I returned home last night after 15 days on the road and visiting with family most of the time.
March 16th-- On the road and arrived in Cincinnati. Got my chili and dose of live and NTN trivia. (Il-47, I-74)
March 17th-- Denny and I do St. Patrick proud. More chili, Mt. Adams, even bars (three of which were Irish) and plenty o' suds.
March 18th-- On the road to Carolina, arriving in Goldsboro late at night. (Ohio -32, US-23, US-52, I-64, I-77, West Virginia Turnpike, I-77, US-52, I-40, US-70)
March 20th-- 145th Anniversary Re-enactment of the Battle of Bentonville, March 19-21, 1865.
March 21-23rd-- Topsail Beach (US-40, US-17, NC-50)
March 28th-- Driving in the rain to Cookeville, Tn. NTNin' and Tournamentin' in Bristol, Va. and Knoxville, Tn. (US-70, I-40, US-52, I-77, I-81, I-40)
March 29th-- Cookeville Depot, great old sign. Chocolate Uglies and White House, Tn. Family.
March 30th-- Home. LST-325 Memorial, Evansville, Imdiana. (Tn-76, US-41, Ind. 63, I-74, Il-47)
Great Trip, But, As Always, Great to Be Home. Especially with Temps in the 70s!! --RoadDog
RoadDog's RoadLog Blog: Being my travels down those great two lane highways of this nation as well as news I learn about them from media sources. Since I'm also very interested in historic preservation, there will be a lot of that as well.
The Shamrock Court Motel in Sullivan, Missouri. It can be yours for $125,000. Lots of possibilities. Actually, now you're too late. Missouri's Roamin' Rich bought it.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Getting My Sugar Rush at Britt's Donuts
One regular institution to be found at Carolina Beach, NC, is a place dating back to 1939 and serving up just one thing, some of the most mouth-watering doughnuts you'll find anywhere in the US.
I know my farthest-back memories of the beach include this place that has withstood Hurricanes Hazel and Fran and kept coming back for more.
I missed it this trip as it opens weekends-only at the end of this month and begins seven day operations Memorial Day to Labor Day. But, if I'm back this summer or next fall, I'm there for sure. What brought Britt's to mind was an article in the July 2009 Our State magazine about it. I am using information from it.
H. L. Britt opened the place in 1939. Today's owners, Bobby and Maxine Nivens worked there in the50s before buying the place in 1974 and operating it ever since. With all this constant change (and fast) in the world today, the original (and top secret recipe) remains the same.
More Mouth-Watering On the Way. --RoadDog
I know my farthest-back memories of the beach include this place that has withstood Hurricanes Hazel and Fran and kept coming back for more.
I missed it this trip as it opens weekends-only at the end of this month and begins seven day operations Memorial Day to Labor Day. But, if I'm back this summer or next fall, I'm there for sure. What brought Britt's to mind was an article in the July 2009 Our State magazine about it. I am using information from it.
H. L. Britt opened the place in 1939. Today's owners, Bobby and Maxine Nivens worked there in the50s before buying the place in 1974 and operating it ever since. With all this constant change (and fast) in the world today, the original (and top secret recipe) remains the same.
More Mouth-Watering On the Way. --RoadDog
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Lincoln Logs: Tama Bridge-- Illinois Mural
Some New News About an Old Road'
1. TAMA BRIDGE-- The March 24th 42 N Observations blog had pictures of the famous Lincoln Highway Bridge in Tama, Iowa (with the name spelled out on the sides). The first was taken in the year it was built in 1915 and shows a dirt road. The second is taken this year.
Currently, a US-30 bypass is under construction which will take the bridge off the main road as well as the famous 1937 King Tower Cafe which had a filling station, garage, wrecker service, cafe and 18 cabins.
