, but as soon as we entered, we were engulfed in the smells of bbq. i wasn't particularly impressed with the sides, but the pulled pork, sausage and ribs were all top notch. pork was juicy and smoky, the sausage was flavorful without being too spicy and the ribs were balanced between falling off the bone and still having substance.
tomorrow we'll hit up some more local favorites and take a stroll down beale street. i'm not sure what other sights we'll see yet. then on wednesday we'll go to the civil rights museum first thing.
lastly, after a couple of days of just driving and eating too much, sarah and i are planning to use the fitness center and burn off a couple of calories. we'll see how that goes. i just know there's no way in hell i'll be running outside with this heat and humidity. ok. i think it's time for a drink...”
tonight we hit up "central bbq" as per the recommendation of sarah's aunt kara. apparently it is her favorite, and now it is one of ours. like most of these smokehouses, the place wasn't much to look at, but as soon as we entered, we were engulfed in the smells of bbq. i wasn't particularly impressed with the sides, but the pulled pork, sausage and ribs were all top notch. pork was juicy and smoky, the sausage was flavorful without being too spicy and the ribs were balanced between falling off the bone and still having substance.
tomorrow we'll hit up some more local favorites and take a stroll down beale street. i'm not sure what other sights we'll see yet. then on wednesday we'll go to the civil rights museum first thing.
lastly, after a couple of days of just driving and eating too much, sarah and i are planning to use the fitness center and burn off a couple of calories. we'll see how that goes. i just know there's no way in hell i'll be running outside with this heat and humidity. ok. i think it's time for a drink...”
- Bill
pics!
Arthur Bryant's BBQ - our first stop
Gates BBQ - Lunch on Sunday. We ended up liking Gates better than Arthur Bryant's
This was literally the street our hotel was off of. Really nice location. Very friendly staff, like every Westin
This morning we went to the Arch, which was pretty cool to see and experience. 
This is Pappy's Smokehouse that we had for lunch today. It was visited by Adam from Man vs Food ( a great show) and was recommended by two people we asked about the best BBQ.
And last but not least this is where we went for dinner tonight. it was wonderful. the ribs sausage and pork were all tasty.
St. Louis
Blogging on my phone again we did down load photos last night. Unfortunately, we didn't have wireless in the room. We had a hard time finding a place to eat because it was Sunday. So we went to a nice modern restaurant and celebrated our anniversary. We ate at a place called Lucas Park Grille.
This morning we took the mile walk to the arch. We went all the way up and walked through the museum.
We walked back to our hotel - another westin directly across from the cardinal's stadium - and packed up. We are having lunch at a place called Pappy's Smokehouse. It was voted the best bbq by two different locals that we asked.
Ok we'll be getting on the road to Memphis after this.
Happy Birthday Giddo!
This morning we took the mile walk to the arch. We went all the way up and walked through the museum.
We walked back to our hotel - another westin directly across from the cardinal's stadium - and packed up. We are having lunch at a place called Pappy's Smokehouse. It was voted the best bbq by two different locals that we asked.
Ok we'll be getting on the road to Memphis after this.
Happy Birthday Giddo!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Kansas city bbq
So yesterday we got on the road around 9 am and headed east on 80 to des moines. We had lunch at a little french cafe there. Yes french food on a bbq trip. It seems to be a tradition now.
After lunch around 2 we headed south into Missouri. We got to KC around 6pm and checked into the westin. I must say if you are traveling with a dog westins are great!
We ate dinner last night at Arthur Bryant's bbq. I'll write more later. Off to Gates for an early lunch.
After lunch around 2 we headed south into Missouri. We got to KC around 6pm and checked into the westin. I must say if you are traveling with a dog westins are great!
We ate dinner last night at Arthur Bryant's bbq. I'll write more later. Off to Gates for an early lunch.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
ready to live high off the hog
or some such thing. Bill and I are trying to get hotels panned out and get packed and ready for our road trip. we leave this comming weekend. Any suggestions of places to go or visit in the Kansas City, St Louis, Memphis, Nashville, Louisville areas?
Friday, May 8, 2009
back home
so, a week ago I was in a car on my way to eat BBQ, and eat we did. I want to finish up this trip before we leave next weekend to go to Cleveland.
Sunday:
Usually when you are traveling the day you leave is basically just a travel day. maybe you get some breakfast but mostly your focus is on get home and all that jazz. Our flight didn't leave until the late afternoon, though, so we were able to enjoy a decent portion of the day in Charlotte.
