Road Trip – Page 10 – TORsAdventures

The Chattanoogan Hotel

December 8, 2015December 9, 2015

After driving all day from Fort Lauderdale I was tired and just wanted a place to put my head. After looking at the reviews online I knew where I wanted to stay … The Chattanooga Hotel in downtown Chattanooga, TN. Now I know Chattanooga is not a huge destination for people to visit but if you are looking for a delightful hotel to check into after being on the road all day this is the one. I pulled up and knew I made the right choice. After checking in with Brandon who was delightful he told me that the bar was open till 12. He also said that he upgraded me to a deluxe room. Now I know this won’t happen to everyone but I thought it was a nice gesture.

I wasn’t planning on having a drink but I knew it would be relaxing and I could catch the end of Monday Night Football. After a couple of beers, I came back up to my room to snuggle into my robe and get a little work done.

I was looking to my left and see a canvas photo that says Point Park. I decided to Google what that was and I think I might have found a fun day trip before I continue heading north.

The beds were comfortable, there are outlets under the nightstand, and the bathroom had plenty of counter space, good water pressure, and nice amenities provided. My room also had a small refrigerator, single cup Keurig, and a closet with a safe, iron and ironing board. My favorite part was the robe. I feel like I am in a nice hotel when they provide a robe for you to lounge in. I will absolutely be back and can’t wait to see what else I can experience while in Chattanooga.

Covington, GA – Food

November 29, 2015December 9, 2015

I have visited Covington, GA twice now. Both times I have been to this delightful town it makes me want to keep going back. Along with the southern charm they have a host of local restaurants all located inside the town square. I have eaten at Bradley’s Bar-B-Que and the Mystic Grill. Both were great but in their own ways. I heard about Bradley’s while I was on the Vampire Stalkers tour and the Mystic Grill is famous all on its own thanks to The Vampire Diaries. Bradley’s was exactly what I was looking for when I thought about getting some Bar-B-Que for lunch. Little did I know that they were also fans of the show The Vampire Diaries. If you ask they will Vamp your sandwich for you complete with fangs and blood. – www.bradleysbbq.com

I learned on my tour that the Mystic Grill was something that was created by the show and then years later after the building suffered a fire the town Mayor took it upon himself to build what all the fans of the show wanted, a place to actually eat. “Inspired by two communities: the family and fans of The Vampire Diaries and the small town community we call home. The television series, filmed here in Covington, inspired partners John & Angi Beszborn and Ronnie & Kelley Johnston to bring the on screen restaurant to life.” – www.mysticgrill.restaurant

The Vampire Diaries is the reason I heard of the quaint little town called Covington, GA the people and the food are the reasons why I will be back.

All Aboard with Amtrak

November 13, 2015November 13, 2015

In a last minute decision I decided to take an Amtrak train from my parents house in Joliet, IL to St. Louis. I had already planned on going to St. Louis this weekend for the Chicago Blackhawks game on Saturday night and the Chicago Bears game on Sunday. One of my best friends lives in St. Louis so I decided to take the train down a day early so I could hang out with her. I can’t remember the last time I was on a train like this. I have to say that I am actually impressed. My ticket was only $27.00 for an unreserved Coach seat.

They have free WIFI while on-board and also power outlets in every seat. These are things that I would like to have when I fly somewhere and usually you are paying for the WIFI and the power outlets are only in First Class. All of the seats are large and plush, what you could typically once again find in First Class on an airplane. The Café Car is also a very convenient option since I will be on here for about 4.5 hours. If you look up the travel time it’s about the same time and I am able to relax, write a blog, read a book and have a Bloody Mary …. Shhhhh don’t tell anyone it was before 12!

As I watch the small farm towns pass by I just want to drift off into a nice relaxing sleep until we make it to our destination. This experience will be even better once they have a whole fleet of high speed trains and the commute will be even shorter than driving.

Social