Last week I wrote about our plans for driving to Florida and then on to Dallas. And I’m happy to report that it has been a wonderful start to all of that.
Leaving last Friday morning, we had a terrific drive to Nashville, stopping by Metropolis, Illinois, enroute, for a quick view of the famed statue of Superman.
Despite very heavy traffic–thanks to Friday rush hour and various road construction–we arrived safe and sound to our hotel right next to the Nashville Airport and were quite pleased with our accommodations.
Nothing like a good cup of hot coffee to soothe the rankled nerves after an eight-hour drive!
Saturday we were up and out early to drive down to Carnton Plantation in nearby Franklin, Tennessee. For anyone who has read Widow of the South, that’s where it all took place.
It was quite impressive, to say the least, and the weather couldn’t have been any better!
That evening, we took in the Grand Ole Opry, something we had enjoyed doing three or four times many years ago. Not only was it relaxing and lots of fun, but it reinforced my belief in the importance of traditions.
And whether or not one is a country music fan (I am), there is no doubt that what the Grand Ole Opry represents is a mighty strong tradition that should be around forever.
On the road once more Sunday morning, we pointed the Chevy Equinox southeast and set off for Saint Augustine, Florida.
As usually happens, though, we were slowed up in the traffic congestion of Atlanta. Patience and a calm attitude were in order, and we finally made it out of that mess without being delayed too much.
Saint Augustine, Florida, offered us better weather than we could have dreamed of. We spent most of the day riding along on the Red Train Tour, one of those hop on-hop off deals.
Not only did we re-learn the historic significance of the oldest city, but we met some very nice people along the way.
Leisurely strolling through the many streets that are chock full of shops of just about every genre, we found the time passed pleasantly and it was a most delightful day.
After we’d had enough of it all by 4:30, we were ready to get in our car and leave the historic Old Town behind and drive over the big bridge out to Vilano Beach and get up close and personal with the Atlantic.
Then, it was a short drive north on A1A for a delicious seafood dinner at an oceanside restaurant called the Reef.
Without a doubt, it offered great food, wonderful ambiance, and a fantastic ocean view well worth the visit.
We wrapped up our first day in Florida with a quick drive over the Bridge of Lions and out to the famous lighthouse.
We were just in time as twilight held off long enough for us to snap a picture of the old structure that’s been standing there since 1857.
By that time, we were ready to call it a day and head back to our hotel and relax and think about the next leg of the trip: a short drive down to Titusville to spend the next night with friends where we used to live.
To be continued…
Down Many Roads... 
It looks as though you’re having a great time, Mark. Love the guitar photo! Drive safe.
Jill, I can’t play guitar, but I couldn’t resist having my picture taken in front of this one at the Opry! 🙂
I detoured thru Metropolis on a road trip a few years ago; loved seeing your Superman photo!
Thanks, Nancy! It was pretty neat, up close and personal. 🙂
You and I have the same plans. Sort of. I’m traveling from St Augustine FL to Austin TX in the fall. So I’ll definitely be following your blog. I’m doing it on a bicycle so we may not be traveling the same route. I’ll be on US 90 most of the time.
Hi, Capejohn, Your trip will require much more work and effort than ours has! But your travels will definitely provide you with much to blog about. 🙂
I too am a believer in tradition. The older I get, the more I realize how valuable it is–and how rudderless people are the more traditions are severed. I always tried to provide little traditions and rituals for my kids. HAVE FUN!!!
Well said, Luanne! We did the same with exposing our two kids to various things along the way, whether they thought much about them at the time or not. And it’s amazing just how much they’ve remembered from those travels all those years ago. 🙂
My son remembers more than my daughter b/c he’s older. The other day hubby said they need to be at least 7 to appreciate it, but I said by then it’s even late because even if they don’t remember when they are younger, they are shaped by travel.