Carolyn took us to this bagel place that makes steamed bagel sandwiches. I had gone there with her the last time I visited, and it did not disappoint. (anyplace that lets me put cucumbers on my sandwich is a good place in my view.) We had wanted to meet onyx's cousin chance, but Carolyn's brother wasn't around/ awake when we called so we changed plans and went to the US Whitewater Rafting Center.
This place was really cool. I wish the main zip line had been open, because Bill and I were basically convinced to do it before we got there, but as it was we had a great time. The highlight was just enjoying the beautiful weather. This place is really cool, though, and if we lived closer I would totally sign up for kayak lessons with Carolyn. As it was, we walked around the perimeter of the rafting area and watched the kayakers struggle through the slaloms. We also got majorly sun burnt. Not knowing we were going here in the morning when i got ready i didn't put on my 45spf, and that coupled with the fact that it had been overcast the previous two days i figured i would be fine. not so much. the last few days my forehead and nose looked diseased from all the pealing.... but as i see it it is like getting a "natural" chemical peal.
yeah you can already see my face getting red
Overall, we had a wonderful time in Charlotte. A HUGE thank you goes to my good friend Carolyn who gave us her car and her bed and was a personal tour guide for the weekend. I wish I lived closer to you brudder. Bill and I had a great time and are already looking forward to August and the next leg of our trip.
Sunday:
Usually when you are traveling the day you leave is basically just a travel day. maybe you get some breakfast but mostly your focus is on get home and all that jazz. Our flight didn't leave until the late afternoon, though, so we were able to enjoy a decent portion of the day in Charlotte.
Carolyn took us to this bagel place that makes steamed bagel sandwiches. I had gone there with her the last time I visited, and it did not disappoint. (anyplace that lets me put cucumbers on my sandwich is a good place in my view.) We had wanted to meet onyx's cousin chance, but Carolyn's brother wasn't around/ awake when we called so we changed plans and went to the US Whitewater Rafting Center.
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| From BBQ pt 1 |
This place was really cool. I wish the main zip line had been open, because Bill and I were basically convinced to do it before we got there, but as it was we had a great time. The highlight was just enjoying the beautiful weather. This place is really cool, though, and if we lived closer I would totally sign up for kayak lessons with Carolyn. As it was, we walked around the perimeter of the rafting area and watched the kayakers struggle through the slaloms. We also got majorly sun burnt. Not knowing we were going here in the morning when i got ready i didn't put on my 45spf, and that coupled with the fact that it had been overcast the previous two days i figured i would be fine. not so much. the last few days my forehead and nose looked diseased from all the pealing.... but as i see it it is like getting a "natural" chemical peal.
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| From BBQ pt 1 |
yeah you can already see my face getting red
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| From BBQ pt 1 |
Overall, we had a wonderful time in Charlotte. A HUGE thank you goes to my good friend Carolyn who gave us her car and her bed and was a personal tour guide for the weekend. I wish I lived closer to you brudder. Bill and I had a great time and are already looking forward to August and the next leg of our trip.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Biltmore
Saturday started of for a quick run for some people in the group. others, me, slept in.
after getting ready for the day we went to a french bakery for some breakfast. after that we settled in for the drive to the Biltmore Estate. We drove through S. Carolina to get there which makes sense if you look at a map.
The Biltmore was amazing. They don't allow pictures inside the building, which is just fine because if you haven't gone you should see it your self. after touring the house for about 2 hours we drove out to the winery. they have wine tastings there along with seminars. we signed up for an aroma seminar and then toured the winery and went through the tasting. the seminar was interesting... they tried to teach you on how to taste and smell a wine... something none of us had ever been taught.
After the winery we strolled through some of the many gardens. I could have spent days exploring the gardens, but i think we made the most out of the time we had.
Around 5:30, we left for Sims BBQ and Country Clogging. Some co-workers of Carolyn had recommended this place for a unique southern experience. The drive into the remote area to get there was long and twisty. I can't give as many anecdotes as Carolyn or Bill as I was trying to get my itchy eyes to behave. But, I was awake during the end of the trip which involved climbing to the top of a mountain turning down a dirt road driving past some dilapidated houses and reaching a big lake with a shack-like building nearby.
We were skeptical, but our 11$ all you can eat BBQ was delish. and the country music and clogging was fun to watch.
I didn't take video until the end of the night so the first the band is on break but you can see the cloggers and the second the band came back but most of the cloggers had already left.
