SHORT TRIP, LONG POST
February 3, 2023 – a Friday.

HALLELUJAH - I WOKE UP AFTER A VERY GOOD LONG MUCH NEEDED REST AT 10:10 AM.
Now, guess what I'm thinking?

FLORIDA!!!

I think I want to take both animals and drive to JAX.
Yes, I'm nuts, but I also need this.

My longest lasting cat's 'expiration' was much longer than the last 3-days. But even with the last 3-days, it's been deeply traumatic. Not only the he was the last of my Three Brothers, but also the last of my days as a multi-cat household. And all of the work that takes. Honestly, I don’t know how I did 7 cats. I was younger and dumber and that’s how, probably.

YEP GETTING ON THE ROAD THIS AM.

So – I didn’t write much about our super-spontaneous expedient getaway.

I got SICK on day 2! [And as I’m writing this on Sat Feb 18, I’m STILL SICK.]

I think it was the air from the La Quinta, but it could also have been air from the boat show where I was around people and didn’t wear a mask – or it could have been my stress from being with my little dying cat. Holding him in my arms, cuddled in my chest and possibly breathing his last death breath. Or (and) it could have been all that PLUS my stupidity of DRIVING ELEVEN HOURS until I was to my last bit of driving energy and got met with those bitches who did NOT welcome me with Hilton Hospitality.

BUT ANYWAY.

Driving and driving and driving and driving.

It makes me mad that to get ANYWHERE (Chattanooga, which was a thought, or Florida or the beaches) you have to drive 3+ hours to get to Knoxville … THEN your trip begins.

I made it past the “Villes”: Knoxville, Sevierville, Asheville … and just kept driving because I didn’t know what else to do. Would I sleep in the car? I really need to get outside storage so I could if I wanted to, but with dog’s bag, my bag as paired down as humanly possible (but still with a bathing suit “Justin Case”, and cat’s kit (also 'JC' I want to stroll around with him).

I have always wanted to see Greenville, SC so when it came up on the road sign, I followed the path.  It was already dark, so I don’t know what I was doing. But I tried to get to the water feature downtown and asked at a hotel but realized what was I going to see in the dark? There was a sushi place across the street and with my good parking place I decided to eat there. That’s part of the problem, too. I don’t like downtowns because I never know how or where to park. But when I pulled into town I saw one on the street and got out to learn more about the area. It was still a bad idea because I was already exhausted and can’t see anything significant in the dark. But the good part is that there is still someplace on the map I’d like to visit one day … in the DAY. Of course after I got home and looked on my laptop, Greenville is like a little Asheville and they also have a Bohemian Hotel that is pet friendly (with an exorbitant fee of $150!). So should I have PLANNED better (or at all?)? YES. I should have gotten over my cheap-ass self and realized there are people who can and do travel with their pets to luxury hotels and think nothing of it. But here we go with the parking again. I also don’t like valet parking and didn’t want to go to a hotel and have to drag all my stuff into the hotel for a night’s stay and have them make a big deal about my pets. I wanted to slip into a roadside hotel and go unnoticed. Which is what I did. But it would have been better planning to sleep in a nicer hotel and have gotten there in the daylight. So, for next time if I can control myself, stay at the RT Inn in Maryville, then have a nice dinner, and sleep … take a fan … then pace yourself to the next nice hotel with nice dinner and save yourself the hassle of looking in the dark in a place you are unfamiliar. Oh, the sushi was crap. Some of the worst most chemical tasting and smelling I’ve ever had. Kroger has better sushi. But the place was packed. Students who don’t know better, probably. This also wears me out – the overwhelming mediocrity I have to endure.

I drove 500+ miles! [Fri, Feb 3, 2023]

I didn’t know when to stop because if I stopped at a ‘decent’ hour, that would still be a 6+ hour drive the next day … and not getting to the beach in daylight or too late to settle in.

The Greenville/Spartanburg area is nice, but Columbia is ‘only an hour more’. This is what I came up against – the ‘only one more hour’ phenomenon. Getting me closer and closer to ocean the more I drove, but at what cost?

Funnily, I HAVE BEEN to Columbia, SC – it’s right around LEXINGTON, SC which is near Aiken!
Remember THAT road trip! Doggie and kittie were on that one, too! That was 5-years ago!

Once you leave Columbia, there isn’t another big town. You are among the web of little roads that lead to no where or eventually a beach town. If you stay on 26 you end up in Charleston and I think I’ve been there so I wanted to go someplace I’ve not been to yet. That area is also where Kiawah and Hilton Head are. Been there, done that. Too ‘family’ and preppy for moi.

After driving 11-hours we made it to Florence, SC – and navigated in the dark to find a pet friendly hotel – and sneaked them in – we got ‘some’ rest but not much – and was back on the road the next morning. It was the LaQuinta with the dirty air and filthy bathtub that I wouldn’t even let my cat piss in. And after the black bitches at the Hilton. NEXT!

Left Florence around 8:30 AM! It is very funny how they have so many many signs of the Myrtle Beach Visitor’s Center (they have 2 of them!) and when I got to the first one, they didn’t know anything about the hotels there and told me ‘to use my phone’. Dumbass. Why do you exist, then?

The bad part about Myrtle Beach is that there is ONE WAY IN and ONE WAY OUT.
You MUST get to Florence, SC before deciding how to get to any beaches.

Then it’s that LONG, BORING stretch of road that is very much like all other roads of its kind, the roads to a Florida beach, the pine trees on either side, the median with swamp and trees, all the same and no stores or stops for a very long time. Be sure you have everything you need BEFORE getting on one of those roads.

10:42 AM - FINALLY made it to the ocean. 582.9 MILES
(and that was counting from the interstate   – so add at least 4 more from my house).

IT’S FREEZING HERE! Literally 40 degrees and WINDY like Chicago!

Too early for much to be open. So we drive around. Lovely to see blue and white stucco again.

2nd Avenue Pier
It was closed for repair, but was a nice place to stop, park, and get out.

I took a stroll by myself first, then went back and got dog. We took a seaside stroll first and
then at 11:29 am DOGGIE’S FEET TOUCHED THE ACTUAL BEACH SAND!!! And this time
SHE LIKED IT!!! We actually RAN on the beach together! I guess her hearing is so bad that the sound of the waves didn’t bother her this time. -lol.

11:46 - KITTIE is on the beach (sort of).
I kept him in his stroller because his halter broke on the way down. But that's ok.

1:12 pm – I found the kind of restaurant I’ve been looking for. Sea Captain’s House. It was an actual house once upon a time, and now it’s a nice sea-front restaurant that reminds me of the one in France (La Marine?) where I sat with a gorgeous view of the ocean eating marvelous seafood – crate, is that a word? This one sold me because it has she-crab soup! I had wanted a nicer sea-front oyster place to get great oysters and a beer, but I’m glad I found this one. Had to drive up and down a couple times to find it. I had the she-crab soup and Jambalaya, which was good and had okra, which I need. OH! Started with their Bloody Mary! Yum. And their hush-puppies are delicately delicious! And Riesling for my meal.

As I drove through one of the tunnels getting here, I made my wish: “I want to feel like I’m on vacation at least during some parts of this trip.”

And this restaurant gave me exactly that feeling. “Aaahhhhh”. I need more of this!

……. and then ……. of course ……. something interrupts my peaceful serenity …….

IT’S THE FUCKING CHINESE SPY BALLOON RIGHT ABOVE THE RESTAURANT!!!!!!!

GOOD LORD, CAN’T I GET AWAY FOR ONE BLEEPING MOMENT   WITHOUT CHAOS FOLLOWING ME???????

My fight or flight instinct kicked in and I wanted OUTTA THERE and FAST.

The only problem is that the one way out had a traffic accident and I didn’t want to get stuck in hours of mess. (Thankfully, we have avoided those, but have seen them on the other side of the Interstate). Scary.

So I went the only other way out, which takes longer, but might avoid people.

On “90”, we ended up at a church called “Grace Anglican”. So I pulled over to let my dog pee, and to get my bearings again. Google maps is very frustrating on the road. I need one of those carry with you wi-fi things. Does this car have wi-fi???

It looks very South Carolina with the spongy dressage arena grass.

But here we are on a tiny road to nowhere and still have to make our way to Florence just to get out, and it’s a long way off … over an hour to be exact.

After Florence (and their crappy hotels) the next ‘stop’ is Columbia, SC, but I saw a sign for the South Carolina EQUINE Park and had to check that out! It’s before Columbia and just off the highway. It was really small. I guess enough for a show, but compared to our Horse Park, nada.

This was also where I was lost as to where to go and where to sleep next. Didn’t have the right phone connector for the car and forgot to charge it at night so I plugged into an outlet right at one of the stalls! Nobody was there and nobody came around to bother me, so that was nice. Charged the phone while trying to call around for places to stay that are pet friendly. I had hoped for a state park cabin or similar. No such luck. So I had to push onward and hope for something before midnight! Not going to do that again!

8:50 pm - Finally --- the Lap of Luxury Crew found a very nice respite/reprieve Hilton Garden Inn in Spartanburg! I never would have known of this place if I hadn’t stopped (in the dark) for gas and asked the Indian guy inside if he knew of any ‘good’ hotels, half thinking what a waste of time this would be. But to my surprise, he did and sent me off looking for hotels by the malls. It was very Hamburg, which actually made me feel secure. But I never would have even known to look if it hadn’t been for him. I guess I can look at my cc statement and find which place that was and thank him for his recommendation. This place is NICE. Has a very nice restaurant attached. VERY nice BAR with some Very Nice WINE – Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc (lychee nut) – which I think is what I tasted at a Total Wine tasting one time. It was so good, I had a glass at the bar, then went upstairs, then decided I wanted MORE so I bought a bottle and grabbed some popcorn and had a lovely restful home moment in my room with my kiddies! (Which of course I sneaked in!) Even the front desk guy was nice – especially after I told him about my encounter with the Chinese Spy Balloon!

