North Carolina Summer 2016-- Part 12: On the Way Home

July 31, Sunday.

US-70 to Raleigh and then I-40.  Doing this on a Sunday means there is no traffic jams.  Got off on US-421 and stopped at a Cook-Out restaurant which has a really good Carolina bbq, slaw, fries and hush puppies for $3.99.  Good deal.

Then US-52 to I-77 and gas and Chocolate Uglys at Wytheville.  Gas now $1.87.  I always love gas under $2.  Experienced long back ups at the first two toll booths heading north on the West Virginia Turnpike and just plain heavy traffic.  Sunday must be a big travel day in the state.  Then I hit quite a long traffic stop a few miles outside of Charleston.  Never did see why we had that backup.

I-77 north to US-33 and then into Ohio.  Stopped at a place I've been meaning to stop at in Logan, Ohio, called Millstone BBQ.  I'll definitely stop again..

I-70 through Columbus to Motel 6 in Richmond, Indiana, for the night.

A Traveling, Eating Kind of Day.  --RoadDog

OH HELL! ... Let's Offend Everybody:  What is the difference between a southern zoo and a northern zoo?  Answer:  The southern zoo has a description of the animal along with a recipe.

Sorry If You're Offended, But These Are Funny.

JSIS: Gambling-- Big Boy-- State Dog--Scrawny Cub-- Pilot Man

From the Jan. 22, 2015, USA Today "State-By-State."

JSIS--  Just Some Interesting Stuff:

1.  GAMBLING--  Gamblers lost more than 234.8 million at Louisiana's 20 major gambling venues in December.

2.  BIG BOY--  The nation's largest Big Boy franchise is accusing their  former assistant treasurer od embezzling at least $3.3 million over the past seven years in Ohio.

3.  STATE DOG--  A Vermont state senator has proposed naming the beagle as the state dog.

4.  SCRAWNY CUB--  The scrawny bear cub that fell out of a tree in southern Oregon will get a chance to return to the wild.

5.  PILOT MAN--  Tennessee Governor Haslam is the riches elected official in the USA despite the fall of gas prices according to Forbes Magazine.  His father founded Knoxville-based Pilot Flying J in 1958 and the governor still owns 15% of it.

Stay Out of Trees.  --RoadDog


CHEERS' NORM PETERSON QUOTES:  What'd you like, Norm?  "A reason to live.  Give me another beer."

JSIS: Mick's a Great-Grandfather-- "Hang On Sloopy"

1.  MICK'S A GREAT-GRANDFATHER--  Has it finally come to this?  Rolling Stone front guy Mick Jagger became a great-grandfather when his granddaughter Assisi gave birth to a daughter.  Egads!!


2.  "HANG ON SLOOPY"--  A bill to make "Hang On Sloopy" the official Ohio State Rock Song passed the state's House of Representatives on May 7th without opposition.  The Ohio State Marching Band even played it for the legislators (it is already played during OSU football games).

It now goes to the Senate.

A resolution honoring the song was passed in 1985, but never officially placed into law.

Hang On Ohio.  --RoadDog

YOGI-ISMS:  "90% of the putts that are short don't go in."

Thanksgiving Trip 2013: Nov. 23rd, Just Hanging Around Columbus, Ohio

Breakfast at Tommy's Diner in Columbus on the National Road across from the Florentine Italian Restaurant where we had the Ohio National Road Association dinner last night. It was packed with Ohio State fans and had a great breakfast.

Then, we saw the site of the original Wendy's and then Topiary Park where they are recreating Impressionist painter Georges Seuratt's "A Sunday Afternoon On the Isle of La Grand Jotts." This is one impressive (and incomplete) undertaking.

Next we went to the Ohio Historical Society museum and spent a whole lot of time looking at the Civil War and Lustron Home exhibits. They also had an "Our Miss Brooks" show put on by actors, a man showing how model train folk made trees and a Rosie the Riveter presentation. Lots of great stuff to see and do at that museum.

