On the wonderful vacation that Heidi Sue Wintin planned, the final night was staged at the Wigwam Village in Cave City , Kentucky. Straight out of the past as well as the Pixar movie “Cars,” it is a classic location that I am so happy that Heidi had the foresight to book.

Our host Keith gave us a history lesson and let us know that he and his partner Megan, quit there jobs during Covid 19 and bought a historical motel to refurbish. It made sense to them.

This is our Unit 3 with Heidi sitting in one of the two chairs that sit out in front of each unit.

We got there early before our visit to Mammoth Cave 🏞 National Park to make sure we had time to make our tour.

The portions were huge and the flavor was outstanding! We met a couple from 20 miles away in Glasgow that made the trip because of how good it is.

We 👀 look forward to bringing our grandson Lawson to the Wigwam Village and Dinosaur World when he gets a bit older,

I first met the Mellow Mushroom 🍄 in Foley, Alabama several years ago and have been a fan ever since. I especially like the thin crust.

After hiking Laurel Falls and walking around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, we were ready to “Mellow” out.

Afterward, we got a milkshake from The Crazy Mason. It really is quite ridiculous. Check this out.

Heidi and I found a way to finish this spectacle. Thank goodness we were averaging 20,000 steps a day.

We were on the trail by 8:00 this morning as were several other hikers. The Laurel Falls trail is only about 15 minutes from our condo in Gatlinburg.

It was about a two and a half mile round trip which was mostly up hill on a paved path with some areas a bit washed out. There were some young kids running wild along the steep cliff that made us a little nervous.

After some time in the hot tub and a shower we drove to Pigeon Forge so Heidi could go to the Christmas 🎄 Store. You won’t believe it, but she found some cute gifts 🎁 for Lawson and Kenlee.

It was lunch time and we gave Paula Deen a shot…and she delivered.

After this meal all we could do was sit outside the Margaritaville plaza in rocking chairs. We made it back to Gatlinburg and all we felt like doing was taking a nap. 💤 😴 Also, we saw another bear at the bottom of the condo steps looking for breakfast I suppose.

The Park Grill in Gatlinburg might be two whole miles from Sugarlands Visitors Center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And after a day of biking and hiking Cade’s Cove (did you know that on Wednesdays they shut the Cade’s Cove Scenic Loop down to cars and only hikers and bikers are allowed on the 10 mile loop?)

Heidi and I got op before dawn to get and early start on Cade’s Cove. The history and the scenery were fantastic. As well, we saw a momma bear and three cubs cross the road and wander around looking for food.

We walked around Gatlinburg for a while tasting wine 🍷 and moonshine and thought The Park Grill looked interesting. It did not disappoint.

The 🥗 salad bar was incredible, the service was great, and the food was on point!

After a day in the 🏞 national park with some wildlife, a little hot tub action, and the Gatlinburg night life was a terrific end to the day.

We started the day with an incredible breakfast at this hole-in-the-wall spot called Biscuit Head. Surprisingly, they don’t open until 8:00a.m. However, the folks were waiting for the door to be unlocked.

Never had gravy quite like this. The sausage was a bit spicy. I had trouble finishing food.

The Biltmore is a piece of 🖼 artwork nestled in the mountains near Asheville. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour.

What a 😎 cool spot in North Carolina!?! The South Slope has breweries as well as restaurants and entertainment on a Sunday night.

We started with some drinks at Catawba Brewery. (We had a list from Heidi’s cousin Kristie Farmer and her husband , Ed.)

After Catawba, we made a great decision and went next door for dinner at Buxton Hall BBQ. It was fantastic!

We want to go back to Buxton Hall tomorrow for the strawberry 🍓 pie!

We also hit up the Funkatorium, Hi-Wire and Ben’s Sake Bar for flights and reggae! We topped off the evening with $10 unlimited passes at the Level 256 Arcade. Frogger, Galaga and a dozen different pinball machines.

Day 1 in Asheville’s South Slope was a Hit! Tomorrow, The Biltmore Estate!

With a high population of Amish and horse and biggies, the town of Nappanee in Elkhart County, Indiana has adopted the theme of “Embrace the Pace.” As well, I have good information that “Embrace the Pace” was the name of a fine lager beer served at “The Rue” on Highway 6 that needs to be brought back to the circuit.

I actually arrived late on Tuesday and my friend Jay Heckaman bought me a pizza from Bourbon Street 🍕 which was delicious. Also, Sweet G’s ice cream was fantastic, however, those situations were about me eating and we get no pictures. My bad.

In the picture below, Jay, Mike Wagner and I enjoyed an Old Style (Chicago’s beer) at Murphy’s Bleachers in Wrigleyville before the Cubs/Rays game…because it just felt like the thing to do. Located on the corner of Waveland and Sheffield Avenues, how can you go wrong!?! Dating back to Ball State basketball 🏀, have been going to games together for 40 years!

Instead of working, Jay and his son Kyle sat with me for nearly two hours. They were great hosts!

Finally, the appropriate joke for the trip is:

Why did the chicken cross the road? 🐓

To prove to the raccoon 🦝 that it could be done.

A lifeline goal has been reached as The Chevrolet Legend, Will Hackman, is being featured on Walt’s Diner. This is the same guy that would take ham to the Wild Game Feast just to make sure that there would be something he wanted to eat.

It was a beautiful day in Grassy Fork Township at the annual Memorial Day/Indy 500 party this past weekend. Richard ramrodded the fish frying, Heidi was a wonderful hostess and everyone enjoyed the food and camaraderie with four generations of family in the house.

On a side note, Bruce Stahl won 🏆 $17 in the Indy 500 pool as he drew Josef Newgarden for the win.

Welcome to Old Alexandria, Virginia and Augie’s Mussel Bar!!!

Bella came over and asked “What is that?” I said “ Limburger Witte.” She quickly replied “No, it’s a Bad Habit.”

Next 🛑 stop, Ghost Tour.

After a long day that started at 1:30 a.m. for most, Hamilton’s was an awesome finish to an eventful day in Washington D.C. Thanks to Jessica Fritz for finding this spot!

Cooper, Brayton, Wintin in his Packers shirt, Brody and Craig.

Lutheran Central 8th grade trip!