Oh! HOT TIP! The carriage for kittie's stroller is great for loading luggage! Instead of dragging all this stuff in (and out) just load it (and kittie in the smaller carrier) and ROLL all my stuff from the car to the room! And I hide him with the gray fluffy jacket which I also use when I carry him in and hide him like a sleeping baby.  (You don't charge people for bringing in their babies, why charge me?).

One of my videos is where I went on a long (wine enhanced) jag about emotions and what-not, which is usually on a voice recording, but I was happy that even though I was at the beach and it reminded me of Florida and the Sandpearl and all the places Mom and I went to, I DIDN’T CRY. Not once. I think this is enormous progress.  Applause for ME!

Oh! And I need better night driving glasses.

We had a very nice rest and I actually got to take a very nice shower in their very clean bathroom and we were back on the road in the early am. I think I want to go to Lake Lure again. That Inn has a nice Sunday Brunch which sounds ‘nice’.

Spartanburg feels like I’m in ‘my area’. Farther than that doesn’t.

FEB 5, 2023 a Sunday – 8:35 AM
I GOT MY DUOLINGO POINTS FOR THE DAY --- 707 NOW!!!!!!!

9:39 AM – Back in the car. I’ve driven 870.4 miles so far! (Remember I just left on FRIDAY afternoon!).

Just outside Spartanburg is Inman – only relevant because that is when you can start to see the mountains again. This is what I mean by feeling at home again. The more I think about it, that area is one I want to do more of. I keep thinking that I will get a cabin for a couple weeks – take both pets – and just hang out and explore. So when are you going to prepare for that, Miss N? I dunno. It’s hard leaving home. --- And, guess what? You are just 54 miles from Asheville (aka ‘just an hour’).

26 to Columbus – then 9 to Lake Lure. Funny that Tryon is just to the East of here. I thought it was more south.

10:23 AM We are at Lake Lure! You know that T in the road (Memorial Hwy). I always wonder what happens if I turn right? But not today. Left and more curvy mountain road leading to the cute, old Inn. Apparently, going right just takes you waaay east and NOT around the lake like it looks like it does.

It is so pretty. Do you know how I learned about Lake Lure? From HGTV! They were giving away a house on LL one year and I REALLY wanted that house. Didn’t get it. :-( But at least now I have another nice spot to revisit (and eat!).

The 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa. I stayed here once upon a time. Today is only brunch. I booked EARLY for 10:45. When I walked in they have a player piano playing some lovely music. Reminds me of Granny and that time I watched her play for 20-mins without her knowing I was there. No one in the room  and it was like I was a ghost. She was enjoying herself fully engaged in her music. (Damn, I miss her.).

How was brunch? It was a buffet, which I like. But I don’t like lunch food for brunch, so I ended up doing two rounds of biscuits and sausage gravy (yum) and their version of cheese grits (also yum) with some Applewood bacon (yep, still yum). I don’t usually eat cheese because of the passing of it (or NOT) but for today why not? Wanted just a coke to wash all the fat down with. No booze (yet).

After eating I took doggie out for a pee walk around the lake – or what’s left of it. Bizarrely, they lower the water levels. WHY? Here comes a lady walking, I’ll ask her. Apparently it’s because it allows people to work on their docks in the winter. Looks really odd. We’re not swimming anyway because it’s so cold, but I wanted to get a T-shirt at the marina where I bought my first one (that I’m still wearing 5-years later!), but they are closed for the season. No good T-shirts at the hotel either. Oh well, on to Chimney Rock (again).

12:30 PM - Chimney Rock - I was able to take the elevator this time. Last time I didn’t even know that was an option and I killed myself with all those stairs. Plus, was driving Mom’s Lexus at the time which always seemed to hurt my hips. I think the seat belt connector dug into my hip joint. It was excruciating. But not with Ms. Oütti!

I’m still feeling sick, and it’s still cold, so I am wrapped up like a mummy. Lots of ‘foreign’ people, Arabic, I think. I wanted to ride alone, but waited on the people behind me. Should of ridden alone. Very talkative. I’m still freaked out about virus’s and don’t really like being around people. (I can blame the virus now! Hahahahaha).

Of course Chimney Rock is very gorgeous. Those views. The rock glistening with snow run-off.
But, I’m tired (and old and tired) so I’m not motivated to do any hiking or climbing. I still want a T-SHIRT! No luck here either. What is with people?

Did my visitation, and took pics of me on the rock, then went to get doggie so she could experience it, too. I don’t think she came last time. That was when I had Erin the babysitter. She’s long gone now and I don’t like or trust anyone else. Barely trusted her. But that’s a different story.

At this time I’m getting grumpy, especially with dog who when I don’t want her to pull me around, that’s what she does, but today I WANT her to go first DOWN INTO THE CAVE which she didn’t want to do. We made it down the barely 10 steps (so not that scary) and I was taking pictures, but then more people came down, too, and doggie was trying to go up the stairs when I was NOT. She got reprimanded, which I think bothered the people. But it’s like trying to get your child to experience something with you when they don’t want to be there. We left the ‘cave’ and wandered over to a nice waterfall pond where she got a drink of fresh mountain water! Tried for more pics but it was impossible to ‘selfie’ us both. Yep, getting tired and irritated. I still wanted her to see the VIEW, but again, I don’t know if it registered with her WHERE she was and how gorgeous it is.

Back in the car.

I tried to find out who those ladies were that I saw last time. It was a group of women, dressed in white, and they were not speaking. Silent. Was this a cult? An Indian Ceremony? I asked on the way out but they had no idea what I was talking about. Still wish I knew who they were and what their purpose was there.

EASTERN CONTINENTAL DIVIDE

1000.9 miles and we’re back in TN – at the Welcome Center!

8.00 PM HOME.
To paraphrase George Carlin,
"Home is where your stuff is."

I would add:
"Home is where your routines are."

Am I glad I did this super-spontaneous escape?  Sure.  There is something interesting about NOT having plans, just seeing where the wind blows you.  But the other side is that you end up getting sick from a badly air-filtered icky hotel.  By and large, this quick trip was worth it.  Very glad to have seen the ocean again, if however cold and brief.

~N.

I “planned” a spontaneous getaway to Cades Cove – or in other words, I looked online the day of!
I saw several lodging options in Townsend, but this one looked more intriguing.  

I am so glad I called and spoke to Alan (I hope I am spelling that correctly.).  He helped me to figure out which room – or house – would fit me better.  I can’t sleep hot and he informed me that the Walker House does not have individual air control.  So, out with the Walker House.  Then the options were between a King bed or 2 Twins.  I chose the King.  I didn’t realize that it’s not actually a king bed, but two twins put together, like they do on cruise ships (and in England, apparently, as this place eventually reminded me of a stay in London).  Next time I will just get the twin room, since you can’t sleep in the middle of a twin-to-king bed.

This has nothing to do with the lodge, but getting there was FAR more torturous than it was supposed to have been.  I got stuck in a 90-tedious-minutes MULTIPLE-MILES LONG slow-down-to-a-stop-and-go-crawl on the interstate and it had me in a PANIC.  So when I finally arrived I was a mess.  

Luckily, we still had some light when we pulled into the driveway.  It was a shorter ‘driveway’ than what the internet suggests, but I got the point.  “In through the gates, and into a calmer, lovelier world”.  I say ‘we’ because I brought my dog.  Happily, they are dog friendly.  That matters a lot.

There was no parking when we arrived, but there was a man who seemed to work for the hotel/lodge and I sort of assumed he would stick around to assist me with my luggage.  Sadly, by the time I had gotten my key (a REAL key!), he was not there.  That was a small ‘strike one’.  I tend to expect more service than what we find these days (after COVID), and especially at a nicer place like this.

Oh, one more thing that I was hoping for, but didn’t get … a welcome beverage.  I went to the bar and got one for myself, but it would have been nicer if while checking-in I was offered a glass of champagne.

I ‘parked’ by the ‘no parking’ sign so I could be closer to the entrance door and got my luggage out, then went around back and parked the car.  Someone should have been there to assist.

The room is very plaid.  I didn’t know I liked plaid until I saw the room.  Plaid carpet.  Interesting.  I like it.

Whenever you first get a room there is some adjusting to be done.  This one was regarding the air con.  It wasn’t on.  I moved the thermostat and nothing happened.  I called and Greta said because no one had been in the room the air con didn’t ‘know’ to turn on.  This also reminds me of a cruise ship or some hotels where the air con is linked to the balcony door, so they don’t waste energy with a door open.  I know this is supposedly an older hotel, or built to look like one, but in modern times, we like our own individual temperatures.  Greta offered to bring me a fan, and I took her up on that.  The fan was good not only for air circulation, but also noise.  That’s how I sleep at home.  

The air con never actually came on all night.  Luckily, it was a cooler night, and there is a window that you can crank open.  I hope a snake doesn’t slither in and sleep with me tonight!  No screen because of the crank window.  But at least it’s fresh air.

The next day I did greet a visitor.  It was a large grasshopper-looking thing.  I’m not afraid of bugs.  I wanted to catch it and take it outside, but I missed and couldn’t find it again.  Hope it’s ok.  Maybe it’s in my luggage! - LOL.

I was very much looking forward to a 4-star dinner, and all my needs were met PERFECTLY!  I had the Pork Schnitzel and Squash, and paired it with a Grenache.  Absolutely perfect!  I have missed 4-star life!  Glad it’s back!

After dinner I went outside by the fire pit where they had make-your-own S’MORES!!!!  And so I did!  Such fun! 

Went back to the room to get ready for bed.  This is something for all hotels … your TV does not have a sleep timer.  It needs a sleep timer.  And a way to turn down the brightness.

