NEW FRIENDSHIPS MADE & TRAVELERS HOME SAFELY

Driving into the Smoky Mountains

Well, it is Day 7 and time to head home after an incredible week. A restful night at the Holiday Inn - Biltmore East provided our group of 41 with renewed energy. Everyone boards the comfortable Cavallo coach and off we go. Many new friendships have been made this week on the journey.

Duckie has been a Trooper



Our punctuality enforcer, Mr Duckie is sporting a band aide this morning; aapparently due to an altercation with Miss Alley Cat while watching the KU - WKU game. If you were last boarding the coach after a timed stop or attraction, you held Duckie. Needless to say, he "got around", but returned clean and bathed every morning:)

 Renfro Valley Lodge

Our last lunch stop enroute home, the Renfro Valley Lodge and Restaurant was smack in the middle of "Kentucky Country Music" Capitol.  Hazel and others pay after a delicious lunch.   We'll be home this evening and hear of a winter storm coming - who's ready to turn around and go back??

Travelers Stroll through the Biltmore Estate

Built by George W Vanderbilt  1896

Asheville, NC

Still today one of America's largest private homes, The Biltmore Estate has been open for public viewing since 1930. With over 1,800 employees caring to preserve this national treasure, the sprawling grounds and mansion built right into the Blue Ridge Mountains remain a breath-taking sight. Grand Victorian architecture can be seen in the many of the rooms numbering 250+.

The outdoor estate gardens might still might be a few weeks away from being in their prime, but we were treated to gorgeous display of orchids in the Winter Garden and continuing throughout the grounds to the Winery. The past and present seem a streamed timeline of history on this 8,000 acres estate.

                Weary of traveling?? No, Deb is ready to go off on the segway tour!

WELCOME - to the 78th annual Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens! From a humble beginning in 1935, this event has grown along with Savannah's exemplary progress in historic preservation. The city's stature as a leader in preservation continues as Savannah protects and enhances its colonial town plan and historic homes.

We enjoyed walking through the beautiful tree-lined streets and landscaped squares and parks. They are the perfect setting for a notable collection of architecture that features craftsmanship of earlier centuries and designs. Today, these homes are treasured by residents who contribute to Savannah's ongoing history.

Our included lunch at the infamous, The Lady & Sons restaurant was "surprise", another southern buffet!!  Paula Deen is "the queen" of comfort food and all I can say is that it's a good thing we had a 1 1/2 hour walk afterwards to be de-comforted.

We have truly enjoyed the southern hospitality that Savannah,Georgia is known for! 

GEORGIA'S BARRIER ISLANDS ARE WORTH THE TRIP!

JEKYLL ISLAND

An early 8 am start allowed the High Street Travelers to take in Jekyll Island historical, architectural and archaeological wealth and so MUCH more.
We explored the lives of Sea Turtles at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center - the state's first sea turtle rehabilitation, research and educational facility. FASCINATING!!

Next, the entire group boarded a double tram for a tour of the Island's National Historic Landmark District - once the winter home to the Rockefellers, Astors and Morgans.

Our journey took us back in time when the world was an upscale 19th century resort. We leisurely motored along the march and live oak trees to enjoy the re-stored "cottages" once part of the country's most exclusive club. The opulent mansions were part of America's grand society during the Gilded Age.
Our private lunch at the Jekyll Island Club Resort was a treat (as if we haven't eaten anything this week).

The resort fell into disrepair and closed in 1942, but historical efforts by the State of Georgia are re-storing many of the properties in the district to original condition.



ST. SIMON'S ISLAND

Jenny, our step-on guide for the afternoon tour of St. Simons showed us the working lighthouse built in 1872, Neptune Park on the Waterfront and the historical roots of Frederica, Christ Church and the ministry of the Wesley brothers.

A VERY BUSY DAY! GOOD NIGHT 

EATING OUR WAY THROUGH SAVANNAH

SAVANNAH: A SOUTHERN JOURNEY

BY HEATHER GRANT

Mysterious yet open, she begs you to explore.

For those who come to see her, she opens up her doors.

Walking past her gardens, strolling through her squares,

One can't help but wonder who once traversed here.

Within her air there lingers the sweet scent of the coast,

While all around her history is what appeals to most.

Her charms are quite beguiling, her culture will surprise,

And once you're here in person, you won't believe your eyes.

She's more than just a city, more than a mere place -

She's heard in every 'how d'you do' and seen on every face.

She's genteel yet eccentric, a story without an end -

Who welcomes all to let their own Southern Journey begin.

Savannah Day 2

HOLIDAY INN BILTMORE - ASHEVILLE,NC

EVANS & SPANGLER COUPLES ENJOYING HOT BREAKFAST

Our overnight accommodations in Asheville are part of the eastern ridge of the Smoky Mountains. We are eager to continue on to arrive right in the heart of the National Historic Landmark District of Savannah, GA founded in 1733 by Gen James Oglethorpe on the banks of the Savannah River - so rich in history.



Our treat for the night - dinner at The Pirate's House restaurant. Kris & Roy Bullock, shown above, give their best, "AARRRGH" for the camera. The restaurant, one of Savannah's most intriguing, is known for some of the BEST southern fried chicken. I KNOW - I ate more than I should have:(





SAVANNAH - A Great Day to Travel

Savannah Bus Trip Gets Underway

41 High Street Travelers boarded their luxurious CAVALLO coach VERY early this morning and spent an entertaining day cruising down Interstate 75 through Kentucky and Tennessee; then traveling east around Knoxville and arriving for the night in Asheville, NC.

Expert at the helm, Phil will get us safely to downtown Savannah tomorrow afternoon for our 4 day stay just steps from River Street. Temperatures are increasing nicely in the warm sun. Spring flowers were seen along the roadside. We are excited and weary at the same time:)