I'm sure, however, the bypass will eliminate a lot of excessive traffic and make the drive along this stretch of the old Lincoln much more pleasurable.
http://24n.blogspot.com
2. ILLINOIS MURAL-- Channel 13 NBC News in Rockford, Illinois, reported on March 22nd that the new Lincoln Highway mural in Oregon, Illinois, was unveiled. It features striking views of the Rock River and the 48 foot tall Blackhawk statue.
It is one of the 40 planned for the 179 mile Lincoln Highway through the state. Towns they are in are either along the original route or along the Lincoln Highway Corridor, which is the case of the city of Oregon.
These are sponsored by the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway.
Always Something Happening Along the Lincoln. --RoadDog
1. TAMA BRIDGE-- The March 24th 42 N Observations blog had pictures of the famous Lincoln Highway Bridge in Tama, Iowa (with the name spelled out on the sides). The first was taken in the year it was built in 1915 and shows a dirt road. The second is taken this year.
Currently, a US-30 bypass is under construction which will take the bridge off the main road as well as the famous 1937 King Tower Cafe which had a filling station, garage, wrecker service, cafe and 18 cabins.
I'm sure, however, the bypass will eliminate a lot of excessive traffic and make the drive along this stretch of the old Lincoln much more pleasurable.
http://24n.blogspot.com
2. ILLINOIS MURAL-- Channel 13 NBC News in Rockford, Illinois, reported on March 22nd that the new Lincoln Highway mural in Oregon, Illinois, was unveiled. It features striking views of the Rock River and the 48 foot tall Blackhawk statue.
It is one of the 40 planned for the 179 mile Lincoln Highway through the state. Towns they are in are either along the original route or along the Lincoln Highway Corridor, which is the case of the city of Oregon.
These are sponsored by the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway.
Always Something Happening Along the Lincoln. --RoadDog
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
On the Road-- March 16th-- Part 4
SORRY, WRONG B-DUB
Very full of 3-way chili and a Coney Dog, I drove across the busy, busy Montgomery Road, to the Buffalo Wild Wings, referred to by some as B-Dub, or us old-timers as BW3 (for when it stood for Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck).
Lots of people there, but managed to find a parking spot and walked in. Inquired at the front as to where the upstairs was and got a quizzical look from the hostess, who said they never had an upstairs.
But, there was another B-Dub up the road which did. Perhaps this was the place I was looking for? Must be since Denny surely wasn't there, not was there any live trivia.
The manager was nice enough to get the address which turned out to be six miles to the north. Put it into GPS just to be sure. Lots and lots of stoplights along Montgomery which turns out to be a major thoroughfare in the Cincinnati area. It used to be the 3-C Highway, connecting Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati diagonally across Ohio.
HOORAY, THE RIGHT B-DUB
It was right where Denny had said it was, just north of I-275 had I gotten off at the first exit past I-71. And, this one had an upstairs that had a live trivia going on.
Joined Denny and three others playing a very organized live trivia with regular answer sheets and you had to turn in answers to each question individually. This was a pretty smart bunch who knew stuff I couldn't dream of knowing.
One Long Day Comes to An End. --RoadDog
Very full of 3-way chili and a Coney Dog, I drove across the busy, busy Montgomery Road, to the Buffalo Wild Wings, referred to by some as B-Dub, or us old-timers as BW3 (for when it stood for Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck).
Lots of people there, but managed to find a parking spot and walked in. Inquired at the front as to where the upstairs was and got a quizzical look from the hostess, who said they never had an upstairs.
But, there was another B-Dub up the road which did. Perhaps this was the place I was looking for? Must be since Denny surely wasn't there, not was there any live trivia.
The manager was nice enough to get the address which turned out to be six miles to the north. Put it into GPS just to be sure. Lots and lots of stoplights along Montgomery which turns out to be a major thoroughfare in the Cincinnati area. It used to be the 3-C Highway, connecting Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati diagonally across Ohio.
HOORAY, THE RIGHT B-DUB
It was right where Denny had said it was, just north of I-275 had I gotten off at the first exit past I-71. And, this one had an upstairs that had a live trivia going on.