Tried to get comfortable.  The linens were good.  The pillows were good.  The bed, already mentioned, was really a twin so I couldn’t spread out in the middle.  It was a bit too hard for me, too.  I would get comfortable, then wake up and flip over, and repeat about 40 times until I couldn’t do it anymore, and got up FAR earlier than typical.  I beat the sun today.  But I didn’t feel tired, and knew I’d need the time if I was to tackle Cades Cove and the drive back home.  

Attempted a bath.  That was a joke.  I’m 5’6” and I couldn’t even get my lower leg in the tub.  This is not a tub for bathing, it’s a tub for showering.  But the shower only put out about 3 drops of water.  I turned the showerhead so it put out a stronger stream and managed to get the parts that needed cleaning cleaned and rinsed.  But a relaxing bath it was not.

The towels.  Like all hotel towels – a joke.  I always bring my own.  Hotel towels are either too thick or too thin and always too small; and they always have that hotel chemical leftover gunk on them.  It got the job done, but forget about wrapping yourself in one.

I was still too full from my marvelous dinner to have breakfast, but if you’re into eating in the a.m. theirs looked delicious.  Next time.

In closing:

RT Lodge is gorgeous.

I felt very comfortable there.

The staff are cordial and welcoming.

It was a bit damp when I was there, but I would love to return and do some trails, and take advantage of their bikes.

Would definitely eat there again …. and again!

And would definitely stay there again – just not the “King” bed next time.


>>> >>> >>> >>> 

Oh, but in sad news ... I drove half of the entire time of my 30+ hour trip, and did NOT see ONE BEAR.  Disappointed.

>>> >>> >>> >>> 

And, in other news ... WINO news ...

Cades Cove Cellars still sells 'candy wine'.  Didn't purchase because the only one swillable is their muscadine, and the sample I had  tasted of dirty sock.

A vineyard that was worth the extra driving (by now my leg is numb) was "Blue Goose  Vineyards".  It is a family farm winery that still only produces  muscadine wine, but Cat, the daughter of the winemaker, was lovely to chat to.  I had a "Cat Chat"!  Can't beat their view, either.  She was very nice letting me take time after her 6:00 closing to meander and let the doggie wander with me.

PS - Down and back  with one overnight stay is TOO MUCH DRIVING.
That 90-minute interstate slow down just about did me in.

All that and no bears.  Sad.

GORGEOUS TREES, tho!
And doggie and I got to walk on lands we've not had our feet on before.  

Does a bear shit in the woods?  Yes.
"If it's still steaming, we must be leaving!" - LOL.
An original quote from ME!

~N.

 Friday I NEEDED to get out of town and French Lick has been on my mind for a while.
Packed as quickly as I can, and tried my best NOT to feel stressed about time – reminding myself that it doesn’t matter when we get there, the ‘doing’ of stuff will be tomorrow anyway. But, knowing me, that’s a struggle. I’ve been a time keeper for too many decades now to relax all the way.

First stopped  to check the horse's water. Remember I was [need to find another word for]   COMPLETELY PISSED OFF on Thursday, August 25, 2022, when I went to check water after only a couple of days absence and [the other boarder's] water trough was COMPLETELY BONE-DRY TO-THE-DIRT EMPTY. This shite is angering me to my core. DOES HE EVER DO ANYTHING WITH HIS HORSES WHO ARE HIS RESPONSIBILITY??????? 

Thursday, I was leaving mine dry so to clean it in the hot sun, and had to rinse his out and refill it. Glad I went back on Friday before leaving for the weekend, because it was more than half empty again. Is the glass half full or half empty – well obviously, IT’S EMPTY BECAUSE FOUR HORSES ARE DRINKING FROM IT - AND ONLY ONE OF THOSE IS MINE!!!!! I don’t move her to a single paddock because she likes her friends there, but this shit is getting – no – has gotten TIRESOME. So, with that, and my house remaining a huge mess no matter how many hours I put into cleaning it and purging it, and TRYING to make it a house and not a hoarder’s paradise, it remains something that always needs cleaning. And the FLIES. Yep, I NEED to getaway.

Thankfully got the horses enough water for a couple days away. And doggie and I set out … well obviously not without leaving a Smörgåsbord of food options for my cats  (who DID NOT EAT ANY OF IT!!! Enter ANOTHER problem to fix. -ugh.).

Do we stop at our usual pee stop? No, we just did that at the farm. Trying to push on to get to another state. We get to Indiana and I feel like it’s time to stop and enjoy some, so it’s a pit stop to Turtle Run Winery. I think I left her in the car with the fan on, and I hung out with Angie, the older lady who is lots of fun, and did a tasting, and bought two T-shirts. Talked to a couple who are from Indiana near St. Louis and are staying in MT. STERLING tonight for a concert in a town neither me nor the other KY person had ever heard of. Must have been a Christian concert .. I’ll look it up … It was Country – Jon Pardi and a couple others I’ve never heard of.

I tell Angie that I might return on our way back!

I see a man in a camper van with the Texas license plate of "NO GRID". I assume that is his house and all his belongings and he’s also on a road trip!

Was headed for Patoka Lake, and found out it’s beside the road to French Lick. Glad I pulled over to look at the map because I saw a big bird in a nest up high next to the lake, and would have missed it if I had sped by. Got out my Merlin to identify by sound … it was screeching and screeching and screeching … and then I found out why --- ANOTHER bird was flying back to the nest. I have no idea if it was a partner coming back with food, or the mother coming back with food, or what, BUT, it and they were osprey! Add THAT to my List! I had to laugh. I'm a BIRDER now! Too funny.

​Left at 2:00, and now it’s 5:30 and we’ve made it to French Lick. It’s actually 6:30 my time, but we gain an hour! Was welcomed by the sound of an old timey Rag Time Band playing on the front porch! How Lovely!

Happily, I had enough energy and was feeling good.

We strolled the grounds, and went inside, where they are dog friendly, and no one blinked an eye.

Took pics of my girl at French Lick. I swear I think I’ve taken her here before, but maybe not. It always seems like she’s with me, even when she’s at home.

What am I wearing? My gray Biltmore T-shirt, of course! And SWEAT under my eyeballs. It’s HUMID here tonight! Got my hair up in a high bun with one of the pink Buff’s A. B. got me started on. Looks like a rag on my head, but I don’t care all that much.

Doggie    got to walk down the stone corridor … the promenade that leads to the games area! Cool!

Now we’re sittin’ on the front porch in the green cushion white wicker comfy chairs … well I’m sitting, doggie is laying on the cool stone floor – original to the building, mind you! And we are enjoying more of that Rag Time Band! Of course, do I need to say it … reminds me of Granny!!!

Then when the band takes a break (they play until 9:00!) we walk inside! I always feel strange walking my dog inside a place, but not tonight. No glares, no one even notices. That’s good.

Now we’re outside strolling the grounds. And now I’m getting tired. Tired of sweating! And body tired, too. We walk to the back where the original sulfur springs were, and through the new little water feature garden and have to ask some employees sitting out back how to get back INSIDE! We had to walk through the restaurant – the one I ate at last time, more bar-like – again I felt like “oops, sorry”, but all anyone wants to notice is how pretty my dog is. I feel like Teri Shields, Brooke’s mother. EVERYONE wants to pet my dog and say “How pretty”, and no one notices me anymore. Resentful much? It does get tiring, tho. “No, you can’t touch my dog.” over and over again. Do I go up to your husband and grab his head and tell him how good looking he is? Then do me the same favor.” At least they are asking. One good thing that came out of Covid.

Make it back to the car and sweatily drive/meander over to West Baden and along our drive I/we see a whole family of deer! I did not take a picture. What was most funny was that they barely noticed us – they were looking at this man in a motorized wheelchair who was making his loop whilst wearing what looked like his night robe!

Once parked (found a new place behind the hotel and an easier – if not a bit awkward way in – no hill to climb!) I get a Korbel and we sit inside their amazing atrium listening to classy piano music. I need to listen to more music. It’s calming.

There IS another dog in the atrium with it’s humans, too, so I don’t feel like “should we be in here?”.

​AND … wait for it … a MAN comes over to us to CHAT with ME!!!!!!!!!!!

He was very nice and seemed kind. Not my type exactly, cowboy boots, Wrangler jeans, but cute-ish, and it was lovely talking to him … about dogs. He has a ‘bully’. Never heard of it. I made my joke about how my dog isn’t a lap dog, but she is a lap of luxury dog. I think I’m funny. Don’t know if he got it or not.

But how nice to just sit, sip, and RELAX for a few minutes in such an opulent area with my doggie.

​7:45 my time. 6:45 theirs.

Oh! There are Porsche's parked inside, too! I later find out that Porsche is having a conference there! Now THAT’S how to ‘find a man’!  [This is a joke, sort of.  Words that Mom & Granny used to say.  I'm glad womankind has evolved from that type of thinking.]

​There was no room at the Inn, neither of them! So my plan was to eat at the German Café    and then mosey on down to some other place looking for just a room, like a Hilton or similar.

Because of the Porsche conference – and a KY Dental Conference – they were swamped. I saw a group sitting outside with their dog, so I planned on doing exactly that. Had to wait kind of a long time for them to pay and leave, but I got seated and  brought her food over so we could eat dinner together.

Sat waiting way too long, but what else was I going to do? Needed to eat.

Didn’t have a bed for the night and was getting a bit worried about that, too.

Tried to just relax and enjoy hanging out with my girl in a cute village watching people.

Finally the beer came. Then the salad. Oh, that’s right, I had to go inside to find someone to pour my damn beer. You know I was already getting mad if that’s the case. She was ‘just on her way out’ with water for doggie and my salad.

