Orlando Bound


After a week (October 2011) in Harrisonville, MO we traveled home with our first stop in California, MO at Burgers' Smokehouse where we ordered hams sent to our two Florida sons.  Of course, we had a ham sandwich.  Ever so good! 

Taken from Hermann Wine Trail Site

OakGlen Winery  Picture from Hermann Wine Trail Site

In Hermann, is a delightful German wine village where on another trip we had stayed two nights at a B and B and spent the day visiting wineries in the area.   Hermann was settled in 1837 by Germans along the Missouri River and evidence of their culture is seen in the architecture, food and people. The wine trail is 20 miles with 7 wineries to visit. We are not big wine drinkers.   I like rather sweet white ones and my husband likes the reds so we found when we first visited wineries we tended to purchase one bottle of everything we liked.  Soon we had a closet full of one bottles.  Our rule now is to pick one and buy two so it can be served to guests at a meal.

All the wineries are fun and  a trolley for $15 a day offers a pick up and drop service.

From trolley website

  

Taken from Stone Hill Website

This trip we stopped for lunch at the Vintage Restaurant at Stone Hill Winery where an old carriage house has been remodeled into a charming restaurant serving German and American food.  I love their cheese spread.  When I order appetizers the waiter always thinks I'm going to share - ha!  I usually order their smoked pork chop with apples, and David gets the German plate offering sausages. 

From Swiss Meat and Sausage

We always stop on Highway 19 south as we leave town for sausage. Swiss Meat and Sausage Company in business since 1969 has tasting stations to find the ones you like best. Some are smoked and will travel with you.  Of course, the car picks up an odor but it's a good one.  

From Holiday World website

We did a wide circle around St. Louis having been caught in their traffic several times so like Atlanta we avoid the city, driving extra miles to do so.  We ended up on Interstate 64 and got to Mount Vernon, Illinois for the night.  The next day we zoomed down the road and picked up brochures in Indiana around Holiday World remembering a most wonderful stop there.  We didn't know about the park at the time but had a 10 year old granddaughter with us and thought how much fun is this?  A and I jumped in line for the first ride.  As I stepped inside the cart I realized I was 30 years older than anyone else in line.  I thought "What are you doing?" as the cart whizzed away.  Three minutes later I got off with my stomach intact.  They have a wonderful water park as part of the ticket.  Each area is identified with a holiday.   We rode in Halloween Land.  Kids need other kids to ride with though.  And my son thinks I am too old to take his 4 children. 

We promised to return to this lovely area where Lincoln spent his boyhood years, where Santa Claus lives and cabins rent on the Ohio River.   I just need for a grandson to get older while I stay the same age.  This is on our route to his home. 

By lunch we are in Louisville, Kentucky digging through Hadley Pottery seconds for bowls to match pieces I have picked up on other trips.  When our children had children, I wanted these dishes to use when grandchildren came.  Fact is I love them.  Each time we drive through I add to my collection of seconds.   You can buy the new also but I like their slightly off shapes.  They recommended a late lunch at a North End Cafe within a block where we had the most delicious squash soup which was so right that rainy fall day.  

From Bluegrass Museum Site

We got to Winchester in time to visit the Bluegrass Historical Museum which was decorating for a  holiday preview.  I purchased a lovely quilt which become a Christmas gift for granddaughter E.  It looked just like a quilt should - not a fancy design but more like your grandmother's aprons all pieced together.  Wonderful blend of colors.

We headed to the genealogy room at the library where we paged through books checking on the name Wade for they first came here in 1780's.  Didn't find what I came for but loved the town and want to return.  I like places that have nice museums and care about their history with  libraries wiith good genealogy rooms.  Had all three. 

We had dinner at Gaunces Deli and Cafe but found it did not live up to the recommendations given.

The next morning we stopped at headquarters for Ruth Hunt's Candy Company, started in 1921,  where they are famous for bourbon-chocolate balls.  Interesting fact for me, Elijah Craig, the first to discover how to cure whiskey into bourbon is my sixth great grandfather (eight generations removed).  Sampled a few and mailed some to grandchildren - without the bourbon.  Check online as they do not allow pictures to be copied.  Too bad, would make your mouth water. 

