You never know what a year will bring. Many of our 2023 travels were not on our agenda on Jan. 1, 2023. Some took us hours away from our front door and some were just a short drive away. We compiled some highlights of our year. Some of this may be familiar to your but new to us. And some may remind you of your childhood memories.
Politics and stained glass in Baton Rogue
I love stained glass. The outside of Louisiana’s Old State Capitol is stunning but it doesn’t prepare you for what is inside. If it is your first trip, make sure to look up to see this.
The 1850 Gothic Revival structure not only houses some of the most interesting Louisiana history, it’s beautiful throughout. The building served as the state capital until 1932. Be sure to take some time to learn more about Gov. Huey Long. He was a character.
Sleeping under the picture of famous writer in New Orleans
“A Streetcar Named Desire” is one of my favorite literary works. I think if you are Southern, you have to like Tennessee Williams, right? When planning our 2023 travel, I had no idea that Williams wrote some of the play from the Pontchartrain Hotel. A picture of him was even over our bed.
It’s not surprising that Williams was inspired at the Pontchartrain. The St. Charles Avenue streetcars run right in front of the hotel. I scratched riding a New Orleans streetcar off my bucket list. Most of our time was spent in the Garden District and it’s beautiful.
The giant skillet you can’t use for cornbread
South Pittsburg, Tenn. is a favorite destination and we have been a few times. This year we finally toured the Lodge Museum of Cast Iron. It’s hard to find something that makes Steve look small but the World’s Largest Cast Iron Skillet does just that. The museum tells the story of Lodge Manufacturing. Cooks will love shopping in the store, We picked up a few bargains while we were there.
As a bonus, St. Pittsburg has a cute downtown area to stroll. Steve also found some shoes that were too big for him, which is something else I never thought I would see. Be sure to stop by the history museum while you are in town.
Stand in two states at one time-and we’re not talking Tennessee and Virginia
I don’t know why we have never visited McCaysville, Ga. and Copperhill, Tenn. It wasn’t in our 2023 travel plans. We were out taking a drive one day and just ended up there. It’s just about 90 miles from our house so it’s a shame we never went before 2023.
The area’s claim to fame is you can stand in both Georgia and Tennessee. But there’s so much more. We loved visiting the shops. And if you are hungry, you will find a wide variety of restaurants. The area is on our 2024 list to revisit.
The scariest thing we saw–and it was in February!
We drive through Newnan, Ga. often on our way to visit family. The city is known as the home of country singer Alan Jackson. You will find this mural in the adorable downtown district.
While taking in the beautiful shops and churches, I looked up and saw this!
I still don’t have an explanation as to what that was there. It didn’t change my opinion about Newnan and I look forward to a longer trip there.
A hotel in Chattanooga pays homage to Volkswagen and some Hollywood hunks
Chattanooga is home to a large Volkswagen plant. While attended a meeting at the Embassy Suites Hotel in March, we were surprised to find a classic Beetle in the lobby.
The best part for me was the pictures of some of Hollywood’s top leading men with Volkswagen. This picture of Clint Eastwood is my favorite.
Streetcars in Florida?
My son wanted to visit Busch Gardens. Even though we are way past our amusement park days, we promised him we would take him. We spend some time in Tampa and were wowed by how beautiful it is. The biggest surprise–touring the city in the free streetcars.
While there, stop by the Tampa Bay History Center. It was on of the highlights of our trip.
When traveling, believe the signs!
We have visited a few amusement parks over the years. Busch Gardens is the most unique and has flamingos! Y’all know I am a crazy flamingo lady.
The most memorable part of our trip was not the flamingos, the amazing food or the rides. I saw a sign warning people not to stand too close to one of the water rides. It was a little humid. I thought I would be sprinkled like Methodist but I received a good old Baptist dunking. I dried out and still enjoyed our day there.
Barney Fife is still writing tickets
Y’all just think Barney Fife is no longer with us. He was alive and well in Valley Head, Alabama in May. He even wrote me a ticket!
Valley Head hosts its annual Mayberry Day every May. It’s on May 4 this year. You will not only meet Barney, but you may see Floyd and Andy’s car.
You can kiss a Little Debbie Christmas tree cake in July but you can’t eat it
Little Debbie snack cakes have always been a staple in our house. This year Collegedale, Tenn., the home of Little Debbie, dedicated a park in honor of the tasty treats. I showed my love for my favorites.
The park has a great playground for children. Adults will love strolling through the park and learning about the history of Little Debbie. It’s free and a short drive from Chattanooga.
Bigfoot exists!
Or does he? We saw something that resembled the mythical creature walking into the Expedition Bigfoot museum when we visited over the summer.
This museum in Cherry Log, Georgia is next door to the Georgia Pinball Museum where you can play all you want for $10! And of course, we did!
By the way, Bigfoot seems to be everywhere. Apparently he loves the ice cream in McCaysville, Ga.
Montgomery’s Riverfront Park is for more than fighting
Just a few days after we returned from Montgomery, Alabama we learned there was a fight at Riverfront Park that made national news. We didn’t see a fight and enjoyed a peaceful stroll on the Coosa River. Next time we are going to take a ride on the Harriott II Riverboat.
Also on the Coosa is Riverwalk Stadium. In the summer catch a Montgomery Biscuits game and get a picture with Big Mo.
Elvis had another home besides Graceland
Tupelo, Mississippi was one of the best stops we made that was not on our 2023 travel plan. We visited the Elvis Presley Birthplace and stood in the house where he was born. My favorite part was singing hymns in a replica of his old church.
Oh, there was stained glass at the chapel on site. While in Tupelo, take a stroll downtown and see all the cool Elvis murals.
Our travel plans did not include a giant bust of Ronald Reagan
But there it was on the side of the road in Branson, Missouri. This is still a mystery to us.
We have been to Branson before and we did some new things, including seeing the awesome show at the Sight and Sound Theatre. It was a little expensive but worth every penny.
The lighting of a big metal chicken will get you in the Christmas spirit
The Jingle Mingle in Gainesville, Ga. is one of our favorite holiday events. We rode a horse-drawn carriage for free and met some of the locals.
But the best part of the night was the lighting of a giant chicken that overlooks the downtown square. I am sure millions of people have visited Disney parks during the holidays. But how many people can say they have seen a chicken in lights?
It will be hard to top 2023 but we are going to try. What are some of the most unusual things you have seen while traveling?