Joined Denny and three others playing a very organized live trivia with regular answer sheets and you had to turn in answers to each question individually. This was a pretty smart bunch who knew stuff I couldn't dream of knowing.
One Long Day Comes to An End. --RoadDog
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
On the Road-- March 16th-- Part 3
HOW'S YOUR CHILI?
You can get your official Cincinnati chili all the way from 3-way to 5-way. It costs about an extra 20 cents for each increase and I do recommend the 5-way. When the waitress learned I was out of town, she suggested the 3-way which I ordered.
A 3-way comes with spaghetti, chili and an almost obscene amount of cheese, a regular gob full. A 4-way comes with the first three, plus finely chopped raw onions. The 5-way has the first four, plus red beans (at least that is the way its served at Skyline).
Who would have thought about putting chili on spaghetti, but it sure works. The cheese starts melting right away and by the time you're half way through is almost completely melted.
GET YER DOGS
In addition, you can order a Coney Dog. This comes with chili and cheese as well.
Cheese for both items comes finely graded and the grill guys literally put hand fulls on.
I'm not sure if all Skylines do this, but the one I ate at prepared the food right in front of the seating counter so you got to watch real food maestros at work.
Mighty Good Eatin' Indeed. --RoadDog
You can get your official Cincinnati chili all the way from 3-way to 5-way. It costs about an extra 20 cents for each increase and I do recommend the 5-way. When the waitress learned I was out of town, she suggested the 3-way which I ordered.
A 3-way comes with spaghetti, chili and an almost obscene amount of cheese, a regular gob full. A 4-way comes with the first three, plus finely chopped raw onions. The 5-way has the first four, plus red beans (at least that is the way its served at Skyline).
Who would have thought about putting chili on spaghetti, but it sure works. The cheese starts melting right away and by the time you're half way through is almost completely melted.
GET YER DOGS
In addition, you can order a Coney Dog. This comes with chili and cheese as well.
Cheese for both items comes finely graded and the grill guys literally put hand fulls on.
I'm not sure if all Skylines do this, but the one I ate at prepared the food right in front of the seating counter so you got to watch real food maestros at work.
Mighty Good Eatin' Indeed. --RoadDog
Saturday, March 20, 2010
On the Road-- March 16th-- Part 2
I hooked up with I-275. the interstate bypass around Cincinnati right away. I put the address in of the Buffalo Wild Wings where I was to meet Denny and his friends to play some live trivia into the GPS.
It was quite different from the instructions he gave me, which had me getting off at the exit after I-75. I got off and didn't find it so took a round-about route following Nancy (what we call the GPS voice) and ended up back on 275 to I-71 and quite aways south on that.
Got off on Montgomery Road and found the B-Dub (Buffalo Wild Wings), but right across from it was a Skyline Chili, so got waylaid.
When in Cincinnati, you really owe it to yourself to have some chili at one of the many places that offer it. The two you most likely will come across are two chains selling the stuff, Skyline or Gold Star. In addition, there are several other places that haven't expanded their numbers.
You will want to order anything between a 3-way to a 5-way chili.
What Way the Chili Up Next. --RoadDog
It was quite different from the instructions he gave me, which had me getting off at the exit after I-75. I got off and didn't find it so took a round-about route following Nancy (what we call the GPS voice) and ended up back on 275 to I-71 and quite aways south on that.
Got off on Montgomery Road and found the B-Dub (Buffalo Wild Wings), but right across from it was a Skyline Chili, so got waylaid.
When in Cincinnati, you really owe it to yourself to have some chili at one of the many places that offer it. The two you most likely will come across are two chains selling the stuff, Skyline or Gold Star. In addition, there are several other places that haven't expanded their numbers.
You will want to order anything between a 3-way to a 5-way chili.
