Day 5 – Monday, October 2: Asheville, NC

Asheville

Good morning from our fun millennial-run  hotel!

A view from our room.

Glenda, genealogist in training, took over and we think we found the birthplace of Frank’s father, Malcolm in 1913 in Asheville, NC.  Take note Johnson kids and cousins!!  Your southern roots are showing!!  The house was in a fantastic, historic neighborhood called the Montford district and was surrounded by cool craftsman homes of that era.  Here are some pics:

Onward to somethings big!!  It’s a big theme!!  We discovered a monument to laundresses worldwide right here in Asheville.  The world’s biggest iron! Fabulous!!

Biltmore

From big irons to big houses.  The Biltmore Estate, the biggest private home in the U.S., is next.  Such an informative and interesting tour of the house.  We were especially drawn to the laundry facilities in the basement.  Obviously inspired by our big iron visit.  The laundresses at the Biltmore had to heave around irons that weighed 14 pounds and they had to crisp up 1000 napkins!

The Biltmore

Craft Beers and Trivia

When in Rome…so when in Asheville, go to the breweries and we did!!  One World Brewery and Jack of the Wood.  Trivia night at Jack of the Wood pub.  Our first trivia experience….we didn’t come in last…a rousing success.  And we were only a twosome compared to the average team size of 8-20 or at least it seemed like that.

Next up: Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN.

Day 4 – Sunday, October 1: Lexington, VA to Asheville, NC

Walking Around Lexington

We started this morning at the crack of 10:40 am with a walk around the hotel neighborhood and then headed into downtown Lexington, home to both VMI and Washington  & Lee. Charming and fun college town. The campuses couldn’t be more different even though they are smack up against each other.

Although VMI’s grounds were stark and severe, we never had so many “Good morning, ladies” with hats tipped in our lives!

Lots of history in this town, including Stonewall Jackson’s house.

Special Guest Appearance

Today we were so excited to have a special guest join us for a lunch engagement. Chris Campbell made a special appearance. Here we are:

Back On The Road

We only had time for one stop so it had to be a really special one. Here it is, the world’s second largest pencil!!

It was everything we’d hoped for!!! We hope you agree.

Asheville

We arrive in Asheville and immediately require a feeding. Glenda – always very, very busy in the passenger seat – googled, open-tabled, trip advisored and found a great restaurant called Table. Fun cocktails, interesting menu and delicious food.

Found our way to our hotel after dinner, a way-too-hip-for-us millennial spot. Everyone we’ve seen is between 25 and 35. And we saw this sign by the elevator but don’t get it. Can anyone out there explain? Millennials, we need your help!!!