Last two stops of the day were to watch the Ohio State game vs. Indiana. Went to Bob's Bar, or "The Cultural Hub of the Midwest" as they bill themselves. The place was packed with OSU fans and quite loud. Also, they had one huge collection of craft beers. Then, back to Route 66 Roadhouse for the last part of the game.

Now, I have to admit that I am no fan of Ohio State and normally would have been pulling for Indiana, though they had little chance.  But, it is more fun pulling with the hometown fans, so there I was, cheering for OSU and not feeling the least bit guilty about it.  You know, when in Rome, do as the Romans, or something like that. Of course, Ohio State won easily.

A Good Time in Columbus and Nary a Buffalo Wild Wings. --RoadDog

Thanksgiving Trip 2013-- Part 2: Nov. 22nd The National Road

NOVEMBER 22ND: After leaving the museum, Denny and I backtracked a way into Dayton and had lunch and played NTN at one of the Cadillax Jack's you see so often in the national top twenty.

Then drove the National Road (US-40) into Springfield, Ohio, and saw the new Madonna of the Trail statue location and then National Roaded it to Columbus where we took the interstate (I-271) north and got rooms at the EconoLodge Motel ($50 a night) then went to Dave Wickline's Route 66 Roadhouse nearby before driving to the Ohio National Road annual dinner and awards meeting at the Florentine Italian restaurant (dating to 1946) on US-40 in downtown Columbus.

Quite the dedicated group there and they were nice enough to let me get a dinner as well. Lots of Ohio State fans there. Someone said tickets to the OSU game were $100 each and still a sell-out.

Afterwards, drove down Ohio State's party strip which was just beginning to hop what with the home game tomorrow against Indiana. This strip had to be three miles long, a real lot longer than NIU's Lincoln Highway party strip. Then, back to the Route 66 Roadhouse for drinks and back to the motel.

--RoadDog

Thanksgiving Trip 2013-- Nov. 21-22: 50th Anniversary of the Kennedy Assassination

NOVEMBER 21ST, THURSDAY--

Drove the usual way, Il-47 south from Woodstock, Il., but turned east at Forrest on US-34 instead of going to I-74. Took that east to I-65 and then to Indianapolis where I found confusing signage on I-465 and ended up on the west side of the city instead of the east.

Went through the city on I-70 right during rush hour, but it wasn't bad. Finally stopped raining east of it and drove to Ohio and exit 29 (Englewood) on I-70 and had my Skyline Chili before getting a room at the Best Western.

NOVEMBER 22ND, FRIDAY--

Drove to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton and met my buddy Denny. We took a bus out to see JFK's Air Force One on the 50th anniversary of when it flew him to Dallas from Ft. Worth and then carried him back in a casket and LBJ was sworn in as president.

We then toured the museum and saw the goblets used in the Final Toast of the Doolittle Raiders. And, we weren't finished for the day.

--RoadDog

NC Spring 2013 Trip: March 19th

Left home in Illinois at 8:13 AM Central and got to Columbus, Ohio, at 7:45 Eastern.Drove 491.3 miles today and am road weary to say the least.

Took the usual drive, Illinois 47 south from Woodstock, Illinois to Mahomet and then I-74 to Indianapolis and I-70 here.

Ate lunch at the Hen House in Mahomet, something I've been meaning to do.  The Hen House Restaurants are down to just four now, all in Illinois: Springfield, one near St. Louis, this one and one more in Arcola.  I've now been to all but the last one.  I'm pretty sure that Cracker Barrel restaurants based themselves on Hen Houses, just on a bigger scale.

Drove through downtown Indianapolis in early rush hout and no backups.

Of course, stopped at Skyline Chili north of Dayton on I-70 for my chili fix.

Tomorrow, I plan to drive US-33 southeast from Columbus to the hookup with I-77 in West Virginia.

Mighty Tired.  --RoadDog

Carolina for Thanksgiving in 2012-- Day 2: The National Road

November 19th

Made the drive from Zanesville, Ohio, with that great "Y" Bridge, courthouse, Mickey's and the two "S" Bridges between there and Cambridge.