Then the food arrived. I had sat there at least 40-minutes just waiting on the damn beer. I had ordered the special, so THREE sausages/wursts, some spätzle, cole slaw, and “Hunter’s gravy” which is just brown gravy with mushrooms. I had that last time. I really like their spätzle and it’s dry without gravy, they charge for gravy as a side item. Their salad comes with corn, green beans, and some beet looking stuff that was really good. Other than that it’s just cheap lettuce, but edible.

It was DARK now. The sun had set. I had no glasses to wear for night driving. Whoops.

There is a Comfort Inn up the hill, so we went there, but they were ALSO booked solid.

I gave up and headed home. Or at least to LOU where I knew something would be available.

Made it to Corydon, and found a cluster of hotels off the interstate. Glad for that. It’s late, I’m tired, and I don’t need to be driving any more. Plus, I DID want to spend a Saturday ‘on vacation’.

Stayed at the Hampton, a Hilton Hotel, but I was too tired to explain the gift cards, so I just gave a cc. The lady, Lori, with a heart over the i, was nice. 

VERY glad to have stopped, and found this hotel. I was pooped.

But strange. I got two Queens (for 2 Princesses) and usually doggie is so excited she jumps on BOTH beds before I can take the duvet off one and put it on mine, but tonight, she just laid on the floor. Slept on the floor all night. Didn’t even get on the second bed, that I had laid a towel on, just in case she pees. Hmmm. Not a great sign. I’m having a hard time realizing that she is indeed 12, and bodies don’t last forever. I think about this way too much and it stresses me out. Doggie is kitties best friend and I can’t imagine his grief. PLEASE don’t die while we are in a hotel without him. It would break his heart.

Of note – I had to laugh – in the bathroom was the awful Neutrogena small bottles that no one steals, and a little facial soap from JOSE EBER! WHAT??? I wonder how that got there? And, if anyone else but me knows who José Eber is? Yes, probably some other old woman who remembers the 1980’s … “Oh, HE used to do ALL the celebrities”!!! And, yes, he did, and still does, I think! But, SOAP???

I slept well and so took a pic of the bed. It’s a Serta Perfect Sleeper – Dream Structure 11 for Hilton.    I might just buy my next mattress via a hotel avenue! Lots of them are doing this now. And I do need a new one, just have been dreading it.

​8:00 am – I woke up a little bit before 8:00 and stretched with my TV show that's on KET2 (that they have here! We’re only about a half-hour from LOU, so I suppose that makes sense) and then went down for a swim and then ate half a bagel with cream cheese and brought the other half up for doggie, with two eggs, and so we got to have breakfast in the room together. Then took her out for a poop and pee walk and now it's 11:50 and I've had a shower and I'm ready to head back on the road again. [REALLY loving that my checkout is a no rush whatsoever 2:00, even when I don’t need it.]

Today’s adventure is to … ANOTHER WINERY! Why do I do this? Well, it’s because they are typically in the country, they are usually beautiful, it’s fun light chatting to people, and you get to try new things.

This one is the only other one left in this area. Covid took out a few. BEST Vineyards. REALLY out in the country. At least from Corydon. I later learned that FROM Turtle Run it’s actually a better drive. Live and learn. Isn’t that what some of this is about?

I was sort of getting the impression that the wine would be shite because of the remote location, but we were nearly there so onward and then I’d know.

I wasn’t half-wrong.

No one there.

VERY country people who were there.

Not that that’s bad, just an observation. I don’t think they would disagree with me either.

The one lady came out of the bathroom and I asked for a tasting. Looked at their offerings and realized it’s the same junk you find at most of these. BUT, on the other side of the menu they had a liquor tasting! OK, something different than the same ole cheap-ass home-made ‘wine’. Unfortunately for me, it was also kinda cheap-ass moonshine with flavorings. I got five tastings. I had to mix all of them with Sprite to make them drinkable. But that’s me. I don’t like straight booze. I kind of regret this afternoon drinking. They were all very strong, some 70 proof, and even 5 was too much for me. Set my stomach not on a good path. You know when I have ANY bourbon it kind of makes me icky and stays with me far too long? That was this. They had blackberry liquor from their own vines, and a pineapple, a lemon, etc. And some rum type hooch. I blended the pineapple with the spiced rum (which was pretty good, but probably where I got the whiskey aftertaste and effect … do I still taste it a day later? Kind of. Bleck.).

What I did find nice was their sign. As you are leaving, it has their logo on it, plus, arrows to the other local wineries and Casino. No competition here. Cooperation. Nice.

The roads are nothing – and I do mean nothing – but corn and soybeans. Is this what is wrong with America? I think so.

Now on to a more familiar winery – the one we were just at YESTERDAY – Turtle Run!
[Also of note, I have been here before, but without doggie, and I had asked if I could bring my dog and they said, ‘sure’, and so now here we are together!]

Interesting at both of my passes to Turtle Run was as you pull into their long country driveway, you hear BIRDS – LOTS OF BIRDS – but, you don’t SEE any!!! Yesterday, I stopped and listened and had my suspicions that they had recordings of birds to keep out any birds that would eat their grapes – and I was right! Today, I pulled out Merlin to get a sound ID and it’s a Cooper’s Hawk with all of it’s sounds. Interesting.

Today at Turtle Run, it’s HOT, and they are cutting grapes and hauling them over to the separator!
A bit busier than yesterday, but not as busy as I was preparing for with elbow-to-elbow people crowded into that small tasting room.

Angie was doing tastings in the hotter storage room because they too thought it was going to be busy. As always, it’s nice to have light banter and hear what’s going on there. It’s definitely a family business and volunteers were coming and going. Including one HOT muscular dude who stopped for a refresher, where I suggested the one I had yesterday that was too tart, but would be great on a day just like this when you come in from the heat, sweating under your eyeballs, and that’s when tart is refreshing. He typically likes Riesling. Me, too. Whoops, there’s The RING. Oh well, it is still fun having a light flirt. And with someone who reciprocates, unlike those stodgy KY men. Bleck, again.

I’m starting to feel my moonshine and it ain’t good.

I need food. Grab the only thing that soaks up booze best and it’s the last thing I need to be eating: cheese. Gotta do something. Grabbed doggie and we sat on the porch eating cheese. The cat came over but soon saw THE DOG and ran off. I tried to tell her my doggie is a catdog, and has a black cat as a best friend, but he didn’t want to risk it. Hung out close by, so that was nice. I had the brilliant idea of bringing this new amazing fan with us and sat it on the picnic table so I could cool off whilst relaxing outside with my doggie and friends. (the cat).

Went ahead and bought some of the tart wine that I will use on those sweaty eyeball days (over ice and maybe mixed with Vodka!), and we pushed back towards LOU. I still need real food. Was hoping for good seafood, but couldn’t find any in this area, but remembered the one Eric took me to in LOU … River House. Called ahead but they said ‘the computer’ wouldn’t let her book me 20-minutes from now. I have no idea why. Sounded strange, and like a Little Britain episode of “computer says no”. Drove on having no idea if I was getting to sit down and eat or not.

Google was right, it was only 20-mins, and I walked in and told them my name. “Oh, you’re the one who called.” The tall lady seemed to really know her stuff and got me a table, saying it didn’t matter if I sat at the bar or got a table since they were on a staff shift change and everyone was busy. “Um, lady, it’s only 4:00. HOW are you busy at 4:00??? But I was glad to get to eat at what I remembered as an upper-level restaurant with great seafood.

It started well.

Apparently, one of the bartenders was going to be my waitress. She was joyful and enthusiastic. So was I. I was looking forward to some amazing oysters, and they did not disappoint. (Well, one out of 6 did. It was a bit off, but I ignored that not wanting it to ruin my day. I would just hope for the best later.).

Then I enthusiastically ordered off the specials menu something I have never had before, Salmon COLLAR! And paired that with some CRAB risotto! Water to drink, thank you very much! “Phew”.

​And I sat there waiting 

and waiting

and waiting.

Me no likey waiting on anything, especially food.

She brought around some cornbread that had been cooked in a small cast iron skillet thing. It was delicious. A bit sweet. Like dessert. I didn’t want to scarf that down and ruin dinner … no, lunch … no, what? Linner? [This is a word I got from another British show, As Time Goes By.]

So I picked at it trying not to fill up, but it was getting harder and harder not to just eat the cornbread and leave.

I sat. And waited. And kept waiting. Getting pissed off now.

Finally what looked like a manager lady who was wearing street clothes (no uniform) came over and SAT at my table next to me. Uh-hum, I have a LIST of restaurant “Don’ts” and THIS is on the top 5. You are not a guest at my table. I have not INVITED you to sit with me. And with COVID still prevalent, and you working around all kinds of people all day long, DON’T FUCKING SIT NEXT TO ME. She wanted to “apologize” for the slowness. You could have done that while standing next to my table, lady. Don’t piss off the already pissed off.

F-I-N-A-L-L-Y after what must have been a 40-minute LONG waiting to be fed, it finally comes.
She comes back. “How does everything look?” My only answer was, “Interesting.” “I’ll come back in a bit to see how it tastes. And she does. And my answer is still the same: “interesting”. But now I’m more than tired and don’t want to sit here until nightfall, so I ask someone … anyone … to wrap the remaining food up for me, and that I would like a Tiramisu CAKE to go, too.

#2 on my Restaurant List :: DON’T just bring the fucking styrofoam packaging and drop it on the table for ME to have to pack up my food. This irks me more than most things, but it’s a LONG list.

The young dude does exactly that.

“Whatever”. I’m tired and I want this to end.

I get my meal into the to-go box and not onto my lap, thankfully, and then have to ask for a bag … I’m just at a loss for words at this point. I thought this was a NICE restaurant. What the hell happened to SERVICE, especially in an expensive, upper-level restaurant???????

THEN I WAIT FOR THE BILL. Half ready to just dine and dash carrying out a three-pack bag of stuff out with me.

Had to ask SOMEONE/ANYONE to “please bring me the bill”. WTF? Why is the customer ASKING for the bill???

