Traveling When We Can

FINALLY on the road again!

We left Kingsport about 9:30 on Friday May 7th for our first post Covid trip! We headed to Durham for a visit with Jeff, Robin and Daniel. We have talked but not had a real visit in over a year! Way to long! Uneventful trip and although we did make a short stop in Mount Airy at Barney's Cafe for a quick lunch - Ben wanted a club sandwich and Jane had a salad with chicken pieces - no long stops. Lunch was OK with people mostly walking around with masks on - much like at home. Restaurant was not crowed and food was OK - nothing special but a good solid 3 with nice service. No photos - not back into the travel mode!

We arrived in Durham to find all at home mid afternoon with Jeff still working from home, Daniel finishing up the year in on-line school, and Robin home from work too. We knew from talking with Dan on the phone his voice had changed and he had grown soooo much. Much taller than Ben and I - has not quite caught up with his Dad yet. We no longer have a little grandson - we have a teenage grandson. I knew it but seeing is believing! We had a great visit with good food from Peruvian Restaurant, shoe shopping at REI, Garden Center excursion, and burgers. Really enjoyed visiting and catching up. We forgot to take photos until after Robin had left for work - scheduled for early morning on Mother's Day - but I did get a couple photos.

During the past few pandemic months Robin has been redecorating and done so many nice things to their home. I should have taken lots of photos - it is like they have a new house!

Sunday morning after a special French toast and fruit breakfast cooked by Jeff and Daniel we hit the road south headed to warmer weather. We had originally planned to stay at the Outer Banks but the weather just was not that appealing so we headed to Savannah and on to Amelia Island Florida.

The news indicated one of the largest Gas pipeline companies had shut down due to a cyber attack so we were wondering about availability of gasoline - not a problem. Jeff recommended a BBQ restaurant near the NC/SC state line for lunch but it was closed on Sundays. We stopped near Darlington at a place we have driven by many times in many places but never stopped - a Zaxby's. Very poor choice - I have seldom written a bad review on Trip Advisor but they definitely got one. In case anyone is reading this and considering stopping don't! Very poor Covid procedures, poor service, and the food was barely OK - and we just ordered the basic chicken sandwich!

Back on the road after getting some gas with no issues, we continued south. Listening to the end of our Stone Barrington story the miles clipped by, the sun was warm at 80+ and we reached Savannah about 3:30. We are staying in Comfort Inn Choice Hotels using up "points". There is a new Choice Hotel in downtown Savannah - The Bluffs - it may be new but built in art deco design. It may be an old building rehab. Either way it is brand spanking new - very clean and comfortable. It was reached quickly as we came into town on US17 across a huge bridge and the shipping port.

Ugly bay with container loading facility

Up Up Up

Brand New Bluff Hotel

Our first choice for dinner did not work out as the restaurant was too far to walk, the shuttle was not running today, and there was no parking nearby....so we moved on the plan B. We have been to the Pirate's House twice before and knew they had plenty of parking and great seafood. It was a great choice. We could not get a reservation but walked in at 5:45 and were promptly seated in the bar area. Parked right outside the front door!

We had an excellent dinner to make up for the poor lunch! She Crab Soup, Crab Cake and Grilled Shrimp with a fantastic sauce. It was served with mashed potatoes and green beans. Great choice of restaurant and food.

Crab Cake, Shrimp, Potatoes, Veggies

She Crab Soup

We enjoyed the drive back through Savannah. We were headed to the opposite end of Bay Street from Pirates House - where the Bluff is located. The hotel is at the very edge of the historic district but has the free shuttle every day but Sunday and Monday - I guess their slow days....and also has complimentary bikes for the guests to use....so transportation is not an issue most days. There were lots of people walking around the historic area but we were satisfied to drive slowly through the tree lined streets and historic buildings. Back at The Bluff...