What Way the Chili Up Next. --RoadDog
Friday, March 19, 2010
On the Road-- March 16th-- Part 1
Left home at 9 am, and drove out to Woodstock where I picked up Il-47 and took it all the way south to Mahomet, Illinois, where I picked up I-74 and took it to Cincinnati.
Gas along Il-47 ran $2.70 to $3.00 most of the way, but was around $2.62 in Gibson City. Stopped as usual in Yorkville, Illinois, for a bathroom break and bite to eat at the McDonald's north of downtown. This is getting to be a regular stop for us. Once past Yorkville, the traffic and congestion is pretty much over except for Morris. Every year, it takes longer to drive this stretch, but anything is better than doing the Chicago Hassle.
Gas Purchases:
BP in Morris, Illinois $2.80 $27.11
Crawfordsville, Indiana $2.60 $22.88
Crawfordsville is usually cheaper than most places along I-74 in Indiana.
Once in Indianapolis, I took I-465 around to the southeast and continued on I-74 to Cincy. I hit Indianapolis at rush hour, but had no delays despite construction, try doing that through the Chicago hassle.
Next, Fun and Games in Cincinnati. --RoadDog
Gas along Il-47 ran $2.70 to $3.00 most of the way, but was around $2.62 in Gibson City. Stopped as usual in Yorkville, Illinois, for a bathroom break and bite to eat at the McDonald's north of downtown. This is getting to be a regular stop for us. Once past Yorkville, the traffic and congestion is pretty much over except for Morris. Every year, it takes longer to drive this stretch, but anything is better than doing the Chicago Hassle.
Gas Purchases:
BP in Morris, Illinois $2.80 $27.11
Crawfordsville, Indiana $2.60 $22.88
Crawfordsville is usually cheaper than most places along I-74 in Indiana.
Once in Indianapolis, I took I-465 around to the southeast and continued on I-74 to Cincy. I hit Indianapolis at rush hour, but had no delays despite construction, try doing that through the Chicago hassle.
Next, Fun and Games in Cincinnati. --RoadDog
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Hey, I Stayed There!! Sleeping in a Tee Pee
The March 11th Shorpy site of old pictures featured a July 1940 picture of the Wigwam Village #2 in Cave City, Kentucky. It was taken by Marion Post of the Resettlement Administration.
Alongside the main tee pee, there are stools and log chairs evidently for sale. The main tee pee has the word "EAT" over the door and the pumps out front are selling Standard Oil products. Two have Crown gasoline and there is also a Crown Extra (must be premium). There is also a sign advertising Brown's ice cream.
Four smaller tee pees are in the picture as well. The sign above the pumps reads "Eat and Sleep in a Wigwam" and it is an approved AAA Court.
Several years ago, a group of us stayed here during an American Road Magazine Midwest spring trip. It was quite an experience and I'd sure do it again. I especially liked the public area where we had bonfires and a bbq. I didn't like the fact that the county is dry, so I had to rely on the generosity of others.
Next Time I Bring My Own With Me. --RoadDog
Alongside the main tee pee, there are stools and log chairs evidently for sale. The main tee pee has the word "EAT" over the door and the pumps out front are selling Standard Oil products. Two have Crown gasoline and there is also a Crown Extra (must be premium). There is also a sign advertising Brown's ice cream.
Four smaller tee pees are in the picture as well. The sign above the pumps reads "Eat and Sleep in a Wigwam" and it is an approved AAA Court.
Several years ago, a group of us stayed here during an American Road Magazine Midwest spring trip. It was quite an experience and I'd sure do it again. I especially liked the public area where we had bonfires and a bbq. I didn't like the fact that the county is dry, so I had to rely on the generosity of others.
Next Time I Bring My Own With Me. --RoadDog
Monday, March 15, 2010
New Cruising Music
One big reason I bring a couple new CDs with me is to listen to is to imprint that album on the trip. These are songs that will always remind me of my travels.