In Mt. Sterling we parked and had a wonderful lunch right off the courthouse square Terry and Kathy's.  While I didn't find a website, they are listed on food sites such as Yelp.  Do try their beer cheese while you wait for all the homemade entrees and pies.  The courthouse had the will of the man I sought, Dawson Wade.  David is eight generations removed from Dawson.   With a good lunch and the will we left happy, headed to West Virginia.

We visited the West Virginia Archives in Charlestown and find hints but realized we needed to move east into the state.  We found Lewisburg, Greenbrier County, W VA as dark fell and the motel sent us into town for dinner.  The streets were alive with people and all the stores and restaurants open.  They celebrate First Fridays (November).  We ate at Julian's and had the best meal of our entire trip.  The Chef provided his great recipe for Apples.  First know that I am not overly fond of apples.

Preparation:  For every gallon of peeled, cored and quartered apples, use one lemon which is quartered to remove seeds but leave peel and pith intact.
Simmer apples with a touch of water.  Once apples have softened, remove about half a cup to blender and add the seedless lemon quarters - blend until fused.  Add lemon/apple liquid to simmering apples.  Adjust sugar to taste.  Simmer until apples fully cook.  Chill.

The next morning we ate at the General Lewis Inn for breakfast which was lovely then visited the genealogy archives where volunteers were most helpful and I find good Wade material as they lived here prior to moving through Virginia to Cumberland Gap and into Kentucky. 

We drove out to Greenbrier Resort for a quick-look before heading south into Virginia.  I want to go back to this area.  We didn't have enough time to enjoy it all.

We drove through Virginia into North Carolina and south of Charlotte to a good television set for the night to watch a most disappointing Alabama - L. S. U. game.  It took the National Championship Game in January for the Tide to redeemed the team.   We are both graduates of the U. of A. and found each other on the campus at the Big Pumpkin Party.

The next day we drove to Orlando as it was time  to decorate for the holidays.   It is always fun to go and nice to return to your own bed.
 

Missouri Bound

Why travel three or more times to Missouri each year?  Grandchildren.  Our middle son and wife live in Harrisonville, MO with four most delightful children.  We decided that we would not let distance be an excuse for not being active grandparents in their lives especially when C. snuggles close as we leave and asks, "Dede, when will I see you again?"  Lord willing, within three months. 

Each time we go we take a different path and discover new places and return to favorites along the route.  Come join us October 2011.

Our first new stop was Boston Barbeque in Boston, GA, a delightful village 33 miles west of Valdosta and I-75, two blocks south of U.S. HWY 84.   David had the brisket, served only on Wednesday and Saturday, and I had the pork.  His brisket sandwich has set the gold standard for all future brisket sandwiches.  All the food was delicious and the owner showed David the smoker and talked know-how.  We now have a new smoker in our barbeque hut in the backyard. 

                                                                   
Boston was founded in 1837 as a stagecoach stop but before that Indians used the area as a hunting ground and today game is still plentiful in the region for hunters.  Don't miss this icon for small town America. 
Back on HWY 84 we stopped at Dillon Candy Factory which has been in business since 1918 and ships worldwide.   We had the most delicious peanut and pecan brittle. 

The Thomasville Farmers Market was our next stop.  You would think we would not be able to eat again, but we can't pass the The Market Diner (502 Smith Avenue - 229-225-1777) with their wonderful buffet of vegetables and fried chicken and pot roast.  I mean when will we see southern veggies again on our trip?  Before us were collard greens, turnip greens, black-eyed peas, chowder peas, lady peas, field peas, creamed corn, lima beans, green beans, rutabagas, okra and tomatoes, sweet potato casserole, cabbage, rice, mashed potatoes, corn bread and mac and cheese plus a salad and dessert bar with banana pudding and cobblers.  Oh yes, we stopped and waddled out.   The Farmers Market next door has fresh produce and homemade pickles and jellies available but our favorite stop for such is up the road a piece.

Picture taken from their website

Mark's Melon Patch, west of Albany, on HWY 520 where fresh produce and homemade jellies and pickles are available.   