I wait and wait on that, too.

This place is not busy. What the [blank] is going on here???

Finally, it gets dropped on my table with a feeble ‘thank you’.

I am actually expecting    to see a courtesy of a comp'd dessert as their "apology", but alas, no such luck.

It’s nearly $85.00 -   for one person. I knew that going in. And I was totally prepared to drop a hunny for a marvelous meal and extravagant experience. I mean they sell wine that’s over $3,000 a bottle for Pete’s sake.

BUT, a tip isn’t something I give out of peer-pressure, it’s for SERVICE – either showing it was done well, or in this case, was NOT done at all. I rounded up to $85, and saved the $15 to give to myself for my torture over this NOT REFRESHING pit stop. And, because I’m me, I left a note explaining why. A short note. I was actually quite speechless at that point. What the hell just happened? It STARTED off so well. Then they just dropped the ball entirely. Inexcusable. And my ‘tip’ indicated exactly that.

Back on the road trying to forget about what I had been formerly excitedly looking forward to.

I still wanted to do something with my dog, and remembered a nice large park area that we’ve done before, but it’s so large, maybe we could possible do it from a different angle. Found just the spot. It’s The Parklands of Floyds Fork. Discovered a new entrance off of Shelbyville Road. “Good”, something different for us to explore. But my mind and body were not in sync. I wanted to hike and go and go and go, but body was stopping. We did find a cute lake and she got to poop, but I’ve now had enough with stopping, peeing, smelling EVERY twig, and pulling her from place to place. Or is that the other way around? HER pulling me.

Got back into the car and onto the highway yet again.

Getting so tired.

It’s now 7:00 and we’re back.

Phew. I’m TIRED.

Sunday – Guess what I’ve been doing? WRITING all that you just read! Now I’m even more tired, and I still want to go out and clean MY trough for MY horse.


*Dear Readers, I write FOR ME.  I post publicly  so that I have a record of my life. 
Most names are not given because they are no one's business.
​

A VERY Detailed Account of My Latest   Trip to The Biltmore.

I had on my calendar to take my dog with me on a trip to The Biltmore (North Carolina) and possibly stay at one of the dog friendly hotels closest to it, but on Monday, as I was NEEDING an escape from the daily drudgery, I decided to leave her at home with the cats and take off MYSELF.

It took me about 4-hours just to ready the house and myself – mostly the house – for a spontaneous departure. I even swept the garage and mowed some of the back yard, not on a moon mowing day, but just for her comfort. See what I mean?

I had to clean the kitchen just to FIND the kitchen in order to get all the food prepped for what I was hoping was a 2-night getaway.

Then I have to prep the back yard for her so that she doesn’t run out into the garage just as I’m leaving, so enough food and treats and peanut butter to occupy her as I sneak away. 

FINALLY got enough food for all the animals laid out, got me packed and FINALLY got on the road as doggie was digging into her peanut butter buffet.

GEEZZZUSSSS. It’s A LOT OF WORK just getting out of the fkn house! Or flippenzee, I use fuck too much, I’m smart enough to find a more clever word and save fuck for when fuck is needed – not like Tommy Lee uses it. -LOL.

Then there is the DRIVING. I was determined to take my time, not be in a rush, not care if I MADE IT to The Biltmore by a certain time – or at all. I could very well have slept somewhere close and then gone in on Tuesday. But I did make it. More on that later.

I don’t know what is wrong with people – truck driving people to be exact – but inevitably they will be in the right lane driving behind another semi and all is calm, until I begin to approach on the left, at a normal pace, and RIGHT AS I GET CLOSE TO THEIR BUMPER, they suddenly SWING over into the left lane trying to pass the big semi before I can. FUCKERS. Yep, right place for that word now.

It makes for a very trying, tedious, and dangerous drive. And this car has no auto-speed control or adaptive speed so I have to be hyper-diligent for all SIX HOURS – which is what leads to the travel exhaustion.

So I DO make it to The Inn. I have no idea what time it is, and didn’t want to look or know. It’s TIME OFF, remember. That’s one of the reasons I didn’t call ahead – I didn’t want to look at the phone and see the time. Plus I didn’t want to give a cc over the phone. Instead I wanted to wing-it and just show up and see what was available … thinking, “It’s Monday, not Saturday, I should be in luck.” And no problem if I couldn’t get a room there, I could do the Village Hotel or even stay off property, maybe at the nice one across the street. But they did have a room. The snag was getting it.

At first I asked for a ‘concierge level’ room, which they call “Chateau Tier”. I remembered one of my stays was that and they had a special room with hors d'oeuvres and champagne and drinks that I enjoyed. Well, THIS TIME it’s different. Still the room, but inside are only non-alcoholic drinks and cheap, greasy chip snacks and candy bars. A disappointment. Plus, he tells me that it’s only from 4:00-7:00 and they deliver it to your room. Well, at first I thought, sure, why not, I was still in time, it was 6:30, but then the rules changed and when I asked the concierge and she said it was from 4-5 or something like that. Why was I at the concierge before getting my room booked? Because the man at the front desk said there was no room for me at dinner tonight. “We book up MONTHS in advance.” uh-hum. Really? MONTHS??? Ok, so where does this weary traveler EAT at this “4-star” resort, then??? I had to go to the concierge to book that, and that’s when I learned that the Chateau Tier wasn’t worth the trouble. You get free valet, which I don’t want because I don’t like other people in my car. You get a free bottle of wine – which wine? I don’t want that either because I will be buying my own, the one’s I like, later. And I began to get the inclination that what they would deliver to the room would be 3 bites of something and not much else. Sadly, I passed on “Chateau Tier” today.

PS – As I am writing this, I think of how you want your spontaneous getaway from daily drudgery to be met with open welcoming arms, and how this was becoming more of an obstacle course of ‘no we can’t’ than ‘of course we can'. No doorman this evening either. PPS: Ms. "Vanities" does not want to open her own door to a 4-star destination experience.

So back to trying to get this room booked.

Chateau Tier was nixed. So, now, what do you HAVE available for two nights? His reply … “nothing”. I was perplexed. Again, I chose to escape not on a Friday for the busy weekend, but on a Monday, through what I was hoping was Wednesday. Typically, the slowest time of the week.

“You don’t have ANY rooms for two nights?” “What if I took this room tonight, and switched to a different one tomorrow?” Shouldn’t HE have presented me that option? Or even the other one that I had to think of which was “Or move to the Village Hotel tomorrow?”.

At this point, I was draining fast and needed to at the very least get SOMETHING for tonight, and get on to my dinner reservation so I could actually rest and begin my ‘vacation’ – or as close as I have come to one since 2019.

I gave up on him when he told me, in addition to NOT getting to stay for 2-nights, I was NOT getting dinner at the hotel that night. Not, the restaurant is full, but we could seat you in the lounge or bar or ANYTHING that resembled trying to work something out for his hopeful guest. Oh, yeah, I also need to mention that he had to ‘go behind the desk’ and disappear to a room behind the wall to chat with someone about this room booking. Several times.

That’s when I went to find food via the concierge. We got a reservation booked for 8:00 at The Bistro. “Phew. Well, at least THAT’S done.”

Then I went back to the front desk and tried again, this time with a new person – no make that two new people. One black girl with a foreign accent and a younger white girl with dark hair. Something tells me that between the three of them they knew about a ¼ of what they should know to run a front desk. Maybe the black girl worked at a hotel once but it seemed apparent that none of them had ever worked for a 4-star establishment before. Enter more road blocks.

​I had started working with the white girl, but it seemed like she was like a deer in headlights so the black girl jumped in to assist. We FINALLY got a room booked – one that I wanted – a room with a bathtub. Another “Phew”. But when I told her about being a Passholder (and the discount) instead of being honest with me and saying “Sorry, I don’t know how to add a discount, but I will get it on your account by morning.”, or something similar, she looked at me and said with all confidence, “Because YOU didn’t book via the phone reservation line, WE can’t put the discount on your room.”  WHAT??? Give me a break, kid. I know BS when I hear it. And you could of come up with a FAR better line than basically the guest is at fault for not ‘booking right’. Today, after many conversations which took up my limited vacation time, I know that YOU DON’T BOOK WITH THEIR FRONT DESK. Gee-whiz. I’ve never not known a hotel whose front desk didn’t and couldn’t book a room for a guest.

Oh, and where is my welcome glass of Biltmore champagne? The Sandpearl in Clearwater offers that – even a cheaper version – and since I lived through SIX-HOURS dodging semi-trucks that were intent on killing me, I think I deserved a welcome glass of SOMETHING.

But, finally, I have a room for the night and a relaxing dinner to look forward to --- and I don’t have to DRIVE anymore today. I am thankful that at least one thing still works, and that’s the transportation from Inn to Village. But, even that has changed.

Glad to say that BEING on the estate is still a wonderful, soul-nurturing experience. It’s still beautiful and I love that creek that glides with you as you meander your way from the front gatehouse. “Aaahhh”. I’m back!

Getting to The Village, and stepping off the new smaller bus, onto the gorgeous Village area with winery and flowers and beauty everywhere set the mood back on track. The weather was perfect (another reason I picked Tuesday to be my Biltmore day), and I was warmly greeted at The Bistro. They sat me at my preferred type of table and surprisingly I remembered my waitress, Julie, and she remembered me, too!!! Wow. That’s impressive! We had a lovely chat and I was reminded of what the right kind of service looks like and feels like. It’s Julie. Just cordial and convivial enough without being pushy or too much. You know she’s there when you need something – and she’s there with a kind smile. I asked her if guests request her table because that is what I think I will do next time. [If there is to be a next time.] :-(

Dinner was just what I expected from my many visits there … wonderful!  I started off with a glass of Biltmore champagne, ordered the brie and saw something I’ve only seen in France: skate! I had to have that again since my first experience with it in France was incredible. “Let’s see how they do it here.”