I generally listen to a CD, then start pressing seek on the radio. Getting local stations is all part of any good cruise. That provides lots of flavor, plus, you never know when you might hear about something good.
Last night, I was listening to WNCT to Steve Hardy's show and heard about the Daffodil Festival in Fremont, NC, on March 27th, something I'd like to see.
CDs on my listening list for this trip:
PSYCHEDELIC SUNRISE-- THE CHESTERFIELD KINGS (again, thanks Little Steven)
GET OFF ON THE PAIN-- GARY ALLAN
NEED YOU NOW-- LADY ANTEBELLUM
THAT LONESOME SONG-- JAMEY JOHNSON
Cruisin' and Tunin'. --RoadDog
I generally listen to a CD, then start pressing seek on the radio. Getting local stations is all part of any good cruise. That provides lots of flavor, plus, you never know when you might hear about something good.
Last night, I was listening to WNCT to Steve Hardy's show and heard about the Daffodil Festival in Fremont, NC, on March 27th, something I'd like to see.
CDs on my listening list for this trip:
PSYCHEDELIC SUNRISE-- THE CHESTERFIELD KINGS (again, thanks Little Steven)
GET OFF ON THE PAIN-- GARY ALLAN
NEED YOU NOW-- LADY ANTEBELLUM
THAT LONESOME SONG-- JAMEY JOHNSON
Cruisin' and Tunin'. --RoadDog
Hittin' The Road Again
We just got back home on the 3rd of this month, but I'm out again starting tomorrow for a trip to North Carolina, stopping tomorrow nigh and Wednesday in Cincinnati to see how those folks celebrate SP's Day.
This weekend, I'm going to a huge Civil War re-enactment of the 145th anniversary of the Battle of Bentonville in North Carolina. Around 3,500 re-enactors are expected so it should be quite the spectacle.
I'll also be going to the beach again, this time at Topsail Beach.
Got to get as many travels in as I can before some folks get the price of gas too high again.
Wonder Who That Might Be. --RoadDog
This weekend, I'm going to a huge Civil War re-enactment of the 145th anniversary of the Battle of Bentonville in North Carolina. Around 3,500 re-enactors are expected so it should be quite the spectacle.
I'll also be going to the beach again, this time at Topsail Beach.
Got to get as many travels in as I can before some folks get the price of gas too high again.
Wonder Who That Might Be. --RoadDog
Quest for Warmth 2010-- Part 11-- Music to Hit the Road With
This past trip, I brought along several CDs to listen to as we tooled down the roads.
BUFFETT HOTEL-- JIMMY BUFFETT-- No trip to the beach is complete without a little Buffett. Just seems so right. We especially liked: Nobody from Nowhere, Big Top, Summerzcool (not Summer School) and JB's take on today's world, A Lot to Drink About. We sure do have a lot to drink about after listening to this one.
RENTACROWD-- LEN PRICE 3-- I have Little Steven to thank for knowing about this group. He plays a lot of their songs on his Underground Garage Show on the radio. For anyone who thinks rock and roll of the garage and sixties variety is dead and gone, you've got to give a listen to this CD. Just one great track after another.
STARTIN' WITH ME-- JAKE OWEN-- A new country performer with lots of good old country. We wondered if he is related to Randy Owen of the group Alabama since they did a duo on "You Can Thank Dixie," but Wikipedia said they weren't. "Yee Haw" yourself!!
JERSEY BOYS-- ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING-- How do you beat the Four seasons while cruising down the road? That just makes the drive that much better.
Crusin' and Tunin' Down Da Road. --RoadDog
BUFFETT HOTEL-- JIMMY BUFFETT-- No trip to the beach is complete without a little Buffett. Just seems so right. We especially liked: Nobody from Nowhere, Big Top, Summerzcool (not Summer School) and JB's take on today's world, A Lot to Drink About. We sure do have a lot to drink about after listening to this one.