You would think after such a long day we would just go right to sleep, but we stayed up and watched a movie before calling it a night.
Next up: steamed bagels and rafting centers.
after getting ready for the day we went to a french bakery for some breakfast. after that we settled in for the drive to the Biltmore Estate. We drove through S. Carolina to get there which makes sense if you look at a map.
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| From BBQ pt 1 |
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| From BBQ pt 1 |
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| From BBQ pt 1 |
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| From BBQ pt 1 |
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| From BBQ pt 1 |
I didn't take video until the end of the night so the first the band is on break but you can see the cloggers and the second the band came back but most of the cloggers had already left.
You would think after such a long day we would just go right to sleep, but we stayed up and watched a movie before calling it a night.
Next up: steamed bagels and rafting centers.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Charlotte and Lexington
Well gentle readers we are back and boy did we do a lot in such a little time.
We arrived on time Thursday evening and were picked up by Carolyn. We got settled chatted for a bit and then all went to bed. Bill and I were going up to Lexington the next day for lunch and Carolyn had to work.
Friday afternoon we spent some time at Freedom park with Onyx. Bill and I both thought that this was a really nice park. I have to say that throughout our trip we were so impressed by the dog friendliness of Charlotte. We had a very tasty dinner at 300 East with Carolyn and her brother Brian (the pecan crusted trout was phenomenal). Then we all went for drinks and dessert at some place whose name escapes me.
We arrived on time Thursday evening and were picked up by Carolyn. We got settled chatted for a bit and then all went to bed. Bill and I were going up to Lexington the next day for lunch and Carolyn had to work.
Lexington
Lexington proudly proclaims that they are the BBQ capital of the Unites States. I have a feeling we might visit more towns on our quest that all proclaim the same thing. BBQ in Lexington isn't like the BBQ in eastern NC (with a vinegary sauce) but it is based on slow cooked pork. We ate at two restaurants and at both they served their chopped (or sliced) pork with a chopped coleslaw that had a vinegar dressing on it. Bill ordered hush puppies at both places and we both ordered sweet tea at both places.
Verdict:
We really enjoyed Lexington #1 BBQ better than Speedy's. Both were very good, but Lexington was a little less fatty and a little more flavor. Also Lexington's sweet tea was a tad less sweet, which was a good thing in my book.
Notes:
This was the first time either of us tried sweet tea. I think our bodies will still be in a diabetic shock next week, but at the same time it wasn't as bad as i thought it could be and certainly nothing like presweetened brisk tea. Also, this was my first time having hush puppies. They were good, but I think I'll stick to my fried potatoes and baked beans. I think both of us enjoyed the vinegar coleslaw better than the mayo based that we are used to, and I thought it was a good topping on my BBQ sandwich.
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| From BBQ pt 1 |
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| From BBQ pt 1 |
Friday afternoon we spent some time at Freedom park with Onyx. Bill and I both thought that this was a really nice park. I have to say that throughout our trip we were so impressed by the dog friendliness of Charlotte. We had a very tasty dinner at 300 East with Carolyn and her brother Brian (the pecan crusted trout was phenomenal). Then we all went for drinks and dessert at some place whose name escapes me.
That is it for this installment, I will write about Saturday (Biltmore and clogging) and Sunday (kayaking and sun burning) tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
BBQUEST 2009!!!
Our "family" vacations this year are centering around food. I say vacations but really it is one themed vacation. Bill and I are going travel and try the distinct BBQ styles of the US.
Now there are many sub styles etc and many places say they are the best but what it boils down to is this: North Carolina, Kansas, St. Louis, and Texas. For fun we have added some stops along the way and these are the main towns we are planning on traveling to this year:
Charlotte
Kansas City
St. Louis
Memphis
Nashville
Louisville
Austin
San Antonio
This quest is being split into three vacations. The first is coming up this weekend.
Bill and I will be traveling to visit my good friend (and once vegetarian) Carolyn. Carolyn has been gracious enough to offer us a place to stay and her car on Friday. She has also found entertainment for us in the form of clogging.
Anyway, I'll take pictures and upload and maybe we can convince Bill to blog too
Now there are many sub styles etc and many places say they are the best but what it boils down to is this: North Carolina, Kansas, St. Louis, and Texas. For fun we have added some stops along the way and these are the main towns we are planning on traveling to this year:
Charlotte
Kansas City
St. Louis
Memphis
Nashville
Louisville
Austin
San Antonio
This quest is being split into three vacations. The first is coming up this weekend.