I had never driven the stretch of the National Road east of Cambridge and its eastern terminus at Cumberland, Maryland, so the rest of the trip was all new stuff to me.  Somehow, I missed a turn by Old Washington and ended up on all sorts of rolling roads northeast of town and through an Amish area.

Back on US-40 and the National Road, I went through Wheeling, West Virginia, with that beautiful 1840s suspension bridge.  Then into Pennsylvania and a visit to George Washington's Fort Necessity, one of the opening shots of the French and Indian War.

Some of the most beautiful driving I've ever done to Cumberland.  Then on to Hagerstown, Maryland, for the night.

I've Now Essentially Driven Most of the National Road.  --RoadDog

Carolina for Thanksgiving 2010-- Part 2-- Ohio to Virginia

The second day on the road, I entered Ohio under that great arch, about two miles after I left the motel. Then, it was I-70 east all the way to Zanesville, where I got off the interstate and onto the National Road for my favorite stretch of it to Cambridge. (I haven't been on it east of Cambridge, however.)

Caught I-77 east of Cambridge and took it to Wytheville, Virginia where I spent the night at the Econolodge and had the buffet at Shoney's. They definitely roll up the sidewalks on Sunday nights at that town.

However, they still have cheaper gas there and I was getting down low on gas after having filled up west of Zanesville. You always try to get through West Virginia without filling up as gas is usually 15-20 cents higher.

Day Three Next. --RoadDog

Heading for North Carolina: Part 11-- Home

September 7th.

I drove the National Road and US-40 west from Zanesville, Ohio, to Hebron, about twenty miles east of Columbus. I did stop to look at the Eagle Nest Monument, a large rock commemorating the concrete paving of the National Road from Zanesville to Hebron from 1914-1916, part of an experiment to see what the best road materials were. Concrete proved to be best.

I drove this whole stretch.

I was sad to see Clark's restaurant in Jacksontown was closed and had a sign about a final auction of all equipment for this weekend. Guess that is a s final as it gets. They were noted for their special fried chicken and homemade pies, which I was able to enjoy both a few years back.

Superslabbin' It Home, Next. --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: A bicycle can't stand on its own because it is two tired. (Boy, was that bad!)

Heading for North Carolina: Part 10-- Ohio

September 6th, Labor Day, I left Goldsboro for home. I hadn't been on interstates during a holiday in many years. Near Raleigh-Durham Airport on I-40 I passed about six state troopers who had cars pulled over in one short stretch. That was enough to make me be very aware of my speed the rest of that day.

Took I-40 to Winston-Salem and then US-52 north past the very interesting Pilot Mountain to Mt. Airy, NC, Andy Griffith's hometown and basis for Mayberry, with visions of one of those great Snappy Lunch pork chop sandwiches (and, I was even there before their 1:30 closing time) but they were closed for the holiday (even though there were a lot of people on the streets).

I had to go to Plan B and had a Wilber's bbq dinner in the parking lot of the local McDonald's.


THE REST OF THE WAY

I got on I-77 and took it through the Virginia panhandle, getting gas at Wytheville (always one of the cheapest places to get gas (and definitely before you get to the super expensive West Virginia.

I stopped at the last rest area in West Virginia before you get to Ohio and found a stand giving out free hot dogs and coffee for Labor Day travelers. I've heard of free coffee along the interstates on holidays, but had never been to one. Mighty nice of the volunteers.

I continued into Ohio and to Cambridge where I got off and drove the National Road/US-40 to Zanesville, one of my favorite old road drives anywhere past those two S-Bridges and the Y-Bridge in Zanesville. I checked into the Super 8 on the west end of town. I've stayed there two other times. A good place to stay on this area.

Last Day Coming Up. --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: Condoms should be used in every conceivable occasion.

Just Got Back-- Carolina-Style BBQ, Philly Cheese Steak, and Autumn at Topsail

I was gone and On the Road the last two weeks from October 11th to the 25th.