Homemade peach ice cream when in season.  Oh yes, a must stop.

Gramp's Camp

At last we arrive at our destination for the next two nights.  Gramp's Camp on Lake Martin, Alabama and a visit with R. and B., David's brother and wife, who inherited along with her sisters this rustic cabin with memories of laughter and family lore.  It sleeps 17 and has two flushing toilets.  Who could ask for more? 

The four of us toured the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, a U.S. National Park.  In the spring of 1814 General Andrew Jackson lead an army to attack the Creek Indians on the Tallapoosa River.  Over 800 red sticks died that day.  This victory later lead to the Creek Indians ceding 20 millon acres which became the state of Alabama.  The victory of this battle plus the Battle of New Orleans led to the fame of Andy Jackson and his bid for the presidency.

We said good-bys in Anniston while visiting with cousin M.A. who gave us two pecan pies to carry along the way since R and B left without theirs. Her recipe is the best. She says it is the syrup which is made in the town where she grew up, and their maternal Jones grandmother grew up - Fayette, Alabama. The syrup is the key.

Picture from the website

This recipe makes 3 pies. Make all three. Your friends will love you when it's given to them. 1 1/2 cups of white sugar; 1 1/2 cups of Golden Eagle Syrup, 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar; 1 1/2 sticks melted butter; 3 t. vanilla; 9 large eggs; 3 cups chopped pecans which are put in pie shells and all the rest is mixed well and poured over. Cook at 300 degrees for about 45 minutes. Will thicken as it cools. On their website you can find other recipes plus this one is cut down for one pie. M.A. just makes 3.   

After our luncheon visit we actually made it to Monticello in Wayne County, Kentucky by ten that evening to check in to Fairchild's Bed and Breakfast for the next two nights while I searched for family records, and we stomped around their old terrority in the early 1800's.  For dinner we ate pie and drank milk before turning into our wonderful king bed. The breakfasts were wonderful and the sharing of local sites very helpful. 

Sunday we rambled the countryside that once Jones, Wallace and Wade ancesters might have traversed.  At left is a picture taken at the Old Mill Springs where 13 springs trickle/fall/drop down into the Cumberland River and an old mill stands while above an old Civil War site remains.  We spent over an hour there hiking and picture taking.  It was a beautiful morning of wonder at God's creative touch. 

We ate at the Cumberland Falls State Park Lodge overlooking the river.   The Sunday buffet was excellent.

Picture taken from Cumberland Fall State Park website

We checked out the state park's various loding options hoping one day to return with family to enjoy all the activities available before we hiked to the famous Cumberland Falls.   The paths are easily hiked and the view quite wonderful.  This river was the main transportation for pioneer families coming into the region. 

Monday we headed west crossing into Illinois at Cairo which was once a mighty town upon the Mississippi but we saw only a depressed section as we whizzed by.  Sad what we saw. 

We entered Missouri almost immediately on a road we had never traveled before and enjoyed the new scenery as we began to look for a place to spend the night.  We stopped at Poplar Bluff and probably got the last room available at a Super 8.  Who knew the town was filled for a convention?  We ate good food at Tios Mexican Bar and Grill and turned in thankful for a bed. 

A Slice of Pie

The next day we drove through parts of Mark Twain National Forest to Rolla where we stopped for a light lunch and pie at A Slice of Pie where they make about 30 pies and cheesecakes which is the real reason one goes there.  I had rhubarb-strawberry pie because my good friend C loves it so. 

Now close to our destination (Harrisonville, MO) we followed the sun and within hours four grandchildren jumped for joy with hugs and kisses – we had reached the best part of our journey.

Travel Along With Us

We always traveled within the Southern states but with retirement we reached into our bucket and pulled out places that were only names on the map before.  Tonight I start a rambling record of where we have been and where we dream of going. 

When we travel several themes dominate - like is there a good locally owned restaurant within the area?  Any historical sites or physical geographic features?  And if somehow, family history weaves into the trip it is all the more fun.  In fact, tracing family history was what started us on this journey of sideroads.  Each time I'd discover a new line, the next spring break we'd head out to see where our forefathers lived.  American history became our personal history as we found the charming villages they once called home in eras long ago.  Both the journey and the family unfolding brought new appreciation for being American. 

