Trip to Tennessee

We recently returned from a trip to Tennessee to visit with family and a few friends.

We flew from Sea-Tac to Atlanta and spent the night with my friend Karen and her family. They were so nice to welcome us in and give us a place to stay. I hadn't seen her in five years, and it was the first time I had met her children Kate and Isaac. We were up and out of there early, but spent a little more time with them on our way back. 

I'm really not a food person, but I had been missing my favorite eating spots. We loaded our bags into the rental car and headed for the nearest Chik-fil-A for breakfast on our way out of Atlanta. Oh, how I miss me some good Chik-fil-A. I started my day with the drink of Southern champs, sweet iced tea.

We arrived in Asheville, N.C. around lunch time. We walked around town a bit.

 Then we walked to Pack Square and had some lunch at Bistro 1896. It was really tasty.

  We stayed at a bed and breakfast that has llamas, and it was a really nice time. Turns out the couple running it attend the church I attended in Elizabethton when I lived in the area. The bed and breakfast is in Jonesborough, the oldest town in Tennessee.

 We unpacked our bags, said hello to the llamas and then made our way to Jewel and Bjorn's. I couldn't wait to see them, and to give Parsla a big squeeze.

 Parsla had never met Chuck, but she took to him right away. I was so happy to have her walk to me and let me scoop her up. I've watched her grow this year, thanks to Skype.
We had a great time with David and Grace, too. We all went out to eat some Asian food one night, and I took Chuck to Poor Richard's, which is now called Uptown Deli or something like that. It's still Poor Richard's, though. Same food.

 About mid-week we took a trip back over to Asheville to see the Biltmore Estate. It was beautifully decorated for Christmas. Chuck had never been, and I knew he would love it.

 While we were there we ate at the Stable Cafe, and also stopped off at the ice cream shop for some fresh Biltmore Dairy ice cream. Oh, it is really good. It's a good thing we don't have it here because I don't think I could resist it.

I love this picture.

 Sean was a little restless with touring the house, so we took a break and ran around outside on the grounds for a while. He enjoyed these fish, and a walk through one of the garden areas. The temperature was amazing-- about 62 degrees. Sure didn't feel like December in North Carolina to me.

David and Grace checking out the menu at The Dining Room, Jonesborough.

The kids met us in Jonesborough one afternoon and we walked around town to see some of the sights. We had a great lunch at The Dining Room, and I highly recommend it. (They didn't give me anything free or pay me to say that. We all agreed it was very good.)

 I always try to get a photo of Dave and Jewel together when I can. Sometimes they're goofy.

 Sean really enjoyed his role as uncle. He pushed Parsla in her stroller around Jonesborough.

 The Lollipop Shop was a neat little place with nostalgic items. There was an old metal pedal fire engine, and some new ones as well. Couldn't resist this opportunity for a photo.

 We were impressed with this private residence in the middle of town. I would love to see the inside.

 I spotted this vehicle before I saw the office across the street.

Must be some paranormal activity in the area.

 First abolition publications were right there in Jonesborough, Tenn. 

 For a long time I couldn't get Sean to pose for a photo, and now he has hit the "make a weird face," stage. My dad met us at Taco John's our second day in town, and he took the guys to the shooting range. Sean loves going, and had been asking if Papaw would take him there again this year.

 Sean, Dave and Jewel at breakfast the day we were leaving. We all met at the Cracker Barrel in Johnson City.

 Family shot at Cracker Barrel.

 Parsla loves to push things around, so this doll stroller was a favorite in the Cracker Barrel store.

 On the road again, headed for Atlanta.

 Once we got to Atlanta Sean, Kate and Isaac bonded over some computer time.

 They also enjoyed making some paper airplanes with Chuck.

 Sean took my camera and followed Kate and Isaac around the house for a while. He got some good pics.

Karen and I left the kids with the guys and headed for the local Goodwill, and then the Lenox Mall. We didn't buy much, but we had a good time looking around.

Next morning we were dragging our bags back to the airport headed for the Pacific Northwest.