My exploration has begun, and I’m getting happy again!

Julie says “Oh, skate … I think we only have one left. Let me grab it for you!”

I like keeping the menu to have something to read while I eat. I like the descriptors and seeing what wine is on offer. And I saw that the brie came with a seasonal fruit so I asked Julie which one and she said I think it’s raspberries. “Oh, goodie.” But when the brie came, there was no fruit. “Hmmm. Where’s the seasonal fruit?”, and, “This doesn’t look like what is on the menu.” It’s good, more like a brie fondue - with what I assume were other cheeses mixed in, because most of the time brie is served sliced whole and this didn’t smell much like brie. “Did they ‘water it down’ because they ran out of brie?”. This is not what you want your diners thinking.

Then the skate came. While excited to try it again, this time fried and deboned, the same thought occurred, “Hmm ….. my plate looks a bit empty.” It was the fried skate with ½ of a fennel. That’s it. No other sides. Nothing.

Obviously, I enjoyed what I ate – and drank, including the Gewürztraminer that I chose to go with the skate. Yum. It was perfect!

No dessert tonight. I looked at what the other diners ordered, and it was just too much cream. With the brie already, I need to moderate how much dairy I do if I don’t want to suffer tomorrow (and for the next few days!).

I left The Bistro mellow and happy and funnily enough the same Inn guests who rode down with me (or me with them!) walked up having finished their dinner at The Village Social! We had a lovely chat (and post-COVID you know how meaningful that is). I asked about their dinner. They liked it, but said they were disappointed that there were only 3 entrees. “What??? THREE? WHY?” was my reply. The Village Social has been one of my favorite eating spots, especially the she-crab bisque. Finger’s crossed they are not ‘going downhill’ as so many of my favorite eating spots have done.

I didn’t want to go straight to my room yet, I wanted to feel like I was still part of the party, so I went to the bar and ordered a fancy cocktail. I didn’t have a lot of time for this ‘vacation’ but it needed to feel like one, all the same. Cocktail was yum. Something Chai. Would of had more but more people came in and I’m still slightly concerned about virus spread so I took my drink outside to enjoy what was a gorgeous night. I bet this would have been a great place to see the moon eclipse!

Got to my room – which was lovely and all I expected (of course there is an exception … I don’t like the old-age décor. It’s too heavy and BEIGE. It doesn’t feel as classy as it feels OLD (am I at The French Lick Resort?). But given what I am seeing as cutbacks and slimming down the budget doesn’t look ripe for a redo anytime soon. I liked the original French Country décor. I wish I could find the pics I took of it back then. Did we even have digital cameras then???

Tried sleeping. Mattress, fine. Cool temps, fine. How do you work the thermostat? Oh, I bet it’s a super-fancy one where you wave your hand to open the screen. Got it. Now how do I keep the fan on? I left in too much of a rush to remember to pack my noise fan. Shoot. [NOTE to hotels: place a ‘how to’ card in the room.]

Fell asleep and woke up thinking it was morning. Nope. Only 2:30 in the morning. Not yet. Tossed and turned and woke up again (for a bathroom break). Went back to sleep. FINALLY resting. Dreams were so much FUN! Woke up for the last time and it was still too early for me, 7:30, but if you want to get ready and checkout by 11:00 you better get up now. I like to drink coffee and take my leisurely time. A new addition is a Nespresso maker in the room - delizioso!   Don’t really like ‘getting dressed’ for breakfast, but I had enough time to have my leisurely morning and then get dressed, packed, and ready for the day … and breakfast before 11:00.

Breakfast is in the fancy dining room downstairs. I asked for a seat with a beautiful view (instead of wherever he was heading. - lol). Got it! Lovely waitress came around to see what I wanted to drink. “Do you have Bloody Mary’s?” “YES”. But they also had more good brunch drinks and I chose the Bellini – with peach schnapps. YUM!

Hit one teeny-tiny snafu when the (sorry I don’t know a better name for this position), but ‘water girl’ came by and used the – what I hear ALL THE TIME – “just one?” moniker. Uh-oh. I’ve already had about 4 espressos and didn’t keep my mellow for long. “Do I give her ‘the talk’?” Yep, it slipped out. “No, I am NOT ‘just one’. I am ‘party of one’ or ‘table for one’ (or some other way to NOT make me feel like I am the solo weirdo in a sea of (expletive) couples!). As soon as I said it I felt bad. This girl didn’t mean to insult you, and you probably made her feel awkward which wasn’t what I intended. But it is one of my biggest restaurant pet-peeves, and sadly one I have to hear faarrr too often. It perturbs me. “Oh, and let’s sit you in the CENTER of the room of diners who are in groups of TWO or more”!! (OK. That wasn’t this time, but is typical of my experiences as a ‘soloist’.)    Whoopsie.

Back to brunch.

Happily, it was a BUFFET! I love buffets! And the food was delicious. No where in keeping with any dietary pickiness that I usually try to follow … cheese in abundance, plenty of breakfast meats, neither of which I eat. I did my best to stick to my dietary protocol, while still exploring all the delights. No meat. Picked through the cheese to get to the veggies in the scrambled eggs. A VERY delicious (cheese) grits – not like Mom’s(!), but delectable! A sumptuous hash brown casserole. And grabbed a croissant to dip in honey for ‘dessert’! -LOL.

The bill. Mom and I have been to many 4-star resorts and we know the deal. You know it’s going to be overpriced. She would only have coffee, toast and eggs, and pay $25.00 for it. With my drink and the buffet, of which I had one plate of because I still had lunch to look forward to – and that she-crab soup which is worth the drive – with ‘tip’ (why a tip for a buffet?) - it was $50. Yikes. But you know it going in. The ‘water girl’ and I wished each other a good day.    I departed full and happy.

Now I’m off for my Biltmore vacation day! It’s Me and Monet all the way.

1:00 :: I did the Van Gogh exhibit and while ‘nice’ enough, I’m not a Van Gogh fan … frankly, I’m really only a Monet fan, and was actually looking forward to not missing this one. I had high hopes of cleaning out the gift store. I’m so much of a fan, I’ve been to Giverny twice! Sitting there I found the non-Monet stuff boring, but when his part came on I was moved to tears. I LOVE HIS WORK!!!!!

Stopped by the gift store and all I found were cheap tchotchkes. Pity. You missed an opportunity there.

I had driven from the Inn to Monet with the sole purpose of having my car so I could put those Monet items in it and not be bothered with lugging them around via trolley.

I left my car there and took the transport to the Chateau in order to visit the larger gift shop in search of Biltmore t-shirts. I like wearing them in my town to show I’m a “Biltmore Babe” (Trademark! If I find this on a T-shirt one day, you will owe me money.). But, again, here we are not being fulfilled. Didn’t find one T-shirt that looked fit to wear. Where did the gray ones I bought before go??? Now the artwork is … what’s the word? … old lady looking? Busy and confusing? And, let’s be honest, the fabric is cheaper than a Dollar store. It already looks like it’s falling apart. Why spend $30 bucks on a shirt that will unravel on the first wash?

​What is going on here?

Where is my classy Biltmore???

I DID find ONE shirt – albeit flimsy and not in my favorite gray color – at the gift shop at The Inn, so I grabbed it, but again with a snafu. There were only small shirts hanging so I asked if they had one in my size.    She said she would check stock in the back, but typically they only have what’s hanging in the store. Cited ‘shipping issues’. Voila! She found one for me!

It’s getting later in the afternoon and I’ve accomplished most of what I came here for … Monet, Blooms … and now I need to eat. Knowing how busy it is, I made a reservation at The Stables.

It was a 30-minute wait, so that’s when I visited the shops … drank some wine … had a fun conversation with a couple of 80-year old gents who were livelier than me … and then realized, “What if there is nothing on the menu you want to eat?” so I walked down to check the menu. Nope, nothing looked that appealing, so I asked if I could cx the res. “No problem.” with a smile!

Now what?

Do I want ice cream?

Can’t see the flavors for the crowd standing in line. Too many people. I’ll pass.

I’m getting tired.

I think I’ll grab the shuttle before I have to wait 30 more mins for it. Go back to my car and get lunch at my favorite place, The Village Social … and that she-crab soup!!!!!!!

Snafu number … what … how many is it now?

In the middle of needing to eat something luxurious and relaxing, I also need to check my wine club selection … what to do first? Ok. Go get your name on the list and if you have to wait long, you can organize your wine stuff first; or eat now and wine later?

I’m noticing how vacant this area is. “Hmmm, I guess I timed it just right. Most visitors have eaten and gone on to the house or gardens now. Goodie.”

I see an older couple sitting outside.

They are the ONLY people I see.

THIS is not normal for the Biltmore.

I do see a sign that says the Social is open for lunch until 3:30, and luckily, I have arrived in the nick of time, with minutes to spare!

I open the door.

NO ONE.

“Hello?”

NO ONE.

Not a soul to be seen in the entire place.

“This is strange.” What’s going on???

I went outside and spoke to the couple sitting there waiting on their daughter … waiting to go in and eat lunch. “They’re CLOSED. Sign inside says not opening again until 7:30 tomorrow morning.”

“That’s ODD.”

So I go inside the winery expecting to find some luxuries as a Wine Club member. NOPE. That’s gone, too.

I asked why is the restaurant closed. “Staffing issues.” “COVID”.

So why wasn’t The Bistro opened up for lunch if the Social couldn’t open because of staffing issues??? SOMETHING should have been open.

This is getting worrying.

This is not the Biltmore I have known and LOVED since the 1990’s.

I had to ask, “Is the Biltmore going to be sold like the Grove Park was?”

GOD FORBID.


I ‘carried on’ at the winery and did my best to find some way to sample what was set to be in my next wine club shipment … or just get it now, if possible.