RENTACROWD-- LEN PRICE 3-- I have Little Steven to thank for knowing about this group. He plays a lot of their songs on his Underground Garage Show on the radio. For anyone who thinks rock and roll of the garage and sixties variety is dead and gone, you've got to give a listen to this CD. Just one great track after another.
STARTIN' WITH ME-- JAKE OWEN-- A new country performer with lots of good old country. We wondered if he is related to Randy Owen of the group Alabama since they did a duo on "You Can Thank Dixie," but Wikipedia said they weren't. "Yee Haw" yourself!!
JERSEY BOYS-- ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING-- How do you beat the Four seasons while cruising down the road? That just makes the drive that much better.
Crusin' and Tunin' Down Da Road. --RoadDog
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Quest for the Warm-- Part 10-- Joe's-- B-Dub
Just couldn't believe all the folks coming in for the wings at Joe's. We had them last year and they were mighty good. Unfortunately, after Po' Folks, we were just too full to have anything else.
We were playing two NTN Buzztime boards and saw one of our home bars, Hello Folks come up with Paintr and gave a call. The next game, we saw the main place, Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin on the board and called there as well. Always a big hoot to see one of our home bases on the board when we're on the road.
Geocas was playing and talked with him. We got five boards between Liz and myself and were joined by a local who goes by the logo Hippie and challenged Donovan's. They beat us once on a "Seen It" game, where, judging by ALL THE PERFECT scores, a lot of people, including Geocas, had already seen it. We beat the home guys the next two games.
We then drove back past the Driftwood to Pier Park and played NTN at B-Dub (Buffalo Wild Wings) or BW3 as the oldtomers call it. No rankings, but we did bring the laptop in and had the fast-stuff so got a look at our e-mails. I even posted to this blog from there (see February 24th). I've never posted from a non-house sort of place before.
Am I Entering the 2000s? --RoadDog
We were playing two NTN Buzztime boards and saw one of our home bars, Hello Folks come up with Paintr and gave a call. The next game, we saw the main place, Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin on the board and called there as well. Always a big hoot to see one of our home bases on the board when we're on the road.
Geocas was playing and talked with him. We got five boards between Liz and myself and were joined by a local who goes by the logo Hippie and challenged Donovan's. They beat us once on a "Seen It" game, where, judging by ALL THE PERFECT scores, a lot of people, including Geocas, had already seen it. We beat the home guys the next two games.
We then drove back past the Driftwood to Pier Park and played NTN at B-Dub (Buffalo Wild Wings) or BW3 as the oldtomers call it. No rankings, but we did bring the laptop in and had the fast-stuff so got a look at our e-mails. I even posted to this blog from there (see February 24th). I've never posted from a non-house sort of place before.
Am I Entering the 2000s? --RoadDog
Friday, March 12, 2010
Quest for Warmth-- Part 9-- Just Beachin'
February 23rd we caught some rays OD and went to Bahama Bob's and Donovan's at night. See post for March 2nd for the live trivia.
FEBRUARY 24TH-- Really Crummy Weather
Overcast, windy and lots of cold in it. A definite day to leave the beach and go to some places we wanted to visit, but weren't ready to give up a day at the beach.
PANAMA CITY-- PO' FOLKS
Drove across the bridge and along US-98 to Po' Folks, a favorite of ours. There used to be a lot of them in Tennessee, but no more, so we were happy to find this one last year. They offer a chicken dinner with two sides for $3.99, a really good price. I had that and Liz got her favorite chicken-fried steak. We splurged and had a $2.99 Mississippi Mud Pie which came ala mode.
JOE'S CORNER PUB
We then went to Joe's Corner Pub which is near the bridge on US-98. Last year we had a really hard time finding it until the bartenders at Buffalo Wild Wings told us where it was and said they had the best wings on the beach (how about that?). You can't see the sign driving west, which was why we didn't see it.
