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January 5, 2006
Road Trip Report, Day 3
8 hours, ~500 miles
After a great night's sleep, we had breakfast at the B&B then headed over to Elvis' Birthplace. We checked out the museum, gift shop, memorial chapel, and of course the original two-room house that is lovingly maintained on the property. Like Graceland, it was somewhat creepy but fascinating. The museum seemed to be mostly the memorabilia collection of a woman who was a friend of Elvis, and evidently a photographer and poet. Can't wait to post the pictures we took.
After Elvis overload, we headed out of Tupelo and got back on the Natchez Trace Parkway. We drove up the Parkway most of the day, out of Mississippi and through Tennessee. Due to our late start, we realized that we wouldn't get to Nashville (where the parkway ends) until much past lunchtime, but we decided to stick it out with snacks and have a late lunch/early dinner in Nashville. Our Road Food book told us about too many good eating establishments for us to miss the opportunity.
We enjoyed the rest of the parkway, and just after 3:30, we arrived in Nashville dizzy with hunger. Luckily, the Sylvan Park Restaurant was ready for us. This was true comfort food, and worth the wait. Sylvan Park operates in the "meat-and-three" tradition (choose a meat, choose three side vegetables). Allison had the country fried steak, carrots, whipped potatoes, and green beans. I had the catfish filets, turnip greens, whipped potatoes, and fried squash. Allison made many happy sounds while eating, and my fried catfish was to die for -- some of the best I've ever had. We also managed to partake of the restaurant's signature pies. Allison had the chocolate pie and I opted for the chess. Heaven. If you ever find yourself in Nashville, find Sylvan Park. It won't disappoint.
After dinner, we took I-65 up on into Kentucky, where we got on the Bluegrass Parkway briefly before pulling off for Bardstown. We're staying here in Bardstown in the Beautiful Dreamer Bed and Breakfast, right across from My Old Kentucky Home. It's a lovely B&B and we're the only guests for the night. The proprietors were very nice and welcoming, and the room is well appointed. Should be another good night's sleep.
Can't wait to post pictures, but alas, no internet connection again tonight, and not even a phone line in the room. I'll have to go to the hallway phone to send this report.
Stay tuned -- tomorrow: Maker's Mark.
Posted by ljh at January 5, 2006 9:54 PM