That in itself was tough.

“No. We don’t have the Wine Club Member Lounge anymore …. COVID.”

“No. Tasting is by appointment and it’s full for today.”

“No. We don’t have any way for you to sample what’s in that shipment.”

I ask, “What about the wine area across the walkway outside?”

After getting more and more “NO” options I gave up and went over there thinking I might find wine and food.

NO.

She tried to help me but could not even find a brochure.

They ship in June. It’s May 17th.

DOES NO ONE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS NEXT WINE SHIPMENT?

Apparently not.

Others tried to help connect me with the people who might know, but they were not on site – totally unavailable.

Yikes. I’m losing all patience and hope. And I’m more tired than ever because I still haven’t had lunch and the ONLY option is Cedric’s. I don’t really like the food there, it’s too heavy. Plus, if that’s the ONLY place to eat right now then it’s probably fully booked already.

I give up.

I leave empty handed and for the first time EVER since the 1990’s, I will leave The Biltmore SAD.

Not sad because I don’t want to leave, but sad because I feel the place shrinking.

This has always been a place of ABUNDANCE. Wealth. Prestige.
Not scrimping like a war year.

But that is how it felt today.

PS – ALL of this was just in ONE day!

I’m exhausted.

Should I have just stayed at home?

Do I take a LONG pause on visiting again? Is three years long enough to see if they get back on their feet again --- or is this the beginning of the END?

THAT is what this repeat guest left with.

Not good.



SNAFUs

No doorman
No welcome bevvie
Chateau tier pales in comparison    to what it was
No to 2 nights
No to dining at the Inn
No passholder discount
Reduced shuttle
No food
No wine
No shopping
No returning???

~N.
May 18, 2022

 The OMNI Louisville
Friday, August 13, 2021
"A Very Long Review."

My friend said it best: It's not as luxury as they want you to think.

My story:
You know that feeling when you’re about to ‘go out’? SO EXCITED! A brief change of pace and lifestyle. That’s how my invite to come to LOU was. A chance to change out of my feral lifestyle and put on a DRESS and MAKEUP and experience civilized life in the BIG CITY again – after a LONG absence.

The drive there was FAR more tedious than I had anticipated. People weren’t even driving the speed limit on the left side of a two-lane interstate. I had wanted to put on my adaptive cruise and cruise my way down the road, but that was impossible. And it was making me mad. I wanted to arrive at the hotel in time to enjoy it before having to get ready to meet my friend. More specifically, enjoy the POOL, which looked very inviting from the website, with a fabulous view of the city. Have a good cocktail, a cool swim, and prep myself for my brief ‘stay-cation’.

Luckily, I did find spots en route where I could speed far more than I needed to, and I must have made up time because I arrived to check in right on ‘schedule’. Yes, I know, I shouldn’t schedule a fun outing, but it happens.

But this is where my ‘excited to be among the civilized in the big city’ fantasy hit a snag.

Well, it happened before I ever left. I had gone online to book the hotel and had signed up for the rewards program for any goodies once I arrived. But only ten minutes after booking I looked again AND THE PRICE HAD GONE DOWN BY ABOUT HALF! I was offended. How unfair. I made a note of what their own website was charging, only minutes after my non-refundable booking, and was going to address this with the person when I checked in.

I opted for the valet parking ($37!), and that person took my luggage and rolled it inside, but said it would be another person who would take this to my room. It’s been a while since I’ve traveled anywhere and I stood there confused as to how he would know the luggage sitting there was mine since there was no ticket issued. But I left the bell area and walked to the front desk area where the first person told me that she was logging out to go on break or lunch or whatever and to move down to the next clerk.

This clerk and I began to have ‘issues’ right away when I told her about the drastic fee change RIGHT AFTER my booking. I won’t go into all the details, but at one time she accused me of video taping her because while I was looking at my phone to read my notes the camera part faced her. I asked if she was getting aggressive with me. This was not the welcome I had excitedly looked forward to when booking a “4-star” hotel. “Uh-oh. Have I made a mistake? Should I have stayed elsewhere?”

After our ‘row’ things calmed down a bit and we were able to get my room fee lowered slightly (no where near the latest advertised price, but at this point something was better than nothing). On the plus-side, she did put me in a quiet room with a good view and tub (Room 1428). But it was a rough start getting there. PS – things like this don’t happen in real 4-star hotels. I remembered how much I detest Corporate BS. And, it’s everywhere. Totally ruins the experience.

Then it was ‘I wonder where my luggage is?”. I figured that once I check in, something would flag their system, and perhaps the bellman would come up to the room, and I didn’t have to stand around waiting for him. --- It was a long wait, and I got bored wasting precious pool time, so I went to my room with hopes that he’d be up soon after. But it was disconcerting not knowing where my things were or when they would be brought to the room. We are having a bumpy start to this trip.

He did arrive and that part went smoothly.

And, I had time to go to the pool. A plus.

Having just that little bit of time in the pool and Jacuzzi, enjoying light conversation with interesting people from other places, set me back on track to enjoying my 24-hour getaway. It started feeling like a vacation again. Yay! I needed this!

My friends and I were going to the James Taylor and Jackson Browne concert, with dinner at Seviche beforehand. Both were good times. Then we came back to the hotel for a nightcap and we discovered something I didn’t know was there: a speakeasy! Make that a speakeasy with a BOWLING ALLEY! What a cute and interesting find!

My friend and I had one cocktail, and then a load of wedding guests came in and it got a bit too loud, so we called it a night. Went back to the room for a very good night’s sleep. The beds were comfy as were the linens. The TV was a bit confusing, tho. And, also weird, was the fact that while I HAD a room phone … there was no phone attached to it. Yeah, I didn’t get that, either. Something that looked like a phone SHOULD have been in the room was there and hooked up, but the actual phone part wasn’t there anymore. (???) I had questions, like how to use the streaming services, or hey, I’d actually like more than two creamers for tomorrow’s coffee, but didn’t know how to get answers without using my cell and trying to reach the front desk from there. Again, a true 4-star hotel doesn’t let little things like this slip.

The furniture in the room has a little pull tag that says “18 Established 1778 Louisville Kentucky”. I don't know what 18 means. I love the artwork above the bed - it’s an aerial photo of somebody's property but I don't know who's. That’s a bit strange. It doesn’t look like Churchill Downs, or anything recognizable. Odd.

I set my air conditioning to 60 on high fan and I think it’s having some trouble keeping up with my coolness needs. But it is working and I didn’t sleep hot. Just seems like it’s having some trouble actually being 60 degrees --- or even 65.

The next morning, I wanted coffee. I always want coffee first thing, but I don’t like having to get dressed to leave the room to go out for coffee. The do have a mini-fridge, but sadly, I forgot to bring any almond milk, so it was go out in public for coffee, or try the crappy in-room coffee (which brings up other ‘issues’ like why do hotels insist on keeping those single-serve PLASTIC coffees with 'not real food' coffee mates?  Irritating that at home I try to reduce, reuse, recycle and it's just a thimble of water on an inferno.   Whereas THEY could actually make a dent.).

Another thing that’s a bit confusing is there are exit signs on your floor but they don't lead to the elevator necessarily, just the stairs. It would be nice if there was directional signage leading to the elevator instead of just many exit signs pointing to various ways down the stairs (and when you're on the 14th floor that's a lot of stairs).

Another “and it’s not even 9:00 am” issue is that there's no place to go for coffee. Let me rephrase that to “in the hotel”. But that's not really true either. If you take a nice (long but attractive) stroll down to this very interesting market there is a Heine Brothers (which is my friend's favorite coffee) and a place to get crêpes and all kinds of interesting food ... and if you stand in line to get your “dirty chai” which is chai tea with a shot of espresso (it sounded weird and I wanted to try it) and once you get through the line you're told you can't charge to the room because they're not connected to the hotel. Well they ARE connected to the hotel because I just left my room and didn't have to go outside to access this Market!  It looks like it's where hotel guests go to get their coffee in the morning and their breakfast and maybe snacks for lunch, etc. because I can't find any other place in this alleged “4-star hotel” for a nice cup of coffee. And in the room we have those dastardly plastic individual pots which are not Earth friendly and the very crappy (not actually a real food) Coffee-Mate. And since I forgot to bring my almond milk I guess I'm stuck with that or hike back to the room to grab my credit card and make the two-mile trip down to the market and wait in line again. I didn't even see any place to sit and eat and drink once you buy this food so I'm quite confused this morning. And if you can’t tell, pissed-off, for not the first time here.

Since the dining options were limited and possibly zero (at this point I’ve lost interest in the hunt), I searched for an interesting place to eat on my way out of the big city. Found an interesting Brunch in Shelbyville and made an 11:00 am reservation.

Time to pack up and check-out of the OMNI Louisville.

Typically, I’m not one to go over a bill. Don’t even bother ‘checking-out’, I just leave. But this time there was the option to check-out from the TV, so I thought I’d do that. Boy, I’m glad I did. There were so many charges from the “Pin + Proof” speakeasy that I decided to stop by the reservation desk to investigate. Remember, my friend and I only had one drink each. (And mine was so shallow a pour it was pitiful.). Another reason to feel ripped off.

But before leaving the room I had to use my cell phone to call and hopefully get the right person to help me with my bags. I waited and waited and they never showed up. The housekeeping guy checked on me because I had my door ajar, but I got tired of waiting for the bellman, and had my Brunch reservation, so I dragged my belongings to the elevator and through the lobby. Yes things fell along the way. Still pissed. Still NOT 4-star.