THE F-ING GUY. We spend a lot of time in bars, so are quite familiar with the F word. But, there was a guy in Joe's that used the word more than anyone we've ever heard. Probably every sixth word was the F word used as an adjective, a guy really in bad need of a thesaurus. Sometimes it was every other word. It got to be a joke as we tried to keep count.
We Had a Really Great F-ing Time. Oops! Bad Influence. --RoadDog
FEBRUARY 24TH-- Really Crummy Weather
Overcast, windy and lots of cold in it. A definite day to leave the beach and go to some places we wanted to visit, but weren't ready to give up a day at the beach.
PANAMA CITY-- PO' FOLKS
Drove across the bridge and along US-98 to Po' Folks, a favorite of ours. There used to be a lot of them in Tennessee, but no more, so we were happy to find this one last year. They offer a chicken dinner with two sides for $3.99, a really good price. I had that and Liz got her favorite chicken-fried steak. We splurged and had a $2.99 Mississippi Mud Pie which came ala mode.
JOE'S CORNER PUB
We then went to Joe's Corner Pub which is near the bridge on US-98. Last year we had a really hard time finding it until the bartenders at Buffalo Wild Wings told us where it was and said they had the best wings on the beach (how about that?). You can't see the sign driving west, which was why we didn't see it.
THE F-ING GUY. We spend a lot of time in bars, so are quite familiar with the F word. But, there was a guy in Joe's that used the word more than anyone we've ever heard. Probably every sixth word was the F word used as an adjective, a guy really in bad need of a thesaurus. Sometimes it was every other word. It got to be a joke as we tried to keep count.
We Had a Really Great F-ing Time. Oops! Bad Influence. --RoadDog
Quest for Warmth 2010-- Part 8-- 'Laxin' at the Beach
February 22nd.
Had quite the big rain storm with regular rolls of thunder and plenty of lightning in the early morning hours. Looked like it was going to really mess up the rays for the day, so I made plans to go over to the movie theaters by Pier Park and see a movie I have been wanting to see since I first heard of its debut, "Crazy Heart" starring Jeff Bridges and a definite favorite to win best actor Oscar.
For some reason, no theaters in our area back home had shown it. So, here was my chance.
It cost $7 and was every bit as good as I thought it would be. Bridges definitely deserves the Oscar. And, besides, I really like country music so got plenty of that.
WE GET SUN ANYWAY
By the time I got out of the theater, the sun was out, so went back to the Driftwood and caught some rays OD.
We took a ride later in the afternoon to the east and saw a pretty sunset at the Barefoot Beach Club and enjoyed $2 Miller Chills. Looked at their menu after seeing one couple get an order of hot smoked tuna nachos and ordered it. It was every bit as good as it looked. However, we misjudged the amount of dip and finished the nachos way before the dip, which was partially hidden under the chips. We had to ask for more chips which they were happy to oblige. Pretty well filled us up for $7.99.
Then stopped at local favorite Shuckums which has been operating since the 1960s. The place can best be described as rustic or primitive. Delicious-looking serving of many types of oysters, but, unfortunately, I can no longer eat those ever since I got ahold of a bad one.
Back to the room and watched several great old black and white movies on TCM: Five Graves to Cairo, Fighting Sullivans and It Happened One Night. I had never seen any of these and the last one was hilarious. No wonder it won so many Oscars. We don't get this channel on our cable, but perhaps we need to.
Rain's Not Gonna Stop Us from Having Fun at the Beach. --RoadDog
Had quite the big rain storm with regular rolls of thunder and plenty of lightning in the early morning hours. Looked like it was going to really mess up the rays for the day, so I made plans to go over to the movie theaters by Pier Park and see a movie I have been wanting to see since I first heard of its debut, "Crazy Heart" starring Jeff Bridges and a definite favorite to win best actor Oscar.
For some reason, no theaters in our area back home had shown it. So, here was my chance.
