Amy's America

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

While I may have woken up in the same place that I was going to sleep, it doesn’t mean I took a day off of the road. It just means it was a roundtrip journey rather than one way. We actually spent about seven hours in the car and put nearly 500 more miles on it. Destination? Dollywood!

Helen and Keira were my partners in crime for this part of the road trip – in fact it was Keira’s idea to trek out to Dollywood. We had a blast! We headed straight for Aunt Granny’s buffet the second we got there. (Keira, referring to the rather large chicken breasts in the buffet: Maybe these are from special Dolly Parton chickens, grown with especially large breasts.)

We went from roasting (it was in the 90s) to soaking when we went on the first water ride. We couldn’t believe how good the rides were – not for the faint of heart! All of Dollywood was great, including the shopping. There is a whole section of artisans selling their wares, from glassblowers and wood carvers to candlestick makers. Our only disappointment was we couldn’t find any rhinestone bras. Helen has tweeted Dolly to let her know – hopefully those will be there next time.

We threw ourselves completely into Dollywood – from standing in the map to trying to think like Dolly: What Would Dolly Do? was the question of the day. I can’t honestly say it helped that much with any big dilemmas, but maybe the real Dolly would have better answers.

On the ride home, after seeing some of the beautiful Smokey Mountains, we stopped at the Cracker Barrel so I could give the girls a taste of a country dinner – and a cute country store. I know, I know, we shouldn’t have gone to a chain, but after driving that much and it being that late I was too tired to go wandering about back roads to find a (hopefully) incredible mom n pop place. They really enjoyed it, and that’s what matters.

Now we’re off to the Big D & Bubba radio show. They’re on stations across the US, and absolutely hysterical, so tune in people!

Read Full Post »

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I woke up in Nashville, Illinois, and got on the road to head toward the ‘real’ Nashville in Tennessee. I was pretty eager to get to my parents’ house, which is half way between Nashville and Knoxville, so I didn’t plan any other stops today. Of course, you know me, something caught my eye…

Actually, it was a someone who caught my eye: Superman! I saw signs for ‘Giant Superman Statue’ in Metropolis, Illinois, and how could I resist? (Yes, I passed on the jolly green giant, but this is Superman!) It wasn’t too far off the exit, and worth the stop. It seems the only thing in Metropolis is the statue, a small Superman museum (very well done, from the outside, anyway), and a Harrah’s casino. I passed on Harrah’s. (I was amused to see the town’s Meals on Wheels van is sponsored by Harrah’s. I have a feeling they bring the area a bit more money than the Superman museum. Just a hunch.)

Back on the road, the only other stops were for sustanance – for both me and the car – and for information at the visitor’s bureau just over the Tennnessee border. I think I have every Tennessee brochure known to man. I apologize to all the trees. (I should note that I did drive through Kentucky. I pretty much blinked and it was over. Afraid I didn’t give it much of a chance – may have to go back.)

It was so nice to arrive in Rock Island and see Dad and Mag! I instantly relaxed. It will be nice having a home base for a bit. I’ll be staying here until I head into Nashville to meet up with my London girlfriends early next week. And I think I especially need rest before meeting up with them!

After a fabulous home cooked meal (thank you, Maggie!), we went to find one of my favorite deserts: funnel cakes at the Warren County Fair. I was thrilled to find out that I made it here for the last night of the fair. I love county fairs – the homemade goods competitions, the children showing their pets, the rides, the games, the excitement in the air and the yummy food! I restained myself and only had the funnel cake. It’s a good thing it was the last night!

Read Full Post »