The first lady who I encountered – my “welcome hostess” – was still at the front desk. I think the OMNI only has 5 people working there and they have to work 24/7. This could be the problem. They did have one other clerk and the three of us worked out that the bar had charged me twice. And charged for their own TIP (and a different service charge, and another fee for who knows what else). (This is me shaking my head, “tisk-tisk”.). The drinks were not cheap – but the pour was. (another tisk-tisk). Of course it being Sunday, the accounting office was closed. She told me they would send this for their review Monday. I’m thinking … ‘yeah, and how many days will it take to see a credit back on my card???’.

It had been at least 20-minutes since I had called for my car. Luckily, with the time it took to get the bill figured out, I walked out the door to my newly arriving car. FINALLY something goes right. Nobody got a tip because no one did ‘Jack Schitt’ for me.

Now for the short answer:
I am not impressed with the OMNI Louisville.

~N.

Vent Haven  
The World's Only Museum Dedicated to Ventriloquism.
July 30, 2021, a Friday.

I had seen the ventriloquist museum, Vent Haven, on the news, and kept it in my mind as a place to visit, especially after I found out this unique place was in Kentucky - about 90-mins from Lexington.

Vent Haven Museum
33 West Maple Avenue
Fort Mitchell, KY 41011
(859) 341-0461
www.venthaven.org

This is a not-for-profit ONE OF A KIND museum. They are by appointment and the Curator/Director, Lisa Sweasy, is very nice and easy to deal with. I set my day for Friday and my time at 2:00. 

It was, as I expected, like going to someone's house who opened a museum, where the curator lives in Mr. Berger’s main house (the original owner and developer of the museum) and there are out buildings that he created and that is where the museum items are. There are no public restrooms. (A concern for me, but there is a lovely Mercedes Benz dealership at the corner, if you need a pit-stop!).

I’m VERY glad I picked a date in July because I learned that they will close early this season, in August, to begin TEARING DOWN the original buildings in order to build a new center. This saddens me greatly. Part of the charm IS that you are in the buildings the creator created: its history. I think this is a BAD idea and wish they would reconsider their decision. Currently, there are beautiful gardens and walking paths around the 1923 structures and even a sweet black cat in residence. What they see as ‘progress’ I see as destruction of a man’s dream (and hard work).

The museum tour takes about an hour, and it is interesting, even for someone who isn’t at all ‘into’ ventriloquism (that’s me). I suggest you go - and go NOW as not to miss the original historical vibe!

Continuing on my Grand Tour of Northern KY and Cincinnati.

I had already pre-searched what to do and where to go, and my day kept pretty much ‘to schedule’ (which is hilarious since I like to think I’m spontaneous.  But it’s better to be slightly prepared than to sit in a parking lot with no idea of what to do next. Am I getting old? Yep.)

Next on the list (and because of time) was to jet up to just north of Cincinnati and check out the “Heritage Village Museum” (which closes at 5:00)
11500 Lebanon Road
Sharonville, Ohio 45241
heritagevillagecincinnati.org

From my laptop travel research I was imagining a “Shaker Village” type of place [shakervillageky.org], but possibly even more elaborate, with people in costume wandering the village and lots of historical activities going on, considering their website slogan: Experience the rural simplicity of small town life as it was in Ohio during the 1800s, and the accompanying photo, but sadly, it was only slightly “Shakertown-like” (of course, Shakertown isn’t like it used to be either! They’ve gotten very corporate and have ruined the sacredness of what used to be a very special place.   Yoga?   Really, guys?).

When you drive in you are entering Sharon Woods Park, but the Museum isn’t actually a part of this park, even though it is surrounded by it. Strange. Plus, you have to pay a fee to enter Sharon Woods Park. Of course, I wiggled my way out of that since I got there at 4:00 and the Museum closed at 5:00.

When I finally found the Heritage Village area I began walking around to see if this was something – or nothing. Worth my time, or not? Then a man in costume started walking in my direction, so I figured it was about payment to ‘enter’ the outside-only buildings. I was right. But it was only $3.00, and even frugal me didn’t think that was too bad.

This gentleman was a guide, and even though I missed the ‘tour’ he told me lots about the place. It’s a bit odd, tho. They have a selection of historic buildings, but NONE of them ever stood on this property. So it’s a park of historic buildings set in a park that it’s not a part of … and neither are the buildings??? Yes, strange.

I had a snoop inside the main building where the gift shop was and again, thought it was strange that the pictures of people hanging in this house had nothing to do with the house they were hanging in. Is there a theme here?

They were setting up for a dinner where a person dresses up like a famous historical figure and gives stories about their life and times. Luckily, it was sold out.  ;-)  I could imagine being very bored and stuck there for far too long. But for local people looking for something to do, it’s probably fine, and frankly, something I would do to pass the time if I lived in the area.

The walk around is down one path and back – not a circle – at least not a circle I could find. They have about a dozen buildings and the self-guided brochure tells you more about each one. It sits by a lake and creek and you can hear a small waterfall.

Would I say I was “WOW’d” by the experience? No. Nice enough, and glad I was there during one of our rare less humid days, so that helped. The standouts for me were seeing an original McAlpin’s huge cast iron clock that once stood in front of the store in downtown Cincinnati. Lexington also had McAlpin’s and I actually worked at one during the beginning stage of my career – I did facials in their salon! I was also intrigued by one of the buildings in particular – one that I thought was made of a French-looking stone, but was in fact WOOD cut and painted to look like stone! How clever.

I went looking for the lodge that I kept seeing signs for and thought it would have a restaurant so I could relax and enjoy a nice meal, but I never could find it, so I sat in their parking lot refreshing myself with the sandwich I brought, wondering where to go next. Then I remembered another ‘to do’ that I had pre-researched: Butterflies of Bali at the Krohn Conservatory [1501 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams]. So, from my phone in the car I checked to see how their ticket sales were going for the evening and it said 6:00 ONE AVAILABLE – so I grabbed it and headed that way!

I’ve been to the Krohn Conservatory before, so I figured I’d see nothing new, but hanging out in a room full of butterflies sounded unique.

It was pretty neat. They had all sorts of butterflies, of all sizes and colors. I took tons of photos and tried to get one to land on the paper they hand out for guests to use instead of their grubby human fingers. No one would hop on my landing pad. So I just walked around in wonder of their beauty. Then after a good 30-mins or so, I sat down to observe and wouldn’t you know, one landed right ON MY HEAD! :D Then another one came and landed on my shoulder. Then another one on my back! I had become the Butterfly Queen! And watching the kids get so excited, added to my excitement. So cute. I really enjoyed the butterfly experience!

After you CAREFULLY leave the butterfly room, there was another area with educational booths set up and manned by volunteers. One of the tables had food from Bali and Indonesia and contained one of my favorite hunts: DURIAN fruit! I was watching Anthony Bourdain [RIP] and he was in Indonesia eating durian and he LOVED it, so I decided to track it down in KY – or find a supplier somewhere. And I DID! I called my friend in Louisville and typical him, he knew about durian already and knew who sold it. I even got my Mom to try it one time! It tastes like a sweet custard, but is known for its SMELL. I have never thought it smelled bad, but apparently some people can’t stand it and it’s banned from buses and airports.

From their parking lot, I went back to the map to find a NICE place for dinner – one where I could sit down and be served and get a nice cocktail or wine. Harder than it sounds when you don’t know the area.

Google wasn’t much help tonight. And I was getting tired, so I pointed my way out of Cincy and toward Florence, KY (I know how to get home once I’m on the interstate!). The first restaurant that popped up sounded just like my kind of place. It’s name is a fun pun and the reviews were great. (PS – I’m beginning to wonder how true all these great reviews are.).

It’s called Afishonados, which sounded so interesting and upscale (fish pun?) but it was a MESS. An Anthony Bourdain kind of place - a wack-a-doodle mess. The people coming out of the mall were worse than the WalMart people, if you can believe that. "Upscale" it WAS NOT. When you walk in you have a nice looking bar to your left and a kitschy   cabinet filled with fake designer bags on your right.  The 'waitress?' had on these amazingly bright colored 7" PLATFORM shoes (yes, really) and some odd looking mini-skirt getup with correspondingly odd hair and she looked like a cheap whore - a Russian cheap whore. The sign in the bathroom stall, as you sat there reading it, reminded you that this bathroom was for CUSTOMERS ONLY, but he'd let you use it if you'd clean up after yourself and not make a mess of it ... and that HE'D “BE WATCHING”. It actually said that on the paper flyer he took the time to write, print out, and stick on the stall door.   And, you know what, I bet he WAS watching. Creepy.

NOTE TO SELF :: Florence Mall "Y'all" is a SHITHOLE.

Google had a hard time telling me where this place was, and perhaps that was for a reason. "Hey, N., you REALLY don't want to go here anyway!".

But it adds to the color of the story, don't it!   ;D

Luckily, I was able to find a different restaurant, this one is called “KOPAN” - a Korean/Japanese restaurant. Located in a bland looking strip mall, it was surprisingly good. I had kimchi dumplings which we're good and soft shell crab fried instead of sautéed. Also good. I didn't drink anything besides water because I was very thirsty and they didn't have anything that sounded interesting.

After that meal I wanted what I always want: ICE CREAM. Being so close to Cincy I expected lots of Graeter’s around, but Florence   apparently is too far ‘south’ for them.  Note to Graeter’s :: add some stores in Northern KY. G.maps led me to a Baskin-Robbins and I got there with only a minute to spare! Chocolate peanut butter on a CHOCOLATE DIPPED cake cone, please!!

I love eating ice cream on a cone and driving … once you get all your stuff put back in order: credit card, seat belt, napkins ….

I’m always "home by 10:00 N." – and nearly made it, but I think my stopping for gas put me 12 mins shy. Not bad for a day out tho.

I thought I’d spend the night up there, and SPA maybe, but I can never find a place that isn’t downtown and I try to avoid congested areas as much as possible. But it was good to get home and be in my own sheets instead of some sterile hotel. It was enough of a getaway – a 10-hour tour! :D

~N.
July 30, 2021
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