The first day, I drove to Cincinnati via Illinois Highway 47 and I-74. Got together with road buddy Denny and had a great chicken meal at the Silver Spring House which dates to the 1930s. Then played NTN with his team at Buffalo Wild Wings and we had three Number threes on some games I really wasn't able to help much on as they were movies.

October 12th- Friday-- Drove on two of the great two laners I've ever been on, both in southern highway, Ohio 247 and Ohio 125. Talk about your roads following the contours of the land. Plus, 125 went through the beautiful Shawnee State Park. Caught I-64 and took it to the West Virginia Turnpike. I know that we two lane types disparage the interstates, or, Superslabs, as we call them. But, this drive is equal in beauty to anything a two lane can offer. I'd put it right up there with I-70 from where it starts in Utah , to Denver.

Took I-74 past Andy Griffith's hometown of Mt. Airy, NC, and picked up I-40 at Winston-Salem and all the way to Raleigh. I-40 is some of the heaviest driving you'll find anywhere. I mean, there are a LOT of cars and trucks on this road. Never a real pleasure to drive this road because of the congestion.

Decided to stop and get my first taste of Carolina-style pulled pork vinegar-based bbq at Smithfield's in Mebane, NC, about 12 miles east of Burlington. There are about twenty stores in this chain, many along interstates, so if you're ever int he area and would like to find out what I'm talking about, give it a try. Nothing like bbq, cole slaw, hush puppies, and sweet tea. Now, that's good eatin', or as Andy would say, "Gooooooodddd."

Got to Mom's after getting a bit lost in Goldsboro, as usual.

Drove 985 miles over these past two days.

Gas was usually around $2.80 with a high of $2.95 in Elburn, Illinois, and a low of $2.54 just south of Wytheville, Virginia. For some reason, this is always cheaper. They must actually have competition to sell that gas.

On Da Road Again, Even if It Was Mostly Superslab. --RoadDog

Mom and My Lincoln Highway Cruise

Several years ago, I think 2004, Mom and I drove back to Illinois from Goldsboro, NC, so we could attend the gathering to honor Don Schrickel in Green Bay, Wi. He was a BIG-Time Packer fan and it was held at Brett Favre's Steakhouse. Don worked with Dad at Quaker Oats and the family lived about seven streets over in one of the biggest 1960s subdivisions, Winston Park in Palatine, as built by the Winston-Muss Builders.

We stopped in Mt. Airy, NC, Andy Griffith's hometown and what he based Mayberry on in his popular TV series. She's been there on a bus tour and we stopped at Snappy Lunch, which was mentioned on the show. I had the best porkchop sandwich ever. This place has not changed since the 30s, and the owner grills right at the window so you can see what he's doing. It's only open until 2, and you'd better get there early, as there were probably thirty people waiting for the 30 seats when we left at noon.

Anyway, to get back to the Lincoln Highway, we drove the superslab (roadie term for the interstate) to Canton, Ohio, where we spent the night. I had my first visit to a Faoli's, the poor man's Olive Garden. Great food.

We then got on the Lincoln Highway the next morning and drove through Ohio to Indiana. This is what brings me to why I'm writing about this trip.

The Ada, Ohio, Herald says that ODOT (Ohio Department of Transportation) is going to put Lincoln Highway markers up along the various alignments. I sure wish they had them up when we went through as we lost the alignment quite often. Fortunately, it usually followed current US Highway 30, but even so. Mom got very good at spotting the unique Lincoln Highway markers that were set out by the Boy Scouts in 1928, after US-30 had replaced LH.

Also, this past weekend, Van Wert, Ohio, had their annual Peony Festival. Evidently, there are a lot of commercial peony operations in the area. They had a parade, vendors, elected a queen, and had a tour of homes featuring the plant. One even had a peony tree dating back to 1917.

Mom and I had an excellent dinner at the 1920s Balyeat's Restaurant in Van Wert, and had a very interesting talk with the waitress who was in her 80s and had been a German war bride, having met and eventually married an American GI, and moving to the US. She had been working at Balyeat's since 1947.

Been Cruisin' the Old Lincoln. --RoadDog