Days 1 and 2 Solomons to Knoxville

Okay, so here we go again. A couple of months ago we decided that since we weren't getting any younger, now would be a good time to do a cross country road trip. Of course we weren't getting any more agreeable either, and while sitting in a car together for least a month might not be the best of ideas, we're giving it a shot anyhow. Therefore, the overall goal was to somehow coexist and the destination would be Oregon. As far as getting there we thought we would take the most northern route that weather allowed, and coming back we would take the most southern route. We did no other planning except to say we would visit Sylvia's sister Frony in Knoxville, then spend Christmas in Nashville. That's it, that's all.

We got off to a good start on Thursday and did the 530 mile drive to Knoxville without any incidents. I was hoping that this would be the longest one day drive we would do. We stopped for a bite at the Wooden Pickle, a little downtown wine bar just off 81 in Marion,Virginia. Food choices on route 81 consist mostly of fast food and chain restaurants and since we try and find something other than that, this turned out to be pretty good choice. We arrived in Knoxville around 4 and enjoyed our two day stay with Sylvia's sister Frony and brother-in-law Allan. We stopped for a few beers at a couple of brewery's, Alliance Brewing Company, and Crafty Bastard Brewery. Afterwards we went to Central Flats and Taps for an early dinner. Knoxville's been having a rejuvenation of sorts in that so much of the old downtown area is being converted into condos and fascinating shops and restaurants. A great city to poke around in. It was a fun time visiting and tomorrow we head to Nashville.

Grump, Sylvia, and Frony