It cost $7 and was every bit as good as I thought it would be. Bridges definitely deserves the Oscar. And, besides, I really like country music so got plenty of that.
WE GET SUN ANYWAY
By the time I got out of the theater, the sun was out, so went back to the Driftwood and caught some rays OD.
We took a ride later in the afternoon to the east and saw a pretty sunset at the Barefoot Beach Club and enjoyed $2 Miller Chills. Looked at their menu after seeing one couple get an order of hot smoked tuna nachos and ordered it. It was every bit as good as it looked. However, we misjudged the amount of dip and finished the nachos way before the dip, which was partially hidden under the chips. We had to ask for more chips which they were happy to oblige. Pretty well filled us up for $7.99.
Then stopped at local favorite Shuckums which has been operating since the 1960s. The place can best be described as rustic or primitive. Delicious-looking serving of many types of oysters, but, unfortunately, I can no longer eat those ever since I got ahold of a bad one.
Back to the room and watched several great old black and white movies on TCM: Five Graves to Cairo, Fighting Sullivans and It Happened One Night. I had never seen any of these and the last one was hilarious. No wonder it won so many Oscars. We don't get this channel on our cable, but perhaps we need to.
Rain's Not Gonna Stop Us from Having Fun at the Beach. --RoadDog
Thursday, March 11, 2010
A Quick Trip on Route 66 in Illinois-- Part 2
Continued.
SPRINGFIELD-- Happy to see a new place will be opening in the old GEORGE RANKS, next to the great old car wash sign where Route 66 turns east. It has been closed several years, but will sure be great to belly up for drinks in the Orange Round Bar on Route 66 again.
Plus, we had to see for ourselves, so drove by it and, NORB ANDY'S is again open. I feel a horseshoe coming on.
BROADWELL-- a truck was parked at Ernie's. Perhaps a son trying to get him and Fran to move to Lincoln? I doubt that will happen. Ernie can be "stubborn" when he wants to be.
LINCOLN-- the Abraham Lincoln sitting in a wagon and reading a book has been moved from across from the old Tropics and is nearer to the Lincoln visitors center.
LINCOLN INN-- after many years of continued dilapidation, it appears this Route 66 motel is getting a new lease on life as it is now part of the Best Western chain. It already looks better as we drove by. It's within walking distance of a great little bar at the Logan Lanes Bowling Alley.
TROPICS-- still there, but is there a CVS or Walgreen's in its future? At least save the sign.
ATLANTA-- The stupid water tower is still there. But this town deserves credit as being in the forefront of recognizing its Route 66 heritage along with Dwight, Pontiac and Lincoln and others.
Short, But Sweet. --RoadDog
SPRINGFIELD-- Happy to see a new place will be opening in the old GEORGE RANKS, next to the great old car wash sign where Route 66 turns east. It has been closed several years, but will sure be great to belly up for drinks in the Orange Round Bar on Route 66 again.
Plus, we had to see for ourselves, so drove by it and, NORB ANDY'S is again open. I feel a horseshoe coming on.
BROADWELL-- a truck was parked at Ernie's. Perhaps a son trying to get him and Fran to move to Lincoln? I doubt that will happen. Ernie can be "stubborn" when he wants to be.
LINCOLN-- the Abraham Lincoln sitting in a wagon and reading a book has been moved from across from the old Tropics and is nearer to the Lincoln visitors center.
LINCOLN INN-- after many years of continued dilapidation, it appears this Route 66 motel is getting a new lease on life as it is now part of the Best Western chain. It already looks better as we drove by. It's within walking distance of a great little bar at the Logan Lanes Bowling Alley.
TROPICS-- still there, but is there a CVS or Walgreen's in its future? At least save the sign.
ATLANTA-- The stupid water tower is still there. But this town deserves credit as being in the forefront of recognizing its Route 66 heritage along with Dwight, Pontiac and Lincoln and others.
Short, But Sweet. --RoadDog
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