As I write this "travel along" it will weave the miles with food and family and fun.  Come along.

3/2012:  Our last journey was a short one for a family wedding. 

We left Orlando (our home) on the crowded highways of I-4 and I-95 to Jacksonville.  Traffic was fierce coming out of Orlando with tourists, bikers and trucks.  It is Bike Week in Daytona.  I usually ride and David drives so driving the SUV made me nervous, and I made him nervous especially when I edged the pavement one time.

 Vintage Postcard from Ribault Club

We arrived in time to dress and hurry across the St John's River over a super high bridge on our way to Fort George Island which is close to Amelia Island.  We left the main road onto the land of the old Kingsley Plantation, run by the National Park Service.  We passed tabby ruins of the slave quarters and down a curving road to the Club Ribault where under moss laden trees, a lovely bride and groom pledged their troth for better or worse.   Deep in this old setting was an enchanted twenties club house where friends danced the night away. 

Since we're on retirement time, we drove home Highway 1 to Highway 50 which cuts Florida in two.  Both of these roads are among the earliest built in Florida. 

Photo credit fortmose.org

As we crossed into St. Augustine, we turned left to Fort Mose, the first free community of ex-slaves.  Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose was built in 1738.  We stepped into the world of the old Indian/African-American fort where run away English slaves lived free as a buffer for the Spanish soldiers stationed at Fort San Marcos and their homes and families in St. Augustine.  Twice they escaped to the city to help fight against General Oglethrope and his English troops.  The leader of the group was Francisco Menendez, a slave who remembered freedom in Africa.  There is an interactive museum with the historic figures of Fort Mose and a boardwalk over the marshes to view the location of the fort.  Picnic tables and restrooms are also available.     For more information, Fort Mose has a great website.

We tried to eat in St. Augustine, one of our favorite Forida towns, but the crowds got there first so we continued south on HWY 1 to the crossroads to Crescent Beach where a barbeque hut poured out smoke and people.  We jumped right in line.   The people in front of us said the ribs were great and the lady behind us always orders the beach bucket to picnic on the beach. Both were returnees.  We ordered a pork sandwich which was excellent and a brisket which was tough and great baked beans and ordinary slaw.  No tables so we pulled under the shade of a tree to eat.

By time we got to New Smyrna the bikers took over, and we joined their parade on the highway as they pulled in and out of one bar and flea market after another.  For the next fifty miles we stopped and started vicariously riding with them.  We saw the expected tatooes, the long hair, the fat bulging over the tires, the girls hanging on.  There was an excitement of fun and happiness among the group despite the slow pace and building heat.  It was a happening and I'm so glad we were a part of it even if from an air conditioned SUV - our road hog.  

We called Dixie Crossroads, Titusville  321-268-5000 and asked to be put on their wait list.  A little over an hour later, we were eating their wonderful corn fritters followed by their famous rock shrimp.  Red shrimp were also in season so we ordered a side.  They really are the sweetest.  I love the rock shrimp for each little bite tastes like lobster dipped in butter.  Don't go for one dozen, make your order two dozen at least.   They are just that delicious. 

Thus ended out adventure as we turned west on HWY 50, crossing through Christmas (named for an old fort built by 2,000 soldiers and volunteers during the Second Seminole War on Christmas Day, 1837) and into Orlando.   Fort Christmas has a replica of the fort plus seven restored "Cracker" homes showing the pioneer life of the 1870's. Special events are held through out the year. 

Florida is dotted by over 200 old forts built during the Second Seminole Wars (1835 - 1842).  That is why so many Florida towns have Fort in their names - Fort Myers, Fort Meade, Fort Pierce, Fort Lauderdale.  Some forts are today known just by their names such as Maitland and the Gatlin area of Orlando.  Forts were established every twenty miles which was as far as a soldier could march in a day.

As the clock ticks down on this trip and day... good night, sleep tight on your journeys.  Dede