From DC to Nashville, my trip brings me to an unexpected visit to my happiest place on earth. Know what I’m Tennesayin’?
Day 24 – August 2
It’s a new dawn as I continue on my adventure south and I am quickly reminded of my least favorite state motto. “Virginia is for Lovers” was introduced in 1969 with the original intent of the campaign to advertise Virginia’s beaches (“Virginia is for Beach Lovers”), mountains (“Virginia is for Mountain Lovers”), and the state’s rich history (“Virginia is for History Lovers”), but was simplified and incredibly…well, memorable. To quote 30 Rock’s Liz Lemon, “Lovers. Oh, that word bums me out unless it’s between ‘meat’ and ‘pizza.'” I concur, but all the more power to you, Virginia.
I’ve been through Virginia before, but only through the eastern part of the state using the I-95 corridor. Taking Highway 81 along the western part of the state (but not West Virginia, do not be mistaken) was incredibly beautiful and scenic. The green, rolling hills were calming and oh so pleasant to look at. I really enjoyed this part of the drive. I found myself thinking, “this is like a more northern Tennessee.” Then I thought, “well, duh, Finch, that’s exactly what this is.” Virginia is for Tennessee lovers, too, I suppose.
The drive, though gorgeous, was uneventful. I quickly made my way to Knoxville to meet up with my great friends Deanne and Rachael. Rachael was currently searching for work, meaning it was funemployment time and we were going to make the most of it and chill. We took and quick walk around the corner to the always charming Bearden Beer Market. Dog-friendly, great beer selection, and giant Jenga: life was good.
After Deanne got home and we all caught up a bit, we all headed over to “the castle,” which actually turned out to be Schulz Brau Brewing Company. We arrived in-time for trivia night (one of my great pleasures in life) and drank some phenomenal brews from the uniquely-styled brewery. Trivia was fantastic (and we won third place, to boot) and great times were had.
After an arduous night of trivia and beer consumption, we headed back to their place for nightcaps and some wonderful time spent with the best dog in the world, Celty. She is truly a national treasure and one of my greatest animal friends.
Day 24 Stats:
Miles traveled: — 507
Miles traveled so far: 4,859
States visited:
- Maryland
- Virginia
- Tennessee
Day 25 – August 3
Deanne had another day of work ahead of her, which meant that Rachael and I were on our own. When I was last in Tennessee right before New Year’s Eve 2017, an incredible amount of rain stopped me from going to one of the finest places in the world, Dollywood. For the uninitiated: Dolly Parton has a theme park. Yes, it is charming and beautiful. The music is on-point (most season pass holders are there for the shows). The rides are fantastic.
It hadn’t dawned on me that the weather was gorgeous and that we could go at all. Seriously. In fact, I wasn’t going to stay an extra day in Tennessee. It was going to be a one night visit and I’d be on my way to Louisiana. Leave it up to Rachael and her season pass to convince me (not that it took much at all).
We made way for Pigeon Forge, TN for a day of merriment and so much southern hospitality. The crowds were solid, but the lines for the rides weren’t terribly long and everything ran incredibly well. Or, almost…
The only downer of the day was that the park’s newest attraction, the Lightning Rod, a bootlegger hot rod inspired roller coaster (I know, right?), had been delayed by quite some time and was not ready. I was pretty burned by that since the advertisements for this ride were all over, the merch was already out and for sale, and I didn’t know the next time I’d be visiting the park.
I wouldn’t let my day be marred by this infraction, though. We rode just about every coaster twice (Wild Eagle and Mystery Mine take top honors), enjoyed some fried chicken sandwiches, and imbibed frozen lemonade. Life was good and Dolly herself was smiling over us (metaphorically, not literally).
The day was well spent, as were we. The heat takes a toll on you, as does the fun. Deanne and Rachael were, as always, the finest hosts I could ask for. Their humor, wit, and generosity always pleases me. While this is one of my shortest visits to Tennessee, it was, as always, incredibly fun and heartwarming.
Day 25 Stats:
Miles traveled: — 100
Miles traveled so far: 4,959
States visited:
- Tennessee
This post is dedicated to Celty. You will be missed.
Two Month Weekend 