Bill and I will be traveling to visit my good friend (and once vegetarian) Carolyn. Carolyn has been gracious enough to offer us a place to stay and her car on Friday. She has also found entertainment for us in the form of clogging.
Anyway, I'll take pictures and upload and maybe we can convince Bill to blog too
Saturday, December 27, 2008
we're back!
Bill and I made it back to rainy windy Chicago on time this afternoon.
We spent Christmas day at the Animal Kingdom as planned and then had a nice buffet dinner poolside at the resort. Friday many of us went to Blizzard Beach while Jeff and Giddo drove Larry back to Tampa and Mom and Mimi went on an all day excursion to the outlet mall. (the excursion really should have been like a three hour tour...)
And like that our trip was over and we are back in the nasty weather of Chicago, though at least it is warm right now.
Thanks for joining us!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas!
I know it will be Christmas by the time this actually posts as it is 11:50 right now. We had a fantastic day today at Epcot.
Mimi Mom Bill and I left for the park opening due to a miscommunication with our groups. We walked over to soarin' first thing and got a fast pass for an hour later. so we rode the boat through living with the land (the hydroponic green house ride) and then had some breakfast. Soarin' was great as it always is, and I think Mom and Mimi really enjoyed it. We then walked over to the Living seas and met up with the rest of the group who had finally joined us. but then we decided they were moving too slow for our taste and Mom Mimi Bill and I went off to see the countries while they spent some more time at the seas and then waited for their 1pm fast passes for soarin'.
We got the package for the candle light processional with the lunch at the German Pavilion. I think it was worth it because after our fabulous lunch we were able to seat ourselves in the American Amplitheater and bypass lines that wrapped through two countries.
The Candlelight Processional was wonderful. the guest narrator was Steven Curtis Chapman. I think all of the adults enjoyed it and the kids were very well behaved.
After the show we were able to walk through the rest of the counties taking a break to see the Beatles cover band in the UK. Mom liked them so much that she Giddo Mimi Bill and I stayed for the next showing while the rest of the group went to ride test track.
We all gathered in Mexico for the Illuminations show. it was as beautiful as always, and they added an extra 5 min of song and fireworks afterwards for Christmas. It was really incredible, but I think Disney has really ruined the normal fourth of July for our group. You just can't compete with that.
Everyone in the group says Merry Christmas to all of you!!! Tomorrow after the kids open Santa's gifts we will be heading off to Animal Kingdom.
Mimi Mom Bill and I left for the park opening due to a miscommunication with our groups. We walked over to soarin' first thing and got a fast pass for an hour later. so we rode the boat through living with the land (the hydroponic green house ride) and then had some breakfast. Soarin' was great as it always is, and I think Mom and Mimi really enjoyed it. We then walked over to the Living seas and met up with the rest of the group who had finally joined us. but then we decided they were moving too slow for our taste and Mom Mimi Bill and I went off to see the countries while they spent some more time at the seas and then waited for their 1pm fast passes for soarin'.
We got the package for the candle light processional with the lunch at the German Pavilion. I think it was worth it because after our fabulous lunch we were able to seat ourselves in the American Amplitheater and bypass lines that wrapped through two countries.
The Candlelight Processional was wonderful. the guest narrator was Steven Curtis Chapman. I think all of the adults enjoyed it and the kids were very well behaved.
After the show we were able to walk through the rest of the counties taking a break to see the Beatles cover band in the UK. Mom liked them so much that she Giddo Mimi Bill and I stayed for the next showing while the rest of the group went to ride test track.
We all gathered in Mexico for the Illuminations show. it was as beautiful as always, and they added an extra 5 min of song and fireworks afterwards for Christmas. It was really incredible, but I think Disney has really ruined the normal fourth of July for our group. You just can't compete with that.
Everyone in the group says Merry Christmas to all of you!!! Tomorrow after the kids open Santa's gifts we will be heading off to Animal Kingdom.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
short post
wow i am tired. we had a long day today, or at least I did. Bill got to hang out an relax for the morning, but he and I and my mom went to dinner and then to see La Nouba at downtown Disney.
Brian Christie Bobby and Ben left around 530 today. I am sure they will have an uneventful and safe trip home.
tomorrow is a very very long day so don't expect anything from me. I'll probably blog on Christmas.
Brian Christie Bobby and Ben left around 530 today. I am sure they will have an uneventful and safe trip home.
tomorrow is a very very long day so don't expect anything from me. I'll probably blog on Christmas.
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